Day 1 USA - Kunming

Today we board an international flight bound for China. Cross the International Date Line.

Day 2 Kunming

Arrive in Kunming. Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the luxury hotel for rest and relaxation. 

Day 3 Kunming - Stone Forest - Jiuxiang - Kunming

After breakfast, we drive to Lunan, tour the Stone Forest, it bristles 75 miles southeast of Kunming. The ashen stone pillars, abandoned by the sea as it receded hundreds of millions of years ago, bunch together into a geological ticket. The journey to the forest is as beautiful as the landscape that surround it. Take an excursion to the remarkable Jiuxiang. Known primarily for its limestone caves, it also boasts an underground waterfall and an awesome gorge. Return to Kunming. In the evening, we are in for a special treat of Yunnan Specialties followed by an exciting Minority Cultural Show.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Kunming - Dali

After breakfast, we take the high speed train to Dali. Dali is a city in the West of Yunan, with historical, scenic and architectural significance. Upon arrival, we take a boat excursion on Lake Erhai-the second largest fresh lake in Yunnan Province. Tour the old city, Butterfly Spring, the traditional minority house, the pagodas at the Congsheng Temple, the Temple was constructed during the Tang Dynasty and is one of China's finest example of the skill and architectural genius of the ancient craftsmen. This evening you will have a special dinner featuring a clay pot fish. After dinner, we will stroll along the famous street "Yangrejie". 

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Dali - Lijiang

After breakfast, we journey by bus to Lijiang, the cultural center of the Naxi Minority. Lijiang has beautiful landscapes and has been designated by the UN as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Gaze in wonder at the sights and sounds of this ancient city as you walk down the cobblestone streets preserved for over 700 years. We see that the Naxi way of life has changed very little over time. Upon arrival, we tour the old town of Lijiang including Black Dragon Pond. Enjoy the famous local cuisine "Wang's Family Banquet" for dinner.  

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Lijiang

A whole day excursion exploring the fantasy of Lijiang, including tour Spruce Meadow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. The bus drops us off at the base where we take a cable car to the higher regions that afford a beautiful view. We will enjoy the fantastic outdoor production called "Impression Lijiang", the show is directed by Chinese famous director Zhang Yimou. In the afternoon, on the way return to the city, we visit the Baisha Village, the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. Then we stop at the Shuhe Old Town or visit.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Lijiang - Tiger Leap Gorge - Shangri-la

After breakfast, we drive to tour the Tiger Leap Gorge. This orges is 12 miles long with a natural drop of 623ft, and it is considered as one of the three worldwide renowned gorges. Then we drive to Shangri-la. It is the place commonly believed to have been used as the mythical Shangri-la in James Hilton's book "Lost Horizon".

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Shangri-la

About 25 miles from Shangri-la, we come upon the Shangri-la Grassland. In the months of May and June azaleas cover this area like a splendid carpet. Then we visit Songzai Temple.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Shangri-la - Tsetang

After breakfast, we take an hour's flight to ibet where we board our coach for a two hour ride to Testang. The road takes us along the Yalu Zangbu River and past rural Tibetan landscape. After our arrival in Tsetang, you will take a rest in order to give your body a chance to adjust to the altitude. In the afternoon, we will visit Yumbu Lukhang, the Tibet¡¦s first monastery. Visit the Changzhu Temple which dates back to the Tang Dynasty.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Tsetang

Today we will travel to the Yalu Zangbu River. Visit the ibett-Sangye Temple. The temple has close connections to the Dalai Lamas, and is reputed to have been a place of rest and refreshment for Buddha.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Tsetang - Lake Yambdrok - Lhasa

After breakfast, we drive to visit Lake Yambdrok, it is one of the highlights of the tour. The beautiful lake with the reflection of shadows and snowcapped peaks makes it unforgettable. On the way we drive to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, enjoy the fascinating highland scenery at the "roof of the world." In the afternoon, we visit the Tibet Museum and Norbu Lingka, the summer residence or the Dalai Lamas. 

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day12 Lhasa

After breakfast, you will tour Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and Norbu Lingka. otala Palace was built at the time of Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century. In the 17th century the 5th Dalai Lama rebuilt it and extended it to its present size. Its 13-story main building is 117 meters high and is composed of the Red and White Palaces, with the red one in the middle. The main building consists of the Hall of stupas of Dalai Lamas from various historical stages and halls of Buddha. The White Palace is the residence of the Dalai Lamas and place for handling political affairs. Sera Monastery is one of the three great monasteries in Lhasa. It was built by one of the disciples of Zonggaba in 1419. On the 27th of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, it holds the great Sera Bungchen Festival, which attracts flocks of Buddhists and others. Norbu Lingka means a lovely garden in Tibetan. Located in the western suburbs of Lhasa, it has been a place for the Dalai Lamas to stay to escape the summer heat.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Lhasa

Today you will tour Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkor Street. Drepung Monastery was built in 1416 and is the largest of the Monasteries of the Gelug Sect. In its heyday, it had more than 10,000 Monks. It has trained a large group of talents for Tibetan Buddhism. Jokhang Monastery is located in the center of the old city of Lhasa and was built in the 7th century by Songtsan Gambo, the Tang Dynasty Princess Wen Cheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. After touring Barkor Street, you will know something about the local life. In the evening you are entertained by Tibetan Music and Dance Show after a local Tibetan Cuisine dinner. You may try a cup of jam butter tea, the local favorite.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Lhasa - Chengdu

After breakfast, we fly to Chengdu. Chengdu is the capital of "Heavenly State" (Tian Fu Zhi Guo), habitat of giant pandas and city of cotton-rose hibiscus. Uppon arrival, tour the Panda Preserve Base. For dinner, we enjoy a famous hot pot cuisine, followed by the entertainment of Sichuan Opera. Sichuan opera is one of the principal genres of regional drama in China, it is particularly famous for its unique skills in changing countenance.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Chengdu - USA

After breakfast, you are transferred to airport for your return flight back to your home. You will be in the United States the same day. End of tour.

• Includes Breakfast