Arrive to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province. Boasting lovely scenery and mild weather, delicious food and long history make this a popular city to visit.

Leave early this morning for a day at the Chengdu Panda Breezing Base, the largest one in the world. The base has a panda museum, adult panda villa, panda kindergarten, and beautiful swan lake. Normally, pandas live alone, but you will have the unique opportunity to see the panda mothers and babies together. You will have plenty of time to observe the creatures up close and take photos of them.  As most of the pandas will fall asleep in the afternoon, it is advised to visit them in the morning and enjoy the scenery of the base later.

After your day with the pandas is complete, drive back to Chengdu in time for a Sichuan vegetarian meal this evening, a popular meal choice in this part of China. 

Depart from Chengdu and head out of the Sichuan basin towards the mountains that guard the approach to the Tibet-Qinghai plateau. During a short 6 hour journey the landscape, climate, cuisine, language and custom of the people entirely change from Chengdu. Arrive to Kangding at 8500 ft (2600m). Kangding sits on the border of the plateau and is well populated by both Tibetans and Han Chinese. This fast growing city is quickly making improvements to host visitors including cable cars to noteworthy sites and its lively square is often filled with locals in the morning for Tai Chi, badminton and socializing. Late this afternoon visit the small Ngachu monastery used actively by locals monks. Followed it up with a community dance in the square where you are invited to participate!

Perched in a steep valley along the edge TIbet-Qinghai plateau, you notice this morning that everywhere you look in Kangding goes up! Take an optional cable car or hike after breakfast to the top of Paoma Mountain for an incredible view. Set out today on a fascinating introduction to this new land and its people. Visit the Tibetan Museum of Cultural History for a glimpse at the past, stroll through the markets later in the day and get an idea of why this town has been a key historical trading center between the Tibetans and Chinese.

Today drive 45 minutes out of town to the scenic mountain pass of Ya Jia Gen. Along the way pass by scenes of rural Tibetan life and ancient villages. At the top of the pass, the panoramic views are breathtaking. Enjoy lunch next to an alpine lake and explore the ridges by foot as you like. Your hiking today may be as light or challenging as you prefer, based on your ability to hike at this altitude. Return to Kangding for a Tibetan dinner this evening.

This morning set out to drive up and over Zheduo Mountain pass at 13,800 ft (4200m) and drive 2 hours on to the nomadic trading village of Tagong which sits at 12,000 ft (3700m). Weather permitting you will see the peak of Gong-ga Mountain along the way, the highest peak in China outside of the Himalayas. This high altitude grassland region is home to many nomadic families who spend their days herding yaks. Stop along the way for photo opportunities as you like. The warmth of Tibetan hospitality awaits you at a local homestay tonight in Tagong. Enjoy time with your hosts as you learn more about their way of life.

This morning visit Lhagong, the monastery in Tagong wrought with an interesting history. Learn the ancient lore here about a Chinese princess who played a big role in introducing Tibet to Buddhism 1300 years ago before you set out for the 3 hour drive to Danba. The rugged beauty of this region provides stunning views of the most beautiful mountains in Eastern Tibet such as Yala mountain. Follow the seemingly endless mountain canyon down to the tucked away town of Danba at 6200 ft (1900m). High up on one of the hills lies your destination for the next two nights, the quaint Tibetan village of Zhonglu. Your gracious host invites you into their home and show you many cultural relics from hundreds of years ago and introduces you to the history of the area and their traditional way of life.

Today you set out for a relaxing hike on the surrounding slopes that offering beautiful views of the valley below with its terraced farms that the Tibetans have been cultivating for hundreds of years. Again you may make this a light or challenging hike depending on your preference on this day. This area is also well known for many ancient towers that sit in ruins dating back to hundreds of years during the warring period between Tibetan clans. A section of one 700 year old tower is used as part of the home where you are staying!

This morning start your drive out of the mountains and descending down the plateau. Cross one more mountain pass, Jiajin Mountain, which sits at 13,000ft (4000m) for a final view from the Roof of the World. Descend down many canyons and switchbacks through mountain villages which remind you again why Tibet has remained so cut off from the rest of the world for most of its history. Arrive to Baoxing for the evening.

Get an early start today and enter another cross cultural time warp as you step back into China's traditional past while exploring the narrow lanes of Shangli Ancient town. This quaint Chinese village offers a walk into China's past, complete with streams flowing through the village, old architectural styles, and plenty of food to taste. The subtropical climate of the area is a notable contrast to the dry and arid plain of Tibet. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking the 2-3 hour scenic drive back to Chengdu this afternoon. A farewell dinner awaits you this evening as toast your travels in Tibet.

Transfer back to the airport for your flight on to your next destination.