CHINA ADVENTURE CLUB JOURNEYS
Chengdu & Tibet: Pandas, Peaks & Pilgrimages
Explore China Adventure Club journeysJourney at a glance
- Day 1 Arrival in Chengdu
- Day 2 Chengdu
- Day 3 Chengdu
- Day 4 Chengdu to Lhasa
- Day 5 Lhasa
- Day 6 Lhasa
- Day 7 Lhasa
- Day 8 Lhasa to Gyantse to Shigatse
- Day 9 Shigatse to Lhasa
- Day 10 Depart Lhasa
Discover Chengdu’s giant pandas and authentic Sichuan cuisine, then ascend to Tibet’s sacred monasteries, pilgrimage sites, and the iconic Potala Palace in this transformative journey through southwestern China’s spiritual heart.
About this Journey
This 10-day journey through Chengdu and Tibet reveals the spiritual and cultural heart of southwestern China. Begin in Chengdu, where giant pandas thrive in their natural habitat, Sichuan opera mesmerizes audiences, and kung fu tea ceremonies blend ancient traditions. Then ascend to Lhasa, Tibet’s sacred capital, where pilgrims circumambulate ancient monasteries, monks debate Buddhist philosophy, and the iconic Potala Palace rises majestically against snow-capped peaks. From volunteering with endangered pandas to hiking sacred valleys, from tasting authentic Sichuan cuisine to witnessing centuries-old spiritual practices, this journey immerses travelers in some of China’s most profound cultural and natural wonders.
Tour Highlights
- Volunteering with giant pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base and learning conservation efforts in their natural habitat
- Meditating with a view of the glistening emerald waters of Yamdrok Lake
- Ascending to the iconic Potala Palace and exploring Tibet's most revered religious sites at 3,600+ meters elevation
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, meet your local guide and enjoy some leisure time before the welcome dinner • Celebrate arrival with a feast showcasing Sichuan’s legendary cuisine. Savor the spicy, deep flavors of Sichuan’s most iconic dishes, such as mapo tofu or spicy boiled fish.
Day 2 Chengdu
Discover hidden Taoist idols scattered across this ancient temple grounds, birthplace of Lao Zi and the philosophy of “do nothing.” Explore centuries of spiritual tradition nestled beneath open skies and bamboo groves • Rub shoulders with locals as you wander Kuan Zhai Alleyways, where Chengdu’s best coffee shops, galleries, and boutiques are located • Watch a dazzling fusion of taiji and kung fu culminate in tea landing artfully in a cup—a tradition unique to Chengdu. Then master the graceful pour and taste the results.
Day 3 Chengdu
Volunteer at Dujiangyan Panda Base Break bamboo, craft panda cakes, and observe behavior as a carekeeper at this conservation center replicating giant pandas’ natural habitat • Navigate the sights and smells of a bustling spice market before creating a sumptuous meal in a hidden courtyard restaurant under a professional chef’s guidance.
Day 4 Chengdu to Lhasa
Depart Chengdu and arrive in Lhasa, one of the world’s highest cities at 3,614 meters. Spend the day resting and acclimating to the elevation before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5 Lhasa
Visit the oldest and holiest Tibetan Buddhist site: Jokhang temple. Witness massive crowds of pilgrims and enjoy stunning rooftop views of Potala Palace against snow-capped mountains • Drink in the local culture while sipping on a cup of Tibetan sweet tea made with yak milk in one of the city’s tea houses • At Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s three most prestigious monastic institutions, watch the red-robed monks passionately debate Buddhist texts.
Day 6 Lhasa
Explore an architectural masterpiece perched atop Red Mountain: the Potala Palace, the historical winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the religious and political center of Tibet for more than 300 years • Watch Tibetan locals dance, sing karaoke, and play games with family and friends at Norblingka, the former summer palace of Tibet’s religious leaders.
Day 7 Lhasa
Embark on a pilgrimage hike through the sacred Yerpa Valley to Drak Yerpa, a clifftop hermitage honeycombed with 1,300-year-old meditation caves • Go behind the curtains to tour elaborate costume and prop rooms revealing hand-crafted masks and vibrant garments, then watch seasoned performers bring traditional opera to life. Learn a signature move and slip into costumes for a hands-on experience.
Day 8 Lhasa to Gyantse to Shigatse
Stop at one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, 4,400 meters above sea level and revered as the region’s life-spirit. Picnic by the holy waters surrounded by Mount Donang Sangwari and snowy peaks • Learn about the nuances of Tibetan Buddhism’s different sects at Pelkor Chode Monastery.
Day 9 Shigatse to Lhasa
Hike the kora around Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Marvel at a 26-meter copper and gold Maitreya Buddha statue and listen to prayers in the Grand Hall • Breathe in the earthy scent of juniper and clove at a Tibetan incense factory, where craftsmen transform fragrant paste into perfect triangles.
Day 10 Depart Lhasa
Your local guide will help you check in for your departure flight.
Hotels
Upper House Chengdu
5 starAn enthralling and vibrant hotel in Chengdu, Upper House Chengdu celebrates a city with a rich, fabled past and extremely exciting future through an inspiring blend of traditional heritage touches and modern comforts.
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
5 starThe St. Regis Lhasa Resort combines Tibetan cultural elements with world-class design and amenities to provide you with an experience unlike any other.
Hilton Shigatse
5 starThe Hilton Shigatse yields unobstructed views of the surrounding high-altitude peaks and is centrally located, surrounded by restaurants, markets, and shops and steps away from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.
Photos
Photos Panda Bear in Sichuan Sichuan Cuisine Actor,Is,Performing,Tibetan,Opera,In,Lhasa,On,Aug.,26.Actor is performing Tibetan opera in Lhasa on Aug. 26. 2014. During Lhasa Shoton festival, actors from different troupes gather together to perform Tibetan operas in Norbulingka park. Lake Yamdrok TsoYak, Namtso Lake in Tibet,China Sera Monastery Potala,Palace,In,Summer,,Lhasa,,Tibet,,Himalayan,AsiaPotala Palace in summer, Lhasa, Tibet, Himalayan Asia
Details
Dates for this Journey
May 21st – 30th, 2027
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local English-speaking guide
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- Domestic flights and trains, as noted in the itinerary
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International flights, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
Trip Costs
$5,250 per person
Single Supplement: +$1,567
(Please note that 6.72% Value-Added Tax (VAT) is already included in the prices above)
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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