Tibet Trip: Yunnan to Lhasa Overland Tour

18 Days
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Yunnan Lhasa to Overland tour is one of the most popular Tibet over land adventure tour. You will start Yunnan Lhasa overland tour from Kunming which is the capital city of the Yunnan Province in China. The trip is dominated by different landscapes, rich cultural sites including the main historic places, monasteries and temples of Zhongdian ( Shangrila ) or known as Gyelthang county in Tibetan in Yunnan Province.

Yunnan Lhasa to overland tour is Started from the city of Kunming, over-landing to Gyelthang ( Zhongdian ), taking in the Stone forest in Lunang, Erhai lake, Black dragon pool, and Songtsamling monastery in Gyelthang on the way. Start your Tibet journey from Gyelthang county and driving along the gorge of Mekong river. On the way, you will visit Mount Kawa Karpo which is the highest snow mountain in Yunnan province at the elevation of 6740m above sea level. Continue your journey into the Tibet Autonomous Region and enjoy the most beautiful view of eastern Tibet and Kham region. You will be taking Ynnan Lhasa over land tour through Markham county which has beautiful salt field. And then drive through Pachoe and Pome counties in the east Tibet which is the border between Nyingtri and Chamdo province. Between Pashoe and Pome county, you will see a very beautiful lake called Rawu lake. Continue into the forest gorge and beautiful Lunang forest vilalge. Cross the Serkyimla pass and reach Nyingtri or Bai, which is the capital city of the eastern forested region of Tibet. From Nyingtri, you will drive to Lhasa at the distance of 420Km. On the way, you will visit Darksum lake and Ganden monastery.

The Yunnan to Lhasa overland tour is a journey through cultural marvels and scenic splendors. Commencing from Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province in the western part of China, the tour unfolds a remarkable exploration of diverse ethnic groups. Kunming serves as the headquarters for various communities, including Tibetan, Chinese, Muslim, and numerous other ethnicities, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry.

Embark on the Yunnan to Lhasa overland tour to traverse the most beautiful regions of Yunnan province. Begin your journey with a visit to the mesmerizing Stone Forest and the culturally rich Yi ethnic region near Kunming. Continue to explore the enchanting destinations of Dali and Lijiang, renowned as the most popular Tibetan travel spots in Yunnan. Take in the awe-inspiring Three Pagodas, the serene Erhai Lake, and the ancient charm of Lijiang town.

During your Yunnan to Lhasa overland tour, exploring Gyelthang (Shangrila or Zhongdian in Chinese) is a must-visit. Venture further into the ancient city of Gyelthang, known as Shangrila, explore the largest and most ancient Gelukpa monastery in Yunnan Tibetan region, the Songtsamling Monastery. Immerse yourself in the unique Tibetan culture of Shangrila and delve into the history of ancient horse trades that once connected Yunnan to Lhasa through Yunnan province.

Continue on the Yunnan to Lhasa overland tour towards Markham county, marveling at the stunning landscape of Mount Kawa Karpo, the sacred snow mountain revered by Tibetans. Drive through the seventy-seven zigzag road of TsaPashoe pass, pausing to admire the salt field and the breathtaking scenery of Ranwu Lake. Traverse the picturesque and dense forest region of Pome county, crossing the majestic Serkyimla pass with a panoramic view of Mount Namcha Barwa towering at 7782 meters above sea level.

An overnight stay in Nyingtri or Bayi is a pivotal aspect of your Yunnan to Lhasa overland tour, providing an opportunity to visit Lamaling Temple and Buchu Temple. With a history dating back over a thousand years, Buchu Temple predates the construction of the Jokang temple, making it one of the oldest temples in Tibet.

Embark on a short visit to Darksum Lake, a jewel nestled in the eastern forest region of Tibet. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests, the lake features a small island with a temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, who blessed the region in the eighth century.

The final destination of Yunnan to Lhasa overland tour is Lhasa, the Cultural Heart of Tibet. The culminating point of the Yunnan to Lhasa overland tour is the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa. This cultural and religious center offers highlights such as the iconic Potala Palace and the revered Jokang Temple, both honored as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Tibetan culture as you explore the historic landmarks that define Lhasa's cultural legacy.
Days Trip Outline Daily Activity Accommodation Guide & Driver Meal
01 Arrival in Kunming and transfer to down town city ( 1900m/24km) Kunming city and walking around the market Hotel in Kunming Local Tibetan BB
02 Kunming to Lunan Yi ethnic autonomous county (120km) visit Stone forest and Yi ethnic region Hotel in Kunming Local Tibetan BB
03 Kunming-Dali (2007m) by air Visit Three Pagodas, Erhai lake, Ancient Dali town Hotel in Dali Local Tibetan BB
04 Dali to Lijiang (2400m/122km) Visit Shibaoshan or Stone bell temple and Baoxing temple, Ancient Lijiang town Hotel in Lijiang Local Tibetan BB
05 Explore the old Lijiang town Visit black dragon pool park and Naxi minority Hotel in Lijiang Local Tibetan BB
06 Lijiang to Gyalthang or Zhongdian(Shangri la) (3200m/187Km) Tiger leaping Gorge, Yangtse river, Gyelthang Hotel in Gyelthang Local Tibetan BB
07 Gyelthang sightseeing tour Visit Songtsanling monastery and the old Gyelthang town Hotel in Gyelthang Local Tibetan BB
08 Shangri-La to Deqin(3550m/180km) visit workshop of Clay Pottery in Benzilan Town, , Dongzhulin Monastery, Baima Snow Mountain Hotel in Deqin town Local Tibetan BB
09 Deqin to Yubeng-Deqin Kawa Garpo snow mountain, Mingyong glacier Hotel in Deqin Local Tibetan BB
10 Deqin to Markham (3876m/223km) Kawa Garpo mountain range, Mekong gorge, Tsakalu Hotel in Markham Local Tibetan BB
11 Markham to Zougong (3750m/158km) Mekong river, Yala pass Hotel in Zougong Local Tibetan BB
12 Zougong to Rawu lake (3850m/308km) Tsa Kampala pass, Pashoe county, Rawu lake and beautiful land scape Hotel in Rawu lake Local Tibetan BB
13 Rawu lake to Nyingtri (2900m/342km) Pome county, Lunang international resort, Serkyim la pass, Namchak Barwa mountain Hotel in Nyingtri Local Tibetan BB
14 Nyingtri to Darksum lake (3200m/120km) Dense forest, Peach tree, Darksum lake, Guru Rinpoche temple Hotel in Darksum lake Local Tibetan BB
15 Darksum lake to Lhasa (3650m/400km ) Bhala pass, Ganden monastery, Lhasa city Hotel in Lhasa Local Tibetan BB
16 Lhasa sightseeing tour Visit Potala Palace, Jokang temple and Bharkor Hotel in Lhasa Local Tibetan BB
17 Lhasa sightseeing tour Visit Pabongka, Chubsang nunnery and Sera monastery Hotel in Lhasa Local Tibetan BB
18 Drive to Lhasa airport (3600m/45km) Lhasa city, Gongkar county

Inclusive

  • Accommodation on twin sharing room basis
  • 1 Local Tibetan English speaking guide
  • Transportation by one good conditioned tourist mini van
  • Breakfast for entire tour
  • All necessary Tibet permits
  • Rawu lake conservation fee
  • Lunang international forest conservation fee
  • Darksum lake conservation fee
  • Oxygen incase need

Exclusive

  • Both international and domestic flight
  • Tibet Train tickets
  • Lunch and dinner for entire tour
  • Service of mainland China or Nepal side
  • China visa fee
  • Personal insurance, medical and evacuation insurance
  • Personal expenses such as (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc
  • Any extra cost in the event of landslides and personal nature expenses need to be paid by clients themselves
  • Day 01: Arrival in Kunming and transfer downton, 1900Mts/24Km. Hotel

    You'll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. -- Kunming is the capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, a primarily agricultural province of 45 million. Kunming has a population of five million and is located in one of the world's most geographically, ethnically, biologically and linguistically diverse regions. Situated at 1,900 meters (6,233ft) above sea level and 25° north of the Equator it has a rather unique and pleasant climate for a Chinese city.

  • Day 02 Kunming to Lunan Yi ethnic autonomous county, 120KM and back to Kunming.

    After breakfast, you will be driving to the stone forest which is in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, at the distance of about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. The Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. After lunch drive back Kunming to visit the Flowers and Birds Market in the downtown.

  • Day 03 Kunming-Dali,2007Mts/360Km by air

    Take the morning flight to Dali which is a historically and culturally famous city of China, is renowned for her historical interest and Bai ethnic culture. After landing, you visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in JinsuoIsland.InErhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake. After landing, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people's Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style. At last, you will visit the Ancient Dali Town, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

  • Day 04: Dali-Shaxi- Lijiang, 2400Mts/ 122Km by private car

    In the morning ,drive from Dali to Shibaoshan mountain .The most prominent sight at ShibaoShan is the Stone Bell Temple with its 139, well preserved stone carvings. These magnificent stone carvings date as far back as 1300 years to the once powerful Nanzhao Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The carvings are testimony for a time when Mahayana Buddhism from Tibet started to spread in the Yunnan area. Another interesting sight is the 'Suspending Temple', also called the Baoxiang Temple. The Baoxiang temple was built on a ledge of a nearly vertical cliff and can only be reached by a long flight of stairs. On a clear day the views from the Baoxiang Temple over the Shaxi valley are simply magnificent. after lunch drive to Shaxi , Shaxi is the last remaining ancient market town of its kind on the Tea & Horse Caravan Trail. This trail is a trading route that connected Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan to countries in southeast Asia, also called the Southern Silk Road.The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has listed Shaxi as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world in 2001. Therefore, Shaxi has recently undergone massive efforts to preserve ancient architecture and culture. Shaxi also got recognized in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETH) and the People's Government of Jianchuan County jointly established the Shaxi Rehabilitation Project (SRP).Then drive to Lijiang .

  • Day 05: Exploring the old town of Lijiang ,

    In and around Lijiang; morning walk through Black Dragon Pool Park to learn about the Dongba shaman culture of the Naxi minority. Lunch in Yuhu village at the foot of Jade Dragon Mountain , visit home of Dr Joseph Rock, 20 th century National Geographic plant collector and Naxi expert. Spend the evening exploring the old town.

  • Day 06:Lijiang-Gyalthang-Zhongdian(Shangri la),3200mts,187Km, 4 hrs drive

    Drive up to Gyalthang / Zhongdian (now known as Shangri-La). The route will take you up through Tiger Leaping Gorge where the Yangtze River , running off the Tibetan plateau, suddenly turns north, tumbling through a spectacular very deep and narrow gauge. Continue driving up to the Tibetan plateau, stopping to climb up to the great limestone White Terraces at Baishultai. Overnight at the Songtsam Hotel.

  • Day 07: Sightseeing Zhongdian.

    In Zhongdian, visit Songtsenling Gompa (built 1679), an important teaching monastery, visit a local Tibetan village. Dinner in the Old Town where the local Tibetans dance every evening in the main square.

  • Day 08: Shangri-La-Deqin,3550Mts/180Km Hotel

    Drive to Deqin [6 hours or 180 km] in the morning, en route, visit Benzilan Town with the workshop of Clay Pottery, Dongzhulin Monastery, Baima Snow Mountain [4400m or 12,000ft

  • Day 09: Deqin-Yubeng-Mingyong-Deqin Hotel

    Get up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise with the Prince Peak of Meili Snow Mountain [the highest and most beautiful peak of Yunnan with the altitude of 6740m or 19,000ft], then continue to drive to visit Mingyong Glacier, Yubeng village with the beautiful nature view en route. Drive back to the hotel

  • Day 10:Dechen–Markham 223Km

    The road from Dechen to Markham is a nice paved road which was recently finished.On the way, stop to view the Most beautiful KhawaKarpo mountain range forming the border with Tibet and continue up to Dechen Drive up through the Mekong gorge, stopping enroute, to visit the salt field on the side of the Mekong river in Tsakalo( Yanjing chinese). Crossing the border between Tibet Autonomous region and Yunnan province.

  • Day 11: Markham-Zogong, 158Km Hotel

    Drive continuously through Druka village and cross the Mekong river along the spectacular dirt roads known as the 99 bends route. Crossing the Yala pass,5008mts and descend along the villages living on both farming and nomads.

  • Day 12:Zuogong -Rawo.308Km Hotel

    Drive continuously towards Tibet Sichuan Tibet highway, ascent the Zar Gama La Pass ( 4,618m ), and down through 180 switchbacks to the Upper Salween River and cross NakchuZampa Bridge at Po. Continue through the Ngajukla pass ( 4468m ) which forms the watershed between the Tsangpo/ Brahmaputra and Salween riverse.

  • Day 13:Rawo lake-Nyingtri- .342Km Hotel

    Morning, enjoy an easy walk around the lake Rawu and then drive towards Nyingtri through Serkyim La pass 4515m. You will pass by Lunang forest village and Lunang international resort which is going to finish soon this year. From the top of the Serkyim la pass, you will have a very beautiful view of Namcharkbarwa snow capped mountain.

  • Day 14: Bai-Darksumtso, 3200m/ Guest house

    After breakfast,head to lake Darksumsto,which is the national forest park and it is a beautiful green land with forest and surrounded by dense forest which gives you a total different view from the central part and western part of Tibet. Take the scenic bus into the lake, 15 minutes bus ride, visit the island of small monastery and cave of Guru Rinpoche.

  • Day 15: Darksum Lake-Ganden monastery-Lhasa,3650/400Km Tibet Heritage hotel

    Continue your journey up to the valley and reaching the pass of Bhala which is over 5000m above sea level. From the top of the pass, you are entering into the Lhasa area and will see some nomad camps, pastureland, farmers on the way. Enroute visit Ganden monastery which is the mother monastery of the Yellow hat school. Yellow hat school or Gelukpa sect was found by the master Tsongkapa in the 14th century and it is one of the largest schools in Tibetan Buddhism.

  • Day 16: Sightseeing Lhasa, Potala Palace, Jokang temple and Bharkor. Tibet Heritage Hotel on B.B

    After Breakfast, you will start from the hotel and drive towards Potala square. Leave the car behind and must be ready and take your challenge to climb more than hundred steps of the PotalaPalance. The Potala Palace was originally built in the 7th century by Tibetan King SongtsanGampo but the one to the present size was expended by the 5th Dalaia Lama. It has thirteen storey’s high with more than a thousand rooms and divided with White and Red Palace. After the sightseeing of the Potala Palace, walk around the Potala Palace with pilgrimages and you can experience the ancient tradition of Tibetans, walking around Potala, praying matras. The Kora takes you around 40 minutes. It is also good to acclimatize to the high altitude. After lunch, you will visit Jokang temple. Jokang temple is the oldest temple of Tibet which was built by King SongtsanGampo in the 7th century and it is housed to the most sacred statue of BhudhaShakyamuni brought from mainland China by the princess Wangchen of the Tang court. Walking around the Bharkor is another interesting thing during your tour in lhasa. You will meet many different people in Bharkor.

  • Day 17: Sightseeing Lhasa, Pabongka, Chubsang nunnery and Sera monastery. Hotel on B.B

    Drive to and explore Pabongka Monastery; hike downhill to Chupsang Nunnery; walk to Sera Monastery, where we have a picnic lunch; depending on availability, make your own prayer flag at Sera’s printing center and witness monks debate age-old scripts in the courtyard.

  • Day 18: Drive Lhasa to Gongkar airport and fly back.

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Note: Contact us if the departure dates doesn't suit you. We can also arrange you a personalized trek according to your convenience. For more details, Contact Us

Inclusive

  • Accommodation on twin sharing room basis
  • 1 Local Tibetan English speaking guide
  • Transportation by one good conditioned tourist mini van
  • Breakfast for entire tour
  • All necessary Tibet permits
  • Rawu lake conservation fee
  • Lunang international forest conservation fee
  • Darksum lake conservation fee
  • Oxygen incase need

Exclusive

  • Both international and domestic flight
  • Tibet Train tickets
  • Lunch and dinner for entire tour
  • Service of mainland China or Nepal side
  • China visa fee
  • Personal insurance, medical and evacuation insurance
  • Personal expenses such as (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc
  • Any extra cost in the event of landslides and personal nature expenses need to be paid by clients themselves

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