9 Days Chengdu, Lhasa, Gyantse, Xigatse, Tsedang, Shanghai

Day 1 Sun: Arrive Chengdu
Arrive this evening in Chengdu, the pleasant capital of China’s Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to CROWN PLAZA HOTEL CHENGDU.

Day 2 Mon: Sanxingdui Museum / Panda Reserve
The site of Sanxingdui, 25 miles from Chengdu, is recognized as the most important ancient remains of the Sichuan region because of its vast size and cultural contents. The Sanxingdui Museum contains many relics taken from the Sanxingdui archaeological site. The exhibition hall of the museum, which covers more than 43,000 square feet, is home to many of the relics of the Ancient Shu (Sichuan) culture. Your tour also includes a visit to the Panda Research Reserve. (BLD)

Day 3 Tue: Chengdu / Lhasa
Today you will fly to Lhasa, the former capital of the mountain kingdom of Tibet. Religion is a deep force in this mystical land. Perched high atop the passes between India and China, Tibet absorbed Tantric Buddhism from the south, Shamanism from the north and developed it into its own hybrid of Lamaism, which dominated all aspects of Tibetan life for over 1,000 years. Your afternoon is free, giving you time to acclimate to the altitude and enjoy the scenery. TIBET HOTEL GUEST HOUSE. (BD)

Day 4 Wed: Potala Palace & Sera Monastery
This morning visit the vast Potala Palace, former seat of the Dalai Lama (the spiritual and political head of Tibet). Built in the 7th century, the palace is a magnificent work of architecture. Built of wood and stone with numerous gilded pinnacles, this treasure house of Tibetan art has 1000 rooms and halls, is 1300 feet in length, and covers 1.4 million square feet! Tour the Sera Monastery this afternoon, the most active monastery in Tibet and the preferred site of the Tibetan “sky burial.” (BLD)

Day 5 Thu: Lhasa sightseeing
Visit the striking Jokhang Temple this morning. Situated in the heart of Lhasa, it was built over 1300 years ago to house the Golden Buddha and is one of Tibet’s holiest shrines. Also visit the Barkhor Bazaar for a glimpse of everyday life, a typical Tibetan home to meet a local family and the massive Drepung Monastery (the largest of all lamaseries in Tibet). (BLD)

Day 6 Fri: Lhasa / Gyantse
Drive today to Gyantse along the shores of Lake Yamdrok, also known as “Turquoise Lake” and located between two spectacular mountain ranges. Divided in two by a steep mountain ridge, Gyantse was once an important market town and still serves as a stop on the main friendship road between Tibet and Nepal. GYANTSE HOTEL (BLD)

Day 7 Sat: Gyantse / Xigatse
Morning visit to the Kumbum or “Place of Myriad Images,” with the largest and most magnificent stupa in Tibet, and the “Staircase of Ten Thousand Buddhas.” Continue to Xigatse today, second only to Lhasa in spiritual and commercial importance. The former seat of the Panchen Lama, Xigatse was often a rival to Lhasa. Stop at the Shalu Monastery. XIGATSE HOTEL. (BLD)

Day 8 Sun: Xigatse / Tsedang
This morning visit the rose-colored Tashilhunpo Monastery or “Mound of Glory.” Inside is the Maitreya Buddha, the largest in Tibet (containing 614 lbs. of gold). Continue onto Tsedang and overnight at the TSEDANG HOTEL. (BLD)

Day 9 Mon: Lhasa / Chengdu / Home
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)