11 Days Chengdu Nyingchi Lhasa Yamdrok Lake Tour

Board the international flight to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. After you land in Chengdu, our local travel expert will be expecting you at the exit gate of the Chengdu Tianfu Airport and whisk you off to the hotel in downtown Chengdu.

Travel Options: If your flight lands in Chengdu as scheduled, after checking in at the hotel, you can roam over the Chunxi Road, a bustling walking street in downtown Chengdu, or explore the Jinli Pedestrian Street at night and taste the local snacks there.

Stay overnight in Chengdu

• You can stroll leisurely yourself at Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
• Jinli Street

After breakfast, we will drive for about half an hour to Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center, the home to giant pandas, where you will catch pandas' feeding time. They are at their most active, both Adults and Babies. There's a wealth of information and a panda museum in this 230-hectare park 10 km (6 miles) north of Chengdu. It takes about 2.5 hours to visit this attraction.

In the afternoon, we are expected to drive about 2 hours from Chengdu to Leshan to have an overlook at the famous Giant Buddha by boat. The grand Buddha carved out of the cliffs at the confluence of the Dadu, Minjiang, and Qingyi Rivers. You will take a sightseeing cruise to the center of the river and face the huge stone Buddha. Later, get transferred to hotels in Jianyang County of Chengdu, close to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport for the early flight the next morning.

Stay overnight in Jianyang, Chengdu.

• Closely see the cute giant pandas at Chengdu Panda Base.
• Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest carved stone Buddha in the world, took people more than 90 years to carve.

Have an early rise for breakfast and get transferred to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport for the morning flight to Nyingchi. The non-stop flight takes around 2h15min.

When you arrive in Nyingchi, our friendly local Tibetan guide will be expecting you at Nyingchi Mainling Airport with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings.

Then, the guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in Bayi Town of Nyingchi. After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the altitude.

Stay overnight in Nyingchi.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Nyingchi Mainling Airport.
• Transfer to Bayi Town of Nyingchi via the enchanting Niyang River.

After breakfast, our journey begins at Gala Peach Blossom Village, where ancient peach trees bloom amidst peaceful villages. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and winding streams, this idyllic spot on the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo River offers a feast to your eyes.

Next, we’ll drive towards Sejila Mountain. From its Serkhym-la pass (4,728m), you may marvel at the imposing Mt. Namcha Barwa (7,782m), credited as the most beautiful snow-capped peak in China (best viewed from late October to April).

Our adventure continues to the Lulang Forest, nestling in a vast lush valley. Here, we’ll visit a traditional Gongbu Tibetan family. Experience the thrill of archery, an ancient Tibetan sport, guided by friendly local Tibetans. Then, step into their warm home to enjoy homemade Tibetan sweet tea, make pancakes with an elder Tibetan mother, and chat with them through the help of our local experts by the fire.

At the dinner table, you will savor authentic Gongbu Tibetan dishes, including the famous Nyingchi delicacy - free-range Tibetan pigs. You’ll also have the chance to dress in traditional Gongbu Tibetan costumes for memorable photos. As the day winds down, take a peaceful stroll to watch the golden sunset over the snow-capped mountains.

Stay overnight in a cozy homestay in the picturesque Tashigang Village.

• Experience the thrill of archery with our expert local Tibetan guides.
• Enjoy the authentic Tibetan food in the homestay with locals

After a hearty breakfast in Lulang, with the soft morning light and mist hanging over the hills, we say goodbye to the tranquil Lulang Forest and step into another hidden peach blossom paradise - Gangyun Forest. Wander through the lush, fresh air of the ancient forest, where wild peach trees bloom in vibrant pink, creating a picturesque escape surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests.

After a delightful visit in Gangyun Forest, we drive to Bomi Peach Blossom Valley. If Gala Peach Blossom Village is the appetizer, Bomi is the grand feast. This valley is home to the world’s largest wild peach orchard, stretching for miles with blooming peach trees that blanket entire valleys to the foot of the snow-capped mountains. We’ll roam over this pink paradise, discovering traditional Tibetan homes hidden among the blossoms and enjoying the gentle breeze with the scent of peach blossoms.

Leaving Bomi, we head towards the enchanting Ranwu Lake. The narrow, shimmering lake, surrounded by snowy peaks and verdant forests, offers a breathtaking view at every turn. We’ve selected the best lakeside accommodations for you, where you can enjoy epic sunset or sunrise over the picturesque Ranwu Lake and surrounding majestic peaks from your room or the hotel’s corridors.

Stay overnight at the self-drive camping site of Ranwu Lake or Nanhu Hotel.

• Nyingchi Peach Blossom in Spring
• Ranwu Lake

After breakfast, we’ll discover the extraordinary blue ice wonder of Laigu Glacier together. The area is home to six glaciers, and depending on the season, different sections of the Blue Ice Caves open up. The blue ice caves are most available in the frozen lake area in winter, where the vast, glittering blue ice shimmers under the winter sun.

The towering blue ice walls will make you feel like you're standing amidst Antarctica's icy landscape. Step into each cave, and witness the mesmerizing light refraction creating hues of violet, turquoise, and sea green - like being in an ancient underwater world.

Beyond the ice lake area, the farther blue ice caves require off-road vehicles, driven by local villagers to reach. We’ll plan your blue Ice journey based on the open sections, with visits ranging from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location. You’ll have ample time to explore the glacier and ice caves to your heart’s content in the dazzling blue glaciers and ice lakes.

Along the way, you can enjoy close-up views of pastoral meadows, blue alpine lakes, and towering snow-capped mountains that seem within easy reach. This may be the most impressive display of snow peaks you’ll ever witness, stretching endlessly in all directions, and magnificent in scale.

After visiting Laigu Glacier, we’ll descend along the shores of Ranwu Lake in afternoon sunlight. As the sun softens, the lake’s vibrant green waters reflect the snow-capped peaks, meadows, and pastures, creating a poetic landscape. After leaving the lake, we’ll drive back to the Lulang Forest for the lodging. It may be a late return, but the stunning scenery you’ve experienced will be etched in your memory forever.

Stay overnight in the homestay of TashiGang, Lulang Town.

• The stunning ice cave of Laigu glacier
• Tourists can get up close to appreciate the stunning glacier.

Start your day with breakfast amidst the morning mist of Lulang Forest before venturing to another hidden gem of Eastern Tibet - Basum Tso Lake. This sacred lake, cradled by snow-capped peaks and lush forests, offers a tranquil escape. Stroll through the bustling island off the shore of Basum Tso Lake, then board a motorboat to cross its emerald-green waters.

On the far, secluded shore, discover the mystical "Fertility Cave," hidden within the forest. From there, embark on an 8km (or 2.5 hours) lakeside trek, immersing yourself in the serenity of untouched nature.

This journey offers more than just natural beauty - it’s a soulful retreat. Walk amidst ancient trees adorned with colorful prayer flags, their reflections blending seamlessly with the lake’s sparkling surface. Let the serenity envelop you as you connect with nature, feeling the life force in every tree and blade of grass.

After this unforgettable trek, we’ll drive back to Lhasa, likely arriving late, but with hearts full from experiencing the very best of Eastern Tibet. It is well worth the long drive.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Basumtso lake, cradled by snow-capped peaks and lush forests
• Enjoy an 8km leisurely trek along Basumtso's tranquil shores

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the  ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Monks chat happily before the assembly hall of Drepung monastery.
• Dramatic monk debate in Sera Monastery

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 100-kilometer drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Here, you’ll experience a different side of Tibet - the peace and tranquility outside the bustling Lhasa city. The Yamdrok Lake reflects various colors in different lights. You can also see local nomads grazing their yaks on the lakeshore.

Start your Yamdrok Lake tour from Lurila Platform, where the turquoise waters and the imposing Gulha Kangri Snow Mountain unfold before your eyes.

Then, you will visit the Rutog Monastery and the lonely monk residing on the small island in the center of Yamdrok Lake. From Rutog Island, you can enjoy a broader view of Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding islands.

For lunch, you will visit a local family restaurant and enjoy the local dishes by the lakeside. On the platform, you can also savor a cup of coffee and relish leisure time while indulging in the stunning view of Yamdrok Lake from the southeast corner.

Afterward, you will return to Lhasa via the famous Gampala Pass (4900m). From the Gampala Pass platform, you can see Yamdrok Lake stretching for tens of kilometers like a wide blue ribbon to the foot of Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191m).

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Enjoy the stunning view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake
• Enjoy the fascinating scenery of the holy Yamdrok Lake

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour. Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!
• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.