Tibetan Dreams

WENDY WU TOURS PROUDLY TOOK THE FIRST TOUR GROUP IN THE WORLD TO REACH LHASA BY THIS MOST SCENIC OVERLAND ROUTE INCLUDING THE TEA HORSE ROAD IN 2000

Our Tibetan Dreams overland journey travels through a part of China that very few westerners have the privilege to see, a world largely untouched by civilisation. The scenic route follows the Yunnan Tibet Highway from the rich cultural tapestry of Yunnan Province, through the untamed “lands of Kham” in the east to Lhasa. From Kunming we start our journey to the beautifully preserved town of Dali, then onto Lijiang, where the Ancient Quarter’s cobblestone streets, traditional market square and unique Naxi culture recreate the China of yesteryear. Starting our ascent into the Hengduan Mountains, we visit the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge on our way to Zhongdian. From Deqing we travel by 4WD for five days through deep and lush river gorges, tracing the ancient Tea Horse Road and ascending some of the highest mountain passes in the world. We will reach Central Tibet and explore the extraordinary sights of Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse before descending into Sichuan Province. The journey will finish in Chengdu, where we can experience the famous, tasty Sichuan cuisine and meet some of the adorable Pandas at the nearby Panda Reserve.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Australia/Kunming

Fly to Kunming with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we will be met by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 2 nights. Try the delicious local dish called ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’ for our Welcome Dinner.

Day 3: Kunming

Kunming, also referred to as the ‘Spring City’, because of its mild climate year-round, is the capital of Yunnan Province. Today we enjoy a full day tour of the picturesque Stone Forest, where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images.

Days 4-5: Dali

Visit the Western Hills which wrap around Dianchi Lake and are often called the ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ before we fly to Dali for a 2 night stay. Tomorrow we visit the picturesque Three Pagodas, explore the fascinating wonders of Dali’s Ancient Quarter and enjoy a cruise on stunning Erhai Lake.

Day 6: Dali/Lijiang

Travel to Lijiang, visit picturesque Black Dragon Pool and wander through Lijiang’s Ancient Quarter, taking in the authentic ambience of quaint cobbled streets and meandering canals and admire the colourful costumes of the local Naxi people.

Day 7: Lijiang

Our explorations take us to the picturesque Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which soars to 5500 metres. This is followed by a tour of the Baisha Frescoes, offering valuable insight into traditional Naxi culture. This evening we will attend the acclaimed Naxi Ancient Music Show.

Day 8: Lijiang/Zhongdian

Drive to Zhongdian which is known as ‘Little Tibet’. Included is a side-trip to the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge. Stay in Zhongdian for 3 nights.

Days 9-10: Zhongdian

Visit the Baishui Terrace, where spring water cascades from layered pools of white stone. The next day we visit Napa Hai Lake and the Songshanlin Monastery built by the 5th Dalai Lama over 300 years ago.

Day 11: Zhongdian/Deqing

Travel by coach to Deqing ascending into the Hengduan Mountains and the mighty Himalaya. This region is also known as the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site, where three of the world’s greatest rivers – the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween run almost parallel, from the Tibetan plateau to the subtropical valleys of Yunnan.

Day 12: Deqing/Mangkang

Today we start our ascent to the Tibetan Plateau following the ancient Tea Horse Road. For centuries the Chinese carried tea and spices along this mountainous path into Tibet and the lands beyond. The only goods which the Tibetans could trade for these products were their horses, raised on the wild plateau – and so the route became known as the Tea Horse Road. From here to Lhasa we will travel by 4WD vehicles and accommodation will be in simple, local guesthouses.

Days 13-15: Mangkang/Basu/ Zhammu/Linzhi

Over the next four days our overland adventure will take us through a region of unrivalled landscapes, crossing rivers and following deep gorges to ascend some of the highest roads in the world. See pristine forests, rare wildlife, traditional villages and meet some of the locals – this is the land of “Kham Cowboys” some of the wildest, nomadic peoples remaining in Tibet today. In Linzhi, visit a Tibetan carpet factory before checking into our hotel.

Day 16: Linzhi/Lhasa

On our drive to Lhasa we visit Pasum Tso Lake, with jade green water surrounding Tsodzong Island near the southern shore. Upon arrival in Lhasa we will check into our hotel for 3 nights.

Days 17-18: Lhasa

Visit the Jokhang Temple and wander amongst pilgrims at the colourful, medieval Barkhor Markets. The following day explore the Potala Palace, an architectural wonder that towers over an entire mountain with thousands of rooms filled with splendid treasures and stunning murals. In the afternoon see Norpulinka; the former Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama, and visit a local Tibetan Primary School (if time permits). This evening see a performance of traditional Tibetan dance.

Day 19: Lhasa/Shigatse

Travel by coach to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet and visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Day 20: Shigatse/Gyantse

Today we will travel to the smaller town of Gyantse to visit the unique Pelkor Monastery, the famous Gyantse Kumbum and the Old Fort.

Days 21-22: Gyantse/Lhasa/Chengdu

Return to Lhasa for our final night in Tibet. On the following day we take a morning flight to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province and in the afternoon visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat; the dramatic and lush mountain forests of Sichuan. Enjoy a Sichuan Banquet as our Farewell Dinner.

Days 23-24: Chengdu/Australia

The morning is at our leisure before transferring to the airport to board our flight home. Arrive home the following morning.

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Images from Tibetan Dreams