On arrival in Kunming Changshui or Kunming Wujiaba International airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. Early check-in is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning.

This morning, drive around 1 and a half hours to wander through the unusual limestone rock formations of the UNESCO listed Kunming Stone Forest. Sightseeing here involves up to 2 hours walking on paths and steps to view the maze of rock pinnacles, lakes and ponds. This afternoon, visit the Western Hills, often referred to as ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’. Dine on local Across the Bridge Noodles in the evening.

Drive approximately 4 hours to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek into bygone China. Wander around the charming Ancient Quarter and visit the Three Pagodas.

Visit Mount Weibao (Weibaoshan), one of China’s fourteen sacred Taoist mountains. The journey time is approximately 2 hours from Dali, depending on road conditions. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. You will walk for around 1.5-2 hours, visiting a handful of these intricately decorated temples. Stop at one of the temples and be met by a Taoist priest for a relaxing meditation session.

Drive 2 and a half hours to Shaxi, a former ancient market town on the famous Tea Horse Road and enjoy some easy sightseeing around the old town as well as a local lunch. Continue 1 and a half hours to the quaint town of Lijiang where you will have free time to explore the Old Quarter. Overnight altitude: 2,300m

A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprise several peaks, the tallest of which is 5,500m. Today, you will explore one of the beautiful high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. To avoid the large crowds of people queuing at the same time, the local government’s tourist authority allocates a time to each group. The bus will drive to the base of the mountain, from where you will take a 10-minute chairlift to Yunshaping (Cloud Fir Meadow) at an altitude of approximately 3,200m. From the chairlift, there is a wooden pathway to the meadow, which takes approximately 1 hour to walk. Descend by chairlift and re-board the bus. There are ruthless souvenir sellers near the bus park so be firm to avoid any hassle. Later, visit Baisha Village to admire the fascinating Baisha Frescoes, painted during the early Ming Dynasty, and see the intricate creations of the Mu Family Embroidery School. Sightseeing at Baisha Old Town is leisurely. Next, meet a Shaman who will demonstrate how to write ancient Dongba characters, before you attempt this quirky art form yourself. Finally, sample traditional Naxi cuisine. Daytime altitude: 3,200m Overnight altitude: 2,300m

Start the day with a visit to the picturesque Black Dragon Pool where you can enjoy spectacular vistas of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Drive approximately 2 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Over 3,000 metres deep and with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China’s most extraordinary sights. The whole area is spectacular – prepare for breathtaking views. The bus will drop you off at the parking lot at the side of the Gorge. From here you will walk to the entrance and down the steps to the bottom of the gorge. Enjoy the stunning view along the riverside before making your way to the top again. Lunch today will be a simple meal as the choice of restaurants in this area is limited. Continue another 2 and a half hours to the Tibetan monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. On Arrival, visit the Dafo Temple and enjoy free time in the Old Town. Overnight altitude: 2,300m

Today, visit the Songzanlin Monastery, one of the most significant centres of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. There are steep steps to climb at the monastery. From Songzanlin Monastery take a leisurely walk in the countryside for 2-3 hours to Napahai Grassland. In the rainy season the grasslands become a lake, and this ever-changing area is popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. You will be provided with a packed lunch for today. Later, visit a Tibetan- style village where you will learn how to make Tibetan Butter Tea and taste home-cooked dishes. Daytime altitude: 3,400m Overnight altitude: 3,400m

Fly 2 hours to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. The afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude. Daytime altitude: 4,000m Overnight altitude: 3,700m

Wander around the Barkhor to see traditionally dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to the Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, to watch the debating monks. Please be sensitive whilst at the temple as religion is an extremely sensitive topic in China. This is not a chance to converse with the monks, you will be able watch the monks debating between themselves and learning scriptures. Sightseeing at the Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery will involve climbing many steps and walking over uneven surfaces in dim lighting. Tonight, enjoy a Tibetan dinner and dance.

This morning, visit the iconic palace of Potala, the largest monastery in the world. Sitting atop Red Mountain, the Potala Palace is painted in a traditional Tibetan blend of deep red and stark white. At the Potala Palace there are over 1000 steps. Next, visit Norbulingka, Lhasa’s answer to Beijing’s Summer Palace, set in parkland just outside the city. Enjoy lunch at Snowland Restaurant.

Travel for about 5 hours across Tibet’s stark plains to Shigatse. Dominated by a fort reminiscent of the Potala, Shigatse is Tibet’s second city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. You will have some time on arrival to explore the local markets.

Continue approximately 5 hours by road to New Tingri, admiring the awe-inspiring views of the mighty Himalayas as you go. Daytime altitude: 4,350m Overnight altitude: 4,350m

Drive for around 3 hours through some of the world’s most incredible scenery to the Rongbuk Township. See the world’s highest post office, with the Himalayas dominating the horizon (please note, the post office is usually closed). Walk for approximately 20 minutes (one way) to the Everest Base Camp Boundary Monument - sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Situated under the gaze of Everest’s north face, the views of the world’s highest peak are unsurpassed (weather permitting). Visit Rongbuk Monastery, draped in colourful prayer flags, as well as the small Old Rongbuk Monastery. Stay overnight in a Tibetan tent camp or guesthouse, depending on the weather conditions. Please note: Due to government restrictions and to protect the environment of Mt. Everest, visitors are not allowed to visit Base Camp where the climbers stay overnight. You will enjoy the views of Mt Everest from a point further down the mountain. The accommodation is extremely basic and the only facilities are simple public toilets. The rooms are multi-bed rooms shared with other guests. Rooms are not ensuite and there is no hot water or showers. You will have a wash basin and a thermos of boiled water in your room; towels are not provided by the hotel. Ensure you bring layers to sleep in and keep warm. The location of the hotel however is unsurpassed: if the weather is good, you will be able to see Everest when you wake up! Daytime altitude: 5,200m Overnight altitude: 5,100m

Wake up early to see a glorious sunrise over Everest (weather permitting) before driving approximately 2 hours back to New Tingri for your overnight stay. The road is rough and muddy through this area. Daytime altitude: 4,350m Overnight altitude: 4,350m

Drive around 5 hours back to Shigatse, passing the Tso La Pass and Gyatso La Pass and enjoying the awe-inspiring views. The evening is at leisure. The next day, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and join the pilgrims on their evening 'kora' of the monastery. Continue to the pleasant town of Gyantse to visit the Gyantse Kumbum located inside the Pelkor Monastery. Visit a traditional folk house for some home brewed 'chang'. Daytime altitude: 4,050m Overnight altitude: 4,050m

Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang, called the 'cradle of Tibetan civilisation'. Today will be a long driving day of approximately 8 hours. Take a short stop on the way at Gangpo Ri, the ‘birthplace of the Tibetan people'. Daytime altitude: 3,500m Overnight altitude: 3,500m

Perched on a hill over the Yarlung River, legend says that the ancient Yumbulhakang Palace was the first building in Tibet and the palace of the first Tibetan king. Sightseeing at the Yumbulhakang Palace involves walking for about 30 minutes up a hill and there are also some steps. The remainder of the sightseeing is easy paced. Continue to Tradruk Monastery and the King’s Tomb before returning to Lhasa for an evening at leisure. Today’s driving time is 3 hours. Daytime altitude: 4,000m Overnight altitude: 3,700m

Fly 2 hours to Chengdu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day will be at leisure. Your guide will be on hand to suggest activities or places to explore, or you can use the time to just relax in your hotel.

Today you will visit China’s most famous resident, the Giant Panda at the Panda Conservation Centre, where you can learn about China’s celebrated bear. See these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. Sightseeing involves approximately 1 and a half hours on foot and there are electric carts offered by private vendors that can be organised at your own cost. Later, visit People’s Park, Matchmaker’s Corner, where you can watch parents search for suitable suitors for their children, and a traditional teahouse where you can try Chinese tea (at your own expense). This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional Sichuanese cuisine.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.