Join the epic 9-day adventure driving tour that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of northwest Yunnan Province, China. This off-the-beaten-path expedition will take you from the majestic Yading Nature Reserve to the pristine shores of Lugu Lake, passing through towering mountains, lush valleys, and traditional Tibetan villages along the way. Your route begins in Daocheng, a charming town nestled at the foot of the towering Kawa Karpo Mountains. We’ll explore the stunning Yading Nature Reserve, home to towering peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. As we drive north, we’ll cross into the Kanbawzaung County, where we’ll discover the traditional Tibetan culture and traditions of the local Naxi and Tibetans.Throughout the journey, you’ll be driving on scenic roads that wind through mountains, valleys, and countryside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll also stop at hidden villages, ancient temples, and traditional markets along the way, giving you a glimpse into the daily lives of local communities.This adventure is perfect for those who love off-the-beaten-path travel, mountain scenery, and cultural exploration. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Shangri-La!”
Introduction
Beginning a thrilling 9-day odyssey through the untouched wilderness of northwest Yunnan Province. This remarkable expedition unfolds in the majestic Yading Nature Reserve, where towering peaks, glaciers, and serene alpine lakes create a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable adventure. From the charming town of Daocheng, nestled at the foot of the majestic Kawa Karpo Mountains, we’ll delve into the heart of traditional Tibetan culture as we explore the picturesque valleys and villages of Kanbawzaung County. Along the way, you’ll drive through winding roads that unveil stunning vistas of towering mountains, lush valleys, and picturesque countryside, as well as visit hidden villages, ancient temples, and bustling markets to gain insight into the daily lives of local communities. Perfect for those who crave off-the-beaten-path travel, awe-inspiring mountain scenery, and authentic cultural experiences, this epic journey promises to be an unforgettable adventure through the very heart of Shangri-La.
Hilight
- Daocheng Yading National Park: Explore the majestic snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Dege Tibetan Village: Visit this traditional Tibetan village, known for its exquisite thangka painting and intricate woodblock printing techniques.
- Markham Canyon: Marvel at the stunning canyon views and hike through lush forests and grasslands.
- Nanping Pass: Cross the high-altitude pass, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Lugu Lake: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on this crystal-clear lake, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.
- Tibetan Culture: Experience the unique culture and traditions of the local Tibetan people, including their traditional dress, music, and cuisine.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Chengdu to Daocheng Yading
- Day 2: Daocheng Yading (B)
- Day 3: Daocheng Yading (B)
- Day 4: Daocheng Yading-Luya Road-Lugu Lake (250KM)
- Day 5: Lugu Lake
- Day 6: Lugu Lake-Lijiang
- Day 7: Lijiang Ancient Towns and Villages Tour
- Day 8: Departure from Lijiang
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Chengdu to Daocheng Yading
Sightseeing and Activities: Benbo Monastery, poplar forest, Sangdui Red Grassland
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meal: Lunch
- Arrival in Daocheng Yading
- Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to catch the flight to Daocheng Yading, which takes only 1 hour. After your arrival, you will be welcomed by your local guide and driver at the arrival hall of Daocheng Yading Airport (4,411m).
- Benbo Monastery
- Explore the Ancient Buddhist Temple， you will be escorted to visit Benbo Monastery (3,940m) first to have a close look at the striking claret-red Kagyu Buddhist temple cluster of over 900 years old. Learn the interesting story of its establishment and the creator, and feel the sincere Buddhist pursuit and persistence of local Lamas.
- Poplar Forest
- Next you go to Bang River to appreciate the ten thousand acre of poplar forest (3,740m) from the best location. The wide spread of poplar trees are so charming in pure green in spring and summer and orange and golden in autumn under the frequent azure sky in Daocheng. You will also admire painting-like landscape at Sangdui Red Grassland with October fiery red grass in water against the typical Tibetan village houses on your way from Benbo Monastery to the poplar forest.
- Tips Since the altitude of Daocheng Yading area is mainly over 3,000 meters, you are highly suggested not do strenuous exercise to release or avoid altitude sickness.
Day 2 Daocheng Yading
Sightseeing and Activities: Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake, Five Color Lake
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meal: None
- Discover the Last Pure Land on Earth
- After an early breakfast, start your exploration of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, a breathtakingly beautiful destination known as the “Soul of Shangri-La” since its discovery by Joseph Rock in 1928. This dreamlike wonderland is sure to leave you in awe.
- Wander through the Idyllic Scenery
- Take the sightseeing bus from the tourist center to Zhaguanbeng for about 1-1.5 hours, and then enjoy a 2-2.5 hours’ hike to Luorong Pasture (4,150m) via Chonggu Monastery (3,900m). Alternatively, you can choose to walk for 20 minutes to Chonggu Monastery and take a 0.5 hour battery car ride to Luorong Pasture if you prefer to conserve your energy. Bask in the serene atmosphere of the pasture, surrounded by grazing cattle and goats, dense alpine forests, winding streams, and majestic snow-capped mountains.
- Marvel at the Holy Snow Mountains Gaze upon the breathtaking beauty of the three holy snow mountains: Xiannairi (Mount Chianrezig), Yangmaiyong (Mount Jambeyang), and Xianuoduoji (Mount Chanadorje). The majestic Xianuoduoji snow mountain will leave you speechless, resembling a powerful man standing tall.
- Discover the Unbelievable Charm of Milk Lake
- Take a challenging 5 km hike for 3-3.5 hours up to the enchanting Milk Lake (4,600m), where you’ll be mesmerized by its holy beauty, likened to a precious blue gem that can move even the toughest of hearts. If you prefer not to hike, horse riding is available for an extra fee. From Milk Lake, continue walking for another 0.5 hour to reach Five Color Lake (4,500m), just 0.3 km away. This world-class oil painting-like scenery features stunning snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, alpine plantations, clear skies, and more – an experience you won’t soon forget!
Day 3 Daocheng Yading (B)
Sightseeing and Activities: Chonggu Monastery， Chonggu Meadow， Pearl Lake
Accommodation: Daocheng County
Meal: Breakfast
- Visit Chonggu Monastery
- After breakfast, take the sightseeing bus to Chonggu Monastery as you did on Day 2, and hike to the temple. Take a moment to admire the stunning Gelug Buddhist architecture in white, red, yellow, and black, and learn about the interesting story of the temple and Joseph Rock’s stop by.
- Capture Unbeatable Scenery
- From this unbeatable location, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to take breathtaking photos of the brilliant temple and the three pure white holy snow mountains. Don’t miss the best angle to capture the majestic Xianuoduoji snow mountain, likened to a powerful man.
- Wander through Fairyland
- After a short walk, you’ll arrive at Chonggu Meadow (4,020m), a paradise on earth. Stroll on the vast grassland, feeling like you’re walking on a thick and soft carpet in yellow and green throughout the seasons. Play along the transparent chanting river, admiring the little stones that seem like countless grains of gold at the bottom.
- Discover Breathtaking Scenery
- Continuing your hike for 30 minutes, you’ll reach Pearl Lake (4,120m), a super fascinating destination. Admire the picturesque landscape of surrounding snow peaks, green and orange dense forest, iridescent prayer flags, and their dazzling reflection in the shimmering clear lake. This is also the best location to appreciate the holy Xiannairi snow mountain.
Day 4 Daocheng Yading-Luya Road-Lugu Lake (250KM)
Sightseeing and Activities: Riwa(日瓦)-Geka Town(各卡乡)-Eya Town(俄牙乡)-Yiji Town(依吉乡)-Wujiao Town(屋脚乡)-Qiansuo Town(前所乡)-Lugu Lake(泸沽湖)
Accommodation: Lugu lake
Meal: Breakfast
- Journey to Lugu Lake
- After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lugu Lake from Riwa Town. This remote road is a paradise for photographers, offering breathtaking vistas along the way.
- Winding Road to Lugu Lake
- The drive takes you through several charming towns, including Geka Town(各卡乡), Eya Town(俄牙乡), and Yiji Town(依吉乡), as well as Wujiao Town(屋脚乡) and Qiansuo Town(前所乡). The journey concludes at Lugu Lake(泸沽湖) in the late afternoon.
- “Sky Road” Adventure
- Luya Road, known as the “Sky Road”, is China’s 7th 4WD driving road and stretches from Lugu Lake Town in Yanyuan County to Yading Nature Reserve, passing through Daocheng, Muli, and Yanyuan counties of Ganze and Liangshan prefectures. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes featuring lakes, ponds, temples, valleys, grasslands, and original forests. The zigzag road will lead you to the picturesque Lugu Lake in the late afternoon.
Day 5 Lugu Lake
Sightseeing and Activities: Liwubi Island, Luoshui Village
Accommodation: Lugu Lake
Meal: Breakfast
- Serene Canoe Ride
- Begin your day with a leisurely canoe ride on the tranquil Lugu Lake, taking in the mirror-like lake views and the soothing sounds of the soft breeze.
- Visit Liwubi Island, one of the three magical islands of Lugu Lake, and discover a serene lama monastery of the yellow sect.
- Shore Excursion and Exploration
- Go ashore on Liwubi Island and explore its tranquil surroundings. Take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the island and the monastery.
- Sunset Stroll
- Enjoy some quiet time to walk along the Luguhu Lake by yourself and take in the breathtaking sunset views of Lugu Lake in Luoshui Village.
- Waterfront Village
- Stay Later, transfer to Lige Village, nestled on three sides by water.
- In the evening, join the Mosuo Bonfire Party with ethnic singing and dancing performances. Take part in singing and dancing with the local Mosuo boys and girls around a big bonfire in the outdoor square.
- Travel Arrangements
- Getting to Lugu Lake is easy! Luguhu Airport offers direct flights connecting to Kunming and Chengdu. Inform your travel consultant of your preferred arrival method, and they will adjust your itinerary accordingly.
Day 6 Lugu Lake-Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: visit Zhamei Monastery， Sweetheart Trees, Little Luoshui Village, Lijiang Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool Park
Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient Town
Meal: Breakfast
- Morning Sunrise and Monastery
- Visit In the morning, rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Lugu Lake. Following breakfast, you’ll embark on a visit to Zhamei Monastery, a magnificent Buddhist monastery built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Marvel at the 12-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, intricate murals, and vibrant color-engravings.
- Discovering Mosuo Culture
- Next, venture to Nisai Village to admire the iconic Sweetheart Trees and explore the last tribe of Mosuo with only 24 households in Little Luoshui Village. Experience firsthand the unique matriarchal system of the Mosuo people, learn about their customs, festivals, religion, costumes, and daily life. Afterwards, visit a Mosuo family and immerse yourself in their rich culture.
- Mosuo Museum Visit
- Later, head to the Mosuo Museum, China’s only museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and folk customs of the Mosuo people.
- Return Journey
- Following your memorable trip, be chauffeured back to Lijiang Ancient Town.
- Lijiang Ancient Town
- As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Ancient Town boasts a history spanning over 800 years. Its unique architecture and local ethnic culture are complemented by its orderly arrangement of bridges and waterways. Wander along the winding cobbled paths – it’s said that you won’t get lost as long as you follow the water!
- Black Dragon Pool Park
- Visit Black Dragon Pool Park, where the stunning view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is considered one of southwest China’s most picturesque postcard-perfect sceneries. Overnight in Lijiang Ancient Town.
Day 7 Lijiang Ancient Towns and Villages Tour
Sightseeing and Activities: Yuhu Village, Baisha Village, Baisha Mural
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meal: Breakfast
- Morning Pickup and Departure
- After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to escort you on this unforgettable journey. And you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Yuhu Village, nestled at the foot of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Yuhu Village Exploration
- Upon arrival, you’ll delve into this authentic Naxi Village, where you’ll discover unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressed in traditional attire, children playing, and the serene Yuhu Lake. Take your time to leisurely explore the village and get a glimpse into the daily life of its residents.
- Joseph Rock’s Former Residence
- Next, you’ll visit the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, an Austrian-American botanist who spent 27 years in Yuhu Village, conducting extensive research on the Naxi minority.
- Ancient Mural Paintings and Temples
- Following lunch, you’ll head to Baisha Village to admire the ancient Baisha Mural Paintings, a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
- You’ll also visit Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple to marvel at murals painted over 1,000 years ago, which blend elements of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
- Shuhe Ancient Town and Dongba Culture Museum
- Afterward, you’ll venture to Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people and a well-preserved stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Route.
- Dongba Culture Museum
- Later, we’ll visit the Dongba Culture Museum to explore more than 10,000 cultural relics that showcase the enigmatic Dongba culture of the Naxi people.
- Black Dragon Pool Park and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Finally, you’ll take a leisurely stroll to Black Dragon Pool Park to bask in its breathtaking views and serene surroundings. If weather permits, you’ll head to the best vantage point to capture stunning photographs of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 8 Departure from Lijiang
See off.
Service ends.
Service Include:
- 8 nights’ accommodation in comfortable hotels and guesthouses
- Transportation in a private vehicle with experienced driver
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Entrance fees to all attractions and scenic spots
- Boat ride on Lugu Lake
- Visit to Zhamei Monastery and Mosuo Museum
- Exploration of Nisai Village, Little Luoshui Village, and Shuhe Ancient Town
- Visit to Black Dragon Pool Park and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (weather permitting)
- Services of a local guide at each destination to provide insight into local culture and history
- Bottled water during the journey
Service Exclude:
- International airfare or train tickets to/from Daocheng Yading
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and phone bills
- Additional meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers (recommended but not mandatory)
- Any activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for optional activities or attractions (e.g. hiking or horseback riding)
- Any additional transportation costs incurred due to changes in the itinerary or personal preferences
You Might Like
- 8 Days Best Yunnan Puerh Tea Tour:Puer-Jingmai-Menghai-Yiwu-Jinghong
- 12 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Meili Snow Mountain and Lugu Lake Pilgrimage
- 12 Days Yunnan-Sichuan Trekking Tour from Lugu Lake to Daocheng and Yading
- 5 Days Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la Small Group Tour
- 3 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Small Group Tour from Lijiang
- 19 Days Nepal-China-Laos Self-Driving Tour from Tibet Gyirong to Yunnan Mohan
- Super Deluxe 8 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Aman Resort Lijiang and Banyan Tree Shangrila Experience
- 8 Days Best Yunnan Pu’er Tea Tour to Kunming-Puer-XishuangBanna
9 Days Grand Shangri-la Adventure Driving Tour from Daocheng Yading to Lugu Lake
Chengdu-Daocheng-Yading-Eya Town-Lugu Lake-Lijiang
Tips Before Travel
Bring copies of your passport
Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.
Register with your embassy
For your safety, please register with the Embassy.
Always have local cash
Exchange some local currency for your trip
Our Team
Fenggu Yingshan Tea House and Tea Culture Learning Lijiang
Charlie Lee-General Manager of Yaso Travel and Xilinshan Tea Company
Leon Liu-Network Engineer of Trans Asia Discovery
Vincent Zhao-French Market and the Founder of VoyagesYunnan.com
Gary Elliot-Shareholder of Trans Asia Discovery
Michael Huang-Excellent French and English-speaking Tour Guide in Yunnan
Stephane-Volunteer of Yaso Travel
David Yao-Lijiang Tour Operator of Yunnan Exploration
Cindy Cao-Yunnan Tour Operator
Xilinshan Tea House (Kunming, Yunnan)
Rachel Nan-China Tour Operator
Lydia Li-The Founder of Yunnan Exploration
Anna Chen-Yunnan Tour Operator
Kelly Yu-Yunnan Travel Consultant
Cloudy Fu-Website Editor of Yunnan Exploration
Cuiyuan Yang
Skye Zhang-website editor of Yunnan Exploration
Customize a Trip
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Latest Articles
Yunnan Travel from Dalian of Liaoning
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Datong of Shanxi
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Fuzhou of Fujian
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Guangzhou of Guangdong
2025-06-14Contact Info
