Classic Tibet and Chengdu Panda Tour
Discover the cultural treasures of Chengdu before journeying to the mystical city of Lhasa, where ancient monasteries and sacred temples await. Explore the enchanting beauty of Shigatse, the spiritual center of Tibet, and immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Nyingchi, with its stunning lakes and blooming forests. Experience the remote charm of Bomi and the stunning turquoise waters of Ranwu Lake.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Experience Taking Care of a Cute Panda
Witness the Famous Potala Palace
Embrace the Serene Beauty of Ranwu Lake
Admire the Famous Midui Glacier
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Albee Ning Surreal China Trip
Albee Ning with China Highlights never fails to create the perfect vacation!!! She listens and understands what interests us and provides a guided tour that is surreal. We will remember and share the marvellous memories of this experience for the rest of our lives!! Thanks for everything Albee!!! (Including our dinner together by the elephant in Guilin!!) more
Oct 2024, Mike and Lucy
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Well organised and interesting
Tom was very helpful and knowledgeable. The walk along the Wall was well planned and really enjoyable. The visit to the Summer Palace and Forbidden City were memorable with excellent guiding more
Oct 2024, Robin
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Tour of Beijing
Tom from China tours guided us for a hike on the Jiansanling section of The Great Wall and then a one day tour of Beijing including Forbidden City Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. He was very friendly and accommodating from the begin. He answered all of our questions about Chinese history and culture and gave great explanations of the history of all the monuments we visited. The restaurants he chose and dishes he recommended were very tasty on both days. I would recommend him very highly to anyone looking for an English language tour in Beijing and particularly for people interested in history. more
Oct 2024, Sam M
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Chengdu. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
Embark on an unforgettable journey in Chengdu with our one-day tour. Start by visiting the Panda Breeding and Research Center, where you'll witness the highly successful breeding program amidst bamboo groves. Explore the panda museum to learn more about these fascinating animals. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jinli Old Street, sampling local snacks and discovering traditional architecture.
Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic "I Am Here" Panda Sculpture, a massive art installation that has become a trendy landmark. Indulge in the unique experience of Panda Post, where you can purchase panda-themed items and even mail a postcard to your future self.
End your day with a sizzling culinary adventure by trying the famous Sichuan Hotpot. Let your taste buds be tantalized by the numbingly spicy flavors of this traditional Chengdu cuisine. Our knowledgeable guide will be there every step of the way, ensuring you make the most of your trip. Prepare for an enchanting journey filled with giant pandas, cultural delights, and unforgettable experiences.
Head to the New Century Global Center, Chengdu's extraordinary gift to the world. As the largest freestanding building globally, This architectural wonder houses a vibrant city within, featuring businesses, offices, shopping malls, theaters, and even two five-star hotels. Families will find the New Century Global Center particularly appealing, offering a plethora of entertainment options for children. They can enjoy a unique indoor beach experience at Paradise Island, complete with a wave pool.
Additionally, an indoor ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, and a children's play area are available, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone. Don't forget to catch a kid-friendly movie at the large cinema, catering specifically to younger audiences. Located just 30 minutes away from Chengdu City Center, the New Century Global Center awaits, promising mesmerizing sights and exciting activities that will leave you with cherished memories of your time in Chengdu.
Your exploration begins at the stunning Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This formidable fortress-like structure, also known as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, stands majestically at an elevation of 12,139 feet. As you navigate its 13 stories, take in the grand views and be amazed by the collection of over 1,000 rooms filled with centuries-old statues, stupas, murals, and artifacts, each echoing tales of Tibet's vibrant history and spiritual traditions.
Move next to another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jokhang Temple. Arguably the most revered spiritual site in Tibet, this temple resonates with the devotions of innumerable devotees and stands as a humbling testament to Buddhism's enduring influence on Tibetan culture.
Adjacent to the temple is the bustling Barkhor Street, ringing with the chants of circling pilgrims and the lively chatter of street vendors. Engage your senses as you browse through a myriad of stalls offering traditional Tibetan arts and crafts such as prayer wheels and jewelry.
Your day commences with a visit to Drepung Monastery in the morning. Once one of the "three great" Gelug monasteries of Tibet, Drepung was founded in 1416, making it an important keystone of Tibetan history and religion. Explore the Ganden Palace nestled within the monastery, previously the residence of the Dalai Lama before the Potala Palace assumed that role.
In the afternoon, your adventure continues at Sera Monastery. Another of the "three great" Gelug monasteries, it dates back to 1419 and resounds with historical and spiritual significance. The tour's unique highlight is the opportunity to witness the lively Monks' debate, a long-standing tradition held daily from 3 to 5 pm. It's an unforgettable spectacle of lively, animated discourse on Buddhist doctrines, further adding to the insight towards practicing faith.
Your adventure begins with a drive from Lhasa to Gyantse, stopping to appreciate the Gampala pass. At an elevation of 4790m, Gampala offers memorable sweeping views over the turquoise Yamdrok-tso, a holy lake nested at 4400m and framed by a picturesque backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Continuing your journey westward towards Gyantse, be ready to be dazzled by the spectacle of the Karola Glacier, Simila Pass, and Manla Reservoir, each presenting a unique aspect of Tibet's varied and spectacular landscapes.
Once arrived in Gyantse, visit the historic Pelkor Monastery and the striking Gyantse Kumbum, a notable Tibetan Buddhist stupa. These richly decorated sites provide a unique look into the region's spiritual traditions and artistic expressions.
Take a short, 20-minute walk south from the Tashilunpo Monastery to reach the Summer Palace, also known as The New Palace of Panchen Lama. This architectural gem was constructed in 1954 as a residence for the 10th Panchen Lama. Don't miss out on this well-preserved piece of history during your visit.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Basomtso Lake, an unspoiled natural wonder spanning 26 square kilometers (10 square miles). The glistening green waters offer a serene mirror to the picturesque snow-capped peaks that frame the horizon.
Basomtso, nestled in the Cuogao Village, Gongbujiangda County, Nyingchi, is nestled in the valley at the upper reaches of the Ba River. Located 50 km from the town of Gongbujiangda, 39.6 km from the National Highway No. 318, and a 370-km journey from the Tibetan Capital Lhasa, it provides an escape that promises both tranquility and scenic wonder.
Benri Mountain: Situated just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the Bayi Town of Nyingchi City, Benri Mountain, also known as Biri Mountain, stands as a beacon of spiritual diversity. This sacred mountain holds a dominant place in Tibetan religious history. It is identified with the Bon Sect, a pre-Buddhist religion in Tibet.
Legend has it that Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche, founder of the Bon Sect, practiced Bon doctrines on this mountain, infusing the site with spiritual significance. Towering at an altitude of about 4,572 meters (15,000 feet), the proud mountain boasts of picturesque scenery year-round. Each season unfolds its own chapter of beauty, from the blanket of blooming flowers in spring and summer, a canvas of red and yellow leaves in fall, to a crystalline wonderland in winter.
Enshrouded by dense fog and void of any distinct peak, the mountain retains a sense of mystique for its visitors.
Cuomujiri: At the heart of the Biri Mountain National Forest Park lies Cuomujiri. Nestled at approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, this core area exudes a distinctive sense of tranquillity and natural charm that extends across the entire forest park. Experience a unique balance of breathtaking landscapes and intriguing history during your visit.
Venture into the enchanting Lulang Forest Area, where the most striking feature awaits at Bagyai Village in Nyingchi County. Here, a sprawling forest of Tibetan cypresses spans approximately 10 hectares. Located at an elevation of 3,040 meters above sea level, this exceptional woodland offers a unique ecological experience for nature lovers and trekkers alike. Get ready for an immersive journey through this lush, verdant landscape.
Take a moment to embrace the serene beauty of Ranwu Lake. Majestic and tranquil, its clear blue waters are often dotted with occasional branches, while verdant grasslands and diverse plant life thrive by its banks. The landscape harmonizes perfectly with the distant snowy mountains, painting a peaceful ambiance. As seasons change, so does the color of the lake, providing a shifting panorama of picturesque splendor. From the mirror-like reflections of trees in spring and summer, to the misty allure in fall and winter, Ranwu Lake is an ever-changing dreamland of natural beauty.
Embark on the exhilarating journey from Bomi to Ranwu. The road, lush with thick trees, hosts streams of water, swirling birds of prey, snow-capped mountains, pictorial lakes, and quaint villages. This ride is not only beautiful but an encounter with the soul of the region.
Regarded as "One of Top Six Most Beautiful Glaciers in China" by China National Geography Magazine, the Midui Glacier awaits your admiration. Located approximately 100 kilometers east of the Bomi County in Yupu Town, Nyingchi Prefecture, the Glacier's grandeur ranges from 2,400 to 6,800 meters in altitude. Admire how it majestically holds onto its thick layers of snow and ice throughout the year, offering an unforgettable encounter with nature's icy realm.
Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Chengdu Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-cx-50