Attractions: Ancient Tea Horse Road Tourist Attraction, Yuxi Jiulongchi Park
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3★/4★ Hotel in Kunming

Before departing to Kunming, you can explore Pu’er and discover the tea culture there.

Ancient Tea Horse Road Tourist Attraction: an important trade route in ancient China, with a profound history and cultural heritage. You can ride a horse to experience the scene of the ancients riding on this road..

Riding towards Kunming, you’ll pass through Yuxi.

Yuxi Jiulongchi Park: a picturesque park with clean lakes and an ancient architectural ensemble. You can rest and appreciate the beautiful scenery there.

Then continue your trip to Kunming and check in at your hotel. Stay overnight in Kunming.

Ancient Tea Horse Road

Jiulongchi Park

Attractions: Green Lake Park, Dianchi Lake, Stone Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3★/4★ Hotel in Kunming

Today, you can visit the landmarks of the Spring City of China.

Green Lake Park: a beautiful park in Kunming urban area, where you can see many local people drinking tea at tea houses, doing tai chi and other activities.

Dianchi Lake: a large freshwater lake with alluring waters like a pearl embedded in Kunming. Besides the captivating lake view, you can also see many species of fish and birds.

Then, ride 76km to the renowned Stone Forest.

Stone Forest: a natural wonder where you can explore the unique Karst landscape and see the natural stone masterpieces.

After your visit, return to Kunming and stay overnight there.

Green Lake Park

Stone Forest

Attractions: Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Towm,
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Dali

After breakfast, you’ll move to Dali, a city famous for natural and historical sites as well as Bai ethnic culture.

Erhai Lake: cycling around the lake, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the blue lake and view Cangshan at a distance. You can also go to islands on the lake such as Nanzhao Folklore Island.

Then, go to Dali Ancient Town, which is located east of Erhai Lake.

Dali Ancient Town: a historic town that dates back to the year 1382. You can visit Foreigners Street, the Gate Towers and the Ancient City Wall and walk around to taste local food and handicrafts.

Stay overnight in Dali.

Erhai Lake

Dali Ancient Town

Attractions: Xizhou Ancient Town, Shaxi Ancient Town, Lijiang Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lijiang

In the morning, you will head to Xizhou Ancient Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architecture and famous local dishes like Three-course Tea and Xizhou Baba.

Then move to Shaxi Ancient Town, a historic market town in Jianchuan County. was a bustling trade point on the ancient Tea and Horse Road. You can stroll down the tranquil town to explore local ethnic culture.

Continue your journey to Lijiang, where you can visit the world heritage site of Lijiang Ancient Town. Taking a walk in the town allows you to explore its orderly system of waterways and bridges and feel the local Naxi culture.

Stay overnight in Lijiang.

Xizhou Ancient Town

Lijiang Ancient Town

Attractions: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lijiang

In the morning, cycle to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
1. Spruce Meadow: a large meadow hiding behind a primeval forest where you can see many wild animals.
2. Impression Lijiang Show: a large-scale live-action performance directed by the world-famous director Zhang Yimou. With wonderful singing and dancing performances, this show provides you with an audiovisual feast.
3. Blue Moon Valley: an extremely blue river meandering through a lush valley, where you can hear a romantic tale.

After enjoying the beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you’ll be guided to Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi-style old town. You can see the famous Baisha Murals.

Stay overnight in Lijiang.

Jade Dragon Snow Moutain

Baisha Ancient Town

Attractions: First Bend on the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Shangri-La

In the morning, you’ll head to Shangri-La. After riding about 50km, you’ll reach the First Bend on the Yangtze River, where you can see the majestic gorge scenery and glowing waters.

Moving on to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: one of the deepest gorges in the world with a stunning scene of rugged river trail and breathtaking snow mountain views.

Continue your trip to Shangri-La and stay overnight there.

First Bend on the Yangtze River

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Attractions: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Shangri-La

In the morning, you’ll visit an ancient monastery.

Songzanlin Monastery: the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan where you can see a Sakyamuni statue of 8-meter high and exquisite murals in the halls.

Then, you’ll visit Pudacuo National Park, the first national park in the Chinese mainland.

Pudacuo National Park
1. Shudu Lake: you can hear the sound of flutes and see yaks and goats grazing beside the lake.
2. Militang Pasture: a vast green land under the blue sky with yaks and sheep scattered around. You can relax your body and mind in this tranquil place.

Stay overnight in Shangri-La.

Songzanlin Monastery

Pudacuo National Park

Attractions: Lancang River Grand Canyon
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hotel in Markam

Today, you’ll ride to Markam. Along the way, you can see the flowing Lancang River.

Lancang River Grand Canyon: one of China’s most beautiful canyons with the view of rushing river flows, towering snow mountains, and deep valleys. You’ll be amazed by the nearly vertical slope.

Stay overnight in Markam.

Lancang River Grand Canyon

Markam

Attractions: Dongda Pass
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Zogong

Today, move to Zogong. Along the way, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, river valleys, and jumping wild animals. You’ll ride through Dongda Mountain.

Dongda Pass: the highest mountain pass along the way, offering you a spectacular vista of zigzag paths and the incredible Lancang River.

Stay overnight in Zogong.

Dongda Pass

Cycling on Road

Attractions: Bangda Grassland, Seventy-two Curves of Nujiang River
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Ranwu Town

Ride to Ranwu Town via Baxiu, you’ll come across a vast grassland.

Bangda Grassland: an alpine grassland with flowing waters and lush grass. You can see herds of cattle and sheep wandering there.

Then, you’ll travel across Yela Mountain and ride along the Seventy-two Curves of Nujiang River. Be careful when you ride on the narrow and winding road.

Moving westward, you’ll reach Ranwu Town and stay overnight there.

Bangda Grassland

Seventy-two Curves of Nujiang River

Attractions: Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Bomi

In the morning, you can enjoy the sunrise view of Ranwu Lake.

Ranwu Lake: a vast deep blue lake glowing with dazzling silver in the sunlight. Opposite the lake is a row of snow mountains and several steep snow-capped peaks, adding to the incomparable beauty of Ranwu Lake.

On the way to Bomi, you can tour Midui Glacier.

Midui Glacier: believed to be the most beautiful glacier in China for its integrated scenery of ice basins, snow mountains, forests, lakes, villages, and temples.

Stay overnight in Bomi.

Ranwu Lake

Midui Glacier

Attractions: Lulang Forest, Mt. Namcha Barwa
Meals: No
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Nyingchi

Lulang Forest: a paradise for natural lovers featuring stunning alpine scenery. Your eyes will be feasted with snow-capped mountains, beautiful forests, flower-dotted pastoral, and cloud seas.

Then ride to a platform where you can have a panoramic view of Namcha Barwa (7,782m).

Mt. Namcha Barwa: a prominent peak with a rich variety of flora and fauna. You can appreciate the towering peak against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds.

Continue cycling to Nyingchi and stay overnight there.

Lulang Forest

Mt. Namcha Barwa

Attractions: Basumtso Lake
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lhasa

Leaving Nyingchi, you’ll move westward to Lhasa by following Niyang River, a tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo River. Riding on your motor, you can appreciate the idyllic pastoral scene along the valley. You can enjoy the beautiful rivers, grasslands and continuous snowy mountains. You will visit Pagsum Tso Lake en route.

Basumtso Lake: a scenic lake in eastern Tibet. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, which creates a beautiful reflection on the blue transparent water.

Then, you’ll drive along the G318 Highway to Lhasa. Upon arrival, you’ll check in the hotel for a good rest.

Tips:
1. For first-time visitors, it is common to get symptoms of altitude sickness like fatigue, headache, and vomiting.
2. To adapt to the high altitude (over 3,600m), you are recommended to have a good rest in the hotel and avoid strenuous activities like running. Do not smoke or drink. Avoid showers for the first one or two days.
3. Please drink sufficient water and eat more vegetables, fruits, meat, and eggs for sufficient energy intake.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide or hotel staff for help if you feel unwell or need help.

Basumtso Lake

Stunning View of Basumtso

Attractions: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lhasa

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will lead you to Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet.

Drepung Monastery
1. Coqen Hall: the main assembly hall, located in the center of the monastery, where you can find a fine statue of Usnisa-sitapatra, a huge statue of Maitreya (Qamba Budda) and a mass collection of Buddhist sutras.
2. Loseling College: the biggest one of the four colleges of Drepung Monastery, offering you an insight into the monks’ practices and studies.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue your trip to visit another famous monastery.

Sera Monastery
1. Coqen Hall: the main assembly hall where you can see the statue of Shvakya-ye-shes, the founder of this monastery.
2. Sera Je College: the largest college in Sera Monastery where you can visit the chapel of Hayagriva and pray for blessings.
3. Tibetan Monks Debates: the debates among monks (15:00-17:00, from Monday to Friday) offer you a chance to see how they gain a better comprehension of Buddhist philosophy in this process.

Then back to the hotel for a good rest. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Drepung Monastery

Sera Monastery

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lhasa

After your breakfast at the hotel, you will head to the famous landmark Potala Palace.

Potala Palace
1. The Viewing Platform of Jag Pori: a popular photo spot where you may appreciate the splendid sunrise.
2. Treasure Hall of Potala: offering you an insight into Tibetan history and culture with precious artworks and cultural relics.
3. Mountain Path to the Palace: climbing up along the zigzag mountain path with over 900 steps gives you a sense of fulfillment.
4. White Palace: the winter palace of Dalai Lamas shows you Tibetan architectural art.
5. Red Palace: the chapel housing stupas, tombs, and relics of Dalai Lamas where you can experience the sanctity and solemnity of religion.

In the afternoon you will head to the oldest temple in Tibet.

Jokhang Temple
1. Main Hall: the central hall serves as the main point for worship and houses the precious statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve.
2. Golden Roof: an ideal site to overlook Jokhang Temple Square and Potala Palace.

After viewing the holiest temple, you can visit Barkhor Street encircling it.

Barkhor Street
1. The Circumambulation Road: an essential pilgrim route where you can join pilgrims to do a kora around the Temple.
2. Shops and Restaurants: you can eat local food and buy handcrafts like prayer beads, prayer wheels, and thangkas in this old market.

Back to your hotel and stay overnight in Lhasa.

Potala Palace

Jokhang Temple

Attractions: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Simila Mountain Pass
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Shigatse

After breakfast, you will start your ride to Shigatse.

Yamdrok Lake: cycle southwest to the Gampala Pass where you can have a perfect view of the turquoise lake and the majestic Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).

Enjoy your lunch at Nagartse hosted by a local Tibetan family, where you can savor the local flavors and engage in conversation with the locals. Then, continue your trip to Gyantse.

Karola Glacier: the largest glacier in Tibet for you to enjoy at a distance on the vehicle.

Simila Mountain Pass: a stop where you can hang prayer flags.

Upon your arrival at Gyantse, you can stroll down the streets and take some photos. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green Tibetan barley fields in summer and golden ones in autumn, along with countless farms.

You will reach Shigatse before nightfall. Check-in at the hotel and have a good rest. Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Yamdrok Lake

Karola Glacier

Attractions: Tashilunpo Monastery, Gyawu La Pass, Everest Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: guestroom or tent at EBC

After your breakfast, you will first visit the home of Panchen Lama.

Tashilunpo Monastery
1. Qamba Buddha Hall: a grand hall houses the tallest and largest bronze Qamba Buddha statue where you can appreciate Buddhist art.

Then, you will head to Mount Everest.

Gyawu La Pass (5250m): the best scenic spot providing you the first glimpse of Mt. Everest.

Continue your journey towards Everest Base Camp along the winding road with the grand Everest drawing nearer.

Everest Base Camp (5200m)
1. Sunset View from EBC: a breathtaking spectacle that captivates your senses as you witness the sun descend toward the horizon, casting its golden hues on the towering peak.
2. Milky Way: being situated at a high altitude, EBC has clear and unobstructed views of the night sky. You can enjoy a luminous band of stars, weaving its way through the darkness above the snow-white peak.
3. 5200 Monument: a monument typically marks the elevation of Everest Base Camp itself where you can take a photo to commemorate your trip to EBC.
4. 8848 Monument: a monument represents the elevation of Mount Everest about 500m from the tent area and the closest viewing spot to Mt. Everest. You can take photos here with the monument and the majestic Everest.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC.

Tashilunpo Monastery

Arrival at EBC

Attractions: Sunrise of Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery, Mount Shishapangma, Pelkhu Tso Lake
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Saga

Weather permitting, you may appreciate the sunrise of Mt. Everest, seeing the sunlight casting its golden glow on the towering peak.

In the morning, you will visit a simple yet unusual monastery.

Rongbuk Monastery (5009m): the highest monastery on the north side of Mt. Everest. Its Observation Deck is a perfect site to view the towering mountain.

Then, you will head to Saga.

Mount Shishapangma (8027m): faced with the world’s 14th highest mountain covered by a large area of glaciers, you cannot help but marvel at its lofty.

Pelkhu Tso Lake (4591m): descending to lower elevations takes you to the beautiful Pelkhu Tso Lake. The golden glow of water and the white peaks of Mt. Shishapangma enhance each other’s beauty, offering you a breathtaking view.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Rongbuk Monastery

Pelkhu Tso Lake

Attractions: Saga Valley, Mayum La Pass, Gongzhucuo Lake, Lake Manasarovar
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Darchen

On your way to Darchen, you may appreciate stunning landscapes along the way.

Saga Valley: a picturesque valley between the Gangdise Range and the Himalaya Range offers you the scenery of snow-capped peaks, vast grassland, and Tibetan villages.

After passing the Mayum La Pass (5,211m), you’ll enter the Ngari Plateau. Moving on, another stunning lake will catch your eyes.

Gongzhucuo Lake: a sapphire nestled in the wilderness, which reflects the surrounding mountains and sky like a mirror. You can enjoy its infinite charm from the vehicle.

After your visit, return to Kunming and stay overnight there.

Also, Lake Manasarovar will greet you on the way. The view of the holy lake, together with Mt. Kailash at a distance, is awe-inspiring.

Upon your arrival in Darchen, check in your hotel. Stay overnight in Darchen.

Gongzhucuo Lake

Arrival in Darchen

Attractions: Mount Kailash
Meals: No
Hotel: Guestroom at Dirapuk Monastery

In the morning, you will take an eco-bus to Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where you will begin your trek to Dirapuk Monastery via the Lachu Valley.

Tarboche: one of the most important sites for the Saga Dawa Festival where you can see hundreds of pilgrims raising the flagpole.

Choku Monastery: the first monastery on Mt. Kailash kora where you can see a sacred silver embossed conch shell and teapots.

Dirapuk Monastery: the famous monastery is an ideal site for you to view the impressive western face of Mt. Kailash.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Trekking at Mt. Kailash

Dirapuk Monastery

Attractions: Mount Kailash
Meals: No
Hotel: Guestroom at Dzultripuk Monastery

In the morning, depart from Dirapuk Monastery and begin your third trek day. After a challenging 762-meter ascending, you will arrive at the highest pass of the kora.

Dolma La Pass (5648m): reaching the pass gives you a sacred fulfillment because according to Tibetan Buddhist belief, ascending the pass can remove one’s sins.

Cibei Lake (Gauri Kund): the emerald-green lake waits for you on your way downhills, which is said to be capable of purifying sins.

Continue descending and arrive at Dzultripuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Cibei Lake

Dzultripuk Monastery Guestroom

Attractions: Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Darchen

On the last trek day, you will depart from Dzultripuk Monastery and head back to Darchen. In the morning, trek 6km to Zongto where you can take an eco-bus to Darchen, signifying the end of your trek.

In the afternoon, you will cycle 30km to the holy lake Manasarovar.

Lake Manasarovar
1. Lake View: the holy lake is set against the backdrop of Mt. Kailash, with crystal-clear water that can feast your eyes.
2. Meditation: you can meditate at the peaceful and tranquil lakeside, letting its calm water purity your mind.
3. Hot Springs (optional): soaking in hot springs or taking a foot bath is a great way for you to relax after a long journey.

After that, drive back to Darchen and settle in your hotel. Stay overnight in Darchen.

Beautiful Lake Manasarovar

View Kailash at Manasarovar

Attractions: Zanda Earth Forest, Tholing Monastery, Guge Kingdom Ruins
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Zanda

After breakfast, your team leader will guide you to Zanda County. Along the way, you can see the wandering wildlife and the unique landscape of the earth forest. Upon arrival at Zanda, you’ll begin your exploration of ancient sites.

Zanda Earth Forest: you can admire the magnificent scenery of striking canyons and eroded earth structures.

Tholing Monastery: the oldest monastery in Ngari Prefecture where you can appreciate precious and exquisite murals.

Guge Kingdom Ruins: the stunning royal palace complex offers you an insight into the once-flourishing kingdom.

After your visit, cycle back to Zanda for accommodation. Stay overnight at Zanda.

Zanda Earth Forest

Guge Kingdom Ruins

Attractions: Shiquanhe Town, Pangong Tso Lake
Meals: No
Hotel: Camp at Pangong Tso Lake

Today, you’ll head to the beautiful Pangong Tso Lake. Along the drive, you can take your time to appreciate the natural beauty of the Ngari Prefecture.

Shiquanhe Town: the main town and administrative seat of Ngari Prefecture, where you can see the Shiquanhe River, the source stream of the Indus River.

Then you will continue your journey to Pangong Tso Lake, a high-altitude saltwater lake of which one part of the lake is inside the Tibetan area and the other part is situated inside India.

Pangong Tso Lake
1. Breathtaking Scenery: the lake itself is the main attraction, known for its mesmerizing shades of blue. Spend time simply taking in the panoramic views of the lake surrounded by majestic mountains.
2. Bird Watching: If you're interested in bird watching, Pangong Tso is home to a variety of bird species, especially during the migratory season. Keep an eye out for species like bar-headed geese, Brahmini ducks, and seagulls.

Camp by the lake and stay overnight there.

Shiquanhe Town

Pangong Tso Lake

Attractions: Jieshan Daban Pass
Meals: No
Hotel: Guestroom at Dahongliutan

Today, you’ll continue moving towards Xinjiang along the Tibet Xinjiang Highway. First, you’ll cycle to Dorma, Rutog County. The road condition is not ideal and is even worse after passing Dorma. You’ll cross over many mountain passes along the way.

Jieshan Daban Pass: one of the famous passes with an altitude of 5341m, serving as the last pass before entering Xinjiang.

After that, it still takes around 8-9 hours to reach Dahongliutan. Stay overnight in Dahongliutan.

Cycling to Dahongliutan

Jieshan Daban

Attractions: Kunlun Mountain range, Karakorum Mountain range, Mazar Pass
Meals: No
Hotel: Guestroom at Mazar

Ride along G219 to Mazar and enjoy on the road. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful Kunlun Mountain range on the right side, and the Karakoram Mountain range on the left side.

Mazar Pass: a long mountain pass with numerous turns where you can see the desolate view of winding roads, rocks and cliffs, and towering mountains.

Stay overnight in Mazar

Snowy Mountains on the Way

Mazar Pass

Attractions: Scenery along the Way
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Yecheng

Cycle across the Mazar Pass and the Kunlun Mountain range. Then, you’ll move downward along the Yecheng ravine to Xinjiang.

After reaching Yecheng, check in at your hotel and have a good rest. Stay overnight in Yecheng.

Scenery along the Way

Arrival in Yecheng

Attractions: Taklamankan Desert, Kashgar Old City, Sunday Market
Meals: No
Hotel: Hotel in Kashgar

Today, you’ll cycle about 250km to Kashgar to visit the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. The road condition is good and you can enjoy the desert landscape.

Taklamankan Desert
1. Desert Scenery: the edge of the Taklamakan Desert offers unique desert landscapes featuring vast sand dunes, grey-black rocks, and barren plains.
2. Ancient Silk Road Sites: Taklamakan Desert was a significant stop along the ancient Silk Road trade route. You can explore some ancient sites and ruins to learn about the history of trade and cultural exchange in the region.

Don’t miss out on exploring Kashgar as well! If you happen to be there on Sunday, you can go to the Sunday Market.

Kashgar Old City: an old city made of yellow mud bricks standing on a small hill about 20km east of Kashgar city. You can appreciate the beautiful Islamic and Uyghur architecture.

Sunday Market: a vibrant and bustling bazaar where you'll find a wide variety of items for sale, from traditional handicrafts to spices, and even livestock. It's a great opportunity to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.

Stay overnight in Kashgar

Kashgar Old City

Bustling Sunday Market

Attractions: Baisha Lake
Meals: No
Hotel: No

Today, you’ll ride to Khunjerab Port. You can make a detour to Baisha Lake.

Baisha Lake: located in the middle of desert, it is renowned as the “desert wonder”. With Mingsha Mountain, sky and clouds reflected on it, the lake offers you an enjoyable view.

Your team leader and guide will send you off at Khunjerab Port and our service ends there. Thank you for choosing Tibet Horizon. We’re always here for your next visit to China!

Baisha Lake

Khunjerab Port