Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, meet at airport and transfer to the hotel. Diner out at a well-known restaurant offering the best Sichuan cuisine! Visit of Chengdu's Culture Park, enjoy bamboo chairs, chinese tea ceremony, Sichuan Opera.

Day 2

Morning flight to Lhasa Tibet, the Rooftop of the World. Visit of the Tran-Druk Temple (VIIe).

Day 3

Depart for Shigatse, a 350 km (5 or 6 hour) coach drive. Stop at the beautiful Yamtzo Yumco Lake. Fed by Mt. Himalaya, the lake's 250 km shoreline is at the altitude of 4441 m. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by our guide. It will be the most unforgettable lunch - and the most lofty lunch you will probably ever have! Arrival at Shigatse around 5:30 PM.

Day 4

This morning we visit the Tashilhunpo (Heap of Glory) Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lamas. Built in 1447, it is the head monastery of Yellow Hat sect (Gelukgonpa). It is today one of Tibet's most active monasteries. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon we drive to Gyantse and visit the Palkhor Chode Monastery. We'll explore the spectacular Kumbum (Place of a Thousand Images) Stupa temple, as well as the huge Buddhist monastery and academy of 17 colleges where a learned Lama will show us around.

Day 5

Sit back and take in the scenery during our spectacular 4-hour drive to Lhasa (263 km) with lunch en route. Mid afternoon arrival and check in at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 6

The morning will be spent at the famous Potala Palace. After lunch in a local restaurant we visit the Jokhang Monastery, built in 647 when Buddhism was introduced into Tibet, which is said to be the cradle and treasure house of Tibetan Buddhism. We invite a Tibetan Buddhism expert to give us an exciting introduction. By 4 PM the tour ends and you are given free time to throw yourself into the Barkhor Market surrounding the Jokhang Temple.

Day7

This morning we take in the Sera Monastery. Built in 1419, Sera is one the three largest monasteries in Tibet (the other two being Drepung and Ganden). The comparatively rich and powerful monastery has 7000 monks, and is regarded as the museum of Tibetan culture. After lunch in a local restaurant, we return to the hotel. If you still wish to see yet more monasteries, there will be an optional tour to the Drepung Monastery. Built in 1416, the magnificent architecture is stunning. Return to hotel where there's still time to take a walk to the Summer Palace near our hotel. This Summer Palace is used by Dalai Lamas, and has a beautiful garden.

Day 8

Take a morning flight back to Chengdu. A famous historic and cultural city, Chengdu is situated in the west Sichuan basin, with mild climate, abundant resources, and convenient transportation. The best way to enjoy Chengdu is to stroll the narrow streets of the old town encountering centuries old local markets, silk brocade shops, and a wonderful variety of delicious food vendors. We'll visit the ancient Dujiangya Ancient Irrigation System built 2,300 years ago and contemporary with the Great Wall. Lunch at Sichuan Restaurant then we'll check into the Holiday Inn Crown, a very comfortable deluxe hotel located in the business center of Chengdu. After days of expedition and exploration in the remote countryside and mountains, you are given a free afternoon on your own "in town". Perhaps you'd like to stroll past the Temple of Marquis We - the remains of the Three Kingdoms.

Day 9

Take a rickshaw to visit Du Fu's cottage. Du Fu, a great poet of realistic styles from Tang Dynasty, is well known to every household in China. The bamboo park has several rooms for the introduction of the poet and his former residence, a thatch-roofed cottage. You will be treated with the best tea of this province, learning about tea drinking which originated from Sichuan Province. Then, if time permits, you will be invited to visit the Sichuan Shu Embroidery Display. Visit Chengdu Qingshiqiao Market. This is the largest free market of the city, reflecting the life-style of the people live here. You will see eel, gold fish and food of all sorts (some will look funny to you) pets of birds, dogs, cats, even bonsai with many other surprises.

Day 10

After a relaxed breakfast in your hotel, we will transfer you to the airport and see you off.