16 Day Tibet Tour – Adventure Travel on Sichuan-Oinghai and Tibet Plateau

Tibet is a wonderful place to visit with so rich in history and culture that even the longest vacation may not seem long enough. By taking a tour you can optimize your time and see the most relevant sites so that you can return home with the memories of a lifetime. One web site http://sichuan.sina.com/english/lxs13.html offers an amazing 16 day journey on the Sichuan-Oinghai and Tibet Plateau. Be sure to check them out! Here’s an example of the itinerary but first a little history.

Oinghai&Tibet Plateau is famous around the world! Sichuan means four rivers and it’s known as the Land of Abundance and the birthplace of Sichuan food which is famous throughout China. It is said that Sichuan sits below the throne of the Jade Emperor who is the God of Heaven. That’s where the name Qinghai Tibet Plateau came from. This truly is the top of the world with the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.

Day 1

You’ll arrive at the busting city of Chengdu the capital city of Sichuan Province in West China. Once you’re settled into your hotel you’ll celebrate your arrival with a Sichuan dinner and you’ll watch the amazing Sichuan Opera perform Face changing and Flame Spitting.

Day 2

You’ll start the morning heading off to Wuhouci the largest garden style memorial of Zhugeliang Prime Minister of Shu in the era of Three Kingdoms. Then an afternoon flight will take you to Jiuzhaigou where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3

You’ll have a full day of exploring Jiuzhaigou, enjoy UNESCO’s world natural heritage with a picnic lunch. This is a beautiful nation park filled with the beautiful fall color in the woods and snow capped mountains. It’s the perfect autumn destination. Be sure to have a look at the emerald colored lakes. The green bus will take you to the fork of two valleys. Here you can enjoy a hike through the virgin forest or on a trail above the falls. Then it’s back to Jiuzhaigou for another overnight stay.

Day 4

You’ll travel to Ruoregai which is known for its Tangka Horses and the First Bend of Nine turn Yellow River. There you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the grassland with a beautiful view. You might be lucky enough to spot a Panda. Then it’s off to see the Tibetan villages which are scattered around the area and easily walked. You can also take this time to take some wonderful photos of the Yellow River. Then it’s back to Ruoergai for an overnight stay.

Day 5

You’ll head off to Lugu which is a small town populated by the Hui minority people. Huahu means Flower Lake and its home to the black necked cranes. Have a leisure hike in Nymph Valley and see Lamo a small Swiss monastery built back in 1413. It’s back to Lugu for an overnight stay.

Day 6

You’ll head for Xiahe and perhaps even tops to visit the Tibetan dogs, Zang’ao, breeding as in Hezuo. You’ll see Labrang Monastery which is one of the most famous Buddhist places of Yellow Sect. You’ll be guided by a monk guide. Then it’s back to Xiahe for an overnight stay.

Day 7

You’ll head out to see Neido a traditional village located near the beautiful tent style hotel. Then you’ll enjoy a walk through the mustard and barley field and chat with the locals. Later you’ll take a scenic drive to Tongren and you’ll see the birthplace of art in Regong. You’ll spend the night in Tongren.

Day 8

It’s off to see the famous Tibetan temple Longwusi and to learn about the Tibetan Buddhism Journey to Xining the capital city of Qinghai province. You’ll see castles and mushrooms alls naturally formed by the wind and yellow enjoy a walk along the Yellow River. Then it’s back to Xining for an overnight stay.

Day9

You’ll explore Qinghai Lake which is the largest salty water lake in China and its well known for its Huang Fish. You’ll get to marvel at the breathtaking Nanshan Mountain and smell some wildflowers. Then it’s back to Xining for an overnight stay.

Day 10

You’ll fly to Lhasa the capital city of Tibet and the center of the Tibetan economy, religion, and culture. It’s located on the northern bank of Lhasa River with a 12,000 foot elevation. Lhasa mean “holy place,” or “land of the Gods.” You’ll spend the night in Lhasa.

Day 11

Today you’ll get to visit the highest palace built in the 7th century AD, Potala Palace. The present one was built by the 5th Dalai Lama as a winter place. Then you’ll visit Jolkhang Temple the most sacred place in Tibet, built in the 7th century by Songtsengampo a Tibetan King. The take some time to explore the local market on Barkhor street. It’ back to Lhasa for an overnight stay.

Day 12

You’ll leave Lhasa for Shigatse. You’ll travel via Gyantse Drive through Kampala Pass at an elevation of 16,000 feet where you’ll stop at Yumdrok Yamtso Hydropower Station for a photo opportunity of the three sacred lakes. The scenery is mesmerizing! Then you’ll arrive at Shigatse where we’ll visit Palcho Monastery which was built in 1418. It’s made up of 16 monasteries from three different sects. This is one of the most preserved and most magnificent buildings in all of Tibet. You’ll spend the night in Shigatse

Day 13

This morning you’ll be off to see the Tashilunpo Monastery which was build in 1447 by Gendun Drup the 1st Dalai Lama who was also entombed here. Here you’ll find the largest bronze Buddha statue in the entire world. It’s made of 115,875 kilos of copper and 6,700 ounces of gold. Now it’s time to head back to Lhasa for your overnight stay.

Day 14

Is a day for sightseeing in Lhasa where you’ll take in the Sera Monasteries built in 1419 and home to 5500 lamas, Norbulingkha where the Dalai Lama’s summer palace is, and Deprung Monastery built in 1416 and the largest monastery in Asia, as well as a host of other sites. You’ll spend the night in Lhasa.

Day 15

You’ll fly to Chengdu to see the Chengdu Panda Ecological Park. You’ll get some great photos here! Then it’s your farewell dinner at a local restaurant were you’ll be served up something very special.

Day 16

Your adventure comes to an end and you’ll depart for home with the best memories ever.

Your incredible journey has come to an end but your memories will leave on. You’ll have the greatest stories to share with family and friends. Don’t forget to tell them about the delicious Tibetan food, the local villages, and the breathtaking views. Come visit Tibet again soon! There are plenty of tours to choose from.

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