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Lijiang – First Bend of the Yangtze River – Shangri-La – Songzanlin Monastery
Travel via Lashi Lake to reach the famous First Bend of the Yangtze River, then continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge. At its narrowest point, the river is only about 30 meters wide, with a dramatic drop of around 200 meters. Towering snow-capped peaks on both sides rise over 3,900 meters above the river.
Upon arrival in Shangri-La, visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Meet with a living Buddha, explore the scripture hall, and sit quietly to listen to the enchanting chants of the lamas—an experience that invites deep reflection on the essence of life.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Shangri-La – Benzilan – Feilai Temple
Travel through the largest grassland in Shangri-La—Napahai Wetland, a scenic area rich in highland features and the habitat of the black-necked crane, a nationally protected species. Continue to visit the sacred Tibetan Buddhist monastery—Dongzhulin Monastery, an important pilgrimage site.
Pass by the Welcoming Platform of Meili Snow Mountain, featuring the Thirteen White Pagodas, then continue through Deqin County to reach Feilai Temple, the best viewing point for Meili Snow Mountain. Here, you will have the chance to witness the awe-inspiring sunset glow on the Golden Mountain, a revered sight for pilgrims and photographers alike.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Deqin – Meili Snow Mountain Sunrise – Yanjing – Mangkang
Depart early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain, where the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-capped peaks in golden hues—an awe-inspiring natural spectacle known as the “Golden Mountain.”
Travel along the Lancang River Gorge to reach Yanjing, the first major town in the Chamdo region of Tibet. Yanjing is famous worldwide for its unique ancient salt-making techniques, Tibetan-style Catholic church, the local Naxi ethnic culture, and colorful legends, making it a fascinating destination rich in cultural heritage.
Yanjing is divided into Upper and Lower Yanjing, separated only by a narrow valley, yet home to two different religions: the Upper Yanjing community practices Catholicism, while the Lower Yanjing residents follow Tibetan Buddhism. Despite the differing beliefs—even within the same family—both communities coexist peacefully, sharing identical lifestyles in all other aspects. This remarkable harmony forms one of the most unique cultural landscapes on the plateau.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Mangkam – Nujiang River – Lancang River – Baxoi – Ranwu Lake
Departing from Mangkam, the journey begins with a climb over Rawu Mountain, then descends to the banks of the Lancang River, passing by the Zhubuka Military Station. After crossing the winding Lancang River via Zhuka Bridge, ascend Jueba Mountain and then continue to the highest mountain pass along the Yunnan-Tibet (and Sichuan-Tibet) Highway—Dongda Mountain Pass, which soars to an altitude of 5,008 meters—only about 200 meters lower than Everest Base Camp.
Next, traverse the Yela Mountain Pass, one of the most treacherous barriers in the Hengduan Mountain Range, standing at an elevation of 4,839 meters. The road here is notably bumpy and rugged. From the pass, snow-capped peaks stretch endlessly toward the horizon. In valleys nestled along the riverbanks, you can spot traditional Tibetan villages tucked between the mountains.
The drive offers a continuous blend of towering snow mountains, pristine forests, and idyllic pastoral scenery, eventually leading you to the breathtakingly beautiful Ranwu Lake, a glacial lake renowned for its ethereal charm.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Ranwu Lake – Midui Glacier – Lulang Forest – Nyingchi
In the morning, visit the stunning Ranwu Lake, a poetic and picturesque landscape where grasslands, forests, tree reflections, white waterfowl, and multicolored pebbles on the lakeshore harmonize with the crystal-blue waters and snow-covered peaks. The lake stretches westward in a narrow ribbon for more than ten kilometers before narrowing into a river valley, immersing you in a dreamlike wonderland.
After about three hours of driving, arrive at the Midui Glacier, renowned as China’s most beautiful glacier. It is the most prominent maritime glacier in Tibet and also the lowest-altitude glacier in the world. The glacier gleams year-round under the sun, offering a magnificent and surreal scene. Scattered around the glacier are traditional Tibetan villages and charming alpine farmlands, creating a fairy-tale landscape that makes you forget you’re on the plateau.
In the afternoon, follow the Parlung Tsangpo River, passing through Tongmai’s perilous road and Pailong, all the while surrounded by pristine forests and scenic natural beauty. Arrive at the Lulang Forest Sea, the largest forest reserve in Tibet. Here, vast woodlands are framed by towering snow peaks and glaciers, forming a paradise-like setting that feels both heavenly and earthly—making it difficult to say goodbye.
Cross the Sejila Mountain Pass, where, if weather permits, you may catch a distant view of the majestic Mount Namcha Barwa. By evening, arrive in Bayi Town, the central town of Nyingchi.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Nyingchi – Niyang River Scenic Belt – Lhasa
Visit the Kading Valley and the Sky Buddha Waterfall, located about 24 km from Bayi Town along the Niyang River. The valley is a classic example of gorge terrain, with towering cliffs, deep canyons, strange rock formations, ancient trees, and a breathtaking waterfall cascading nearly 200 meters—truly a majestic and awe-inspiring sight.
Afterward, return to Lhasa while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the Niyang River Valley. Along the way, admire the stunning contrast of snow-capped peaks, pristine forests, and lush alpine meadows. Cross the Mila Mountain Pass at an elevation of 5,230 meters and pass through the Bajetang Grasslands, dotted with grazing yaks and sheep, and traditional Tibetan villages with unique architecture and vibrant local life.
Local specialties such as wild mountain herbs and mushrooms from Nyingchi are available along the roadside—perfect for souvenirs. Upon arrival in Lhasa, check in at your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Within Lhasa City: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the world’s highest ancient palace fortress, which served as the residence of successive Dalai Lamas and the political and religious center of Tibet. It houses the golden stupas containing the actual remains of past Dalai Lamas, along with numerous precious murals, thangkas, and Buddha statues, embodying the essence of Tibetan culture.
After lunch, visit the Jokhang Temple, the earliest Buddhist temple built during the Tubo Kingdom period. The temple enshrines a twelve-year-old life-size statue of Shakyamuni Buddha brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng, considered the most sacred and miraculous Buddha image by Tibetan people. Here, visitors can witness the devout worship of the locals and join them in circumambulating Barkhor Street, praying for all beings. The tour concludes afterward.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
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