Go Tibet – China & Tibet

With mouth-watering food and teahouse culture, Chengdu is a winner. You’ll spend 2 nights here, ambling amongst old shops, sampling Sichuan dishes and slowing to the relaxed pace of life. On the second day, you’ll visit the giant pandas that have roamed these parts for 2 million years. Now residents of the ethically run Breeding Research Centre, you’ll be bowled over by their quiet beauty and sheer size.

Colourful, deeply religious and surrounded by the world’s tallest mountain, Lhasa is Tibet’s holy city. At 3600m above sea level, the city lies far away from the modern world and everything that comes with it. Welcome to a mysterious place in a remote and fascinating country. As it will take some time for you to get used to the altitude, it’s important to take it easy.

We’ll arrange a transfer when you arrive and accommodation for 3 nights in the heart of Lhasa. You’ll have plenty of time and freedom to explore this enchanting city on your own. On the third day of this trip you’ll visit the stunning Potala Palace and some of the most beautiful monasteries near Lhasa with a local guide.

You’ll travel through high mountain passes and past the azure-blue mountain lake, Yamdrok Tso. You’ll stay in Gyantse in a cosy guest house. From here you can wander through the narrow backstreets or visit the monasteries in Gyantse and Kumbum. Next you’ll travel to the town of Sakya where you’ll sleep in a simple guesthouse.

Then it’s time for the real adventure as you drive through a deserted landscape towards Mount Everest. This next part of your journey is likely to be a bit challenging due to the high altitude. You’ll travel through high passes over 5000m, making for long days in the thin air and simple accommodation. Seeing Everest though is well worth it and is likely to leave a lasting impression. After your adventure you’ll travel to Shigatse where you’ll visit the monastery.

You’ll drive through some of the most inhospitable areas of northern Tibet where small settlements and yaks are the only sign of life. You’ll spend the night in a simple guest house near the lake and see the caves where pilgrim monks slept. On the way to Lhasa the next day, you’ll visit the remote and rarely visited Tsurpu monastery.

Back in Chengdu you’ll spend another night in the same hotel. For your last meal try something truly authentic; a Sichuan hotpot!