Destinations: Kunming + Lijiang + Shangri‑La + Lhasa
Embark on a soul-stirring journey from the karst wonders of Yunnan to the snow-capped holiness of Tibet with PandaStudyTour's 10-Day In-Depth Tour. This extraordinary itinerary weaves together the best of southern and western China, taking you from Kunming's spring-like warmth and dramatic stone forests, through Lijiang's ancient Naxi cobblestone streets and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain's grandeur, to Shangri-La's mystical Tibetan valleys and finally to Lhasa's sacred temples and holy lakes. Traverse the majestic transition from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, immerse yourself in diverse ethnic cultures, and stand in awe of nature's most breathtaking creations. Designed exclusively for discerning international travelers, this private tour offers seamless comfort, personalized flexibility, and authentic experiences, with our dedicated team handling every detail so you can fully embrace the magic of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Tour Highlights
Why Choose This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
This 10-day tour is crafted for travelers who seek more than just sightseeing—it's a deep dive into the natural beauty and cultural richness of Yunnan and Tibet. What sets us apart is our focus on comfort and authenticity: we arrange a gradual altitude increase to ease your adaptation to high elevations, provide professional bilingual guides who share in-depth insights into local history and culture, and handle all logistics from airport pickups to advance reservations for popular attractions (such as Potala Palace tickets). Whether you’re traveling with family, your partner, or as a solo adventurer, our flexible itinerary can be customized to your preferences, ensuring you experience the journey at your own pace. With PandaStudyTour, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing every detail is cared for, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories in these sacred and stunning lands.
Day 1 Arrive in Kunming | Western Hills Longmen & Dianchi Lake
Your private guide and driver from PandaStudyTour greet you upon arrival at Kunming Changshui Airport or railway station and transfer you to a 4‑star downtown hotel. Spend the day settling in. In the afternoon, visit Western Hills (Sleeping Beauty Mountain), hike Longmen Grottoes and overlook Dianchi Lake and the whole Kunming city. Wander forest trails and ancient temples such as Huating Temple and Taihua Temple to enjoy the quiet charm of the Spring City.
Day 2 Kunming Sightseeing & High‑Speed Train to Lijiang
After breakfast, visit Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage karst site, exploring Big Stone Forest and Small Stone Forest while learning the Yi people's Ashima legend. In the afternoon, stroll Green Lake Park, where you may watch Siberian red‑billed gulls in winter and spring. Take an evening high‑speed train to Lijiang, then be transferred to your hotel.
Day 3 In‑Depth Lijiang Cultural Tour
Start the day with a visit to Yuhu Village and Joseph Rock's former residence, an original Naxi village under Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Explore Baisha Ancient Town and the millennium‑old Baisha Murals blending multiple cultural influences. Learn mysterious Dongba scripts at the Dongba Culture Museum. Enjoy perfect snow‑mountain views at Black Dragon Pool Park. In the evening, wander Lijiang Old Town, Mu Mansion and Square Street to feel Naxi ancient‑town vibes.
Day 4 Lijiang → Shangri‑La | Yangtze First Bend & Tiger Leaping Gorge & Dukezong Ancient Town
Head to Shangri‑La after breakfast. Stop by the First Bend of the Yangtze River to view the dramatic Jinsha River turn. Visit Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, hiking its boardwalk to feel the power of one of the world's deepest canyons (optional paid elevator available). Check in at your Shangri‑La hotel to adapt to high altitude. Walk Dukezong Ancient Town, climb Turtle Mountain Park and spin the world's largest prayer wheel. Optional activities include Thangka painting and Tibetan calligraphy.
Day 5 Shangri‑La Full‑Day Tour | Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo & Tibetan Family Visit
In the morning, visit Songzanlin Monastery, known as the Little Potala Palace, with stunning lake reflections for photography. In the afternoon, hike Pudacuo National Park's boardwalks around Shudu Lake and Bitahai Lake through primeval forests and alpine meadows (avoid heavy exercise at high altitude). In the evening, visit a local Tibetan family to taste butter tea and authentic Tibetan snacks.
Day 6 Shangri‑La → Lhasa | Flight to Xizang & Altitude Rest
Spend the morning resting to acclimate to Shangri‑La's altitude. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon and fly to Lhasa, enjoying snow‑covered scenery along the Yarlung Zangbo River. Settle into your Lhasa hotel with a slow‑paced rest day to adapt to high elevation with no strenuous activities arranged.
Day 7 Lhasa Suburban Monastery Tour | Norbulingka, Drepung & Sera Monastery
Visit Norbulingka, the Summer Palace of Dalai Lamas and a peaceful Tibetan‑style garden. In the afternoon, tour Drepung Monastery, one of the great Gelug‑sect monasteries with panoramic Lhasa views. Watch famous monk debates at Sera Monastery and return downtown for gentle rest.
Day 8 Lhasa City Highlights | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Tour the iconic Potala Palace, exploring palaces, tombs and precious relics while climbing slowly to avoid altitude discomfort. Visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Xizang, to see the sacred 12‑year‑old Buddha statue and devout pilgrims. Wander Barkhor Street along the traditional kora route, browsing local handicrafts and Tibetan street culture. Optional: take Potala Palace panoramic photos at Yaowang Mountain viewing platform.
Day 9 Lhasa → Nam Co Lake → Lhasa
Depart early for Nam Co Lake, one of Xizang's three great holy lakes and the world's highest salt‑water lake. Enjoy views of Nyenchen Tanglha snow mountains along the way. Walk along the lakeshore, admire snow‑capped peaks mirrored in blue water, and take yak‑riding photos. Return to Lhasa in the evening.
Day 10 Departure from Lhasa
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel. Our private car transfers you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or railway station according to your schedule, marking the end of your unforgettable Yunnan‑Xizang in‑depth journey.
Important Notes
Let PandaStudyTour guide you through Yunnan and Xizang's most spiritual and breathtaking landscapes, creating memories of a lifetime on this extraordinary highland journey.
