Mystery River Canyons
of Tibet

For centuries, vast swathes of Central Asia and Tibet were but empty space on the maps of the Western world.  Closed to outsiders, the geography of Tibet was off-limits to the emerging sciences of Europe and North America; nevertheless, legends and myths persisted, which told of mysterious places where the great rivers of Asia were born, emerging from somewhere beyond the ramparts of the Himalaya.  Through the brilliant exploits of the legendary pundits, the truth behind these legends was at long last revealed. For in Tibet, it was true that several of Asia’s major rivers had their birthplace high upon the Plateau.  In Western Tibet, the Indus, Sutlej, and Tsangpo have their origins, while in Eastern Tibet, the Yangtze, Mekong, and Salaween are born.   In the case of these eastern rivers, not only were their sources discovered, but it was found that these rivers twisted and turned their way through immense gorges and canyons quite unlike anywhere else on the planet.  Carving their way deep through the mighty Himalayas, the roiling waters of the Yangtze, Mekong, Sateen, and Brahmaputra (as the Tsangpo is known as it makes its way from Tibet into India) plunge dramatically as they cascade their way past the sacred mountains of Kawakarpo (see banner photo above) Namche Barwa, towards the sea.

This itinerary is inspired by Kingdom Ward and his book of the same name. He spent 20 years exploring this region, searching for the route to Lhasa, that he knew existed, but one that eluded him

This is a unique opportunity to see four of the world’s great rivers in the course of one magical expedition.  As you walk in the footsteps of the legendary pundits, you will discover for yourself the exquisite beauty and awesome raw power of the Mystery River Canyons of Tibet.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA

Day 2: Arrive Kunming the capital of Yunnan where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  Enjoy a traditional welcome dinner in the evening.

Day 3:  Today we have the option to visit the Buddhist sites of Huating Si, Qongzu Si and Yuantong Si Monastery in the city or take a day trip to the Stone Forest.

Days 4 & 5:  A short flight brings us to the city of Lijiang (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) dramatically situated below the snow peak of Mount Yulong Shan.

Days 6 & 7:  Starting our overland journey to Lhasa, our first canyon is the Tiger Leaping Gorge of the Yangtze River. After seeing the first big U bend of the Yangtze River we continue driving along the river before climbing onto the plateau and reaching Gyalthang.

Day 8: We have the day to explore the region around Gyalthang while acclimating to the high elevation. Writing off this region by Kingdom Ward and Joseph Rock were the source of inspiration for James Hilton as he penned the village and monastery of Shangrila in his famous book "Lost Horizon."

Day 9:  Leaving Shangrila behind we get our final views of the Yangtze Gorge as we drive over a high pass and descent into the Mekong drainage basin and the border town of Dechin.

Days 10 - 12: Driving along the Mekong, we officially enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. These three days are spent as we follow the contours of the Mekong, traversing through verdant valleys and cresting high ridges and passes.  In Markham, known locally as Garthog Dzong, we will visit the Woser Monastery. The incredibly scenic road will then carry us along the banks of the Yu-chu River, an added bonus.

Days 13 & 14:  Crossing over another high pass we descend into the precipitous cliffs of the Salaween River canyons.  We meet up with the Phalung Tsangpo and follow its course west towards its confluence with the Labrung and then the Yarlung Tsangpo.  This is the area of the famous Brahmaputra gorges, arguably the deepest river canyons in the world.  We will see the raging waters of the Labrung as crash through the canyon into the Brahmaputra.

Day 15: From the highs of 17,000 foot passes we now descend to 6000 feet, to the charming, flower-filled mountain valley of Lunang in the shadow of Namche Barwa.

Day 16: Another day, another high pass before we reach the town of Bayi, and a comfortable hotel. Nearby is Bayi Pelri, a sacred mountain associated with Padmasambhava.

Days 17 & 18: We cross the awesome Brahmaputra at Melling.  Travelling on its southerly banks, we travel along the river’s canyons as we head towards the scenic Yarlung Valley.  The Yarlung Valley is certainly one of the most beautiful parts of Tibet, and the historic town of Tsedang will be our destination.

Day 19: A well deserved break as we spend the day relaxing and enjoying the sights in and around Tsedang.

Days 20 - 22: A final days driving along the Yarlung Tsangpo before crossing the river and reaching the fabled Tibetan Capital Lhasa. For more on what we do in Lhasa, please see our Essential Tibet itinerary.

Day 23:  We drive to the airport for our flight over the magnificent lands in which we have spent the last two weeks, to Kunming.

Day 24: Depart Kunming, arriving in the USA on the same day.

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.