DAY 01: KUNMING
Meet at the airport, if time permits, visit the Flower and Bird Market.

Days 02: LIJIANG
We drive to Lijiang and take time to explore the enchanting town and its rich Naxi minority culture including visits to Black Dragon Pool and the Museum of Naxi Culture, as well as time to walk the winding cobbled streets. Outside of Lijiang, we stroll through some classic Chinese villages and see the Yufeng Monastery.

Days 03: TIGER LEAPING GORGE & ZHONGDIAN
From Lijiang, we travel north by road into the mountains and visit the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge where the mighty Yangtze has carved one of the world's deepest chasms. We continue on to Zhongdian, a town set high in the mountains on the remote Tibetan border and home to numerous ethnic minority people including a large Tibetan community.

Day 04: ZHONGDIAN
In the morning visit the Sumsanling Monastery, which was built in 1679 by the Fifth Dalai lama. It is considered as the most important monastery of Gelukpa-sect in Yunnan province. In the afternoon visit local market & the old town of Gyalthang & Lake Napa Nature Reserve, a bird-watchers's paradise & sanctuary for rare species such as the Black-neck crane.

Day 05: FLY ZHONDIAN TO LHASA.
Transfer to airport to connect flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival you will be met by our Tibet representative & transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for personal pursuits.

Day 6 & 7: LHASA
We will have two full days in the holy city of Lhasa to make excursions to the following places: The Jokhang Temple, the principal Buddhist temple in Lhasa. The temple, known for its large gold image of Sakyamuni Buddha, was first constructed in the 7th century. The Norbulingka, a richly decorated complex located in a beautiful garden setting, is the traditional summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Drepung Monastery, is one of the largest Tibetan monastic universities. The Monastery used to have 8,000 monks who were taught in the traditions of Vajrayana, Mahayana and Sutrayana, the three vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism. We will also visit the Barkor bazaar, the bustling market in Lhasa, a colorful congregating place for Tibetan merchants. Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, is reputed to contain 1,000 rooms, & is considered as one of the world's most remarkable buildings. Sitting at top of a mountain overlooking Lhasa, the Potala contains hundreds upon hundreds of magnificent thangkas, frescoes, and images.

Day 08: FLY TO ATHMANDU/CHENGDU/KUNMING OR continue via overland to Nepal.

Day 08: LHASA-GYANGTSE (3990 M), 350 KMS
Drive via Yamdrok, the Turquoise Lake to Gyangtse across Kampa la pass 5050 m & Karo la (5045 m)passes. Visit Kubum stupa & Pelkor Chode Monastery.

Day 09: GYANGTSE-SHALU-SHIGATSE (3860 M), 90 KMS
Drive to Shigatse. En route visit Shalu Monastery.Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama who is the 2nd in the Buddhist religious hierachy & Shigatse Market.

Day 10: SHIGATSE-SAKYA-HEGAR/DINGRI (4350 M)

Drive to Shegar across Tsoula pass (4500 M) & Gyatso la pass (5220 M). En route visit Sakya Monastery.

Day 11: SHEGAR-RONGBUK(5050 M)
Drive via Pangla pass (5200 M) to Rongbuk Monastery, world's highest monastery situated at 5200 M. O/N Rongbuk Guest House.

Day 12: EVEREST BASE CAMP
We have the option to hike or drive to Everest Base Camp. Rongbuk Guest House.

Day 13: NYLAM
After watching sunrise over Everest, we drive on to Nylam. Nylam Guest House.

Day 14: NYLAM-ZHANGMU-KATHMANDU
Drive to Zhangmu & on to Kathmandu. En route visit Milarepa Cave. We descend from the high arid Tibetan plateau into the lush greenery of Nepal