DAY
1
Fly Air China via Beijing to Chengdu, arriving the following day
(stopovers in Beijing available). On arrival transfer to the Tibet
hotel for two nights. Capital of the Sichuan region, Chengdu is
renowned for its fiery cuisine and the giant pandas that inhabit
the mountains of the surrounding area. You may decide to make the
most of your time in Chengdu by prebooking our City Tour, offering
the opportunity to view and learn about these iconic animals, at
the Giant Panda Breeding and Research centre.
DAY 4
Air China flight to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibetan region for
four nights at the Lhasa hotel. The city is located at about 12,000
feet above sea level so it is advisable to spend a little time acclimatising
to the altitude. Once you are used to the thinness of the air there
is much to see and do so we suggest our full day Lhasa City Tour
which includes visits to Norbulingka, the former summer residence
of the Dalai Lama, the golden roofed Jokhang Temple and the incredible
Potala Palace.
DAY 8
China Eastern Airlines flight to Diqing and transfer to the Gyalthang
Dzong hotel, situated close to the town of Zhongdian. Officially
renamed Shangri-La, the town is believed to be the setting of James
Hilton’s mythical paradise from the novel Lost Horizon. Two
nights here offers time to enjoy the spectacular location backed
by snow-capped mountains high on the Tibetan plateau. For those
that wish to explore, our City Tour visits the impressive Songzhanlin
Monastery, the Old Town, Napa Pasture and includes lunch in a typical
Tibetan home.
DAY 10
Travel by road via the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge to the charming
town of Lijiang for two nights at the Jiannanchun hotel located
in the heart of the Old Town. World Heritage listed, the pedestrianised
Old Town is a joy to explore on foot with its mix of quaint cobbled
streets, traditional shophouses and sparkling canals. There is much
to enjoy during your time here as the traditional residents of Lijiang,
the Naxi people are renowned for their colourful costumes and traditional
music which can be enjoyed on
our Mountains and Rivers folk show.
DAY 12
Continue by road to the ancient town of Dali, set beside Lake Erhai
in an area of many small minority villages. Two nights are spent
at the Asia Star hotel, a short walk from the attractive walled
Old Town. Our Dali City Tour offers a perfect introduction to the
town incorporating a scenic cruise across Lake Erhai, a visit to
the Three Pagoda’s Park as well as exploring the attractive
Old Town. In the evening why not explore Huguo Lu (Foreigners’
Street) where there are many cafés, restaurants and bars
from which you can enjoy the special ambience that draws numerous
travellers to this small town.
DAY 14
China Eastern Airlines flight to the city of Kunming. On arrival
transfer to the New Era hotel for two nights. Capital of Yunnan,
Kunming is known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ due
to its pleasant temperate climate. One of the highlights of the
area is the beguiling Stone Forest which you can visit by prebooking
our tour which takes you to visit this collection of limestone pillars,
shaped by centuries of rain and wind.
DAY 16
Return flight to Heathrow with Air China via Peking, arriving the
same day. |
