![Mount Meili Sunset Mount Meili Sunset](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/2019-05/Mount-Meili-Sunset.jpeg?itok=2aivIdXk)
![Yunnan Tibet Tour Map Yunnan Tibet Tour Route](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image_webp/public/yunnan-tibet-tour-map.JPG.webp?itok=Poa-QGVp)
![Salt Pans at Yanjing Town Salt Pans at Yanjing Town](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/2019-09/yanjing-salt-pans.jpg?itok=sZmC1O8w)
![Dongda Mountain Dongda Mountain](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/2019-09/dongda-mountain-markham.jpg?itok=kPOK8rMJ)
![Rawok Lake Rawok Lake Tibet](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/2019-09/rawok-lake-tibet.jpg?itok=9Y6r5Twy)
![](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/nyingchi-bayi.jpg?itok=uKMMI3gh)
10 days Yunnan Lijiang to Tibet Lhasa overland
Itinerary
The overland tour from Yunnan to Lhasa (starting from Lijiang) is less difficult than driving from Chengdu to Lhasa, but the scenery along the way is also stunning beautiful. During this trip, You will visit the deepest gorges in the world - Tiger Leaping Gorges before arriving at Zhongdian Shangri-la. After passing by the holy Mount Kawakarpo you will meet with Sichuan-Tibet highway, this tour presents an amazing contrast to the landscape of the Brahmaputra valley and is distinguished by extremely rugged mountains in parallel ranges extending from northwest to southeast broken by very deep alpine gorges. The beautiful ranges are narrow and rocky with steep slopes and sharp ridges at some points. Breathtaking views of Rawu Lake and Draksum Tso Lake are incomparable tour.
But during summer time, it is very easy to get landslides, while winter time, it is with heavy snow. So the best time to take this trip is Spring and Autumn.
![Shangri-la Stone Drum Town Shangri-la Stone Drum Town](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/shangri-la-stone-drum-town.jpg?itok=lauc9XE0)
![The first bend of Yangtze river Yunnan Yangtze river first bend](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%206/upload%206/first-bend-of-the-yangtze-river.jpg?itok=E4C0iFlO)
![Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/tiger-leaping-gorge-lijiang.jpg?itok=6BWPzkfs)
![Shangri-la Dukezong Old Town Shangri-la Old Town](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/shangri-la-old-town.jpg?itok=tcGHDDtC)
Drive from Lijiang to Zhongdian (Shangri-la), on the way stop to visit the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery and the deepest gorge in the world - Tiger Leaping Gorge(Middle part). In the afternoon explore Shangri-la old town. Overnight at Zhongdian.
![Sunset at Ganden Sumtseling Monastery Shangri-la holy Ganden Sumtseling Monastery](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-08/ganden-sumtseling-monastery-shangri-la.jpg?itok=XNm8hoC0)
![Visit Shangri-la Ganden Sumtseling Monastery - Yunnan Adventure Tour Visit Shangri-la Ganden Sumtseling Monastery - Yunnan Adventure Tour](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/shangri-la-ganden-sumtseling-monastery.jpg?itok=hnlkU4Or)
![Baima Mountain on the way to Deqin Baima Mountain on the way to Deqin](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/baima-moutain.jpg?itok=IAe9l6Et)
![Jinsha River Big Bend viewed from Benzilan town Jinsha River Big Bend viewed from Benzilan town](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-05/Benzilan-Jinshajiang-Big-Bend.jpeg?itok=UKD0iut0)
![Holy Mount Meili Shangrila Tour Holy Mount Meili Shangrila Tour](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-05/Holy-Mountain-Meili-Shangrila-Tour.jpeg?itok=PNQ8X14e)
![Yunnan Shangri-la Mingyong Glacier Mingyong Glacier Yunnan](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-08/mingyong-glacier-yunnan_0.jpeg?itok=-Ac3t1fp)
Morning visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the biggest Buddhism Gelugpa monastery in Yunnan, reputed as 'Little Potala Palace' which was built according to the complex of Potala Palace in Lhasa. Afterward driving to Deqin, it takes about 4-5 hours, along the way with beautiful landscapes including Baima Snow mountain and Benzilan the First Bend of the Jinsha River. Reach to Feilaisi in the early afternoon where you can enjoy the fabulous view of Mount Meili (Kawar Karpo in Tibetan)(6740m). If time is allowed, drive to see the beautiful Mingyong Glacier at the foot of Kawa Karpo - the main peak of Mt. Meili. Overnight at Feilaisi.
![Yunnan Lancang River Grand Canyon Lancang River grand canyon Yunnan](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-08/lancang-river-grand-canyon-01_0.jpg?itok=7OjjPB9F)
![Salt Pans at Yanjing Town Salt Pans at Yanjing Town](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/yanjing-salt-pans.jpg?itok=aZY2fcs_)
![Local people on the salt pans Local people on the salt pans](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/yanjing-salt-pans-local-people.jpg?itok=ED5nukaG)
![Markham in Autumn Markham in Autumn](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/markham-autumn.jpg?itok=pJJbP-r-)
Go on northwards along the Lancang river valley, the upper reaches of Mekong River. Pass the border between Tibet and Yunnan at Yanjing, arrive at Markham after another 111km and meet with the Sichuan-Tibet Southern route. When at Yanjing, visit the salt pans along the Lancang Jiang River. Overnight at Markham.
![Dongda Mountain Dongda Mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/dongda-mountain-markham.jpg?itok=8mi-jyhC)
![Pilgrim on the way from Yunnan to Tibet Pilgrim on the way from Yunnan to Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/pilgrim-yunnan-tibet.jpg?itok=aSwTRo-U)
![Pomda Grassland Pomda Grassland](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/pomda-grassland.jpg?itok=O3aithOl)
![Pasho County in Tibet Pasho County in Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/pasho-county-tibet.jpg?itok=fmX6ph3i)
Cross Lancang river, pass over the highest pass- Dongda which is 5,008m. Markham offers spectacular scenery, with two riotous rivers 'Lancang River and Jinsha River'. The road running up and down through mountains and gorges makes the 265 km driving full of surprise and excitement. After getting to Pomda, the landscape changes to stretching grassland. Anther 94 km's driving, you get to Pasho. Overnight in Pasho.
![Mountain road from Rawok to Pomi mountain road from Rawok to Pomi](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/rawok-pomi-road-overview.jpg?itok=57xSSDSL)
![Rawok Lake Rawok Lake Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/rawok-lake-tibet.jpg?itok=L5b4j8hA)
![Rawok Lake Rawok Lake Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/tibet-rawok-lake-blue-water.jpg?itok=A0Ip_CoU)
![From Pomi to Bayi Town From Pomi to Bayi Town](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/pomi-bayi.jpg?itok=xNPFSX1K)
The scenery east of Pomi is particularly beautiful. The road heads up the Yarlung Tsangpo valley, passing a gorge and several stunning side valleys before you get your first magical views of the blue waters and sandy beaches of Rawoktso (Ranwu Lake). After days of driving on the dusty roads, you'll feel so refreshed once get to Pomi, a town embraced by snow mountains and deep forest with pleasant views. Overnight in Pomi.
![View from Serkhym-la Pass View from Serkhym-la Pass](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/nyingchi-pomi-serkhym-la-pass.jpg?itok=Q5otTVLK)
![Lulang forest and villages Tibet Lulang forest Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%202_1/upload%202/lunang-forest-area.jpg?itok=tog0GcGb)
![Local Village in Nyingchi Local Village in Nyingchi](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/nyingchi-local-village.jpg?itok=Llc4wV2-)
![Bayi Town in Nyingchi Nyingchi Bayi Town](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/nyingchi-bayi-town.jpg?itok=hptcUI9P)
This part of the road continually surprises you with incredible scenery. One saying describes it best: four seasons a day, the diverse climate in ten miles. Stop at Lulang to view the grand peak of Mt.Namche Barwa (7,756m). Overnight in Bayi.
![Cypresse Park Nyingchi Cypresse Park](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/nyingchi-old-cypresse.jpg?itok=L77fXbDO)
![Niyang River Niyang River](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/niyang-river-nyingchi-lhasa.jpg?itok=70wgc5-s)
![Draksum-tso Lake Shore Shore of Draksum-tso Lake](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-08/draksum-tso-lake-shore.jpg?itok=OhlPo2Qr)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/tibet-draksum-tso.jpg?itok=Nts6GljB)
![Mila pass Tibet - way to Nyingchi Mila pass Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%205/upload%205/mila-pass-tibet.jpg?itok=3846E_45)
Morning visit Bayi Cypresses Park, afterward continue the way to Lhasa along the beautiful Niyang River, one the way to make a detour to Draksumtso (Basumtso). The lake and its surrounding views are beautiful and the site is also connected to the semi-mythical ruler of the Kham region and Guru Rinpoche. The joint board floating bridge is the only way to the Tsodzong island and visit the Tsodzong Monastery amid of the trees, most probably the highest attraction of this site. Then keep driving along the Niyang River, cross over Min-la pass (5100m) to Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/potala-palace-lhasa-tibet-china.png?itok=eV2dRlgx)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/lhasa-jokhang-temple.jpg?itok=ZaMBgI2U)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/local-pilgrims-at-front-of-jokhang-temple_0.jpg?itok=dpC0MiEe)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/barkhor-lhasa.jpg?itok=mt20JNGZ)
Today you will be arranged to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both are the focal points of pilgrims from the entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.
![Drepung monastery assembly halls Tibet Drepung monastery assembly halls](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-06/drepung-monastery-assembly-hall-tibet.jpg?itok=0Bn7dj0X)
![Shoton festival Tibet Drepung monastery Shoton festival Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-06/giant-thangka-display-drepung-shoton-festival.jpg?itok=L7FtNotX)
![Norbulingka Palace Tibet Norbulingka Palace](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-07/norbulingka-palace.jpg?itok=bfytq1Bf)
![Tibet opera show in Norbulingka palace Tibet Tibet opera in Norbulingka palace](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%205/upload%205/tibet-opera-at-norbulingka-palace.jpeg?itok=2nx8FHN3)
Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 7,700 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.
![Lhasa Airport Lhasa Airport](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-07/lhasa-airport.jpg?itok=yXDzsNRR)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/tibet-train_1.jpg?itok=hTjUjovo)
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.
Comments
I would like a join-in tour during march-may period 2013 to Tibet. if you are interested, please advice
In reply to tibet in april 2013 by mr chew (not verified)
Hi Mr. Chew,
Thanks for contacting us. We'd love yo help you plan this trip and I've just sent you an email with some details about your travel plan, please check it and let me know if you have any further questions on it!
I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Best Regards,
Murphy
Tashi Delek,
My name is Arleigh and I'm interested in planning a trip in September for 3 weeks. I'll be
traveling with one or two people. I live in Kunming now and would like to travel from Yunnan to Tibet.
Your Yunnan to Tibet tour looks great. It's an 11 day tour and I'm interested in 3 weeks so I thought about
adding the tour from Lhasa to Sichuan via the north road. What do you think? What is the cost for each tour and for the combination of the two? Thank you for your ideas and help.
Sincerely,
Arleigh Holzgen