Cities in 12 Day Tibet Cultural Tour:
- Chengdu; Leshan; Emeishan; Lhasa; Gyantze & Xigaze
Tour Price Includes:
- Round trip airfare from San Francisco via Cathay Pacific Airways.
- First/Deluxe Class hotel accommodation based on double occupancy.
- Meals as in the itinerary (B=Breakfast * L=Lunch * D=Dinner).
- Transportation and all China domestic airfares as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Guided sightseeing tours & Travel Tag/Bag.
Scheduled Itinerary for this Tour:
Day 1: Oct. 30, 2017 San Francisco – Hong Kong
Meet at San Francisco International Airport for the next day early morning flight from San Francisco non-stop to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific Airways.
Day 2: Oct. 31, 2017 En-route
Today you are crossing the International Date Line to Hong Kong.
Day 3: Nov. 1, 2017 Hong Kong – Chengdu
Arrive Hong Kong in the morning then take a connecting flight non-stop to Chengdu-capital city of Southwest province of Sichuan, also known as the “Country of Heaven” (天府之国, a phrase also often translated as ” The Land of Abundance”). Upon arrival, you will visit the Chengdu Research Based of Giant Panda Breeding where you may take a photo with the Panda Bear. Stay at the Holiday Inn Crown-Plaza Hotel or same class hotel for rest. Welcome Dinner in the evening. (D.)
Day 4: Nov 2, 2017 Chengdu – Leshan – Emeishan (Mt. Emei)
Giant Buddha
This morning coach to Leshan known for the world’s largest sitting Buddha, carved out of the River Bank, also the world’s largest measuring out to about 210 ft. high. You will take a boat cruise to visit the Leshan Grand Buddha then continue to Emeishan (Mt. Emei), one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and traditionally regarded as the place of enlightenment. At 3,099 meters (10,167 ft), Mt. Emei is the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountain of China and was made an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Stay at the Hong Zhu Shan Hotel (5-star) or same class hotel (B.L.D.)
Day 5: Nov. 3, 2017 Emeishan
Baoguo Temple 保国寺
Today’s tour features the Golden Summit of Emeishan by cable car. You will see Tibetan Macaques (monkeys) there. Mt. Emei is blessed with these four great spectacles : clouds Sea, Sunrise, Buddhist halos, Saint Lamps. The mountain has four peaks. These peaks rise one higher than the next to unfold into a vast and verdant scene, giving rise to the claim that “Emei’s beauty is the finest under heaven”. A visit to the Baoguo Temple, is located in Mt. Emei Scenic Area as the No. 1 Buddhist Temple in this attraction, was built between 1573 and 1619 during the Ming dynasty and then continue to Fuhu Temple, it is known in Chinese “Crouching Tiger Monastery”, it was rebuilt in 1651, the eighth year of the reign of Qing Emperor Shunzhi and is the biggest Buddhist Temple on the mountain. (B.L.D.)
Day 6: Nov. 4, 2017 Emeishan – Chengdu – Lhasa
After breakfast, take a late morning flight to Lhasa- the city of Sun and the Roof of the World, it is the administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, transfer to Jardin Secret Hotel(5-star) or or Shangri-la Hotel, Lhasa or similar hotel. Relax this day as you adjust to the high altitude of this mysterious city. In the evening we are entertained by Tibetan music and dance show after a local cuisine dinner. (B.L.D.)
Day Nov. 5, 2017 Lhasa 拉薩
Jokhang Temple大昭寺
Today sightseeing is a tour to Potala Palace –is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage and symbol of Tibetan history and culture. Continue to Jokhang Temple大昭寺–is the most sacred; and important temple in Tibet, it was built for the two brides of the King, Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace,” and a spiritual center of Lhasa. Lastly, we stop at the Bargor Bazaar-is a popular place for pilgrims and locals, it is a good introduction to modern Tibetan culture also a place where you can bargain for souvenirs. (B.L.D.)
Day 8: Nov. 6, 2017 Lhasa – Gyantze – Xigaze (Shigatse) 日喀則
Yamdrok Yumtso Lake
Travel 150 miles by motor coach to Gyantze, Shigatse Prefecture-is historically considered the third largest and most prominent town in the Tibet region. On the way, we will visit Yamdrok Yumtso Lake- is one of the three largest sacred and important lakes in Tibet. we will also visit a Tibetan family here. Later visit Palkor Monastery–meaning “Wheel of Happiness in Lucky Temple”. The temple is famous for the incredible combinations of temple and stupa that was once seen in monasteries from 13th to 15th century. Especially the Myriad Buddhas Stupa which is immensely ravishing. The stupa has more than 3000 statues in it of many legendary icons from Divine Buddha to famous King Songtsen Gampo. Arrive in Shigatse in the evening. Stay at the Wutse Hotel or similar hotel for rest. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Nov. 7, 2016 Xigaze – Lhasa
Scenic Drive
Morning visit Tashilhunpo Monastery–is the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, the second highest ranking tulku lineage in the Gelukpa tradition. The “Tashi” or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (prefect) appointed from Lhasa. After lunch, drive through the fascinating highland scenery at the roof of the world back to Lhasa. Jardin Secret Hotel(5-star) or similar hotel. (B.L.D.)
Day 10: Nov. 8, 2017 Lhasa
Yak 牦牛
After breakfast, our sightseeing tour includes Norbulingka park- meaning ‘Treasure Park’ in Tibetan. it is a Summer Palace served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas. the next visit is Drepung Monastery- was founded in 1416, one of the “great three” Gelukpa University Monasteries of Tibet, also is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries and is located on the Gambo Utse mountain of five kilometers from the western suburb of Lhasa. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Nov. 9, 2017 Lhasa – Chengdu
Depart for Chengdu. Enjoy the gardens surrounding the Zhu Geliang Shrine and Du Fu Cottage, once the home of the great Tang poet. Also located in a park, the River View Pavilion is renowned for its bamboo forests. Stay at the Crown Plaza Hotel or similar Hotel for rest. Farewell dinner in the evening. (B.L.D.)
Day 12: Nov. 10, 2017 Chengdu – San Francisco.
Wrap up your memories and bid farewell to China via Hong Kong to San Francisco by Cathay Pacific Airways and return to the United States, re-crossing the International Date Line for same day arrival. (B.)
