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Tibetan Jiangnan & Cradle of Civilization: A 9-Day Cultural Journey Through Southeast Tibet

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  • 9 Days
  • Guests : 4~12
  • Language: English
  • The whole years
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Escape the ordinary and journey to the soul of Tibet. This is not a race to the highest peaks, but a deep, immersive return to the source of Tibetan culture and faith. Wander through the alpine meadows of the “Tibetan Switzerland,” see the face of China’s most beautiful mountain, Nanga Bawa, and listen to the murmur of ancient chants at Tibet’s very first monastery. On this trip, you will share tea with a family in their home, hike to a secret hermitage, and create your own sacred art. If you are seeking a journey that connects stunning landscapes with authentic human stories, this unforgettable loop through Nyingchi and Shannan is waiting for you.

Price Includes

  • Driver&Guide Service Fee
  • 8 Nights Hotel Accommodation
  • On Trip Transport
  • Travel insurance
  • The cost of Activities & Tickets
  • 2 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Tibet Travel Permit Application Service

Price Excludes

  • Air fares
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches & Unlisted Dinners

What to Expect

This 9-day loop is a journey of cultural and natural discovery through Tibet’s heartland. Starting from Lhasa, it ventures east into the lush, alpine landscapes of Nyingchi—the “Switzerland of Tibet”—exploring serene forests, idyllic villages, and the sacred Basum Tso Lake. The route then turns towards Shannan, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, for a deep dive into the region’s most important spiritual sites like Samye Monastery and Chim-puk Hermitage. This well-paced, no-backtracking itinerary is a perfect blend of iconic scenery and profound cultural immersion.
  • More Freedom Than a Regular Tour: A guide is required for your entire stay in Tibet. We turn this into an advantage. Outside the main schedule, your guide will act as your escort for 'free-time' activities based on your wishes.
  • Nature's Masterpiece: Witness the majestic Nanga Bawa Peak, explore the idyllic pastures of Lulang, and hike through pristine forests to the hidden Xincuo Lake.
  • Sacred Waters: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Basum Tso, an "emerald" lake, and visit its ancient island monastery.
  • Cradle of Civilization: Journey to Shannan to visit Samye, Tibet's very first monastery, and make the pilgrimage to the sacred Chim-puk meditation caves.
  • Authentic Culture: Experience a hands-on Thangka painting workshop, witness monastic debates at Sera Monastery, and be a guest in a local Tibetan home for a traditional meal.
  • Comfort & Immersion: Enjoy a well-planned circular route without backtracking, staying in charming local guesthouses and enjoying unique culinary experiences like Lulang's stone pot chicken.
  • Tips for Plateau Acclimatization: Greatly reduce the probability of altitude sickness that affects travel experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (The Holy City)

  • Overview: Depart from your hometown and arrive in Lhasa, the “City of Sunlight”. Today is the assembly day; you can settle in at your own pace. Over the next two days, we will arrange tours in Lhasa. This is a handy tip for acclimatizing to the plateau, which can greatly reduce the chance of experiencing altitude sickness during the subsequent journey.
  • Evening: A pre-trip briefing will be held to detail the upcoming itinerary and share important information about high-altitude travel.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Lhasa (twin room).
    • Meals: Not included.
    • Altitude: 3,650 meters.

Day 2: Lhasa (Citywalk, Debates & Art)

  • Morning: We’ll start early, joining the stream of pilgrims on their morning kora (circumambulation) around Barkhor Street to feel the warmth and power of their faith. Afterwards, we’ll duck into a local teahouse (like the famous Guangming Gangqiong) for a pot of sweet tea and a bowl of hot Tibetan noodles, starting the day like a true local.
  • Afternoon:
    • Witness the famous monastic debates at Sera Monastery, a dynamic and ancient tradition of Tibetan Buddhist learning.
    • Participate in a hands-on workshop to experience the intricate art of Thangka painting.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Boutique or luxury hotel with views in Lhasa.
    • Meals: Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are for you to explore.
    • Exertion: Medium (The Citywalk is extensive; you can adjust based on your energy levels).

Day 3: Lhasa (Pilgrimage to Potala & Photo Tour)

  • Core Experience:
    • Potala Palace: Today we make our pilgrimage to the heart of Lhasa, the Potala Palace. (Note: Tickets must be booked in advance, and the official booking system randomly assigns entry times. The visit involves climbing many stairs).
    • Lhasa Photo Walk (Optional): We’ll hunt for some Insta-worthy photo spots.
      • Stop 1: A short walk to Nanshan Park, where a serene lake offers a perfect “sky mirror” reflection of the Potala Palace.
      • Stop 2: We’ll head to the Star and Moon Bodhi Cafe. Grab a coffee (at your own expense) and capture an elegant side profile of the Potala from its viewing deck.
  • Evening: We drive to a viewpoint on a nearby hillside to watch and photograph the magnificent Potala Palace as it’s bathed in the golden light of sunset.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Lhasa (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast included.
    • Altitude: 3,650 meters.

Day 4: Lhasa → Lulang Town (Journey Through a Scenic Corridor)

  • Overview: Bidding farewell to the holy city, today is a journey through breathtaking landscapes. We’ll drive east along a stunning section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway towards Lulang Town, the “Switzerland of Tibet.”
  • Core Experience:
    • View of Nanga Bawa: At the Sekila Pass (4,720m), weather permitting, we’ll have a chance to witness the “golden peak” sunrise glow on Nanga Bawa, often called China’s most beautiful mountain.
    • A Moving Viewpoint: This drive feels like traveling through a living painting. Whenever we encounter a stunning view and it’s safe to stop, your leader will arrange “surprise” photo stops.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Boutique hotel or guesthouse in Lulang (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast included.
    • Driving: Approx. 7-8 hours / 470 km.
    • Altitude: Approx. 3,700 meters (Lulang Town).

Day 5: Lulang Town (Experience the Swiss Alps of Tibet)

  • Overview: Immerse yourself in the idyllic charm of Lulang’s forests, pastures, and traditional villages.
  • Core Experience:
    • Morning Stroll: After a leisurely breakfast, follow your guide for a peaceful walk through a pristine forest path near the town, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
    • Visit Zhaxigang Village: In the afternoon, we’ll visit the pastoral village of Zhaxigang. A local family will host us for an authentic home-cooked lunch and share stories about their village and way of life.
    • Pasture Walk: Led by our local friends, we’ll wander through the Lulang alpine pastures with views of Nanga Bawa in the distance. We might find a cozy pasture café for a coffee break. (We will also inquire about the local wild mushroom season; if the timing is right, foraging could be a unique activity).
    • Tibetan Dinner & Dance: Tonight, we’ll feast on the famous Lulang Stone Pot Chicken. After dinner, we can join the locals in the town square for a joyful Guozhuang (circle dance).
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Lulang Town (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (home-cooked meal), and Dinner (Stone Pot Chicken) included.
    • Altitude: Approx. 3,700 meters.

Day 6: Lulang → Basum Tso Lake (From Forest to Sacred Lake)

  • Overview: After a relaxed morning in Lulang, we drive to the sacred lake Basum Tso, a stunning “emerald” set in the landscape, and explore the ancient villages on its shores.
  • Core Experience:
    • Sacred Basum Tso: Arrive and check into our hotel within the scenic area, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and forests.
    • Ancient Village Exploration: We will explore two historic villages: Tso Gao, recognized by Chinese National Geography, and Jieba, whose name means “forgotten.” We’ll visit a local Kongpo Tibetan family to learn about their daily lives and taste their traditional food.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Hotel within the Basum Tso Scenic Area (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast included.
    • Driving: Approx. 3.5 hours / 200 km.
    • Altitude: Approx. 3,480 meters.

Day 7: Basum Tso → Shannan (Lake Blessing & Nature Hike)

  • Overview: Start the day with a blessing at the lake’s island monastery, followed by a beautiful nature hike. In the afternoon, we journey from Nyingchi, the “Tibetan Jiangnan,” to Shannan, the “Cradle of Tibetan Civilization.”
  • Core Experience:
    • Island Monastery Blessing: In the morning, we’ll visit Tsozong Monastery, a thousand-year-old temple on an island in the middle of the lake, to make a wish for ourselves and our families.
    • Xincuo Lake Hike: We will drive to the trailhead for a scenic and beginner-friendly hike to Xincuo Lake (approx. 3 hours, relatively flat). Surrounded by snow peaks, forests, and lakes, it’s a perfect place to relax. We’ll find a beautiful spot for an outdoor picnic.
  • Afternoon: We drive to Shannan City.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Shannan City (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch included.
    • Driving: Approx. 5 hours / 460 km.
    • Altitude: Approx. 3,650 meters.

Day 8: Shannan (Sacred Pilgrimage & Cradle of Civilization)

  • Overview: Today is a spiritual journey to the very source of Tibetan civilization.
  • Core Experience:
    • Pilgrimage to Chim-puk Hermitage: Embark on a meaningful hike (from 4,100m to 4,400m) to the sacred Chim-puk Hermitage, a mountainside cluster of meditation caves founded by Guru Padmasambhava.
    • Samye Monastery: Visit Samye, the very first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Its unique mandala layout is a perfect representation of the Tibetan Buddhist cosmos.
  • Evening: We will host a special farewell dinner. We’ll provide pen and paper for everyone to share your thoughts on the journey, write a blessing  to new friends, and offer feedback for us.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: A charming guesthouse in Shannan with a pleasant courtyard, perfect for relaxing and chatting with fellow travelers.
    • Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner included.
    • Driving: Approx. 3.5 hours / 160 km.
    • Altitude: Approx. 3,550 meters.

 

Day 9: Depart from Tibet

  • Morning: After breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station for your journey home.We are expected to arrive at Lhasa Airport around 14:00.
  • Service Details:
    • Meals: Breakfast included.
Map

FAQ

Can I get the refund?

You may refer to our refund policy.

When you cancel (before Day 1) Travel Fee retained Refund to you
16 days or more 0% 100%
15–10 days 20% 80%
9–7 days 40% 60%
6–4 days 60% 40%
3–1 days 80% 20%
After start / during trip / no‑show 100% 0%

Can I change the travel date?

Yes—please tell us at least 16 days before Day 1 of your trip. There are two situations:

  1. Join‑in Group (shared departure)
  • You can move to another scheduled departure date. If the new date is cheaper, we refund the difference; if it is more expensive, you pay the difference.
  • You can also upgrade to a Private Tour (choose any date). A higher fee applies; you pay only the difference.
  1. Private Tour (exclusive)
  • You can shift to any new date (subject to availability). Because of high / low season rates, there may be a price difference—we refund or you top up accordingly.

Do I need to apply visa?

Most travelers still need a visa, but many nationalities now enjoy short visa‑free entry or transit exemptions. Check if:

  1. Your passport is on the current visa‑free list;
  2. You qualify for a 72/144‑hour transit exemption; or
  3. You are joining an approved Hainan or cruise program.
    If none apply, you must apply for an L (tourist) visa before arrival. Always verify with the nearest Chinese embassy/visa center because policies change.

Do you have insurance covered?

Yes, our travel fee includes travel insurance.

Price
From$1,599$1,449
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