DAY 1

Your holiday begins with a pleasant flight to Chengdu, provincial capital of Sichuan. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour and visit Wuhou (Marquis Wu) Temple, dedicated to Zhude Liang, Prime Minister of the State of Shu during the Three Kingdom period. Next, visit Jinli Folk Cultural Village. Overnight in Chengdu.

DAY 2

Depart Chengdu for Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Arrive in Lhasa to the warmest welcome from the Tibetan people at the Gongkar airport (3600m above sea level). Travel 100km against the flow of Yarlung Zangbo River towards the holy city of Lhasa and enjoy the magnificent view along the way. Make a stop at Nietang Big Buddha, built in the 11th century. Lhasa is an ancient city with more than 1300 years of history. Take a good rest to acclaim to the high altitude. Over night in Lhasa.

DAY 3

In the morning, visit the landmark of Lhasa – Potala Palace, a structure that deserves a place as one of the wonders of Eastern architecture. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple – the most revered religious structure in Tibet, and the surrounding area – Barkhor, Lhasa’s pilgrimage circuit. This area is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial district for Tibetans. Overnight in Lhasa.

DAY 4

Travel northeast for about 100 kilometers and experience the world-famous Yangpachen Geothermal Scenic Area. Marvel at the spectacular hot spring and spouting geysers. Take in the view of the snow-clad Nyainqentanglha Mountains. You may enjoy a hot spring bath at your own expense. Return to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa

DAY 5

From this day, you’ll explore outside of Lhasa. In the morning, travel 110km to visit Yamdrok Yumtso – one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. The winding road all up to the mountain is bumpy but somewhat thrilling. Allow the beauty of Kambala pass (5030m) overwhelm you along the journey. And be charmed by the fabulous shade of deep turquoise as we view the holy lake from the summit of Kambala pass. Next, take in the view of Karola Glaciers. Continue your journey to Gayngtze and visit Kumbum Monastery. Next, travel about two hours (100km) to Shigatse. Overnight in Shigates.

DAY 6

In the morning, travel to the residence of Panchen Lama, the largest Gelung (Yellow Hat Sect) monastery in the Tibet – Tashilunpo Monastery. Built in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the 1st Dalai Lama, the monastery houses a 28m bronze statue of a sitting Buddha, the largest in the world. After visiting this magnificent monastery and having lunch at Shigatse, travel back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Zangbo River, enjoy the view of the great landscape. Overnight in Lhasa.

DAY 7

After breakfast, take a train ride to Xi’ning. Meals on board are on own expense. Note: Lhasa – Xi’ning total distance 1956km, Tibetan train K918 (0932-1219) Depart at noon and arrival next into Xi’ning. Total traveling time: 26 hours. Overnight in train.

DAY 8

Train arrives at the mountainous Xi’ning. Check in to hotel upon arrival and experience the difference between Loess Plateau and Qinghai – Tibet Plateau, as well as between Chinese and Tibetan culture by visiting the well-know Ri Yue Mountain, Ri Pavilion and Dao Tang River. Another highlight of the day is famous Qinghai Lake (Koko Nor), which is the largest inland salt lake in China. It’s a somewhat surreal-looking saline lake and contains plenty of fishes. Overnight in Xi’ning.

DAY 9

Start the day with a visit to Ta’er Monastery, one of the six greatest monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is noted for its extraordinary art of yak butter embroidery, wall painting and yak butter sculpture. Next, tour Dongguan Mosque – one of the most famous mosques in Northeast China. Bid fareweel to beautiful Xi’ning as we head for the airport for your domestic flight to Chengdu