7-Day Tibet Tour from Chengdu to Lhasa (Midnight Arrival & Departure)

Day 1 Arrive Chengdu

Destination: Chengdu
Meals Included: No
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou or similar

Arrive in Chengdu at midnight. Upon arrival at the airport, your friendly Muslim expert guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel.

Day 2 Chengdu City Highlights

Destination: Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Xi’an Ancient Town West or similar

Start your day with an unforgettable encounter at Chengdu Panda Base, a world-renowned sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of these beloved creatures. Established in 1987, this non-profit facility provides pandas with a natural environment, complete with bamboo groves, streams, and ponds. Witness the enchanting spectacle of pandas of all ages as they frolic, feed, and nurture their young. After a leisurely lunch and prayer at Huangcheng Mosque, relax at Renmin Park and enjoy Chengdu’s leisurely lifestyle with a cup of tea at a local teahouse. Continue your journey with a visit to Wuhou Temple, an ancestral temple commemorating heroes from the state of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period. End your day with a stroll along Jinli Ancient Street, a bustling street dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Admire the charming old buildings and explore diverse shops selling fascinating handicrafts.

Day 3 Fly to Lhasa (elevation 3,650 m), Rest at Hotel

Destination: Lhasa
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Lhasa Potala Palace or similar

Embark on a morning flight to Lhasa, the “Land of the Gods,” the spiritual heart of Tibet. Situated at a breathtaking altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), Lhasa has served as Tibet’s capital for over 1,300 years. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest to acclimate to the high altitude. Due to the significant elevation, it’s advisable to take a short nap in the afternoon and stay well-hydrated to minimize the effects of altitude sickness.

Day 4 Lhasa City Highlights

Destination: Lhasa
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Lhasa Potala Palace or similar

Begin your day with a visit to the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Ascend to the palace and marvel at its intricate architecture, gilded roofs, and stunning murals. Explore the White and Red Palaces, and admire the palace from various vantage points for a grand view. After a leisurely lunch and prayer at Lhasa Mosque, witness the devotion of Tibetan pilgrims prostrating at Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Tibet. Admire the golden statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, believed to have been brought from the Tang Dynasty by Princess Wencheng. Wander through the bustling Barkhor Street, the circumambulation path around the Jokhang Temple. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere as locals and pilgrims walk around the temple, offering prayers and chanting mantras. Delve into Tibetan history at the Pandatsang Compound, the former residence of the Pangdatsang family, one of Tibet’s wealthiest trading families in the early 20th century.

Day 5 A Day of Cultural Immersion in Lhasa

Destination: Lhasa
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Lhasa Potala Palace or similar

Morning visit to Norbulingka, the summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas. Constructed in the 18th century, Norbulingka comprises a large garden with four palace complexes and a monastery as well as other halls, and pavilions all integrated into the garden layout to create an exceptional work of art. Continue your journey to Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries & one of Tibet’s top Gelug university monasteries founded in 1416. The Ganden Phodrang in Drepung was the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala Palace. Conclude your day with a visit to Sera Monastery, another of the three major Gelugpa monasteries. Witness the famous monastic debates, where monks engage in lively discussions of Buddhist philosophy.

Day 6 Holy Lake Yamdrok (elevation 4,500 m)

Destination: Lhasa
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, packed lunch, dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Lhasa Potala Palace or similar

After breakfast, set off on a scenic 100-kilometer drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, a stunning turquoise gem nestled among snow-capped mountains. The lake’s waters change color with the light, and you may encounter local nomads grazing their yaks along the lakeshore. Begin your tour at Lurila Platform, where the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake and the majestic Gulha Kangri Snow Mountain create a breathtaking panorama. Next, explore Rutog Monastery, nestled in the serene beauty of the lake, and enjoy a close-up view of Yamdrok Lake. Return to Lhasa via the renowned Gampala Pass (4,900 meters), where Yamdrok Lake stretches for kilometers like a wide blue ribbon at the foot of the towering Noijin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters).

Day 7 Fly to Chengdu, Sanxingdui Ruins, Wide & Narrow Alleys, Depart Chengdu

Destination: Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque

Fly to Chengdu in the morning. After lunch, head to Sanxingdui Ruins, a mysterious archaeological site dating back to the Bronze Age. Known for its enigmatic artifacts, including giant bronze masks, bizarre statues, and intricate gold objects, Sanxingdui offers a captivating glimpse into an ancient civilization that remains largely shrouded in mystery. Afterward, wander through the enchanting Wide and Narrow Alley, a living tapestry of Chengdu’s past. Discover the charm of traditional Sichuanese life amidst its bustling teahouses and quaint shops. Transfer to the airport for your midnight departure flight. Have a wonderful trip!