Arrive into the relaxed city of Kunming. You will be met at Kunming Changshui International Airport in the Arrivals Hall by your Local Guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, transfer 1 hour to your hotel. Early check-in is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 2. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner.

This morning, drive around 1 and a half hours to wander through the unusual limestone rock formations of the UNESCO listed Kunming Stone Forest. Sightseeing here involves up to 2 hours walking on paths and steps to view the maze of rock pinnacles, lakes and ponds. This afternoon, visit the Western Hills, often referred to as ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’. Dine on local Across the Bridge Noodles in the evening, before an optional Dynamic Yunnan Show excursion (payable locally).

Drive approximately 4 hours to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek into bygone China. Wander around the charming Ancient Quarter and visit the Three Pagodas. If the itinerary permits, there may also be the option of experiencing the Cangshan Cable Car (payable locally).

Visit Mount Weibao (Weibaoshan), one of China’s fourteen sacred Taoist mountains. The journey time is approximately 2 hours from Dali, depending on road conditions. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. You will walk for around 1 and half to 2 hours, visiting a handful of these intricately decorated temples. Stop at one of the temples and be met by a Taoist priest for a relaxing meditation session.

Drive 2 and a half hours to Shaxi, a former ancient market town on the famous Tea Horse Road and enjoy some easy sightseeing around the old town as well as a local lunch. Continue 1 and a half hours to the quaint town of Lijiang where you will have free time to explore the Old Quarter. Overnight altitude: 2,300 metres

A magnificent mountain massif, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which is 5,500m. Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is very popular with travellers to this area, so to avoid the large crowds of people queuing at the same time, the local Government’s tourist authority allocates times to each group. The bus will drive to the base of the mountain where you will take a 10-minute cable car and explore one of the beautiful high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. From the cable car, there is a wooden pathway to the meadow; this walking route takes approximately 20 minutes. Descend by cable car and re-board the bus. You may reach a maximum altitude of 3,250m during your time on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Later, visit Baisha Village to admire the fascinating Baisha Frescoes, painted during the early Ming Dynasty, and see the intricate creations of the Mu Family Embroidery School. Sightseeing at Baisha Old Town is leisurely. Next, meet a Shaman who will demonstrate how to write ancient Dongba characters, before you attempt this quirky art form yourself. Finally, sample traditional Naxi cuisine. Daytime altitude: 3,250m at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Overnight altitude: 2,300m Please note that this section of the itinerary is subject to change at late notice. Your local guide will keep you informed of any changes as they are made aware of them.

Start the day with a visit to the picturesque Black Dragon Pool where you can enjoy spectacular vistas of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Drive approximately 2 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Over 3,000 metres deep and with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China’s most extraordinary sights. The whole area is spectacular – prepare for breathtaking views. The bus will drop you off at the parking lot at the side of the Gorge. From here you will walk to the entrance and down the steps to the bottom of the gorge. Enjoy the stunning view along the riverside before making your way to the top again. Lunch today will be a simple meal as the choice of restaurants in this area is limited. Continue another 2 and a half hours to the Tibetan monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. On Arrival, visit the Dafo Temple and enjoy free time in the Old Town. Daytime altitude: 2,400 metres Overnight altitude: 3,400 metres

Today, visit the Songzanlin Monastery, one of the most significant centres of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. There are steep steps to climb at the monastery. From Songzanlin Monastery take a leisurely walk in the countryside for 2-3 hours to Napahai Grassland. In the rainy season the grasslands become a lake, and this ever-changing area is popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. You will be provided with a packed lunch for today. Later, visit a Tibetan- style village where you will learn how to make Tibetan Butter Tea and taste home-cooked dishes for dinner. Daytime altitude: 3,400 metres Overnight altitude: 3,400 metres

Fly 2 hours to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. The afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude. Daytime altitude: 4,000 metres Overnight altitude: 3,700 metres

Wander around the Barkhor to see traditionally dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to the Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, to watch the debating monks. Please be sensitive whilst at the temple as religion is an extremely sensitive topic in China. This is not a chance to converse with the monks, you will be able watch the monks debating between themselves and learning scriptures. Sightseeing at the Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery will involve climbing many steps and walking over uneven surfaces in dim lighting. In the evening, enjoy a Tibetan dinner and a Tibetan Dance Performance. Daytime altitude: 4,000 metres Overnight altitude: 3,700 metres

This morning, visit the iconic palace of Potala, the largest monastery in the world. Sitting atop Red Mountain, the Potala Palace is painted in a traditional Tibetan blend of deep red and stark white. There are 500 steps to reach the palace and return down, and around 2-3 hours on foot in total. Inside the palace, there are some narrow stair cases and dim lighting. A small torch can be helpful to make your surroundings clearer. Next, visit Norbulingka, Lhasa’s answer to Beijing’s Summer Palace, set in parkland just outside the city. Enjoy lunch at Snowland Restaurant. Daytime altitude: 4,000 metres Overnight altitude: 3,700 metres

Journey by road across Tibet’s stark plains and the Gampala Pass to Gyantse, stopping along the way to take in sweeping views of Yamdrok Lake and the towering Karola Glacier. Travel time is approximately 6 hours, depending on photo stops. Daytime altitude: 4,800 metres Overnight altitude: 4,050 metres

This morning, visit Gyantse Kumbum as well as the Tsang Traditional Folk House to see a traditional kitchen and taste some local snacks and home-brewed 'chang'. Also visit Dzong Castle, then drive around 2-hours to Shigatse. Daytime altitude: 4,050 metres Overnight altitude: 3,800 metres

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and join the pilgrims on their ‘Kora’ (circumnavigation) of the Monastery. Later, visit the local markets and enjoy time to explore the town. Daytime altitude: 3,800 metres Overnight altitude: 3,800 metres

Drive around 5 hours back to Lhasa, where you’ll have an evening at leisure for independent explorations. Daytime altitude: 3,800 metres Overnight altitude: 3,700 metres

Fly 2 hours to Chengdu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day will be at leisure. Your guide will be on hand to suggest activities or places to explore, or you can use the time to just relax in your hotel.

Today you will visit China’s most famous resident, the Giant Panda at the Panda Conservation Centre, where you can learn about China’s celebrated bear. See these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. Sightseeing involves approximately 1 and a half hours on foot and there are electric carts offered by private vendors that can be organised at your own cost. Later, visit People’s Park, Matchmaker’s Corner, where you can watch parents search for suitable suitors for their children, and a traditional teahouse where you can try Chinese tea (at your own expense). This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional Sichuanese cuisine and an optional Face Changing Show.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Please note late check out is not included. For any additional nights or late check-outs contact our reservations.