Shanghai-Chengdu-Tibet

My wife and I would like to attempt the following in September 2009:

Is this realistic?

Day 1-Arrive Shanghai

Day 2-Shanghai

Day 3-Flight to Chengdu

Day 4-Chengdu

Day 5-Early Flight for Tibet Tour

Day 6-Tibet Tour

Day 7-Tibet Tour

Day 8-Flight to Chengdu-Shanghai

Day 9-Flight back to US

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Shanghai-Chengdu-Tibet

Maybe if you would outline your objectives and what you hope to see in each place we can comment. On face value I see too many places in too little time. How are you going to get a visa to Tibet or do you have a tour already picked out?

Without further information, I would skip Shanghai altogether and just continue on in the Pudong airport to Chengdu the same say (2-3 hour interval is good). Wake up in Sichuan and enjoy. Some fantastic food, EmeiShan, LeShan and the Giant Pandas are big draws. Keep it simple to Chengdu and Tibet and I think you will enjoy it better and have time to relax as opposed to spending so many days taking taxis to airport.

Shanghai-Chengdu-Tibet

It is our first time to China and the only real reason for us to stay in Shanghai was to get some rest from the flight from U.S. and see the city for one day before we head to Chengdu to hike and see the pandas, then on to Tibet for a private tour.

Thanks for the advice! It makes alot of sense. We were debating between the itinerary above or simply go to Shanghai and Beijing only. But obviously that is two totally different trips.

You will need a Tibet permit. If you are going via Chengdu, Sims can help you get it.

www.gogosc.com/enly_aboutus.asp

For your return flight can you fly from Chengdu to the U.S instead off having to back track to Shanghai? As day 8 seems wasted in traveling.

In April I have a flight Chengdu - Australia (via Singapore). But as I fly in %26amp; out of Australia I am not familiar with the China - US routes.

The new Tibet train one way would be an option but I don%26#39;t think you would have time so bet stick with flights to Lhasa.

Drumbake,

I went on to Sims%26#39; website, but it said the Tibet/Lhasa tours were unavailable at the moment. Do you think this is true for all tour groups going to Tibet?

Could be that the trips are not offered now since it%26#39;s winter there?

I agree with the suggestion to fly all the way to Chengdu and do your jet-lag recovery there. If you are flying United through Shanghai (or Beijing) the flight arrives early enough to catch a flight to Chengdu the same day. You do arrive late at night but you can go right to bed. Alternatively stay a day or so in Beijing or Shanghai and skip Chengdu. You don%26#39;t have enough time for 3 places!

I did a private tour for 4 people to Tibet in November that was a 4 night Lhasa and Shigatse trip. I booked it with an agent in Shanghai and the trip was fantastic. We flew through Chengdu but did not stay there.

junkrus

I%26#39;m not sure why the tours are not available at the moment. Maybe due to the season? Suggest you contact Sims directly and ask for advice.

Another recommended agency is Tibetan Connections in Xining. www.tibetanconnections.com/