Tibet Autonomous Region is located at the Southwest part of China, with a land area of 1.22 million sq km and a population of 2.3 millions, in which 95% are Tibetan nationality. There are also 30 other nationalities in Tibet, such as Han, Menba, Luoba, Hui, Monggul, Naxi as well as Cheng and Sharba peoples.
Tibet is the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau proper, with an average landrise of 4,000 metres above the sea level. It is well-know as the Roof of the World and The Third Pole of the Globe. The world highest summit-Himalayan, which strides across the border between China and Nepal, claims a height of 8,848 metres above the sea level.
We will fly in and train out (soft sleepers 4 pax per compartment). The reason why we fly in and train out is because train ride into Lhasa can not relieve the tiredness and mountain sickness as much as people thought. Firstly, it is a long journey in an airtight cabin with no outside/fresh air. So one will not be able to acclimatise in the train. Secondly, one cannot really get good sleep in trains and that will make one more susceptible to AMS. We fly in, have 2 days to rest and take it easy. When we train, we would have gotten used to the altitude. The best part of the sightseeing of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau is from Lhasa to Golmud which we cover during the day time. By taking the train Chengdu-Lhasa, this section is covered in the evening or night. (IMPORTANT NOTE : Tibet entry permit issued by Tibet Bureau Authority. Permit rules & regulation vary every year and we will change the itineray if not granted)
Day 1 KLIA2-Chengdu (TFU): Meet at KLIA2 for flight D7326 to Chengdu at 1810PM arriving 2240PM. Check in hotel. Overnight (O/N) Chengdu.
Day 2 Dujiangyan & Mt Qincheng : Day tour visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System & Mt Qincheng.
One can opt for Dujiangyan park bus (including a ride & earphones cost 30 yuan per pax) to visit the Nanqiao, and then enter the Lidui Park scenic area to visit the Stele Pavilion, Lidui, Yigongdao, Qingxi Garden, the first famous garden in western Sichuan - Qingxi Garden, and visit the Dujiangyan irrigation System which built by the governor Li Bing of Shu during the Warring States period of Qin Zhao Wang (227 BC), which is listed as a "World Cultural Heritage" and also known as the first ancient dam in China - Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project: the water intake of Baopingkou, the flood discharge dam of Feishayan, and the fish-mouth water diversion dike. Cross the Anlan Cable Bridge across the Minjiang River inside. Watch the Qinyan Tower which had badly damaged by 5.12 earthquake and the Erwang Temple in memory of Li Bing and his son.
Qingcheng Mountain: Take the Qingcheng Mountain park bus to the Chinese Taoist birthplace - World Cultural Heritage - Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area, or choose to bypass Yuecheng Lake and take the ropeway (including a round-trip 60 yuan per person, 35 yuan per person) to visit Qingcheng Mountain. You can also continue to climb to 'Qingcheng First Peak', overlook the 36 peaks of Qingcheng; or through Shanyin Pavilion, Ningcuo Bridge, and Wodongtian to the residence of the founder of Taoism, Zhang Daoling, where he received enlightenment and preached - TianShi Cave, and then go downhill to experience the Qingcheng's "quietness". While learning about Chinese traditional culture and feeling the "quietness" of Laojunge, Yuecheng Lake, Tian Shi Cave, Shangqing Palace, Wodongtian, Xianlvcooling, Biqicuiqing, and Natural Picturesque, you can also experience the natural scenery of the Taoist temples and pavilions built in the forest. The scenery of ancient roads, birds and flowers, and mountains and rivers. See the Taoist temples of different ages and styles in the mountains, and appreciate the cultural charm of Taoism.
Drive back to Chengdu. O/N Chengdu.
Day 3 Chengdu-Lhasa: We will take morning domestic flight 0825am to Lhasa 3U8697, CTU-LXA, arriving Lhasa 1055am (shall update flight info once out). This afternoon we will only wonder around street near hotel, so group members have sufficient rest to acclimatize where elevation of Lhasa is 3650m. O/N Lhasa
Day 4 Lhasa : Today we will visit the highest palace in the world— Potala Palace is world cultural heritage, located on the red hill in a center of Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Tibet and one of the symbols of Tibet.
The Potala Palace was built in the 7th century AD, and it is a palace complex composed of the Red Palace, the White Palace and the Yellow Palace. The whole palace is built on the mountain, with a total height of more than 3,700 meters. It is one of the highest ancient palaces in the world.
Later, we will go to visit the Jokhang Temple, located at the heart of the old city of Lhasa, Tibet, is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Tibet and one of the symbols of Tibet. Built in the 7th century AD, the Jokhang Temple is a temple complex composed of the Hall of the Wheel of Life, the Hall of Sakyamuni, the Hall of Kshitigarbha, and the Hall of Avalokitesvara. The whole temple is built on the mountain, with a total height of more than 3,700 meters. It is one of the highest ancient temples in the world.
The Barkhor Street, located around the Jokhang Temple, is one of the most famous commercial streets in Lhasa. The street is about 1,000 meters long and is lined with shops selling various Tibetan souvenir, such as Tibetan carpets, Tibetan silverware, Tibetan medicine, etc. In addition, there are also many restaurants and cafes on the street, providing tourists with a place to rest and enjoy Tibetan food.
Visiting the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Street is one of the must-do items for tourists visiting Tibet. You will not only enjoy the unique charm and history of Tibet, but also able see some unique Tibetan souvenirs and taste ofTibetan food. O/N Lhasa.
Day 5 Lhasa-Yamdrok-Gyantse-Shigatse: Today we will continue our journey to other places of Tibet. About hundred kilometers, you will appreciate the holy Lake of Yamdroktso Lake. Drive to historical city Gyantse then Shigatse. ON Shigatse..
