Authentic Tibet, Beijing & Chengdu

Small Group - 4 to 16

15 Days

from

$8,199 pp

Single Supplement – $1,399

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Authentic Experiences

Experience China and Tibet on a 15-day small group tour that blends ancient culture, striking landscapes and authentic local moments. Walk through Beijing’s Forbidden City and learn Tai Chi from a local master before enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime lunch on the Great Wall. Travel by overnight train to Lhasa and feel the energy of the Potala Palace, sacred monasteries and the Saga Dawa Prayer Festival.

Continue through breathtaking Himalayan scenery to Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier and the colourful streets of Chengdu. Visit panda sanctuaries, join a Sichuan cooking class and take in the dramatic Sichuan Opera. This is a journey filled with history, warmth and discovery – an unforgettable glimpse into two of Asia’s most captivating regions.

  • Visit the Temple of Heaven & Forbidden City
  • A guided Taichi class by a local master
  • Experience the Great Wall of China by a tabled lunch on the wall
  • Travel to Lhasa by overnight train
  • Visit the iconic Potala Palace
  • Join in the Saga Dawa Prayer Festival activities – very authentically Tibetan
  • Visit the Drepung Monastery and visit a local Tibetan family
  • Visit the important Sera Monastery and see the monks live their daily life
  • View the incredible Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Manla Reservoir
  • Explore the largest chorten in Tibet, Kumbum
  • Explore local towns, and Lhasa
  • Visit the Wenshu Temple and experience a local tea ceremony
  • Explore Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu
  • Enjoy a 90-minute Sichuan Opera performance
  • Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base and spend time with the loveable creatures
  • Enjoy a local Sichuan cooking class
  • Plus so much more!

Journey Map

Fitness Level

Easy

Moderate

Challenging

Tough

Itinerary

Welcome to China!

Upon your arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in downtown city. In the evening, you’ll enjoy your welcome dinner at Huajiayiyuan Restaurant famous for Peking Duck.

Overnight in Beijing at Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing                                           

09:00, Pick up from the hotel.

The day starts early with a visit to the Temple of Heaven. Before entering the temple, explore the surrounding grounds, which provide some unique insight into daily Chinese activity. From Tai Qi, Kung Fu and Sabre practice to meditation, tango, and gymnastics, physical exercise is considered an essential start to the day for the Chinese. You’ll have Taichi Class guided by our local master.

Continue on with a visit to the Temple itself, marked by both simplicity and symbolism. Displaying touches of Buddhism and Taoism, the temple was once used by Emperors to direct authority on earth from the heavens.

Then we will visit to the Forbidden City. The construction of the city was finished in 1420 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty, serving as the Imperial administrative center until the fall of the Empire in 1911.

Then you’ll join-in the Cooking class in Hutong.

Overnight in Beijing at Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

08:30, Pick up from the hotel.

Today you’ll  visit to the Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall.

Contrary to popular myth, the Great Wall cannot be seen from the moon. It is, nonetheless, still one of the most famous symbols of China and should not be missed. Traces of the wall date back over 2000 years ago, while the greater restoration project of the Ming Dynasty created the Wall we know today. Stretching for over 6000 km, the wall spans from ancient Manchuria to the edge of the Gobi desert in the west. Begin the day with an early departure for the Wall; arriving in the morning light provides excellent photo opportunities of the Great Wall. And then you’ll enjoy the set up lunch on the Great Wall.

Estimate distance and journey time:

Beijing city– Jinshanling Great Wall (approx. 160km): approx 2.5 hours

Overnight in Beijing at Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

 

Today you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Xining.

When you arrive in Xining, you’ll be welcomed by your local guide and start your visit of the Dongguan Mosque. Dongguan Mosque, with a long history of over 600 years is the largest and oldest mosque in Qinghai Province and one of the Four Greatest Mosques in Northwest China. It serves as an Islamic sanctum for holy rituals and divine Islamic scripture study. Beyond religious status, the mosque itself is a splendid architecture complex blending traditional Chinese style and classic Islamic characters.

Then you’ll visit the Shuijing Alley Night Market before going to the train station to catch your train to Lhasa.

Estimated departure time: 21:50

Estimated arrival time: 18:26+1

Overnight on the train

 

Welcome to Tibet!

Today at 18:26, you’ll arrive in Lhasa and your driver and guide will welcome you there. Welcome to Lhasa, the administrative, political and religious capital of Tibet! While the city is divided into Chinese and Tibetan halves, the majority of this trip will be covering the Tibetan areas.

Note: This region of China is considered to be the “Roof of the World.” As such, it is imperative to bring sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and to stay regularly hydrated. It is also strongly recommended to consult a doctor before visiting, as not everyone is conditioned to climbing at altitudes sometimes greater than 5000 meters.

Overnight in Lhasa at Tibet Shellong Manor Hotel

9:00, pick up from hotel.

Begin the Tibet tour with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace: the one-time residence of the Dalai Lama, the religious head and political leader of Tibet. The Palace is an a true architectural masterpiece, magisterially overlooking the whole city of Lhasa from its 130m vantage point. The Palace is comprised of two main buildings: the Red Palace, the religious center housing relics belonging to previous Dalai Lamas, and the White Palace, housing the private apartments of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas (the latter fled to India with the arrival of the Chinese army in 1959). The visit takes around 3 hours to explore the labyrinth of staircases, apartments, ceremonial rooms, and chapels.

In order to fully immerse oneself in the Tibetan world, a visit will be made to the Jokhang Temple. Boasting both Nepalese and Indian influences, this temple dates back to the 8th century and is famous for being the most venerated religious site in Tibet. Attracting a daily crowd of pilgrims, the temple  amply reflects the diversity present in the demography of the Tibetan region.

Pilgrims travel the Barkhor – join-in the Saga Dawa Prayer Festival activity (“kora” or pilgrimage routes that circle sacred sites), all the while spinning their prayer wheels before tirelessly prostrating themselves in front of the temple doors. Enter the dimly-lit temple, which is filled with the smell of yak butter and the sound of monks’ chanting. Inside are 3000 icons of Buddha, Buddhist deities, and historical figures, but it’s the golden statue located at the heart of the temple that’s the most notable.

Then you’ll enjoy the Tibetan culture experiences, including Tibetan incense making, Tibetan letter writing, etc… which takes around 1.5 – 2 hours.

Overnight in Lhasa at Tibet Shellong Manor Hotel

Today you’ll have a visit to the Drepung monastery, another crucial Yellow Hat Sect destination. The monastery was built in the 15th century and was once thought to be the largest in the world with a community of 7000 monks. The second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas are buried here; the fifth lived here before taking up his residence in Potala, as mentioned above. After that you’ll visit the local Tibetan family.

Then pay a visit to one of the most important Yellow Hat sect destinations: the 14th century Sera Monastery. While there used to be 5,000 monks living and studying here, 600 monks still inhabit the monastery, devoting every afternoon from 15:30 to 17:00 (except for Sundays) to their famous religious debates (true examples of verbal sparring.) The young monks inject their speeches with theatrical gesturing while the elders watch and judge their ability to climb the hierarchy.

Overnight in Lhasa at Tibet Shellong Manor Hotel

This morning, Journey onwards to Ganden monastery, the original monastery and stronghold for the Gelug Yellow Hat Sect. Established in 1416 by Tsongkhapa (the Gelug founder), this monastery is perched on top of a hill overlooking the entire Kyi-Chu valley. Innumerable religious texts are found in its chapels, with scores of “printers” at work… dedicated monks conscientiously copying 500 pages of text day (the equivalent of around five books.) Merge again into the trail of the kora, boasting amazing views of the monastery and the valley below.

Overnight in Lhasa at Tibet Shellong Manor Hotel

Rise early this morning for a relatively long day of travel. Despite the hours spent in the car, the passing scenery and landscapes will make the experience well worth it. Follow the famous Friendship Highway (linking Tibet to Nepal), along which can be found Yamdrok Lake. Stop off at the Kamba-la Pass (altitude of 4800-5000) where some amazing views of the lake (and imposing Nojin Kangtsang)  can be seen.

Enjoy a photo opportunity with the roaming yaks or the Tibetan Mastiffs, formerly used as watchdogs by Nomadic Peoples in the Himalayas and as guard dogs in monasteries.

Next stop is the Karola Glacier (altitude of 4960m), which at the start of the 20th century was the location of the highest battle in the history of the British Empire.

The final stop of the day will be at the Manla Reservoir, which is of interest for both its turquoise waters and also for being fed by Yamdrok Lake – one of the most sacred lakes for the Tibetan people.

At the end of the day, arrive in Gyantse. Previously an independent kingdom, Gyantse was a commercial crossroads on the trans-Himalayan route, linking central Tibet to Sikkim.

Estimate distance and journey time:

Lhasa city – Yamdrok Lake (approx. 160 km): approx 3h 45

Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse (approx. 100km): approx 2h 30

Overnight in Gyantse at Nyangchu Manor House Hotel                                          

Today you’ll start the tour with an early departure for the 15th century Pelkhor Chode (or Palcho Monastery). The centerpiece of the site is the famous “Kumbum”, an architectural masterpiece of six tiered floors which once featured 108 chapels (nowadays just fewer than 80)- the largest chorten in Tibet.

The chorten was built in 1447 by the Prince of Gyantse, Tabten Kunzang, whose main residence is found in the Dzong (“fortress”) located a few hundred meters away on the crest of a hill. The Gyantse Dzong was partially destroyed during the British Young husband Expedition in 1904 and today houses a small museum of “British Imperialism.” Visit to the fortress and the museum.

After exploring the museum, the Tibet tour continues with a walk in the Tibetan old town, which has miraculously avoided urban development and which is probably the most authentic town in Tibet. Magisterially overlooked by the Dzong, it consists of a main road with perpendicular alleys bordered by traditional white Tibetan houses.

Then you’ll drive to Shigatse.

Estimate distance and journey time:

Gyantse – Shigatse (approx. 95km): approx 1h 45

Overnight in Shigatse at Gesar Hotel  

Pay a visit to Tashilhunpo, a Gelugpa monastery (Yellow Hat Sect) founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama (whose remains are on site.) The monastery became the seat of the Panchen Lama (second most important leader for Tibetans.) While the monastery remains very active with a community of around 800 monks, the divergence between China and Tibet over the identity of the real Panchen Lama has led the 14th Dalai Lama (today based in Dharamsala) to “re-establish” Tashilhunpo in India. Then you’ll drive back to Lhasa.

Estimate distance and journey time:

Shigatse – Lhasa (approx. 270km): approx 3h 50

Overnight in Lhasa at Tibet Shellong Manor Hotel                                     

Today you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Chengdu.

When you arrive in Chengdu, you’ll be welcomed by your local guide and be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the local restaurant to enjoy your dinner.

Overnight in Chengdu at Holiday Inn Oriental Plaza Hotel                           

Start off the tour in Chengdu with a visit to the Wenshu Temple (Manjushri Temple), the best preserved (fully-functioning) temple the the Chengdu area. Enjoy a revitalizing, refreshing cup in the nearby House of Tea with local tea ceremony – one of the most popular spots in the city.

Take a leisurely stroll through People’s Park and watch along as the locals perfect the arts of Tai-Chi, Kung-fu, sword dance, meditation, dance, gymnastics, and other practices of “well-being.”For a truly sensational and otherworldly encounter, look for the “ear cleaners”! Then you’ll visit Chunxi Road.

Then you’ll start your visit to the famous Kuanzhai Alley. Kuanzhai Alley literally means “Wide and Narrow Alleys” (Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi). Here they particularly referred to the two famous lanes in Chengdu – Kuan Alley (wide lane) and Zhai Ally (Narrow Lane). Both Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley (Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi) are the gentrified ancient alleys from Qing Dynasty (1644 -1911) in Chengdu. Kuanzhai Alley is the representative of the very local culture in Chengdu. Local residents, phoenix trees, inns and the old tea houses, all of these make Kuanzhai Alley become a unique site. It’s a symbol for modern people to memory the past Chengdu. Have a walk in the alley, to feel the local life element there.

Enjoy your evening with a 90-minute performance of the Sichuan Opera. As one of the oldest and most interesting opera forms in Southwestern China, Sichuan Opera is a perfect belend of local dialect along with the customs, folk musics and dances from other regions. Sihcuan Opera is known for three distinct features, Changing faces, spitting fire and rolling light. Before the show begins, you will have the chance to visit the back stage, try the performance costume.

Note:

  • VIP ticket for the show is included.
  • The show begins at 20:00 and last for around 1.5hrs.

Overnight in Chengdu at Holiday Inn Oriental Plaza Hotel                           

Pay a visit to Dujiangyan Panda Base and enjoy quality time with giant pandas, baby pandas and red pandas. It is located in Qingchengshan Town of Dujiangyan City, 18 kilometers from Dujiangyan downtown. To its north is the Taoist holy mountain – Mount Qingcheng; to its south is an ancient town in west Sichuan, called Jiezi Ancient Town. Dujiangyan Panda Base is a professional organization specializing in giant panda rescue and disease prevention in China. Therefore, loving people are recommended to go this panda base in Dujiangyan to achieve your dream of pandas! At present, there are more than 30 giant pandas and 5 red pandas living here.

In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum to enjoy your local cooking class. Lying in Gucheng Town of Pixian County, northwest of Chengdu, Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum, with neoclassical garden scenery in an occupied area of 27,000 m², boasts a reputation of National AAA-Grade Scenic Spot and stands out on National Level Three museum list. More than 6000 pieces of antiques and cultural relics are on display, narrating the amazing story of local culinary art, wine, tea and opera as well as its architecture specialties in Sichuan. The museum is also well-known as an “eatable” establishment and a name card for Chengdu tourism. By presenting visitors at home and abroad with a journey of cultural exploration and cooking class participation, the museum construction showcases the wealth of Sichuan culinary attraction to the world in an all-round way.

Farewell dinner for local hotpot at the local restaurant.

Estimate distance and journey time:

Chengdu city – Dujiangyan Panda Base (approx. 65km) :approx. 1h30min

Dujiangyan Panda Base  – Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum (approx. 45km) :approx. 50 min

Overnight in Chengdu at Holiday Inn Oriental Plaza Hotel 

Today you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your departure flight. Farewell China!

Breakfast is at hotel.

 

What’s Included?

  • 14 night’s superior class accommodation in Beijing, Tibet, and Chengdu
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • All transfers throughout
  • All road transportation throughout
  • An English-speaking local guide
  • All tours as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for mentioned visits
  • Train tickets with soft sleeper from Xining to Lhasa
  • Beijing to Xining domestic flight in China
  • Lhasa to Chengdu domestic flight in China

Availability

Start DateEnd DateDurationAvailabilityPrice

  • Start Date

    May 26, 2026

    End Date

    June 9, 2026

    Duration

    15 days

    Availability

    Available

    Price

    9,599 AUD

Why Choose Mike Drew Travel?

Hand-crafted journeys & immersive experiences

Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.

We’ve walked the walk

Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.

Your safety first

In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.