10 Days Yunnan and Tibet Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kunming
   Enjoy Panoramic Kunming Views and Intricate Carvings at Dragon Gate

   Can’t wait to have this 10-day trip to Yunnan and Tibet? Now it begins at Kunming, the "Spring City". You’ll see your guide and driver at the airport and they will then take you to the hotel.

   

   In the afternoon, let’s go visit Xishan (the Western Hill). This is a densely forested place, and here you can embrace a full view of Dianchi Lake and Kunming city. The most famous scenic spot is Longmen or Dragon Gate, don’t miss it. This is a complex of stone rooms, cloisters and statues, and they are all carved directly on steep limestone cliffs. Walk slowly along the narrow path, while enjoying these exquisite carvings, the scenery of Kunming City is also unfolding under your feet.

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
2. Day 2: Kunming to Lijiang by High-speed Train
   Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, Stroll through the Scenic Green Lake

   After breakfast, your guided Kunming tour begins with an excursion to the Stone Forest in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic karst formations. The limestone pillars rising up from the ground, their various shapes make them look like forests or natural sculptures. During the tour, your guide will tell you more about the stones' geological origin and some related local legends.

   

   Then we will enjoy some Yunnan specialties for lunch. After returning to downtown Kunming, spend a leisurely afternoon by the Green Lake. Green Lake can be said to be an oasis in the city, which is loved by everyone. There is not only the exquisite green here, but also the pavilions add a beautiful atmosphere. There are many local practicing Tai Chi or dancing here, you may also catch a glimpse of their life.

   After the tour, you will be transferred to Kunming Railway Station to board a high-speed train to Lijiang, where you’ll check in to your hotel upon arrival.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
3. Day 3: Lijiang Highlights
   Experience Naxi Culture, Ancient Murals, Mountain Views, and Old Town

   Our first destination today is Yuhu Village, and we’ll find it at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. Scenery around this Naxi village has never changed throughout all these years. You can see all kinds of stone houses and quiet alleys in the village, and what they are leading you to is the profound Naxi culture. After this visit, you may get an in-depth understanding of local customs and the close connection between the Naxi people and the natural environment.

   

   Next, transfer you to Baisha Village, a beautiful traditional Naxi-style old town. Baisha Murals here are the must-see sites that have been enrolled in the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO 1997. Then, go to visit Dongba Culture Museum, which houses more than 12,000 artifacts that fully demonstrate the mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people.

   Later, explore Black Dragon Pool Park (Jade Spring Park), set against the dramatic backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Classical bridges, elegant pavilions, and clear spring water create a picturesque scene, making it one of Lijiang’s most iconic photo spots.

   

   Last, stroll around the Lijiang Old Town leisurely, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the famous towns on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. There are many traditional Naxi courtyard houses along the way and you may suddenly find yourself stepping into some bustling bazaars. Your tour guide will take you to explore the real essence of the town, so that after this trip, you can get a real insight into the local life.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
4. Day 4: Lijiang to Shangri-La
   Explore the Dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge with its Legendary Rock

   After breakfast, the local driver will pick you up from your hotel, and drive you to Shangri-La. Along the way, you will visit The First Bend of Yangtze River. The rolling yellow Yangtze River, blocked by cliffs in Shigu Town, suddenly make a sharp turn into a "Ⅴ" shaped curve.

   Then continue driving north for about 1 hour to one of the deepest canyons in China - Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will see the huge Tiger Leaping Rock. It is said that a tiger once leaped from one side of the gorge to the other with this rock. This's why the gorge is called "Tiger Leaping Gorge".

   

   Next, we’ll drive to Shangri-La city. After checking in at the hotel, we’ll move to Dukezong Ancient Town. This is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan settlement in China. And expect for the Tibetan culture, many people would also come here for its rich and profound history, which had once served as an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Traditional Tibetan stone houses are still here, with prayer flags fluttering everywhere. Although the streets might be a bit narrow, they are full of the rhythm of local life. After climbing Guishan Hill, we can see a giant prayer wheel. You can also embrace the magnificent scenery of the ancient city and the surrounding plateau. Sunset can make everything even more beautiful.

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   3-Star Hotel in Shangri-La
5. Day 5: Shangri-La Exploration
   Discover Shangri-La's Cultural and Natural Treasures

   Shangri-La has a totally different appearance from the past places where you will start to meet Tibetan elements. The first site today is Songzanlin Monastery which is the largest Tibetan monastery in the Yunnan area and is famed as the "Small Potala Palace". It was built along the hillside, looking like an old castle, showing the brilliant construction technology of Tibetan.

   After that, drive about 30km to the picturesque Pudacuo National Park. It is a pristine high-altitude nature reserve showcasing the rich ecological diversity of Shangri-La. With elevations ranging from 3,500 to over 4,100 meters, the park features alpine meadows, dense forests, clear streams, and tranquil lakes such as Bita Lake. Wooden walkways allow you to explore the wetlands while protecting the fragile environment. The ever-changing scenery, combined with fresh mountain air and distant snow peaks, makes Pudacuo a true natural sanctuary.

   

   Afterwards, you will be guided to a Tibetan family and enjoy special Tibetan butter tea there.

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   3-Star Hotel in Shangri-La
6. Day 6: Shangri-La to Lhasa by Flight

   After breakfast, our Yunnan tour ends here. Next, we’ll fly to Lhasa, where we can open a new chapter of this journey. Lhasa has always been the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism, and some people would like to call it the “City of Light”. After arrival, your driver will first take you to the local hotel. Don't forget to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Himalayas and rows of unique Tibetan buildings on the road.

   Tips:

   • To reduce or avoid altitude sickness, don’t do strenuous exercise, especially on your first day in Lhasa.
   • Do not take a shower on the first day (especially don’t wash your hair), as this could make altitude sickness even worse.
   • Avoid drinking alcohol.
   • Drink plenty of water and get enough rest.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lhasa
7. Day 7: Lhasa Temple Visits
   Visit Tibet’s Summer Palace and Lively Monk Debates

   After breakfast, we will go to visit downtown Lhasa today. Norbulingka Park is our first destination. Norbulingka used to be the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. In this vast park, you can find architectures that are all built in both Tibetan and Han styles, the grand look with small details all show the past lifestyle of the Tibetan royal family.

   

   Next, go to Drepung Monastery which was once the largest temple in the world. Drepung Temple is built on the mountain, and its charm and heritage lie in the magnificent assembly hall, exquisite sculptures, sacred scriptures and colorful Tangka. In addition to simple sightseeing, you can actually experience the important position of Buddhism in Tibetan society from the scale and solemn atmosphere of the temple.

   In the afternoon, visit the Sera Monastery, one of the three major temples in Lhasa. Here, you have the opportunity to watch the famous debate between monks (they’ll make vivid philosophical discussions through gestures and dialogues). The ancient murals and religious cultural relics still vividly show the educational style of Tibetan Buddhism.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lhasa
8. Day 8: Lhasa's Essence
   Be Amazed by the Sacred Potala Palace, Filled with Statues, Murals, Priceless Artifacts

   After breakfast, you will be guided to visit Potala Palace, a sacred place in the hearts of all pilgrims. The Potala Palace is the spiritual and political symbol of Tibet, pilgrims never stop to come here to revere it. It stands on a really high ground of Lhasa, and when you come closer, you’ll find the palace is divided into the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace served as the living quarters and administrative center, and the Red Palace has sacred chapels, stupas, and the tombs of past Dalai Lamas. Inside, there are many exquisite murals, statues, Thangka paintings, and priceless religious artifacts, reflecting centuries of Tibetan history, faith, and artistry.

   

   In the afternoon, your Lhasa tour continues to Jokhang Temple, with a history of more than 1,300 years. This spiritual center, located in the heart of Lhasa, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a blend of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles. After that, stroll through the surrounding Barkhor Street, the busiest commercial street in Lhasa where you can purchase unique Tibetan souvenirs and experience vibrant local culture.

   Please note that taking photos is not allowed in the chapel of the monastery.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lhasa
9. Day 9: Lhasa to Namtso Lake
   Experience the Tranquil Beauty of Namtso Lake

   Namtso Lake has some amazing titles, such as “the largest lake in the world” (altitude: 4,700 meters), and also “the second largest saltwater lake in China”. Along the way to it, we’ll pass many yaks and sheep which graze leisurely on the grassland

   When you arrive there, you’ll actually feel turquoise lake is merging with the sky. What makes it even more magical is the reflection of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains which so softly lands on the lake. It is quiet and peaceful here, and the prayer flags on the shore are fluttering. You’ll be immersed in a deep spiritual atmosphere without even notice. You can choose to ride a yak to visit the lakeside and take photos. We will return to Lhasa in the afternoon.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lhasa
10. Day 10: Departure from Lhasa

    After breakfast in the morning, your 10-day Yunnan and Tibet tour comes to a perfect end. The driver will escort you to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination or home! Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour. Safe travels!

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