Journey through the diverse landscapes of Yunnan Province up to 'the roof of the world' where you will experience the many wonders of Tibet. Admire ancient monasteries and Himalayan vistas before taking in the ultimate view of Everest.
Our Tibetan Wonders tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Meditate with a Taoist Master at Weibaoshan
Admire the glistening architecture of Songzanlin Monastery
Immerse yourself in the Buddhist way of life
Stand in awe as the sun rises over Earth's highest mountain
Watch the sun's rays spread over the rugged, snowy peak of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, in what must surely be considered one of the most dramatic and spectacular places to watch the sun rise (weather permitting).
Visit Tashilhunpo, the seat of the eminent Panchen Lama, and make a ‘kora’ (pilgrimage circuit) of this 15th-century monastery with the pilgrims who have travelled from all over Tibet to visit this sacred edifice.
Spend time with a Shaman, who will teach you some of a forgotten language, Dongba Pictograms - by the end of the lesson you'll know all about its history and be able to write a few basic characters.
Fly overnight to the relaxed city of Kunming, also known as the 'City of Eternal Spring'.
This morning, meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Visit Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills. Return to Kunming and tuck into local delicacy 'Across the Bridge' noodles for dinner.
Drive to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek into bygone China. Wander the ancient quarter and see the magnificent Three Pagodas.
Weibaoshan is one of the Taoist religion's most sacred mountains and has twenty temples dotted on its forested slopes. Take a scenic walk and discover a handful of these temples and meet with a Taoist priest who will introduce you to Taoist meditation techniques.
Drive to Shaxi ancient town, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the fascinating minority people who live in the area and enjoy a local lunch. Continue to Lijiang and spend the evening wandering the old town.
A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a chairlift, explore one of the stunning high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. Admire the fascinating Ming Dynasty frescoes at Baisha and see the intricate creations of the embroidery school. Next, meet a Shaman who will teach you to write the forgotten language of Dongba Pictograms.
Visit Black Dragon Pool Park for magnificent views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Continue to the Tibetan monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. Visit Dafo Temple and spend some free time exploring the old town.
Visit Songzanlin Monastery before hiking 2-3 hours to Napa Hai. Here you are surrounded by towering mountains and lush grasslands brimming with flora and fauna. Next, visit a rural Tibetan-style village where you will learn about the villagers' way of life, make butter tea and taste home-cooked dishes.
Fly to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. The afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.
Lhasa is a quickly growing modern city but among the narrow, old streets you will feel a million miles from the stresses and strains of the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, to witness the debating monks. Tonight, enjoy a Tibetan dinner and dance.
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder, towering over the city. The former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, it houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures. Next, explore Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city.
Travel across Tibet's stark plains to Shigatse. Dominated by a fort reminiscent of the Potala, Shigatse is Tibet's second city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Enjoy some free time to explore the local markets.
Continue by road to New Tingri, admiring the awe-inspiring views of the mighty Himalayas as you go.
Rise early to make the final assault across the Gue-La Pass to Rongbuk, a monastic village festooned in colourful prayer flags. With Mount Everest dominating the horizon, stop by the world's highest post office, then continue to Everest Base Camp Boundary Monument. Situated under the gaze of Everest's north face, the views of the world's highest peak are unsurpassed (weather permitting). A total of 1–2 hours will be spent on foot today.
Rise early to see a glorious sunrise over Everest (weather permitting) before returning to New Tingri.
Return to Shigatse. The next day, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and join the pilgrims on their evening 'kora' of the monastery. Continue to the pleasant town of Gyantse to visit the Gyantse Kumbum located inside the Pelkor Monastery. Visit a traditional folk house for some home brewed 'chang'.
Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang. Visit Gangpo Ri, the 'birthplace of the Tibetan people'.
Perched on a hill over the Yarlung River, legend says that the ancient Yumbulhakang Palace was the first building in Tibet and the palace of the first Tibetan king. Continue to the Chang Chun Monastery and the King's Tombs before returning to Lhasa.
Fly to Chengdu in Sichuan Province.
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre, stroll around People's Park, see Matchmaker's Corner and stop by a traditional teahouse. In the evening, enjoy Sichuanese cuisine followed by an option to see a 'face-changing' show.
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.
George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.Mr and Mrs Brown
"Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.
Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.Mr Andrew Charles
From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.
The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!Mr Edward Ayling
This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.
Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when neededMrs Carrick
Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!
Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.Mrs Diane Foley
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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
