An itinerary from Yunnan to the Tibetan plateau
This journey is designed for travellers who want to take their time moving from the “little Himalaya” of Yunnan to historic Tibet, with a reasonable pace and logical stages. You start in Kunming, the “city of eternal spring”, then continue to Dali, Xizhou, Shaxi, Lijiang, Shuhe and Shangri‑La, before reaching central Tibet around Tsetang, Gyantse, Shigatse and Lhasa.
The first days in Yunnan combine nature and local life. The Stone Forest of Shilin offers an initial mineral immersion, followed by the shores of Erhai Lake, the Bai markets of Xizhou and Zhoucheng, the rock carvings of Shibaoshan and the former caravan stop of Shaxi. The Lijiang valley and the villages of Shuhe, Baisha and Yuhu then introduce the Naxi world, with traditional medicine, murals, rural life and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a backdrop.
The section through Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri‑La marks a shift towards a more Tibetan atmosphere. The gorge is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world, with the Yangtze squeezed between Haba Snow Mountain and the Jade Dragon range. In Shangri‑La, Songzanlin Monastery, Napa Lake and nearby villages give a first taste of Tibetan life, between monasteries, markets and high‑altitude valleys.
You then reach Tibet by plane, which limits fatigue from long overland drives. Tsetang and the Yarlung valley are often described as the cradle of Tibetan civilisation, with sites such as Yongbulakhang and Trandruk anchoring the historical narrative. The route to Gyantse passes via Samye, the first major monastery in Tibet founded in the 8th century, and then Yamdrok Lake, one of the country’s three sacred lakes, known for its turquoise waters and religious importance.
Gyantse and Shigatse add a more urban dimension, still closely tied to monastic life. The Pelkhor Kumbum in Gyantse, the fortress above the town and Shalu Monastery show the variety of architectures and schools within Tibetan Buddhism. In Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery remains a key site, traditionally associated with the Panchen Lama and a long‑standing religious authority.
Finally, Lhasa brings the journey to a strong close. The Potala Palace, the Jokhang, Barkhor’s circumambulation streets and the monasteries of Sera and Drepung give the circuit a cultural and spiritual conclusion. This geographic progression – Kunming, rural Yunnan, the Yarlung area, Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhasa – helps you understand the links between these regions without multiplying flights or abrupt changes of pace.
This trip suits travellers who are comfortable going from near sea level to altitudes around 3,500–3,900 m, with some longer driving days but also regular breaks and overnights in comfortable hotels and guesthouses. Having an English‑speaking guide from day 2 to day 13, a private vehicle, and a team based in Kunming and in France secures the organisation while still leaving room for genuine discovery on the ground.
Possible extensions to the yunnan–tibet journey
There are many ways to extend this Yunnan and Tibet trip. You can spend more time in Yunnan to explore the south of the province, including Jianshui, Yuanyang or the red‑earth landscapes of Dongchuan. You can add day‑trips from Dali, for example to Weishan and Weibaoshan, or include extra hiking stages.
In Tibet, adding two extra days allows you to reach Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery. You can also add a full day from Lhasa to visit Drepung, Sera and then Ganden, for a deeper look at the major monasteries around the capital.
Daily program: On the Roof of the World Route : Yunnan-Tibet
DAY 1: Welcome to Yunnan, the Province of Eternal Spring
Kunming Airport → Hotel – Duration: 1h transfer • Altitude: 1,890 m
Your plane lands in Kunming, nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its mild climate all year round. At the terminal exit, your driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it for a smooth transfer to the city center. The rest of the day is yours: take this opportunity to recover from your long journey, or set out on foot to stroll to Green Lake (Cuihu), where locals gather to sing, dance, and play music in the open air. Just a few minutes’ walk away, the Yuantong Buddhist Temple invites you to a first moment of calm. Free dinner and overnight at Grand Park Kunming. Included services: Private airport – hotel transfer
DAY 2: In the Mineral Labyrinth of the Stone Forest
Kunming → Stone Forest (Shilin) → Kunming – Duration: 3h30 drive • Altitude: 1,890 m
Meet at 9:00 AM with your French-speaking guide-driver to take the road towards Shilin and its famous Stone Forest, a spectacular labyrinth of karst peaks sculpted by 270 million years of erosion and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A walk of about two hours leads you through narrow rocky passages, away from the paths most frequented by groups. Returning to Kunming, discover the Golden Temple, entirely built of gilded bronze, then free time to stroll in the city center. In the evening, enjoy the show ‘Dynamic Yunnan’, an enchanting staging of the dances and songs of Yunnan’s minorities (no performance on Sundays). Free dinner and another night at Grand Park Kunming. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, Stone Forest and Dynamic Yunnan show
DAY 3: From Kunming to Xizhou, on the Shores of Erhai Lake
Kunming → Dali (train D8664) → Xizhou – Duration: 2h15 train + 1h drive • Altitude: 1,980 m
After breakfast, transfer to Kunming railway station to board train D8664 (08:34 AM – 10:48 AM) heading to Dali. Upon your arrival, your guide and driver will welcome you to head to the old town, where you can have lunch freely before strolling through its alleys, which are still peaceful at this time. Next, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng, a millennial emblem of Dali that reflects perfectly in Erhai Lake. Continuation to the Bai village of Xizhou, the cradle of the traditional architecture of this minority, where you will check in for the night. If time permits, explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle to Erhai Lake, or stroll on foot through the village and its old residences. Free dinner at the hotel restaurant and night at The Linden Centre. Included services: Kunming – Dali train (2nd class), English Speaking guide, private transport, Three Pagodas
DAY 4: On the Tea and Horse Road, to Shaxi
Xizhou → Zhoucheng → Shibaoshan → Shaxi – Duration: 3h30 drive • Altitude: 2,050 m
In the morning, head to the Xizhou market on foot from your hotel for an immersion into local life. Continuation to the Bai village of Zhoucheng, the capital of tie-dye craftsmanship, where you will discover the ancestral know-how of indigo dyeing by meeting its inhabitants. Then drive to Shaxi, with a free lunch along the way. In the afternoon, discover the Shibaoshan mountains, a superb complex of Buddhist sculptures carved into the rock in the heart of temples imbued with serenity. A descent on foot along a mountain path (or by vehicle) leads you to the old town of Shaxi, a former major stopover on the caravan Route of Tea and Horses. Free dinner and night in the beautifully refurbished traditional ancient courtyard of Shaxi Aoding Courtyard. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, Shibaoshan
DAY 5: From Shaxi to Lijiang Valley, towards the Village of Shuhe
Shaxi → Lijiang → Shuhe – Duration: 4h drive • Altitude: 2,400 m
Morning departure for Lijiang. Free lunch in the heart of the old town, a millennial Naxi city listed as a World Heritage site, whose lively and commercial alleys are perfect for a pleasant stroll to the Black Dragon Pond Park, famous for its iconic bridge offering a view of the Jade Dragon Mountain. Short transfer afterwards to Shuhe, a former stopover on the Tea and Horse Road that has become a peaceful alternative to Lijiang in the heart of the valley. Check-in at the amazing hotel, a successful fusion of traditional Naxi architecture and contemporary design: The Bivou. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport
DAY 6: Immersion in Lijiang Valley
Shuhe → Baisha → Yuhu → Shuhe – Duration: local visits • Altitude: 2,400 m
Day dedicated to exploring Lijiang Valley and its Naxi villages. First stop in Baisha, famous for its Ming Dynasty murals, exceptional testimonies of traditional Naxi medicine. Continuation to Yuhu, a peaceful village located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where numerous stops punctuate the walk to encounter the rural way of life around Lijiang. Returning to Shuhe at the end of the day, enjoy a quiet stroll through its bucolic and festive old town, between canals and traditional houses. Free dinner and another night at The Bivou. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, Yuhu shuttle and Yuhu lake
DAY 7: Towards Tibetan Yunnan, through the Tiger Leaping Gorge
Shuhe → Shigu → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La – Duration: 5h drive • Altitude: 3,200 m
Today, head for the Tibetan region of Shangri-La. First stop at the site of the First Bend of the Yangtze River, followed by a stroll in the small village of Shigu. Continuation to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where the Yangtze River squeezes between the peaks of Haba Snow Mountain (5,400 m) and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,600 m): a round-trip walk of about 40 minutes takes you to the bottom of the gorge. Continue along a superb mountain road to Shangri-La. Upon arrival, check in at the charming guesthouse, just a few minutes’ walk from the center of the old town: Timeless Inn. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, Tiger Leaping Gorge
DAY 8: Shangri-La, in the Heart of Tibetan Yunnan
Shangri-La (local visits) – Altitude: 3,280 m
Day entirely dedicated to discovering Shangri-La and its region, starting with the Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery, nicknamed the ‘Little Potala’ of Yunnan and the largest Tibetan monastery in the province. Then stroll through the local market, where you can taste yak butter tea, tsampa, and yak cheese, the staples of the daily Tibetan diet. Free lunch. In the afternoon, head towards the surrounding Tibetan countryside – on the shores of Napa Lake or in the Ringha Valley, depending on current conditions, to be discussed with your guide. Free dinner and another night at Timeless Inn. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, Songzanlin monastery
DAY 9: Heading to Tibet, Flight to Lhasa and the Yarlung Valley
Shangri-La (flight) → Lhasa-Gonggar → Tsetang – Duration: transfer + flight + 1h30 drive • Altitude: 3,550 m
Morning transfer to Shangri-La airport to board the flight to Gonggar, Lhasa airport (flight MU5939, 09:10 AM – 11:25 AM, or MU5774, 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM, depending on availability). Upon your arrival on the Tibetan plateau, transfer to the city of Tsetang, in the heart of the Yarlung Valley, considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. In the afternoon, discover Yumbulagang, a fortified sanctuary perched on a rocky peak and the legendary first palace of Tibet. Night at Longma Hotel. Included services: Airport transfer, domestic flight Shangri-La – Lhasa (taxes included), English Speaking guide, private transport, Yumbulagang and Trandruk
DAY 10: From Tsetang to Gyantse, via Samye Monastery and Yamdrok Lake
Tsetang → Samye → Yamdrok → Gyantse – Duration: 7h drive • Altitude: 3,950 m
Morning departure to discover Samye Monastery, founded in 779, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, built according to a mandala plan and nestled in a natural setting of great serenity. Continue the journey towards Gyantse, driving alongside the superb Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes, whose turquoise waters contrast with the surrounding peaks – you will also spot a beautiful glacier along the way. Arrival in the late afternoon in Gyantse, a historic stopover town on the ancient trade route between India and Tibet. Check-in and night at Yutuo Hotel. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, Samye Monastery
DAY 11: Gyantse – Shigatse, between Fortresses and Tibetan Villages
Gyantse → Shalu → Shigatse – Duration: 2h30 drive • Altitude: 3,900 m
The morning is dedicated to discovering the Pelkhor Monastery, famous for its Kumbum with ten thousand images, the ruins of the Zhongshan fortress overlooking the town, and the old town of Gyantse. Then drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, with a stop along the way at the charming village of Shalu, known for its monastery with Chinese architectural influences. Night at Shiga Yangcha Grand Hotel. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, Pelkhor Monastery
DAY 12: Shigatse – Lhasa, the Potala Unveils Itself
Shigatse → Lhasa – Duration: 4h30 drive • Altitude: 3,900 m
In the morning, visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery (if it did not take place the day before), the traditional residence of the Panchen Lama, which houses the largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in the world, built in 1904 to the glory of the Future Buddha, Maitreya. Then drive to Lhasa. Upon arrival, discover the Sera Monastery. To close the day beautifully, take a walk in Nanshan Park, which offers a breathtaking view of the Potala Palace and an exceptional panorama over the entire city of Lhasa. Check-in for the next two nights at Thangka Hotel. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, entrance tickets for Tashilhunpo and Sera Monasteries, Nanshan Park
DAY 13: Lhasa, in the Footsteps of the Dalai Lama
Lhasa (visiting) – Altitude: 3,650 m
Visit the Potala Palace in the morning, the most iconic monument in Lhasa, the former center of the Tibetan government and winter residence of the Dalai Lama, whose monumental architecture dominates the city from Marpori Hill. In the afternoon, discover the Jokhang Temple, built in 647 during the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet, considered the spiritual heart and most sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit a nunnery, then free time to stroll along the fascinating Barkhor Street, which encircles the Jokhang Temple to the rhythm of pilgrims making circumambulations. Another night at Thangka Hotel. Included services: English Speaking guide, private transport, potala and jokhang
DAY 14: Departure from Lhasa
Lhasa → Lhasa-Gonggar Airport – Duration: transfer according to flight schedule
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Lhasa-Gonggar airport for your next destination. End of our services. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with wonderful memories to treasure!
Included services: Airport transfer
