{"title":"Journeys — Tibet","description":"\u003cp\u003ePrivate Tibet journeys for travellers who want a careful, well-paced introduction to Lhasa, monasteries, plateau landscapes, and overland Himalayan routes. These trips prioritise permit coordination, altitude-aware pacing, private guiding, and realistic driving days, with cultural context before each major temple or pilgrimage site. Best for late spring through autumn, they suit travellers who value depth, quiet logistics, and a planner-reviewed route before payment capture.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tibet-plateau-private-tour-2026","title":"Tibet Plateau — 9 Days","description":"\u003cp class=\"ct-product-lead\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNine days at the roof of the world — Lhasa, the Potala Palace, Namtso Lake, and Buddhist monasteries that have been operating since the seventh century.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTibet is the only destination we include that requires a special permit beyond a standard China visa. It is also the destination that travelers describe most often as life-changing. The altitude (Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters), the light, and the sheer weight of spiritual life practiced there produce an effect that is difficult to describe in advance. You simply have to go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant: Altitude Acclimatization\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDays 1–2 in Lhasa are deliberately light. Altitude sickness is real — we build in rest time, provide acclimatization support, and advise consulting your doctor about acetazolamide before travel. Most guests feel fine by Day 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eItinerary Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays 1–2 — Lhasa Arrival \u0026amp; Acclimatization:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short walks only. Barkhor Circuit at your own pace. Jokhang Temple courtyard in the late afternoon light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays 3–4 — Potala Palace \u0026amp; Drepung:\u003c\/strong\u003e Potala Palace (timed entry, advance permit required — we arrange this). Drepung Monastery — once the world's largest Buddhist monastery, 10,000 monks. Morning debate session if timing allows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays 5–6 — Namtso Lake:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-hour drive to Namtso, one of the world's highest lakes (4,718m). Overnight in a guesthouse on the lake shore. Sunrise over the Nyenchen Tanglha range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays 7–8 — Shigatse \u0026amp; Tashilhunpo:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tashilhunpo Monastery — seat of the Panchen Lama. Drive back through the Himalayan foothills. Optional: Gyantse Kumbum (15th-century stupa with 77 chapels).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 9 — Return to Lhasa \u0026amp; Departure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flight to Chengdu, Xi'an, or Beijing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePermits Required\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTibet Travel Permit + Alien's Travel Permit for areas outside Lhasa. We obtain all permits on your behalf — allow 3–4 weeks lead time for your booking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePricing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom \u003cstrong\u003eUSD 5,980 per person\u003c\/strong\u003e (based on 2 travelers). May–October only (roads close in winter). Permit fees included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e✏️ \u003cstrong\u003eHow to edit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Products → Tibet Plateau → Edit. Update the itinerary, permit details, and pricing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage Encounter — Tibetan Pulu Wool Weaving\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Gyantse, you spend an afternoon with \u003cstrong\u003eLhasang Drolma\u003c\/strong\u003e, an inheritor of \u003cem\u003eGyantse Pulu\u003c\/em\u003e (江孜帮典) — the traditional Tibetan wool weaving on China's national intangible cultural heritage list. Pulu has been the daily fabric of the Tibetan plateau for over a thousand years. Lhasang Drolma works the traditional vertical loom set up in her courtyard, dyes the wool with locally foraged plants (walnut husk for brown, madder for red, indigo for blue), and weaves the diagonal twill pattern unique to Gyantse work. You take part in the warping and learn the foot-pedal sequence on a small sampler piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ct-cache-bust-route-map-20260611 --\u003e","brand":"ChinaTourly","offers":[{"title":"Pay full","offer_id":55454148657320,"sku":null,"price":5980.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Pay deposit (20%)","offer_id":55596120899752,"sku":null,"price":1196.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/7419\/2040\/files\/d6a8d0ff8224832e7fbe2244a710cd45.webp?v=1780886814"},{"product_id":"lhasa-cultural-foundation-8-days-private-tour-2026","title":"Lhasa Cultural Foundation - 8 Days","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.ct-prod{font-family:inherit;color:#171512;line-height:1.6}\n.ct-prod-tabs{display:flex;gap:0;margin:0 0 24px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.14);overflow-x:auto}\n.ct-prod-tabs a{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;padding:14px 22px;color:#69625b;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;white-space:nowrap;transition:color .2s ease, border-color .2s ease}\n.ct-prod-tabs a:hover, .ct-prod-tabs a.is-active{color:#9a7a47;border-bottom-color:#9a7a47}\n.ct-prod section{padding:18px 0 36px;scroll-margin-top:96px}\n.ct-prod h2{margin:0 0 12px;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:400;font-size:clamp(22px,2.4vw,30px)}\n.ct-prod h3{margin:24px 0 10px;font-size:18px}\n.ct-prod h4{margin:0 0 6px;font-size:16px;font-weight:700}\n.ct-prod p{margin:0 0 12px}\n.ct-prod ul{margin:0 0 16px;padding-left:20px}\n.ct-prod ul li{margin:6px 0}\n.ct-prod-facts{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:12px;margin:18px 0}\n.ct-prod-facts div{padding:14px;background:#fffdf8;border:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.12)}\n.ct-prod-facts b{display:block;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:18px;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:4px}\n.ct-prod-facts span{display:block;color:#69625b;font-size:12px}\n.ct-prod-day{display:grid;grid-template-columns:88px 1fr;gap:18px;padding:18px 0;border-top:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.08)}\n.ct-prod-day:first-of-type{border-top:0;padding-top:8px}\n.ct-prod-day__num{text-align:center;color:#9a7a47}\n.ct-prod-day__num span{display:block;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:2px}\n.ct-prod-day__num strong{display:block;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:38px;font-weight:400;line-height:1}\n.ct-prod-day__body h4{color:#171512}\n.ct-prod-day__body p{color:#454039}\n.ct-prod-dates{background:#f5f1e9;border:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.12);padding:24px;margin:18px 0}\n.ct-prod-dates label{display:block;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:14px}\n.ct-prod-dates input[type=date]{padding:10px 14px;border:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.18);background:#fff;font-size:14px;font-family:inherit;min-width:200px}\n.ct-prod-dates .ct-prod-price{margin-top:16px;padding:14px 18px;background:#fffdf8;border:1px solid rgba(154,122,71,.3);font-size:15px}\n.ct-prod-dates .ct-prod-price strong{font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:22px;color:#9a7a47}\n.ct-prod-dates .ct-prod-price small{display:block;color:#69625b;font-size:12px;margin-top:4px}\n.ct-prod-cautions{background:#fffaf2;border-left:3px solid #c39756;padding:18px 22px;margin:18px 0}\n.ct-prod-cautions h3{margin-top:0}\n@media(max-width:760px){.ct-prod-facts{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.ct-prod-day{grid-template-columns:64px 1fr}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod\"\u003e\n\n\u003cnav class=\"ct-prod-tabs\" aria-label=\"Product sections\"\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"#overview\" class=\"is-active\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"#itinerary\"\u003eDay by Day\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"#dates\"\u003eDates and Pricing\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"#cautions\"\u003ePlan Notes\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\n\u003csection id=\"overview\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eRoute Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-facts\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e8 days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrivate only, 2-traveler minimum\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTibet\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLhasa, Yamdrok Lake\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e4 to 5-star highest available in Lhasa\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHotel tier (locally owned where possible)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMay to October\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest season fit\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eWhat makes this route specific\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotala Palace private slot at dawn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThangka apprentice studio visit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYamdrok Lake day trip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eLocal intangible-heritage experience included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eTibetan thangka apprentice studio visit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eWhat is included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePrivate licensed China guide(s), region-specialist in each city on the route\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePrivate driver and premium vehicle for all intercity transfers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHotel accommodation at the stated tier, locally owned where possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAll entrance tickets and reserved-slot bookings\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDaily breakfast plus selected regional cuisine meals\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOne named local intangible-heritage experience matched to a city on the route\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e24\/7 in-China support line during the trip\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eVisa support and Alipay setup guidance before arrival\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eWhat is not included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInternational flights to and from China\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePersonal expenses and discretionary tipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOptional add-on experiences quoted on a per-request basis\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTravel insurance (comprehensive coverage strongly recommended)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection id=\"itinerary\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eDay-by-Day Itinerary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eA representative shape of the trip. We finalize each morning and afternoon visit during the planning call so the route reflects your interests and pace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLhasa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrival in Lhasa. Private transfer, hotel check-in, light evening orientation with your guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLhasa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst full day in Lhasa. We pace the morning gently to settle jet lag, then build into the route highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLhasa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Lhasa: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLhasa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Lhasa: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eYamdrok Lake\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTravel from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake (private driver or high-speed rail as appropriate). Afternoon orientation walk in Yamdrok Lake with your guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eYamdrok Lake\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Yamdrok Lake: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eYamdrok Lake\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Yamdrok Lake: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eYamdrok Lake\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinal morning at leisure. Private transfer to the airport, departure from Yamdrok Lake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin-top:18px;color:#69625b;font-size:14px\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: this is a private route. Days can be lengthened or shortened, cities swapped, and a custom intangible-heritage experience substituted at your request.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection id=\"dates\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eDates and Pricing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eBase price is for standard non-holiday departures. Chinese national holidays add a supplement automatically: Spring Festival and National Day Golden Week +50%, other major Chinese holidays +20%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-dates\"\u003e\n    \u003clabel for=\"ct-date-9450473128104\"\u003ePick a tentative departure date\u003c\/label\u003e\n    \u003cinput type=\"date\" id=\"ct-date-9450473128104\" min=\"2026-06-01\" max=\"2027-12-31\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-price\" id=\"ct-price-9450473128104\"\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eBase price: $6,200\u003c\/strong\u003e\n      \u003csmall\u003eDeposit option: $1,240 (20% of full). Pick a date above to see seasonal supplement.\u003c\/small\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eHoliday surcharge rules\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSpring Festival window (around late January to mid-February): \u003cstrong\u003e+50%\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNational Day Golden Week (October 1 to 7): \u003cstrong\u003e+50%\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eQingming (early April), Labor Day (May 1 to 5), Dragon Boat (around June), Mid-Autumn (around September): \u003cstrong\u003e+20%\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAll other dates: \u003cstrong\u003ebase price\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003ePayment options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eUse the \u003cstrong\u003ePay full\u003c\/strong\u003e button to commit the entire amount now, or \u003cstrong\u003ePay deposit (20%)\u003c\/strong\u003e to secure your dates and settle the balance later per our cancellation policy. Both options trigger a personal planner call within two business days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection id=\"cautions\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eTravel Cautions and Planning Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-cautions\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eBefore you commit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChina requires a tourist visa for most nationalities; allow six to eight weeks for processing. We can recommend a visa agent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlipay and WeChat Pay dominate local payments. Set up Alipay international before arrival; ChinaTourly will brief you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMost Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) need a VPN inside mainland China. Install and test before departure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-speed rail stations are large and Mandarin-signed; arrive 30 minutes before departure and confirm the gate letter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTibetan \/ high-altitude routes: arrive Lhasa rested, no alcohol for 24 hours, hydrate, and expect a slow first day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eCustomize this route\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eAdd or remove days, swap a city, raise the hotel tier, or shift to a different season. Every itinerary is private and adjustable. Talk to a planner before you book if you want changes baked in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTalk to a planner -\u0026gt;\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript\u003e\n(function(){\n  var base = 6200;\n  var dateEl = document.getElementById('ct-date-9450473128104');\n  var priceEl = document.getElementById('ct-price-9450473128104');\n  if (!dateEl || !priceEl) return;\n  function isSpringFestival(d){\n    var y = d.getFullYear(), m = d.getMonth()+1, day = d.getDate();\n    \/\/ Approximate Spring Festival window: Jan 20 to Feb 18 (varies by lunar calendar)\n    if (m === 1 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 20) return true;\n    if (m === 2 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 18) return true;\n    return false;\n  }\n  function isNationalDay(d){\n    return d.getMonth()+1 === 10 \u0026\u0026 d.getDate() \u003e= 1 \u0026\u0026 d.getDate() \u003c= 7;\n  }\n  function isOtherHoliday(d){\n    var m = d.getMonth()+1, day = d.getDate();\n    if (m === 4 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 3 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 7) return true; \/\/ Qingming\n    if (m === 5 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 1 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 5) return true; \/\/ Labor Day\n    if (m === 6 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 7 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 12) return true; \/\/ Dragon Boat (approx)\n    if (m === 9 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 14 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 22) return true; \/\/ Mid-Autumn (approx)\n    return false;\n  }\n  function fmt(n){ return '$' + Math.round(n).toLocaleString(); }\n  dateEl.addEventListener('change', function(){\n    var v = dateEl.value;\n    if (!v) { priceEl.innerHTML = '\u003cstrong\u003eBase price: ' + fmt(base) + '\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall\u003eDeposit option: ' + fmt(base*0.2) + ' (20% of full).\u003c\/small\u003e'; return; }\n    var d = new Date(v + 'T12:00:00');\n    var supp = 0, label = 'Standard date, no seasonal supplement';\n    if (isSpringFestival(d) || isNationalDay(d)) { supp = 50; label = isSpringFestival(d) ? 'Spring Festival window: +50%' : 'National Day Golden Week: +50%'; }\n    else if (isOtherHoliday(d)) { supp = 20; label = 'Chinese national holiday: +20%'; }\n    var total = base * (1 + supp\/100);\n    priceEl.innerHTML = '\u003cstrong\u003eDate price: ' + fmt(total) + '\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall\u003e' + label + ' \u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp; Deposit (20% of full): ' + fmt(total * 0.2) + '\u003c\/small\u003e';\n  });\n})();\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage Encounter — Tibetan Medicine Doctor Consultation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt a private Tibetan medicine clinic in Lhasa's Old Town you spend a 90-minute consultation with \u003cstrong\u003eDr. Tenzin Wangmo\u003c\/strong\u003e, a fifth-generation inheritor of the \u003cem\u003eSowa Rigpa\u003c\/em\u003e tradition (Tibetan traditional medicine) — UNESCO-recognized and on China's national intangible cultural heritage list. Dr. Tenzin reads your pulse using the classical 3-fingered method, examines your tongue, and discusses how altitude and diet affect the three Tibetan medical humors (rlung, mkhris pa, bad kan). She compounds a small altitude-acclimation herbal blend for you using Tibetan saffron, fritillaria, and rhodiola from her wall-cabinet of 200+ remedies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage — Mentang Tangka Painting Atelier\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutside Lhasa, you spend a morning with \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Tsering Gyatso\u003c\/strong\u003e, a recognized inheritor of the \u003cem\u003eMentang\u003c\/em\u003e (勉唐) school of Tibetan thangka painting, on UNESCO's representative list of intangible cultural heritage. Master Tsering trained fourteen years at the Lhasa Tibetan Painting Academy. He walks you through the seven sacred ratios used to lay out a Sakyamuni figure, grinds his own mineral pigments (lapis lazuli, malachite, cinnabar) from Tibetan stone, and demonstrates the gold-line finishing that distinguishes Mentang from Khyenri school work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage — Tibetan Butter Sculpture Tradition\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Kumbum Monastery's butter sculpture workshop you spend an afternoon with \u003cstrong\u003eLama Lobsang Choephel\u003c\/strong\u003e, a senior inheritor of \u003cem\u003eSuyou hua\u003c\/em\u003e (酥油花) — Tibetan butter sculpture on China's national intangible cultural heritage list. Lama Lobsang's hands must remain in ice water as he sculpts — the dyed yak-butter softens at 4°C above body temperature. He demonstrates the eight bodhisattva proportions used in the Tsongkhapa lineage tradition, then guides you through shaping a small lotus petal using the ice-water technique. The annual Butter Sculpture Festival on the 15th of the first month is when masters reveal new works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ct-cache-bust-route-map-20260611 --\u003e","brand":"ChinaTourly","offers":[{"title":"Pay full","offer_id":55550912168104,"sku":"CT-lhasa-cultural-foundation-8-days-full","price":6200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pay deposit (20%)","offer_id":55550912200872,"sku":"CT-lhasa-cultural-foundation-8-days-deposit","price":1240.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/7419\/2040\/files\/cfcd74ff6529841ea4a4214edf441df7.webp?v=1780886723"},{"product_id":"sichuan-tibet-overland-16-days-private-tour-2026","title":"Sichuan + Tibet Overland - 16 Days","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.ct-prod{font-family:inherit;color:#171512;line-height:1.6}\n.ct-prod-tabs{display:flex;gap:0;margin:0 0 24px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.14);overflow-x:auto}\n.ct-prod-tabs a{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;padding:14px 22px;color:#69625b;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;white-space:nowrap;transition:color .2s ease, border-color .2s ease}\n.ct-prod-tabs a:hover, .ct-prod-tabs a.is-active{color:#9a7a47;border-bottom-color:#9a7a47}\n.ct-prod section{padding:18px 0 36px;scroll-margin-top:96px}\n.ct-prod h2{margin:0 0 12px;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:400;font-size:clamp(22px,2.4vw,30px)}\n.ct-prod h3{margin:24px 0 10px;font-size:18px}\n.ct-prod h4{margin:0 0 6px;font-size:16px;font-weight:700}\n.ct-prod p{margin:0 0 12px}\n.ct-prod ul{margin:0 0 16px;padding-left:20px}\n.ct-prod ul li{margin:6px 0}\n.ct-prod-facts{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:12px;margin:18px 0}\n.ct-prod-facts div{padding:14px;background:#fffdf8;border:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.12)}\n.ct-prod-facts b{display:block;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:18px;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:4px}\n.ct-prod-facts span{display:block;color:#69625b;font-size:12px}\n.ct-prod-day{display:grid;grid-template-columns:88px 1fr;gap:18px;padding:18px 0;border-top:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.08)}\n.ct-prod-day:first-of-type{border-top:0;padding-top:8px}\n.ct-prod-day__num{text-align:center;color:#9a7a47}\n.ct-prod-day__num span{display:block;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:2px}\n.ct-prod-day__num strong{display:block;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:38px;font-weight:400;line-height:1}\n.ct-prod-day__body h4{color:#171512}\n.ct-prod-day__body p{color:#454039}\n.ct-prod-dates{background:#f5f1e9;border:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.12);padding:24px;margin:18px 0}\n.ct-prod-dates label{display:block;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:14px}\n.ct-prod-dates input[type=date]{padding:10px 14px;border:1px solid rgba(23,21,18,.18);background:#fff;font-size:14px;font-family:inherit;min-width:200px}\n.ct-prod-dates .ct-prod-price{margin-top:16px;padding:14px 18px;background:#fffdf8;border:1px solid rgba(154,122,71,.3);font-size:15px}\n.ct-prod-dates .ct-prod-price strong{font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:22px;color:#9a7a47}\n.ct-prod-dates .ct-prod-price small{display:block;color:#69625b;font-size:12px;margin-top:4px}\n.ct-prod-cautions{background:#fffaf2;border-left:3px solid #c39756;padding:18px 22px;margin:18px 0}\n.ct-prod-cautions h3{margin-top:0}\n@media(max-width:760px){.ct-prod-facts{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.ct-prod-day{grid-template-columns:64px 1fr}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod\"\u003e\n\n\u003cnav class=\"ct-prod-tabs\" aria-label=\"Product sections\"\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"#overview\" class=\"is-active\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"#itinerary\"\u003eDay by Day\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"#dates\"\u003eDates and Pricing\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"#cautions\"\u003ePlan Notes\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\n\u003csection id=\"overview\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eRoute Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-facts\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e16 days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrivate only, 2-traveler minimum\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTibet plus Sichuan\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChengdu, Kangding, Litang, Lhasa\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e4 to 5-star plus boutique camps\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHotel tier (locally owned where possible)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMay-Sep\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest season fit\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eWhat makes this route specific\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSichuan-Tibet overland highway expedition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhampa cowboy camp night\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotala Palace arrival after the overland approach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eLocal intangible-heritage experience included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eTibetan thangka workshop plus Khampa felt-craft demo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eWhat is included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePrivate licensed China guide(s), region-specialist in each city on the route\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePrivate driver and premium vehicle for all intercity transfers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHotel accommodation at the stated tier, locally owned where possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAll entrance tickets and reserved-slot bookings\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDaily breakfast plus selected regional cuisine meals\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOne named local intangible-heritage experience matched to a city on the route\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e24\/7 in-China support line during the trip\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eVisa support and Alipay setup guidance before arrival\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eWhat is not included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInternational flights to and from China\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePersonal expenses and discretionary tipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOptional add-on experiences quoted on a per-request basis\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTravel insurance (comprehensive coverage strongly recommended)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection id=\"itinerary\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eDay-by-Day Itinerary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eA representative shape of the trip. We finalize each morning and afternoon visit during the planning call so the route reflects your interests and pace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eChengdu\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrival in Chengdu. Private transfer, hotel check-in, light evening orientation with your guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eChengdu\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst full day in Chengdu. We pace the morning gently to settle jet lag, then build into the route highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eChengdu\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Chengdu: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eChengdu\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Chengdu: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eChengdu\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Chengdu: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKangding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTravel from Chengdu to Kangding (private driver or high-speed rail as appropriate). Afternoon orientation walk in Kangding with your guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKangding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Kangding: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKangding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Kangding: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e9\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKangding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Kangding: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLitang\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTravel from Kangding to Litang (private driver or high-speed rail as appropriate). Afternoon orientation walk in Litang with your guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e11\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLitang\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Litang: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLitang\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Litang: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e13\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLhasa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTravel from Litang to Lhasa (private driver or high-speed rail as appropriate). Afternoon orientation walk in Lhasa with your guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e14\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLhasa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Lhasa: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e15\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLhasa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuided day in Lhasa: route highlights, regional cuisine lunch, time built in for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"ct-prod-day\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__num\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e16\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-day__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLhasa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinal morning at leisure. Private transfer to the airport, departure from Lhasa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin-top:18px;color:#69625b;font-size:14px\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: this is a private route. Days can be lengthened or shortened, cities swapped, and a custom intangible-heritage experience substituted at your request.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection id=\"dates\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eDates and Pricing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eBase price is for standard non-holiday departures. Chinese national holidays add a supplement automatically: Spring Festival and National Day Golden Week +50%, other major Chinese holidays +20%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-dates\"\u003e\n    \u003clabel for=\"ct-date-9450473423016\"\u003ePick a tentative departure date\u003c\/label\u003e\n    \u003cinput type=\"date\" id=\"ct-date-9450473423016\" min=\"2026-06-01\" max=\"2027-12-31\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-price\" id=\"ct-price-9450473423016\"\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eBase price: $13,800\u003c\/strong\u003e\n      \u003csmall\u003eDeposit option: $2,760 (20% of full). Pick a date above to see seasonal supplement.\u003c\/small\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eHoliday surcharge rules\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSpring Festival window (around late January to mid-February): \u003cstrong\u003e+50%\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNational Day Golden Week (October 1 to 7): \u003cstrong\u003e+50%\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eQingming (early April), Labor Day (May 1 to 5), Dragon Boat (around June), Mid-Autumn (around September): \u003cstrong\u003e+20%\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAll other dates: \u003cstrong\u003ebase price\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003ePayment options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eUse the \u003cstrong\u003ePay full\u003c\/strong\u003e button to commit the entire amount now, or \u003cstrong\u003ePay deposit (20%)\u003c\/strong\u003e to secure your dates and settle the balance later per our cancellation policy. Both options trigger a personal planner call within two business days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection id=\"cautions\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eTravel Cautions and Planning Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ct-prod-cautions\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eBefore you commit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChina requires a tourist visa for most nationalities; allow six to eight weeks for processing. We can recommend a visa agent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlipay and WeChat Pay dominate local payments. Set up Alipay international before arrival; ChinaTourly will brief you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMost Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) need a VPN inside mainland China. Install and test before departure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-speed rail stations are large and Mandarin-signed; arrive 30 minutes before departure and confirm the gate letter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTibetan \/ high-altitude routes: arrive Lhasa rested, no alcohol for 24 hours, hydrate, and expect a slow first day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eCustomize this route\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eAdd or remove days, swap a city, raise the hotel tier, or shift to a different season. Every itinerary is private and adjustable. Talk to a planner before you book if you want changes baked in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTalk to a planner -\u0026gt;\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript\u003e\n(function(){\n  var base = 13800;\n  var dateEl = document.getElementById('ct-date-9450473423016');\n  var priceEl = document.getElementById('ct-price-9450473423016');\n  if (!dateEl || !priceEl) return;\n  function isSpringFestival(d){\n    var y = d.getFullYear(), m = d.getMonth()+1, day = d.getDate();\n    \/\/ Approximate Spring Festival window: Jan 20 to Feb 18 (varies by lunar calendar)\n    if (m === 1 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 20) return true;\n    if (m === 2 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 18) return true;\n    return false;\n  }\n  function isNationalDay(d){\n    return d.getMonth()+1 === 10 \u0026\u0026 d.getDate() \u003e= 1 \u0026\u0026 d.getDate() \u003c= 7;\n  }\n  function isOtherHoliday(d){\n    var m = d.getMonth()+1, day = d.getDate();\n    if (m === 4 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 3 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 7) return true; \/\/ Qingming\n    if (m === 5 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 1 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 5) return true; \/\/ Labor Day\n    if (m === 6 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 7 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 12) return true; \/\/ Dragon Boat (approx)\n    if (m === 9 \u0026\u0026 day \u003e= 14 \u0026\u0026 day \u003c= 22) return true; \/\/ Mid-Autumn (approx)\n    return false;\n  }\n  function fmt(n){ return '$' + Math.round(n).toLocaleString(); }\n  dateEl.addEventListener('change', function(){\n    var v = dateEl.value;\n    if (!v) { priceEl.innerHTML = '\u003cstrong\u003eBase price: ' + fmt(base) + '\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall\u003eDeposit option: ' + fmt(base*0.2) + ' (20% of full).\u003c\/small\u003e'; return; }\n    var d = new Date(v + 'T12:00:00');\n    var supp = 0, label = 'Standard date, no seasonal supplement';\n    if (isSpringFestival(d) || isNationalDay(d)) { supp = 50; label = isSpringFestival(d) ? 'Spring Festival window: +50%' : 'National Day Golden Week: +50%'; }\n    else if (isOtherHoliday(d)) { supp = 20; label = 'Chinese national holiday: +20%'; }\n    var total = base * (1 + supp\/100);\n    priceEl.innerHTML = '\u003cstrong\u003eDate price: ' + fmt(total) + '\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall\u003e' + label + ' \u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp; Deposit (20% of full): ' + fmt(total * 0.2) + '\u003c\/small\u003e';\n  });\n})();\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage Encounter — Kham Region Tibetan Black Pottery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Litang you visit the workshop of \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Kalsang Tashi\u003c\/strong\u003e, a recognized inheritor of \u003cem\u003eNiseh black pottery\u003c\/em\u003e — the Kham region's distinctive smoke-blackened earthenware tradition on Sichuan's provincial intangible cultural heritage list. Master Kalsang shapes vessels on a hand-spun foot wheel using clay from a single specific outcrop above the Niseh valley. He fires in a covered pit that traps wood smoke to produce the deep matte black surface characteristic of Kham work. You take part in the burnishing stage where each vessel is rubbed with smooth pebble to create the leather-like polish, and observe a small jug being fired in your presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage — Sichuan Opera Face-Changing (Bian Lian)\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou spend a private 90-minute session with \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Peng Denghuai\u003c\/strong\u003e, a recognized inheritor of \u003cem\u003eBian lian\u003c\/em\u003e (变脸) — Sichuan opera face-changing on China's national intangible cultural heritage list and traditionally guarded as a family secret. Master Peng was apprenticed by the late Master Wang Daozheng and safeguards the silk-thread mechanism. In a private back room of Shufeng Yayun teahouse he demonstrates eight different face changes at arm's length, then opens the costume to show the hidden 24-mask layered system and the timing of the silk pull-string.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage — Mentang Tangka Painting Atelier\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutside Lhasa, you spend a morning with \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Tsering Gyatso\u003c\/strong\u003e, a recognized inheritor of the \u003cem\u003eMentang\u003c\/em\u003e (勉唐) school of Tibetan thangka painting, on UNESCO's representative list of intangible cultural heritage. Master Tsering trained fourteen years at the Lhasa Tibetan Painting Academy. He walks you through the seven sacred ratios used to lay out a Sakyamuni figure, grinds his own mineral pigments (lapis lazuli, malachite, cinnabar) from Tibetan stone, and demonstrates the gold-line finishing that distinguishes Mentang from Khyenri school work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ct-cache-bust-route-map-20260611 --\u003e","brand":"ChinaTourly","offers":[{"title":"Pay full","offer_id":55550912757928,"sku":"CT-sichuan-tibet-overland-16-days-full","price":13800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pay deposit (20%)","offer_id":55550912790696,"sku":"CT-sichuan-tibet-overland-16-days-deposit","price":2760.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/7419\/2040\/files\/ffd986628cf99eb9e5cdbd9f82c253d0.webp?v=1780886784"},{"product_id":"tibet-heart-pilgrimage-private-tour-2026","title":"Tibet Heart Pilgrimage","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f5f1eb;border-left:4px solid #8b6f47;padding:24px 28px;margin-bottom:32px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul style=\"margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 days · pace: Slow, altitude-acclimatised\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom \u0026lt;strong\u0026gt;$7,250 per person\u0026lt;\/strong\u0026gt; based on two travellers (1-traveller and group rates available)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll-private throughout — your party only, no joining strangers or shared vehicles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes ChinaTourly's 24\/7 English-language support line for the duration of your travel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eLhasa five nights, Shigatse two nights, Gyantse one night, Namtso lake one day, return to Lhasa. Permits and acclimatisation built in. This journey is designed for the kind of traveller who reads the wall labels — paced for slow, altitude-acclimatised, with the operational specifics that make the days work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat you actually do on this journey\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJokhang Temple at 06:30 with the morning pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotala Palace inner-sanctum private tour (timed 90-min window)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrepung debate courtyard during afternoon session\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTashilhunpo Monastery at Shigatse — Panchen Lama's traditional seat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNamtso Lake day excursion at 4,718 m\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDay-by-day itinerary\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:0.95em;margin:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArrival · Lhasa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEvening arrival. Hotel check-in. No exertion.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLhasa acclimatisation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLight walking in the Lhasa Old Town. Lunch at a Tibetan family restaurant.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJokhang \u0026amp; Barkhor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e06:30 Jokhang Temple before public hours. Afternoon Barkhor pilgrimage circuit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePotala Palace\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMorning Potala Palace inner sanctum (booked 2 weeks in advance). Afternoon free.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrepung \u0026amp; Sera\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMorning at Drepung Monastery. Afternoon Sera Monastery debate session.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 6\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLhasa → Gyantse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrive to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake pass (4,800 m). The Pelkor Chode Monastery.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 7\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGyantse → Shigatse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMorning at the Gyantse Kumbum Stupa. Afternoon drive to Shigatse.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 8\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTashilhunpo Monastery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull day at Tashilhunpo. The 26m gilded copper Maitreya, the debate courtyard.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 9\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShigatse → Lhasa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReturn drive via the high-altitude road. Optional Yamdrok Lake stop.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 10\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLhasa free day\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRecovery day. Optional Tibet Museum or shopping at the Norbulingka district.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 11\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNamtso Lake\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDay excursion to Namtso (4,718 m). Picnic by the south shore.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 12\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeparture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMorning transfer to Lhasa airport. Flight to Chengdu or onward.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpecific timings, restaurants, and after-hours arrangements are confirmed in your final itinerary 14 days before departure.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat is included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTibet Travel Permit (TTP) arranged 25 days in advance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLicensed Tibetan-Buddhist-trained guide throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4-star hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse (St. Regis Lhasa as upgrade option)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre-dawn Jokhang and Potala bookings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOxygen support in vehicle and hotels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat is not included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternational flights to and from China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChinese tourist visa (typically $140–$185 from a Chinese consulate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel insurance (required)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDinners (unless specified)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcoholic beverages at meals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersonal shopping and souvenirs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTips for guides and drivers ($10–$20 per day each is appreciated but not expected)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy book this with ChinaTourly\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eChinaTourly is a China-based boutique travel agency. Our team is in China, our supplier relationships are in China, and our guides have been personally interviewed before their first client assignment. Three operational specifics that distinguish this journey from a generic package:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNamed guide.\u003c\/strong\u003e We commit to the specific guide assigned to your trip, not \"an experienced English-speaking guide\". You receive a brief on your guide's background 14 days before departure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal workshops where applicable.\u003c\/strong\u003e When your itinerary includes a craft workshop or master encounter, you are visiting a working studio with a verified practitioner — not a tourist demonstration with rotating actors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFriction honesty.\u003c\/strong\u003e We tell you what does not work — the days that cannot avoid crowds, the seasons that cannot avoid weather, the sites that cannot be photographed inside — before you book, not after.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQuestions you should ask before you book\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdl\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this journey actually private?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eYes. Your party is your party from the first transfer to the last. No joining strangers, no shared vehicles, no 'small-group' arrangements that are simply smaller buses. One licensed English-speaking guide, one vehicle, one dedicated driver across the full itinerary.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does payment work?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eA 30% non-refundable deposit at booking confirmation, balance due 45 days before departure. For trips booked more than 90 days in advance, we offer a 30\/30\/40 payment schedule. All major credit cards and bank wire are accepted.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the cancellation policy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eCancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a refund minus the deposit and any non-recoverable supplier costs (typically minimal at that lead time). Cancellations 30–60 days before departure receive 50% refund minus deposit. Inside 30 days, refunds depend on supplier recoveries. Travel insurance covers the gap and is required.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I customise the itinerary?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eYes. The structure above is our Signature version. Specific evenings, an extra day in one city, a craft workshop add-on, a hotel category upgrade — all of these are accommodated through a brief design conversation. Larger restructuring becomes a Bespoke itinerary; see our Bespoke journeys page for details.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I reach you with questions during the trip?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eOur 24\/7 English-language support line, answered within 90 seconds by a senior staff member based in China. Your guide and driver are reachable directly on WhatsApp. For medical issues we have direct hospital relationships in every major city we operate in.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is this journey actually private?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Your party is your party from the first transfer to the last. No joining strangers, no shared vehicles, no 'small-group' arrangements that are simply smaller buses. One licensed English-speaking guide, one vehicle, one dedicated driver across the full itinerary.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How does payment work?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A 30% non-refundable deposit at booking confirmation, balance due 45 days before departure. For trips booked more than 90 days in advance, we offer a 30\/30\/40 payment schedule. All major credit cards and bank wire are accepted.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the cancellation policy?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Cancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a refund minus the deposit and any non-recoverable supplier costs (typically minimal at that lead time). Cancellations 30–60 days before departure receive 50% refund minus deposit. Inside 30 days, refunds depend on supplier recoveries. Travel insurance covers the gap and is required.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I customise the itinerary?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. The structure above is our Signature version. Specific evenings, an extra day in one city, a craft workshop add-on, a hotel category upgrade — all of these are accommodated through a brief design conversation. Larger restructuring becomes a Bespoke itinerary; see our Bespoke journeys page for details.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How do I reach you with questions during the trip?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Our 24\/7 English-language support line, answered within 90 seconds by a senior staff member based in China. Your guide and driver are reachable directly on WhatsApp. For medical issues we have direct hospital relationships in every major city we operate in.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAbout ChinaTourly\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eChinaTourly is a China-based boutique travel agency designing private, tailor-made journeys for English-speaking travellers worldwide. Signature Tours from $2,000 per person. Bespoke Journeys from $3,999 per person with a 2-traveller minimum. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eSend us an inquiry\u003c\/a\u003e and we will respond within 24 hours with a draft itinerary and your guide already named.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage Encounter — Tibetan Tangka Painting Atelier\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutside Lhasa, you spend a private morning at the studio of \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Tsering Gyatso\u003c\/strong\u003e, a recognized inheritor of the \u003cem\u003eMentang\u003c\/em\u003e (勉唐) school of Tibetan thangka painting — the dominant school of central Tibet and on UNESCO's representative list of intangible cultural heritage. Master Tsering trained for fourteen years at the Lhasa Tibetan Painting Academy before being certified. He walks you through the seven sacred ratios used to lay out a Sakyamuni figure, grinds his own mineral pigments (lapis lazuli, malachite, cinnabar) from Tibetan stone, and demonstrates the gold-line finishing that distinguishes Mentang from Khyenri school work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage — Tibetan Medicine Sowa Rigpa Consultation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt a private Tibetan medicine clinic in Lhasa's Old Town you spend a 90-minute consultation with \u003cstrong\u003eDr. Tenzin Wangmo\u003c\/strong\u003e, a fifth-generation inheritor of \u003cem\u003eSowa Rigpa\u003c\/em\u003e — UNESCO-recognized Tibetan traditional medicine and on China's national intangible cultural heritage list. Dr. Tenzin reads your pulse using the classical 3-fingered method and discusses how altitude affects the three Tibetan humors (rlung, mkhris pa, bad kan). She compounds a small altitude-acclimation herbal blend using Tibetan saffron, fritillaria, and rhodiola from her wall-cabinet of 200+ remedies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage — Tibetan Butter Sculpture Tradition\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Kumbum Monastery's butter sculpture workshop you spend an afternoon with \u003cstrong\u003eLama Lobsang Choephel\u003c\/strong\u003e, a senior inheritor of \u003cem\u003eSuyou hua\u003c\/em\u003e (酥油花) — Tibetan butter sculpture on China's national intangible cultural heritage list. Lama Lobsang's hands must remain in ice water as he sculpts — the dyed yak-butter softens at 4°C above body temperature. He demonstrates the eight bodhisattva proportions used in the Tsongkhapa lineage tradition, then guides you through shaping a small lotus petal using the ice-water technique. The annual Butter Sculpture Festival on the 15th of the first month is when masters reveal new works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ct-cache-bust-route-map-20260611 --\u003e","brand":"ChinaTourly","offers":[{"title":"Pay full","offer_id":55568117170344,"sku":"tibet-heart-pilgrimage","price":7250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pay deposit (20%)","offer_id":55596120834216,"sku":null,"price":1450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/7419\/2040\/files\/2e0dc377ade40d2148207e643bef3c41.webp?v=1780894574"},{"product_id":"danba-watchtower-private-tour-2026","title":"Danba Watchtower \u0026 Sichuan-Tibet","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f5f1eb;border-left:4px solid #8b6f47;padding:24px 28px;margin-bottom:32px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul style=\"margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 days · pace: High-altitude, valley-based\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom \u0026lt;strong\u0026gt;$4,640 per person\u0026lt;\/strong\u0026gt; based on two travellers (1-traveller and group rates available)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll-private throughout — your party only, no joining strangers or shared vehicles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes ChinaTourly's 24\/7 English-language support line for the duration of your travel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo nights Danba Tibetan villages, two Tagong grassland, two Songpan, one Chengdu return. Pre-acclimatisation for higher-altitude itineraries. This journey is designed for the kind of traveller who reads the wall labels — paced for high-altitude, valley-based, with the operational specifics that make the days work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat you actually do on this journey\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJiaju Tibetan village (350-year-old watchtowers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTagong grassland Tibetan family\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSongpan horse trek (Tibetan Plateau edge)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFamily lunch in a working Tibetan home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuopo watchtower walk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDay-by-day itinerary\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:0.95em;margin:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArrival · Chengdu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEvening Jinli Old Street.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChengdu → Danba\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLong drive west (8h).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDanba\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJiaju village morning. Watchtower walk.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDanba → Tagong\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrive (4h). Tagong grassland evening.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTagong\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTibetan family. Lhagang Monastery.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 6\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTagong → Songpan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrive (5h). Horse trek arrangement.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 7\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0d9cf;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn Chengdu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMorning ride. Afternoon flight.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpecific timings, restaurants, and after-hours arrangements are confirmed in your final itinerary 14 days before departure.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat is included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTibetan-trained Sichuan borderlands guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTibetan family stay arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHorse trek at Songpan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAltitude awareness for 2,500m sections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate 4WD vehicle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat is not included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternational flights to and from China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChinese tourist visa (typically $140–$185 from a Chinese consulate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel insurance (required)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDinners (unless specified)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcoholic beverages at meals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersonal shopping and souvenirs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTips for guides and drivers ($10–$20 per day each is appreciated but not expected)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy book this with ChinaTourly\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eChinaTourly is a China-based boutique travel agency. Our team is in China, our supplier relationships are in China, and our guides have been personally interviewed before their first client assignment. Three operational specifics that distinguish this journey from a generic package:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNamed guide.\u003c\/strong\u003e We commit to the specific guide assigned to your trip, not \"an experienced English-speaking guide\". You receive a brief on your guide's background 14 days before departure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal workshops where applicable.\u003c\/strong\u003e When your itinerary includes a craft workshop or master encounter, you are visiting a working studio with a verified practitioner — not a tourist demonstration with rotating actors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFriction honesty.\u003c\/strong\u003e We tell you what does not work — the days that cannot avoid crowds, the seasons that cannot avoid weather, the sites that cannot be photographed inside — before you book, not after.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQuestions you should ask before you book\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdl\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this journey actually private?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eYes. Your party is your party from the first transfer to the last. No joining strangers, no shared vehicles, no 'small-group' arrangements that are simply smaller buses. One licensed English-speaking guide, one vehicle, one dedicated driver across the full itinerary.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does payment work?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eA 30% non-refundable deposit at booking confirmation, balance due 45 days before departure. For trips booked more than 90 days in advance, we offer a 30\/30\/40 payment schedule. All major credit cards and bank wire are accepted.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the cancellation policy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eCancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a refund minus the deposit and any non-recoverable supplier costs (typically minimal at that lead time). Cancellations 30–60 days before departure receive 50% refund minus deposit. Inside 30 days, refunds depend on supplier recoveries. Travel insurance covers the gap and is required.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I customise the itinerary?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eYes. The structure above is our Signature version. Specific evenings, an extra day in one city, a craft workshop add-on, a hotel category upgrade — all of these are accommodated through a brief design conversation. Larger restructuring becomes a Bespoke itinerary; see our Bespoke journeys page for details.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I reach you with questions during the trip?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eOur 24\/7 English-language support line, answered within 90 seconds by a senior staff member based in China. Your guide and driver are reachable directly on WhatsApp. For medical issues we have direct hospital relationships in every major city we operate in.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is this journey actually private?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Your party is your party from the first transfer to the last. No joining strangers, no shared vehicles, no 'small-group' arrangements that are simply smaller buses. One licensed English-speaking guide, one vehicle, one dedicated driver across the full itinerary.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How does payment work?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A 30% non-refundable deposit at booking confirmation, balance due 45 days before departure. For trips booked more than 90 days in advance, we offer a 30\/30\/40 payment schedule. All major credit cards and bank wire are accepted.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the cancellation policy?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Cancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a refund minus the deposit and any non-recoverable supplier costs (typically minimal at that lead time). Cancellations 30–60 days before departure receive 50% refund minus deposit. Inside 30 days, refunds depend on supplier recoveries. Travel insurance covers the gap and is required.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I customise the itinerary?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. The structure above is our Signature version. Specific evenings, an extra day in one city, a craft workshop add-on, a hotel category upgrade — all of these are accommodated through a brief design conversation. Larger restructuring becomes a Bespoke itinerary; see our Bespoke journeys page for details.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How do I reach you with questions during the trip?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Our 24\/7 English-language support line, answered within 90 seconds by a senior staff member based in China. Your guide and driver are reachable directly on WhatsApp. For medical issues we have direct hospital relationships in every major city we operate in.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAbout ChinaTourly\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eChinaTourly is a China-based boutique travel agency designing private, tailor-made journeys for English-speaking travellers worldwide. Signature Tours from $2,000 per person. Bespoke Journeys from $3,999 per person with a 2-traveller minimum. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eSend us an inquiry\u003c\/a\u003e and we will respond within 24 hours with a draft itinerary and your guide already named.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage Encounter — Jiarong Tibetan Stone Watchtower Architecture\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Danba's Jiaju village you spend a half-day with \u003cstrong\u003eMr. Tashi Dorje\u003c\/strong\u003e, a fifth-generation Jiarong Tibetan builder and inheritor of the \u003cem\u003eJiarong diaolou\u003c\/em\u003e (碉楼) construction tradition — UNESCO-recognized and on China's national intangible cultural heritage list. The Jiarong watchtower technique uses dry-laid stone blocks fitted with such precision that 9-story towers have stood since the Tang dynasty without mortar. Mr. Tashi walks you through the eight types of corner-stone joints, the geomantic siting principles that protect against earthquakes, and the architectural meaning of each watchtower's number of corners. You handle a sample stone fitted in his courtyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage — Mentang Tangka Painting Atelier\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutside Lhasa, you spend a morning with \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Tsering Gyatso\u003c\/strong\u003e, a recognized inheritor of the \u003cem\u003eMentang\u003c\/em\u003e (勉唐) school of Tibetan thangka painting, on UNESCO's representative list of intangible cultural heritage. Master Tsering trained fourteen years at the Lhasa Tibetan Painting Academy. He walks you through the seven sacred ratios used to lay out a Sakyamuni figure, grinds his own mineral pigments (lapis lazuli, malachite, cinnabar) from Tibetan stone, and demonstrates the gold-line finishing that distinguishes Mentang from Khyenri school work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLiving Heritage — Sichuan Opera Face-Changing (Bian Lian)\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou spend a private 90-minute session with \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Peng Denghuai\u003c\/strong\u003e, a recognized inheritor of \u003cem\u003eBian lian\u003c\/em\u003e (变脸) — Sichuan opera face-changing on China's national intangible cultural heritage list and traditionally guarded as a family secret. Master Peng was apprenticed by the late Master Wang Daozheng and safeguards the silk-thread mechanism. In a private back room of Shufeng Yayun teahouse he demonstrates eight different face changes at arm's length, then opens the costume to show the hidden 24-mask layered system and the timing of the silk pull-string.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ct-cache-bust-route-map-20260611 --\u003e","brand":"ChinaTourly","offers":[{"title":"Pay full","offer_id":55568124477608,"sku":"danba-watchtower","price":4640.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pay deposit (20%)","offer_id":55596116541608,"sku":null,"price":928.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/7419\/2040\/files\/42ee935d21493efa2e5ebfc2ba0788ec.webp?v=1780886642"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/7419\/2040\/collections\/ct-coll-tibet_96b52838-69ea-4303-91fe-23e43b7dbd7e.jpg?v=1780981731","url":"https:\/\/chinatourly.com\/collections\/journeys-tibet.oembed","provider":"Chinatourly","version":"1.0","type":"link"}