Trip
Overview
Lodging
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All meals included except 1 dinner.
Kunming, China/Chengdu, China
Culture & History, Exotic Adventure, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife
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On this journey, you’ll discover landscapes of contrasting beauty, from the architecturally rich ancient Chinese town of Lijiang to the lush lake-dotted hills of China’s Yunnan Province with its small Tibetan and hilltribe communities, to the arid rugged Tibetan Plateau and the splendor of Lhasa. Only recently opened to tourism after decades of struggle with China for autonomy, Tibet is slowly undergoing a renaissance of sorts, with the restoration of monasteries, palaces and artwork. Enjoy the hospitality of warm and gracious Tibetan and Chinese hosts who are proud to share their native culture, traditions and homeland.
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Meet in Kunming 
Fly to Lijiang, set on a high plateau amid stunning mountain peaks in China’s Yunnan Province Walk through the ancient city’s atmospheric Old Town, a World Heritage site laced with canals and filled with unique architecture.
Embark on a vigorous hike through one of the world’s deepest river canyons, Tiger Leaping Gorge Shuttle to Gyalthang, a city set amid snowcapped peaks and virgin forests Walk through the Gyalthang Dzong and into the countryside, where ethnic Tibetans keep ancient traditions alive Hike to the village of Ringha and hang a prayer flag at its monastery.
Take a spectacular flight above the Tibetan Plateau to the holy city of Lhasa, one of the world’s highest cities at over 11,800 feet Follow a trail up to the Tashi Chöling hermitage for fantastic views of the Lhasa Valley Receive a warm welcome—and a taste of yak butter tea—at the Chupsang Nunnery Walk the kora (a devotional route around a sacred object) of the Sera Monastery Tour the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, with its grand murals, mandalas and gem-encrusted coffins Pass rock paintings, prayer flags and statues on the Drepung Monastery kora Hike from the Ganden Monastery, at 13,700 feet, to the valley floor Catch a morning flight to Chengdu.
Route Rating What's this? Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Each offers options for more or less activity, so you can decide exactly how much you want to do day by day.
Lodging What's
this? Our lodgings are divided into three different categories.
Premiere Inns:These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic
regional flair.
Casual Inns:These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the
areawith such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and
proximity to our activities.
Deluxe Camping:We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every
camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Detailed Itinerary No itinerary available at the momentSorry no detailed itineraries available yet, please call 800-GO-ACTIVE for more information
For years I've wanted to travel through Tibet, although I never quite understood where my desire was coming from…The guides were able to guide me through an amazingly foreign land while removing all doubt and hesitation I may have had about immersing myself into Tibetan culture... In fact, as I witnessed the passion with which the guides led us through the cities, hills, and villages, I began to envy their globe trotting lifestyle and picture myself in their shoes one day. This trip proved to be all that it promised and more... The most memorable thing that I'll take from this trip is the friendship that I found with our Tibetan Nomad local tour guides, with whom I hope to visit again soon in the future.New York, NY
For more than 29 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Tibet tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in Asia & the Pacific, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Asia & the Pacific walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific multisport tours click here.
Lijiang (2 nights): This traditionally styled simple hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a superb location in the heart of Old Town.
Gyalthang (3 nights): In an idyllic setting, this impressive hotel was built in the Tibetan dzong (fortress) style and features guest rooms with authentic Tibetan décor.
Lhasa (3 nights): Located next to the
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2 Route Options Available
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1 Route Option Available
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Please note that the high elevation of routes during this trip makes walking and hiking much more difficult.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking |
||
| 1 | 2-3 hours |
10-20 miles |
2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours |
21-30 miles |
5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours |
31-40 miles |
7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours |
41-55 miles |
9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours |
56-75+ miles |
11-13+ miles |
