Join on an epic 12-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in southwestern China. The “Sichuan-Yunnan Photograph Tour with Daocheng Yading and Lugu Lake” will take you on a thrilling journey to capture the region’s most spectacular natural wonders and cultural treasures. This photography-focused tour is designed for shutterbugs and nature enthusiasts alike, as you explore the majestic mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and charming villages of this lesser-known region. You’ll delve into the scenic valleys of Sichuan’s Mount Emei and the Tibetan Plateau, marvel at the towering peaks of Yunnan’s Hengduan Mountains, and wander through the picturesque streets of Lugu Lake’s Mosuo villages.

Introduction

Embark on a 12-day odyssey through the enchanting landscapes of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, as you weave a tale of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural richness. The tour is a photographer’s dream come true, as we venture into the heart of southwestern China to capture the region’s most awe-inspiring wonders. From the majestic mountain ranges to the serene lakes and quaint villages, this journey is designed for shutterbugs and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the region’s hidden gems. We’ll delve into the scenic valleys of Mount Emei and the Tibetan Plateau, marvel at the towering peaks of Yunnan’s Hengduan Mountains, and wander through the picturesque streets of Lugu Lake’s Mosuo villages, all while capturing the region’s vibrant colors and textures through our lenses.

Hilights

• Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Emei’s snow-capped peaks
• Marvel at the towering Himalayan peaks of Yading Nature Reserve, including Chomo Yummo Peak
• Explore the traditional villages of the Mosuo people, known for their unique culture and matriarchal society
• Capture the serene beauty of Lugu Lake, often referred to as the “Switzerland of China”
• Discover the ancient tea plantations of Bingdao Village in Yunnan Province
• Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism in Zhongdian (Shangri-La)
• Visit the vibrant marketplaces and ancient streets of Dali Old Town

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 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang
Day 8 Lijiang -Tiger Leaping Gorge -Lijiang
Day 9 Lijiang-Kunming-Shilin (Stone Forest)
Day 10 Shilin (Stone Forest)-Dongchuan
Day 11 Dongchuan-Kunming
Day 12 Departure from Kunming

Inquiry

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Chengdu to Daocheng Yading 

Sightseeing and Activities: Fly from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading – Benbo Monastery – Poplar Forest

Accommodation: Shangri-La

Meals: Breakfast

• Arrival in Daocheng Yading
  • Upon arrival at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, your guide and driver will be waiting to escort you to the airport, where you’ll board a 1-hour flight to Daocheng Yading.
  • Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and driver at the airport terminal (4,411m).
• Exploring Benbo Monastery
  • Your first stop will be the ancient Benbo Monastery (3,940m), a striking claret-red Kagyu Buddhist temple complex over 900 years old. Learn about its fascinating history and the story of its establishment, and gain insight into the sincere Buddhist pursuits of the local Lamas.
• Poplar Forest and Red Grassland
  • Next, head to the Bang River to admire the breathtaking ten thousand acres of poplar forest (3,740m) from the best vantage point. During spring and summer, the poplar trees are a vibrant green, while in autumn, they turn orange and golden beneath the endless blue sky. En route to the poplar forest, take in the painting-like scenery at Sangdui Red Grassland, with its fiery red grass set against traditional Tibetan village houses.
• Check-in and Rest
  • After a day of exploration, your guide and driver will escort you to Shangri-La Town (2,950m), where you’ll check-in to your hotel. Take some time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude before embarking on your next adventure.
• Important Note:
  • Please note that Daocheng Yading’s altitude is generally above 3,000 meters. To avoid altitude sickness, we strongly advise against strenuous exercise today or engaging in activities that may exacerbate symptoms. Take it easy and enjoy your surroundings!

Day 2 Daocheng Yading

Sightseeing and Activities: Yading Nature Reserve, Milk Lake, Five Color Lake

Accommodation: Shangri-La

Meals: Breakfast

• Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve: A Journey to the Soul of Shangri-La
  • Begin your day with an early breakfast, and then embark on an unforgettable adventure to the renowned Yading Nature Reserve, a breathtakingly beautiful region often referred to as the “Last Pure Land on Earth”. This wonderland has captivated hearts for centuries, including that of American explorer Joseph Rock in 1928.
• Luorong Pasture
  • Take a scenic bus ride to Zhaguanbeng, followed by a leisurely 2-2.5 hour hike to Luorong Pasture (4,150m) via Chonggu Monastery (3,900m). Alternatively, you can choose to walk 20 minutes to Chonggu Monastery and take a 0.5 hour battery car ride to Luorong Pasture if you prefer to conserve energy.
  • As you explore this idyllic pasture, be mesmerized by the serene beauty of grazing cattle and goats, lush multicolored forests, winding streams, and towering snow-capped mountains, including Xiannairi (Mount Chianrezig), Yangmaiyong (Mount Jambeyang), and Xianuoduoji (Mount Chanadorje). The majestic Xianuoduoji snow mountain will leave you in awe, resembling a powerful man.
• Milk Lake and Five Color Lake
  • Next, embark on a challenging 5 km hike for 3-3.5 hours to reach the breathtaking Milk Lake (4,600m).
  • For an additional fee, you can opt for a horse ride to Milk Lake instead. Marvel at the extraordinary beauty of this sacred lake, which is said to be so captivating that it can bring tears of joy to your eyes.
  • A short 0.5 hour walk will take you to the nearby Five Color Lake (4,500m), where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking vista featuring snow-capped mountains in white, grey, silver, and chocolate hues; crystal-clear water; varied alpine plantations; and a clear blue sky – a true masterpiece of nature that rivals a world-class oil painting.
• Return to Shangri-La Town
  • After your visit, descend and return to the entrance via car and bus. Your guide and driver will then escort you back to your hotel in Shangri-La Town.

Day 3 Daocheng Yading (B)

Sightseeing and Activities: Yading Nature Reserve,Chonggu Monastery, Chonggu Meadow, Pearl Lake

Accommodation: Doucheng

Meals: Breakfast

• Chonggu Monastery and Chonggu Meadow
  • Today, after breakfast, you’ll star a similar journey to Chonggu Monastery as yesterday, taking the sightseeing bus and hiking to the temple.
  • At the monastery, marvel at the stunning Gelug Buddhist architecture in white, red, yellow, and black, and learn about its fascinating history and Joseph Rock’s visit.
  • From this unbeatable vantage point, capture breathtaking photos of the temple and the three majestic pure white holy snow mountains.
• Wandering through Chonggu Meadow
  • After exploring the monastery, take a short walk to Chonggu Meadow (4,020m), a haven that rivals a fairyland on earth.
  • Stroll through the vast grassland, feeling like you’re walking on a thick and soft carpet in shades of yellow and green throughout the seasons. Play along the crystal-clear river, where little stones glisten like countless grains of gold sunk to the bottom.
  • Don’t miss the perfect angle to admire Xianuoduoji snow mountain, which resembles a powerful man.
• Visiting Pearl Lake
  • Continuing our journey, hike for 30 minutes to reach Pearl Lake (4,120m), a breathtakingly beautiful spot that offers a picturesque landscape of surrounding snow peaks, green and orange dense forests, iridescent prayer flags, and their dazzling reflection in the shimmering clear lake.
  • This location is also ideal for admiring the majestic Xiannairi snow mountain.
• Return to Daocheng County
  • After our visit, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Daocheng County (3,700m) and assist with check-in. Take some time to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures!

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: near Luguhu Lake

Meals:  Breakfast

• A Scenic Journey Through the Countryside
  • Today, we’ll embark on a breathtaking drive from Riwa Town to Lugu Lake, a photographer’s paradise.
  • Your route will take us through several charming towns, including Geka Town, Eya Town, Yiji Town, Wujiao Town, and Qiansuo Town, before arriving at our destination in the late afternoon.
• Lugu Lake: A Journey Along the “Sky Road”
  • The Luya Road, also known as the “Sky Road”, is renowned as the 7th 4WD driving road in China.
  • This scenic route begins in Lugu Lake Town, Yanyuan County, and ends in Yading Nature Reserve. As we drive along this winding road, we’ll pass through Daocheng, Muli, and Yanyuan counties of Ganze and Liangshan prefectures.
  • Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of lakes, ponds, temples, valleys, grasslands, and original forests.
  • The zigzag road will lead us to Lugu Lake in the late afternoon, where you’ll arrive after a day of exploring the countryside.

Day 5 Lugu Lake

Sightseeing and Activities: islands of Lugu Lake – Liwubi Island, Luoshui Village

Accommodation: Luguku Lake

Meals: Breakfast

• A Relaxing Day at Lugu Lake
  • After a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin our day with a serene canoe ride on the lake, taking in the breathtaking views of the mirror-like water and feeling the gentle breeze whispering in your ear. We’ll visit one of the three magical islands of Lugu Lake – Liwubi Island – and explore a stunning lama monastery of the yellow sect.
• A Peaceful Afternoon by the Lake
  • After our island excursion, you’ll have some free time to stroll along the lake’s shores and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning sunset at Luoshui Village, a truly unforgettable experience.
  • Evening Entertainment in Lige Village
  • Later, you’ll transfer to Lige Village, surrounded by water on three sides, and indulge in an unforgettable Mosuo Bonfire Party. Join in with local children and adults alike for an evening of singing and dancing around a roaring bonfire in the outdoor square. This is a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the Mosuo people.
• Getting Here
  • Luguhu Airport offers direct flights from Kunming and Chengdu, making it easy to reach Lugu Lake. Simply inform your travel consultant of your preferences, and they will adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.

Day 6 Lugu Lake-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Visit Zhamei Monastery, enjoy the 12-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, visit Sweetheart Trees in Nisai Village,Lijiang Ancient Town,Black Dragon Pool Park

Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient Town

Meals: Breakfast

• Morning Splendor
  • In the morning, rise and shine to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Lugu Lake. After fueling up with breakfast, head out to visit the majestic Zhamei Monastery.
  • This ancient Buddhist temple, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is the largest and most revered for the Yunnan Mosuo people and Pumi group. Marvel at the 12-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, intricate murals, and vibrant color-engravings.
• Exploring Lugu Lake and Its Wonders
  • Then embrace a memorable journey around Lugu Lake, where you’ll discover the famous Sweetheart Trees in Nisai Village.
  • Explore the last remaining tribe of Mosuo, with only 24 households in Little Luoshui Village. Gain insight into the matriarchal system, marriage customs, festivals, religion, costumes, and daily life of the Mosuo people by visiting a local family.
  • Later, visit the Mosuo Museum, China’s only museum dedicated to showcasing the history, culture, and folk customs of the Mosuo people.

• Lijiang Ancient Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • After an unforgettable day of exploration, return to Lijiang Ancient Town.
  • With a rich history dating back over 800 years, Lijiang Ancient Town is a treasure trove of unique architecture and local ethnic culture. Its orderly arrangement of bridges and waterways is a sight to behold.
  • Wander along the winding cobbled paths – it’s said that as long as you follow the water, you won’t get lost.
• Black Dragon Pool Park: A Scenic Oasis
  • Finally, visit Black Dragon Pool Park, where the majestic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one of southwest China’s most iconic postcard-perfect sceneries. Spend the night in Lijiang Ancient Town, surrounded by its ancient charm and beauty.

Day 7 Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,Blue Moon Valley, Baishuihe River

Accommodation: Lijiang

Meals: Breakfast

• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Adventure
  •  This morning, beginning a scenic journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take a short sightseeing bus ride along the Baishuihe River, followed by a chairlift ride to reach the mountain’s summit.
  • Visit Blue Moon Valley, this picturesque valley is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring towering peaks, crystal-clear streams, and lush greenery. The valley is particularly famous for its unique ecological environment, where the local flora and fauna thrive in harmony. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the valley and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Hiking in the Glacier Park
  • The cable car ride will be arranged according to the mountain’s condition.
  • Get ready for a 1-hour hike in the Glacier Park, which sits at an altitude of 4506 meters.
• Yuhu Village: A Naxi Minority Village
  • Transfer out of Lijiang Old Town and arrive at Yuhu Village, situated at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
  • This authentic Naxi Village is a treasure trove of unique stone houses, traditional Naxi clothing, and carefree children playing. Take your time to explore the village and its serene Yuhu Lake.
• The Legacy of Joseph Rock
  • Visit the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, an Austrian-American botanist who spent 27 years in Yuhu Village, dedicating his life to researching the Naxi minority. His legacy continues to inspire and educate visitors today.
• Stroll Through Time
  • Take a leisurely walk through Baisha Old Town, an enchanting traditional Naxi-style old town. Be mesmerized by the ancient architecture and rich history that permeates every corner.
• Preserving the Past
  • Visit the 600-year-old Baisha Mural, a part of the World Cultural Heritage listed by UNESCO in 1997.
  • This incredible piece of art is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and a reminder of its importance in preserving our collective past.

Day 8 Lijiang -Tiger Leaping Gorge -Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: First Bend on the Yangtze River, the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument, Tiger Leaping Gorge

Accommodation: Lijiang

Meals: Breakfast

• The Journey to the First Bend
  •  From Lijiang, start a 60km drive to the First Bend on the Yangtze River, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking gorge scenery.
  • Visit the iconic Iron Chain Bridge, a testament to engineering ingenuity, and pay respects at the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument.
• The Town of Stone Drum
  •  Explore the charming town of Stone Drum, which gets its name from a magnificent marble tablet shaped like a drum.
  • This unique landmark is a must-see attraction in the area.
• Lijiang Valley Scenery
  • As you continue your journey, marvel at the stunning scenery of the Lijiang valley. The rolling hills are filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks, creating a picturesque landscape that will leave you in awe.
• Deep in the Jinsha Gorge
  • Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, also known as the Shangri-La section, which boasts the title of being the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, this area is called Jinsha due to the presence of gold in the river.

Day 9 Lijiang-Kunming-Shilin (Stone Forest)

Sightseeing and Activities: visit Stone Forest, visit Sibeihou Village

Accommodation: Kunming

Meals: Breakfast

•  Exloring the Stone Forest 
  • Transfer to the Stone Forest, located 86 km from Kunming City and requiring a 1.5-hour drive. An old local saying goes: “If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.” Indeed, the Stone Forest is one of Yunnan’s most prized attractions.
• Visiting Sibeihou Village
  • In the late afternoon, visit the Yi minority village of Sibeihou (寺背后村), situated 12 km away from the Stone Forest. Then, transfer back to your hotel in Kunming downtown.
• Arrival in Kunming
• Upon arrival Kunming, meet your local guide and driver, and check-in to the hotel.

Day 10 Shilin (Stone Forest)-Dongchuan

Sightseeing and Activities: Dongchuan Red Soil, Huagou village, Ancient Dragon Tree, the sunset view of Luoxiagou Valley

Accommodation:Dongchuan

Meals: Breakfast

• Journey to the Red Land
  • Pick up from your hotel in Kunming and embark on a 3.5-hour drive (180km) to the stunning Dongchuan Red Land area.
• Capturing the Beauty of Huagou Village
  • After lunch, arrive at Huagou village, a photographer’s paradise, where many enthusiasts gather to capture the breathtaking beauty of the red land.
  • Take a moment to admire the vibrant hues of this unique landscape.
• A Sacred Spot for Sacrifice
  • Visit the Ancient Dragon Tree, a revered site for local people, where they come to pay their respects.
  • This ancient tree is steeped in history and culture, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
• Endless Photography Opportunities
  • As we continue our journey, pass through Luoxiagou Valley and take in the breathtaking views of villages and farmlands surrounded by the striking red landscape.
  • The sunset casts a golden glow, transforming the scenery into a photographer’s dream come true, with endless opportunities to capture unforgettable moments.

Day 11 Dongchuan-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: The sunrise view of Dongchuan Red Soil

Accommodation: Kunming

Meals: Breakfast

• Sunrise Serenade
  • Rise and shine! Begin your day as the sun rises over the majestic Dongchuan Red Land, casting a warm glow over the breathtaking landscape.
• A Kaleidoscope of Colors
  • Start your day by enjoying the sunrise (weather permitting) at Damakan, followed by a visit to Qicai Po, Luosi Wan, Waliang Houses, and Jinxiuyuan.
  • From a distance, the rolling hills and fields appear as a tapestry of red hues, painting a stunning picture. Take a moment to observe local peasants going about their daily farm work.
• Exploring Wangfang Liangzi
  • Continue along the winding road to Yuepu Ao, and eventually arrive at Wangfang Liangzi, a charming village perched on the slopes of the mountain. Take in the tranquility of this picturesque village and enjoy the serenity of rural life.
• Kunming Delights
  • After your tour, head back to Kunming and visit the vibrant Flowers and Birds Market in the downtown area.
  • The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please – take a leisurely stroll around The Green Lake or indulge in some retail therapy.

Day 12 Departure from Kunming
Transfer to Kunming Airport for returning.
Service ends.

Service Inclusions:

• Transportation: Private van or car with driver
• Accommodation: 3-star hotels or local guesthouses
• Meals: Chinese meals and snacks throughout the trip
• Entrance fees to national parks and cultural sites
• Local guides and interpreters
• Camera equipment rental (optional)

Service Exclusions:

• International airfare to/from Chengdu
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals

Inquiry

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.

Inquiry

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

Inquiry

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

Inquiry

Follow the footprints of Joseph Rock: Muli to Yading —- the crossing from hell to heaven.

Tour Map

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Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
• Day 2:  Lijiang–Lugu Lake-Wachang Town
• Day 3: Wachang Town-Dulu Village
• Day 4: Dulu Village-Shuiluo Gold Mine-Bodhisattva Cave
• Day 5: Bodhisattva Cave-Zangbie Cattle Farm-Zabala Pass
• Day 6: Zabala Pass – Xinguo Cattle Farm
• Day 7: Xinguo Cattle Farm – Heihai Lake – Xiadu Cattle Farm – Snake Lake
• Day 8: Snake Lake – Lontong Dam – Daocheng County
• Day 9: Daocheng County-Daxiao Snow Mountain-Shangri-La
• Day 10: Shangri-La
• Day 11: Shangri-La –Baishuitai–Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang
• Day 12: Departure from Lijiang

Detailed Itinerary

Personal Equipment:

• Prepare a large backpack, a small backpack (or waist bag), tent, sleeping bag, mat and other camping equipment.
• Thermal underwear, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket and down jacket.
• Quick-dry pants or waterproof pants, warm pants.
• Sunglasses, gloves, trekking poles,water jug and head wear.
• Hiking shoes that are preferably waterproof.
• Personal medicines, such as stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine and so on.
• Sunscreen, hand cream and lip balm.
• Torches (or headlamp), digital chargers and power bank.
• ID card / passport.
• Toiletries, ordinary changes of clothing, raincoat and tableware.

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

 

尼汝到亚丁，徒步穿越120公里，历时5天。海拔最低点2100米，最高点4800米. 尼汝：“香格里拉最后的秘境”，亚丁：“蓝色星球最后一片净土”，也称为香格里拉县到香格里拉乡的大香格里拉穿越，这条线路景色相当原始，也比较安全，尤其是四季不同景色，高山、湖泊、雪山、草原、牧场、溪谷、山石、森林、峡谷、云海、沼泽，除了陆地上的沙漠几乎所有自然景观全部囊括，起伏海拔较大，需要一定体力和耐力，尤其要克服高反，总体感觉非常超值。

 

Day 01 Arrive in Lijiang
Day 02 Lijiang
Day 03 Lijiang -Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
Day 04 Shangri-La – Luoji Town – Niru Village

第一天香格里拉—洛吉乡—尼汝村，包车5个多小时。

早上10点在香格里拉购买大部分食品和物资，中午洛桑大叔开吉普车来接我们12点出发（去尼汝非四驱吉普不可），下午3点先到达洛吉乡，洛吉乡很小，可以看到一些彝族等穿着民族服装的本地人，4点多转泥路去尼汝村，路况较差，顺着尼汝河一路前行。二个多小时到达尼汝上村，可以看见路边尼汝村的导游牌，但此处离我们要到达的尼汝下村还要一个多小时，继续前进，途中经过一处溪流名叫“阴河”，桥上下车拍照。过了阴河再走半个小时，6点前到达尼汝下村。今天车程5个多小时。

晚上住洛桑松巴大叔的家庭旅馆，电话13988778948，他的车费比较合理500元，洛桑的儿子叫东东，电话15987594379。住宿条件：大约有20个床位，有三人间和四人间，公共卫生间，太阳能热水器，可以洗澡，干净整洁。每人每天25元（7人的晚餐早餐另计花费200元左右）。马帮就是洛桑家的4匹马，东东负责向导兼马帮主管，谈好价格每匹马全程450元，三天到达东义区（一定要明确是到东义区而不是尼公村）。

尼汝下村宁静如世外桃源，格桑家有个果园，夜里星星很多很近很亮。村子很小，只有一个小卖部，手机有信号。海拔2851米，GPS坐标：27.955060, 100.064862

 

Day 05 Niru Village -Selie lake-Nanbao Pasture -Xinzhai River Pasture
第二天尼汝—垭口—色列湖—南宝牧场–新寨河牧场，徒步9个多小时。

早餐后8点45分出发。顺着小路海拔缓慢上升，一路可见溪流飞瀑，高山植被，绿树红叶，色彩斑斓，实在是视觉的盛宴。岔路不多，进入林中有一明显岔路，应往右走。海拔逐渐上升，下午1点20分到达一个不知名的牛棚，海拔3867米，然后几乎直线上升200多米海拔，因为有队友高反走得较慢，走了1个多小时才累死累活的到达垭口，垭口海拔4087米，从垭口就可以看见前方的色列湖，非常漂亮。一路下山，下午3点35分到达色列湖，藏语意为”金色的牧场湖”，海拔3949米，湖水碧蓝清澈，是本日途中风景最漂亮的地方了。爬上一个小山坡后，一直走平路很舒服，16：40分到达南宝湖，海拔4013米，然后从南宝牧场牛棚往右下降，就可以看见云南四川的界河：新寨河。下到河边再往前走，18：30分到达新寨河营地，海拔3677米，GPS坐标28.080047, 100.062248。

马夫住牛棚，我们住帐篷。9月下旬还不算很冷，夜里温度在零上5度左右，新寨河牧场规模较大，很多牧民在此定居，如需要增加马匹可以在此联系，但价格比尼汝贵，每马每天200元。

 

Day 06 Xinzhai River Pasture – Sela Mountain Pass-Rida Mountain Pass-Yala Pasture

第三天：新寨河牧场-色拉垭口-日达亚口-亚拉牧场，徒步8个小时。

早上9点半出发，走木桥过了新寨河进入四川。然后海拔急剧上升， 11点40分爬上海拔4291米的色拉垭口。之后下降到棚顶牧场，再爬上半山腰绕过一座山，1点20分到达海拔4220米的另外一个牛棚，休息午餐，对面就是日达垭口，看起来很高很陡峭。一路往上爬，经过一个几乎干枯的小湖泊，到达垭口下方。上垭口的路有点危险，坡度很陡，碎石众多，如果滑坠就滚下去几百米了。下午三点好不容易爬上一个陡坡，以为到顶了，抬头一看垭口还高高在上，郁闷了一下，再一看此处有一个美丽的高山小湖泊，可以用“妖艳”来形容，非常迷人。这里的海拔已达4478米，继续往上爬垭口，又爬了40分钟登上垭口，走在前面的惊喜的发现亚丁三神山一字排开，矗立远方，尽收眼底，这里是看到的是三神山的南面，能看到这一面的人不多吧。走在后面的上来已经阴云密布，没那么幸运看到神山，今天后半程和昨天一样，一路阵雨说下就下，说晴就晴。垭口海拔4538米。之后一路下降，下午5点到达一个不知名牧场，也是很好的营地，面对雪山。我们没有在此停留，往左下降，5点半到亚拉牧场，牧场有几间牛棚，无人居住，可以住在牛棚里，冷是不冷了，但会成了牛虱的美餐，身上起来无数疙瘩，奇痒无比。天气不是那么冷，还是住帐篷吧。营地看不到三神山了，要爬上一个几十米的小山坡才能拍到日照金山，还可以看到漂亮的云海。

亚拉牧场海拔4165米，GPS坐标：28.082710, 100.157072。

Day 07 Yala Pasture – Nigong village-Dongyi (Jiga Town)

第四天：亚拉牧场—尼公村—东义（吉呷乡），徒步8个小时。

今天要早起，8点30分出发。一开始的正确线路是沿着山腰的海拔4000米左右的等高线一路向前，然后走山脊，可以远眺三神山，不过云层遮盖，山峰忽隐忽现始终没看到山顶。绕了一大圈翻过山脊后开始下山，海拔急速下降，对膝盖是个巨大的考验，幸亏不用负重。一路有些岔路，需小心跟着马帮的足迹走，下雨天地面泥泞湿滑，有同伴膝盖受损，最终没有完成第二天的卡斯徒步。下午2点30分下到防火道公路，海拔已经降到2459米，不要沿公路走，远很多。穿过公路还是走小路下降，又走了半个小时下坡路终于到达尼公村，海拔2211米，GPS坐标：28.093841, 100.254021。时间还不到下午4点，马帮可能找借口不想去东义，但事先讲好的，不听东东想让我们雇用拖拉机的借口，我们先顺着小路下到河边，过木桥，然后沿着公路上到垭口（垭口有手机信号，尼公村没有信号），从垭口顺公路往前一点再走右边树林的小路下降，走了没多久突然就看见下面的村庄了，还不敢相信这么快就到东义了。下午6点下到东义河边，有一所规模不小的学校，才知道尼公到东义走小路只需要1个半小时，不用坐天价车，如果走公路就远很多。

东义区也是吉呷乡政府所在地，非常小，估计只有几十户人家。住宿的地方只有两个，一家旅馆在公路改造指挥所里面，听说每个床位20元，公共卫生间，条件一般！我们选择了东东介绍的滨河藏家乐（13990467069 13568675661），全是简易标准间60元一间，有独立卫生间和电热水器，我们三天来终于洗到了热水澡，还有一顿丰盛的晚餐，290元餐费，我们加马帮10个人啤酒喝到爽歪尽兴。同时找老板咨询包车，热情藏族老板是个当地教师，他告诉我们正好第二天有班车去卡斯，每人不到30元就可以到卡斯，要知道班车可是三天才有一辆，东义的车很少，据说包车去卡斯村要500元（联系电话13458423211，13990475885）。我们吃完晚饭商议，因为有四个人因高反和膝盖伤不能与我们去卡斯，所以我们在此简单分了下物资，决定不能去的四人直接坐第二天的班车去稻城，而我们剩下三人在中途卡斯村下车，继续下一阶段的徒步穿越到亚丁。这天短短7个小时海拔下降了整整2000米，真够累人的，那夜枕着滔滔的河水声睡的很香甜。东义海拔2065米，GPS坐标：28.110878, 100.260893。第二天告别东东的马帮，給了他不少剩下的物资，一路辛苦，虽然东东有时候不是那么和气但还算是比较认真负责。

Day 08 Dongyi (Jiga Town) -Kasi Village-Kasi Valley-Kasi Pasture Camp

第五天：东 义—卡斯村—卡斯地狱谷—卡斯牛棚，坐车1小时20分，徒步6个小时

早餐还是在客栈解决。9点钟班车来了，我们准时出发，车子顺着东义河一路向上，一路是坑坑洼洼的泥路，路面还算宽敞。36公里走了2小时，11点半，卡斯村到了。卡斯村海拔2822米，GPS坐标：28.397413, 100.241862。进入村子，找到“卡斯马帮协会”，车站附近一个马帮管理员，热情接待我们，告知马匹2天送到洛绒牛场，全村统一价格每匹马600元，村委会另收10元管理费，一共610元。全村28户人家值日般的轮流出马，公平公正，服务也很规范。卡斯村已经通手机，通知轮到的那户人家牵马过来，跟别的地方不同，当地藏族妇女也充当了马夫的角色。我们剩下的3人只请了1匹马，到了四郎家，四郎多丁就是个马夫。卡斯村也可以住宿，村长孔沙忠拥家提供有各种床位，价位从20—60不等，还比较干净，村里有个小温泉可以洗澡。下午1点，我们出发进卡斯沟。卡斯沟也称卡斯地狱谷，是两山之间夹着的一个峡谷，最窄处仅有十几米，非常险要。沟里有一条溪流，一路就顺着溪流往上爬升，景色优美。前半段路程都是在溪流边上走，过N座木桥，2个多小时后离开溪流上山，一路有些岔路，只要遇到岔路就往溪流的方向走就不会走错了，一般都是往右走。差不多走了三个小时后就可以看见仙乃日的顶峰出现在眼前，感觉很神圣。继续走半个小时，央迈勇的顶峰也进入画中，同时可以看见2座神山，四郎说我们很幸运。我们中途在四郎山上的父母家，即一个牛棚里休息喝奶茶，之后，有人提议住在这，第二天再走，我坚持一定要走过卡斯牛棚营地，再向上到垭口营地扎营，因为我知道那里可以第二天一早看到神山。由于在四郎家耽误了2小时，我们晚上冒雨夜爬，在晚上9点30分终于赶到一处平地，此处有流水声，这里一般马帮不会选择在这里扎营，而是选择之前的卡斯牛棚，而这里已经有藏民租用帐篷，即使自己扎营也要收费40元，经过一番讨价还价，我们30一人住进了他们提供的帐篷，雨夜又冷又湿，还是赶紧喝些热水直接进账休息比较好。此处海拔4456米，GPS座标28.386247, 100.322090。到垭口扎营今天的线路算前半段比较轻松的，后半段在地狱谷雨夜夜爬很是刺激，有队员几乎精神崩溃，虽然上升了2200米的海拔，但其实没有很陡的地方，6个小时应该能够走完。建议没有准备的可以选择在卡斯牛棚扎营，那里海拔4011米，GPS座标28.393505, 100.313143。

 

Day 09 Kasi Pasture Camp-Songduo Mountain Pass-Milk Lake-Luorong Pasture-Chonggu Monastery-Riwa Town(Shangri-La Town)

第六天：卡斯牛棚——松多垭口——牛奶海——洛绒牛场——冲古寺——亚丁景区门口—日瓦乡，徒步8小时，坐车2个半小时。

早上被隔壁帐篷里的喧闹声吵醒，原来是些转山的藏民早早起来赶路去了，出到帐外，才发现我们到达的神山脚下一处巨大的平台，此处有牛棚，有流水，是非常理想的营地，正对着两座巨大的雪山（仙乃日和央迈勇），风景绝佳，虽然云雾时而遮挡，但比卡斯牛棚营地爽多了，此处海拔4456米，GPS座标28.386247, 100.322090。吃了早餐继续往上面垭口走，垭口下面有个高山海子，名字叫勒西措，湖水美得一塌糊涂。11点半上到垭口，位于仙乃日和央迈勇之间，海拔4703米，从玛尼堆往左走是下亚丁景区的路，往右走绕过央迈勇则是去木里的穿越线路。走左边的路下撤，很快牛奶海就在眼底了。至此就进入了亚丁风景区，从亚丁景区入口到这里游客一般都要花费650元，而且还看不到牛奶海呢，想想我们的反穿线路真是超值的很，后面的线路就简单了。景区一步一景，三座雪山仿佛触手可及，令人震撼。一路下降，与夏诺多吉擦身而过，下午3点半下到洛绒牛场（手机开始有信号），联系上马帮的四郎的舅舅在景区外接我们，与马帮告别，，坐50元电瓶车15分钟下到冲古寺，再徒步40分钟出到景区门口，混过门口查票躲过150大洋，包上四郎舅舅多吉的车（300元，司机刀登13541476082）1个小时，后入住到日瓦的客栈，第二天一造包车到稻城。

 

  

Day 10 Riwa Town(Shangri-La Town) – Daocheng and Departure

http://www.517huwai.com/blog/12166

Located in southwest corner of Sichuan province, Daocheng is well-known for the 3 holy peaks named by the 5th Dalai Lama, Shiannairi Peak(6032 m high), Xianuoduoji Peak(5898 m high), Yangmaiyong Peak(5898 m high). Every year, there are many people trek around the 3 holy peaks for increasing their merits and virtues. Lugu Lake is located in northwest part of Yunnan province, it covers 58 square kms, the water is very clear. The unique matriarchal Mosuo people live by the lake, which earned this area another name: the Mysterious Queendom.

Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Lijiang, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: None

Your private tour guide, driver, and car will be waiting at the arrival hall. Transfer to your hotel in the ancient town and start the tour.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Ancient Town’s history dates back to over 800 years ago. Besides its unique architecture and local ethnic culture, it is also known for its orderly arrangement of bridges and waterways. Walk along the winding cobbled paths – it is said that you won’t get lost as long as you follow the water.

Appreciate the Naxi people’s brilliant skills in architecture and fine arts at Mufu Mansion, the ‘Forbidden City’ of Lijiang. You can also climb up to Lion Hill to have a bird’s-eye view of the whole town.

Then pay a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park, where the view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one the most famous postcard-perfect sceneries in southwest China. Stay overnight in Lijiang Ancient Town.

Day 2 Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yuhu Village, Baisha Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: None
This morning, you will drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take the sightseeing bus for a short visit through the Baishuihe River, then take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cable way will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike in the Glacier Park (4506 meters) around 1 hour.

You’ll be transferred out of Lijiang Old Town to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Walking into this authentic Naxi Village, you’ll see unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, kids playing, a tranquil Yuhu Lake…explore leisurely around the village and then get to the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, who was an Austrian-American Botanist came to Lijiang and stayed in Yuhu Village for 27 years and made huge research work on Naxi minority.

Stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is a part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 3 Lijiang-Ninglang County-Lugu Lake

Sightseeing and Activities:the upper Yangtze Grand Canon,Yi Ethnic Villages, Heiwawu Island and Liwubi Island of Luguhu Lake, Mosuo Culture Museum
Accommodation: Lugu Lake
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, drive 4 hrs on the spectacle mountain road to visit the mysterious Lugu Lake. On the way, enjoy the beautiful view among the huge mountains and rivers. We plan to start your walking from Jin’anqiao Bridge to Shudi along the road at the bank of Yangtze River. You will see the beautiful canon and Yi ethnic people’s villages in the steep mountains. After 1 hour walking in the canon, we will continue the driving and we can stop in many Yi villages.

In the late afternoon, you will take the canoes to visit Liwubi Island in Lugu Lake. Pay a visit to Mosuo Culture Museum and learn the Mosuo ethnic custom in the museum. Enjoy the sunset wonder of Luguhu Lake in Luoshui Village. In the evening, take part in Mosuo Bonfire Party with ethnic dance and singing performance.You will dance and sing with Mosuo boys and girls around a big bonfire in the outdoors theatre.

Day 4 Lugu Lake-Yongning-Wachang Town- Shawan Town-Mengzi Town-Shangri-La Town

Sightseeing and Activities: Lugu Lake, Zhamei Lamaist Monastery
Accommodation: Riwa Town
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Tour Route: Lugu Lake(泸沽湖)-Qiansuo Town(前所乡)-Wujiao Town(屋脚乡)-Yiji Town(依吉乡)-Eya Town(俄牙乡)-Geka Town(各卡乡)-Riwa(日瓦)

In the morning, you will drive about 20Km to visit the Zhamei Lamaist Monastery which is the biggest lamasery in Moso area Yongning Town. Tibetan people call Yongning as “taluo”, meaning “the way to heaven”. The place the Zhamei Lamasery lies in is called “Zhameige”, which means “no war”. The coincidence of these two names make the Lamasery even famous in Tibet.

Yongning Town is an important town of the Ancient Tea-Horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet. Located between Yunnan and Sichuan, Yongning keeps the original ethnic life which is still not damaged by tourists. You will visit Mosuo Market in Yongning Town. We will arrange a Mosuo family to visit and have lunch in Mosuo family, enjoy the Mosuo real life in a village.

After Yongning, drive to Riwa Town from Lugu Lake . This is a remote road for photographers. Drive via Qiansuo Town(前所乡), Wujiao Town(屋脚乡), Yiji Town(依吉乡), Iron Bridg (钢架桥), Eya Town(俄牙乡), Geka Town(各卡乡) and arrive in Riwa Town in the late afternoon.

Luya Road is welknown as the “Sky Road”, listed as the 7th 4 WD driving road in China, it starts from Lugu Lake Town in Yanyuan County, and finishs in Yading Nature Reserve, it go through Daocheng, Muli and Yanyuan counties of Ganze and Liangshan prefectures. You can see lake, ponds, temples, valleys, grasslands, original forests on the way. Driving along the zigzag road, you will arrive in Lugu Lake in the late afternoon.

Day 5 Shangri-La Town-Yading Nature Reserve

Sightseeing and Activities: Yading Nature Reserve (Luorong Pasture – Milk Lake – Five Color Lake)
Accommodation: Yading
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After an early breakfast, start your exploration of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, the Last Pure Land on Earth first found by Joseph Rock in 1928 and then be widely treated as the “Soul of Shangri-La” with extremely dreaming wonderland.

Take the sightseeing bus from the tourist center to Zhaguanbeng for about 1-1.5 hours and enjoy the 2-2.5 hours’ hike to Luorong Pasture (4,150m) via Chonggu Monastery (3,900m) (you can also choose to walk 20 minute to Chonggu Monastery and take the 0.5 hour battery car to Luorong Pasture if you want to save energy). Enjoy your relaxing roam at the idyllic pasture with those carefree grazing cattle and goats, layers of multicolored dense alpine forest, clear winding stream, etc. backed by the three holy snow mountains, namely Xiannairi (Mount Chianrezig), Yangmaiyong (Mount Jambeyang) and Xianuoduoji (Mount Chanadorje). You will appreciate the most beautiful appearance of Xianuoduoji snow mountain like a powerful man!

Next, take the challenging 5 km’s hike for 3-3.5 hours up to the fabulous Milk Lake (4,600m) (horse riding is available to Milk Lake and needs extra payment) and marvel at the unbelievable charm of such a holy lake like a precious blue gem that even can move one to drop tears. Continue to walk another 0.5 hour to visit Five Color Lake (4,500m) 0.3 km away to savor the impressive sightseeing with beautiful snow rock mountain in white, grey, silver and chocolate, blue and green water, various alpine plantations, clear sky backdrop, etc. particularly like an world-class oil painting.

After the visiting, walk down and take the car and bus back to the entrance. And our guide and driver will send you back to your hotel at Shangri-La Town. Have a good rest!

Day 6 Yading Nature Reserve-Daocheng County

Sightseeing and Activities: Yading Nature Reserve (Chonggu Monastery – Chonggu Meadow – Pearl Lake)
Accommodation: Daocheng County
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Today after breakfast, go to Chonggu Monastery as the same way on Day 2 by sightseeing bus and hike. Have a stop at the temple to admire the sacred Gelug Buddhist temple architecture in white, red, yellow and black and learn the interesting story about the temple and Joseph Rock’s stop by. From such unbeatable location, you will easily take the excellent photo of the brilliant temple and the three pure white holy snow mountains. After some short walk, embrace the lovely Chonggu Meadow (4,020m) that can be paralleled with the fairyland on earth. Stroll on the vast grassland like a thick and soft carpet in yellow and green in each season. Play along the particularly appealing transparent chanting river with clearly visible little stones like countless grains of gold sank to the bottom. Do not miss the best angle to admire the Xianuoduoji snow mountain like a powerful man.

Then, continue to hike for 30 minutes to visit Pearl Lake (4,120m) that is super fascinating to 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. Also, it is the best location to admire the holy Xiannairi snow mountain.

After the visiting, our guide and driver will send you to your hotel in Daocheng County (3,700m) and help you check in. Have a good rest!

Day 7 Daocheng County – Xiangcheng County-Derong County-Benzilan

Sightseeing and Activities: Wuming Snow Mountain (4550M), Sangdui Town, blockhouse, Sangdui pasture (3840M), vast poplar garden, Rewu Monastery (Hua Sect), Bowa Mount (4300M), Chitu River Valley
Accommodation: Benzilan
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Departs at Daocheng early morning, pass Sangdui village to Xiangcheng along different plateau forest scenery and local tibetan villages. Visit Sanpi Monastery in Xiangcheng County.

Coming over the mountain passes from either direction, you will at once spot the beautiful villages scattered amongst wheat-field-paddies in the valley ground. The large cubicle houses look like little castles and with their white-chalked exterior walls give the whole valley a north-African air. Xiangcheng itself consists of an old village paired with a modern Chinese downtown.

Spend a full day driving from Xiangcheng to Riwa(Shangrila Town) via Daocheng. Along the way, you will enjoy wonderful panoramas of barley fields, rushing rivers, expansive grasslands and snow-covered peaks.

Drive to Benzilan Town, a small town along the Jinsha River Valley.

Day 8 Benzilan – Baimang Snow Mountain-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities: Baimang Snow Mountain, Moon Bend of Jinsha River, The Sunset View of Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Drive from Benzilan to Feilaisi via Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, where you will be able to view Baima Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude at 156km.

After traversing the mountain ranges, you will make a short stop and have lunch at Benzilan town, take some shots on the first bend of Jinsha(Yangtze) River, Dongzhulin monastery and Baima (white horse) Snow Mountain. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams down the valley, prayer flags and stupas, and Tibetan villages.

Feilaisi is several km away from Deqin, it is the best place to see holy Mt.Meili. Mt. Meili is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. ‘Kang Karpo Peak’ means the God of Snow Mountain in Tibetan, and is a holy land for worshiping. Pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan,and Gansu travel to the mountain at the beginning of each winter to worship. Thousands of devout pilgrims worship together and encircle the holy mountain, adding even more mystery and loftiness to the mountain.
Stay at Feilaisi.

Day 9 Feilaisi-Mingyong Glacier – Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: the sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain, Lancang-Mekong Grand Canyon, Mingyong Glacier Park
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Try to get up early in the morning, enjoy the magic sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain. Then drive another 1.5-hour to Mingyong village, where you will walk on the trails for about 4km to Mingyong Glaciers of Meili Snow Mountain, walk another one your or so, you will get to Tibetan Taizi Monastery – another good spot to view the magnificent Mingyong Glaciers. (optional: You can choose to hire a horse to go up to the glacier on your own expense in order to save your energy). After Mingyong Glacier in Mingyong Village, you will do some trekking along the Lancang River Grand Canyon as well as some Tibetan villages. This will be your most impressive part of your trip to Yunnan. Try to trek back to Feilaisi from the Lancang-Mekong River with a nice view of Meili Snow Mountain and Baima Snow Mountain.

Drive back to Shangri-La, have a nice experience of Yangtze River Grand Canyon, Baima Snow Mountain again on the way back.

Day 10 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, Tibetan Village
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, but more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species. Then drive to visit A Tibetan Village.

Day 11 Shangri-La  – Baishuitai – Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baishuitai, The First Bend of Yangtze River,
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, drive to visit Baishuitai. Baishuitai or Baishui Tableland, also named the White Water Terraces, is known as one of the most attractive destinations in mysterious Shangri-La and is an ancient Chinese landform with a history of 200,000 to 300,000 years. The main attraction in the area is a large, white mineral deposit in the form of terraced pools, formed by calcium-rich water emanating from springs at the top of the formation. It is described as the largest feature of its type in China.

Then drive to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

Day 12 Departure from Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Lijiang Departure
Accommodation: Home
Meals: Breakfast
You will be free to explore Lijiang.
See off.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Lijiang	Lijiang Hilton Garden Inn	Wangfu Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort	Local Hostel
Lugu Lake	Silver Lake Island Hotel	Shilili Hotel	Nverguo Hotel	Local Hostel
Daocheng	/	/	/	Local Hostel
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Local Hostel

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

Located in southwest corner of Sichuan province, Daocheng is well-known for the 3 holy peaks named by the 5th Dalai Lama, Shiannairi Peak(6032 m high), Xianuoduoji Peak(5898 m high), Yangmaiyong Peak(5898 m high). Every year, there are many people trek around the 3 holy peaks for increasing their merits and virtues. Lugu Lake is located in northwest part of Yunnan province, it covers 58 square kms, the water is very clear. The unique matriarchal Mosuo people live by the lake, which earned this area another name: the Mysterious Queendom. Trekking from Daocheng to Lugu Lake is surely one of the best trekking route in China.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Lijiang	Lijiang Hilton Garden Inn	Wangfu Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort	Local Hostel
Lugu Lake	Silver Lake Island Hotel	Shilili Hotel	Nverguo Hotel	Local Hostel
Daocheng	/	/	/	Local Hostel
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Local Hostel

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

Daocheng is located in southwest corner of Sichuan province, it is well-known for the 3 holy peaks named by the 5th Dalai Lama, Shiannairi Peak(6032 m high), Xianuoduoji Peak(5898 m high), Yangmaiyong Peak(5898 m high). Every year, there are many people trek around the 3 holy peaks for increasing their merits and virtues. Lugu Lake is located in northwest part of Yunnan province, it covers 58 square kms, the water is very clear. The unique matriarchal Mosuo people live by the lake, which earned this area another name: the Mysterious Queendom. Trekking from Daocheng to Lugu Lake is surely one of the best trekking route in China.

Departure from Daocheng.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Lijiang	Lijiang Hilton Garden Inn	Wangfu Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort	Local Hostel
Lugu Lake	Silver Lake Island Hotel	Shilili Hotel	Nverguo Hotel	Local Hostel
Daocheng	\	\	\	Local Hostel

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

Trekking from Lugu Lake to Yading combines fantastic views with an ancient mystique in a wilderness. Starting from the warm cultivated landscape around Lugu Lake to altitude of 4,800 meters, the trails takes in views of the three sacred peaks – Chenrezi (6032), Jampayang (5958) and Chenadorje (5958). You will walk among the huge mountains, go through virgin forests, walk along valley floors, and stroll around sacred lakes.

Inquiry

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
• Day 2: Lijiang
• Day 3: Lijiang-Lugu lake
• Day 4: Lugu Lake-unknown Grassland
• Day 5: Unknown Grassland-Tongtian River
• Day 6: Tongtian River-Kawa Village
• Day 7: KawaVillage-Lusi Grassland
• Day 8: Lusi grassland-Kasi Village
• Day 9: Kasi Village-Kasi Yak Farm
• Day 10: Kasi Yak Farm-Chonggu Monastery
• Day 11: Chonggu Monastery-Daocheng
• Day 12: Daocheng-Litang
• Day 13: Litang-Kangding
• Day 14: Kangding-Chengdu
• Day 15: Chengdu
• Day 16: Chengdu Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

In the morning, drive 6 hours on the mountain road to visit the mysterious Lugu Lake. On the way, enjoy the beautiful view among the huge mountains and rivers. You will start your walking from Jin’anqiao Bridge to Shudi along the road at the bank of Yangtze River. You will see the beautiful canyon and Yi ethnic people’s villages in the steep mountains. After 1 hour walking in the canyon, We will continue the driving and you can stop in many Yi villages.

In the late afternoon, you will take the canoes to visit Liwubi Island and Snake Islet in Lugu Lake.

(Optional)In the evening, take part in the night party and performance which is named the Soul of Mosuo. There are a lot of Mosuo young people dancing and singing around the fire in the outdoors theatre.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Lugu Lake	Ocean Paradise Hotel	Shilili Angyue Hotel	Shilili Travel Hotel	/
Lijiang	InterContinental Hotel	E-outfitting Hotel	Liwang Hotel	/
Daocheng	Dengsang Zhuba Luyun Namei Chujian Camp	Holy Land Image Hotel	Tianjie impress hotel of daocheng	Kawa Meiduo Folk Inn
Litang	/	/	Tsangyang Gyatso Hotel	/
Kangding	Gonggazong Manor Hotel	Jiamuzu Resort Hotel	Xueyuan Hot Spring Hotel	kangsangshuangy

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Sharing English-speaking tour guide;
• Sharing vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

Daocheng, located in southwest corner of Sichuan province, is well-known for the 3 holy peaks named by the 5th Dalai Lama, Shiannairi Peak(6032 meters), Xianuoduoji Peak(5898 meters), Yangmaiyong Peak(5898 meters). Every year, there are plenty of people trekking around the 3 holy peaks. Lugu Lake is located in northwest part of Yunnan province, and the unique matriarchal Mosuo people live by the lake, which earned this area another name, the Mysterious Queendom. This tour is designed for those who love trekking.

Inquiry

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Shangri-La Arrival
• Day 2: Shangri-La-Xiangcheng
• Day 3: Xiangcheng-Yading
• Day 4: Yading-Kars Yak Ranch
• Day 5: Kars Yak Ranch-Kars Village
• Day 6: Kars Village-Seku Village
• Day 7: Seku Village-Kawa Village
• Day 8: Kawa Village-Yiji Village
• Day 9: Yiji Village-Yongning Village
• Day 10: Yongning-Lugu Lake
• Day 11: Lugu Lake-Lijiang
• Day 12: Lijiang
• Day 13: Lijiang Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

The overland drive tour from Chengdu to Shangri-La via Yading Nature Reserve and Yunnan Deqin Meili Mountain is a really adventure trip with stunning scenery! High Plateau mountain ranges, grasslands, nomad herders, snow-capped holy mountains, virgin forests, holy lakes, local Tibetan villages,ect will give you a memorable trip!

Inquiry

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Chengdu Arrival
• Day 2: Chengdu
• Day 3: Chengdu – Kangding
• Day 4: Kangding – Litang
• Day 5: Litang – Daocheng Yading
• Day 6: Yading
• Day 7: Yading – Daocheng
• Day 8: Daocheng – Benzilan
• Day 9: Benzilan – Deqin
• Day 10: Deqin – Shangrila
• Day 11: Shangrila
• Day 12: Shangrila – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang
• Day 13: Lijiang
• Day 14: Lijiang – Dali
• Day 15: Dali – Kunming
• Day 16: Kunming 
• Day 17: Kunming Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

From Shangri-La, drive about 100 km to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

After lunch continue driving 50 km more to visit the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, and the Iron Chain Bridge in the Stone Drum town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. 

Move forward 60KM more to Lijiang. Explore Lijiang Old Town at night.

In the morning, head to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain including Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River, Yak Meadow by chairlift. Access to the top of the mountain is provided by a cableway from the foot of the mountain to the Yak Meadow.
 
In the afternoon, stroll around Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan town. Then head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture. After dinner, attend the Naxi Orchestral and Show in Dongba Palace.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Kunming	Softel Hotel	Wenhui Hotel	Jinhua Hotel	T&T Story Hotel
Dali	Hilton Dali Resort & Spa	Shouyi Boutique Hotel	Dali Taihe Boutique Inn	Dali Fengxue Gucheng
Lijiang	Pullman Hotel	Wangfu Hotel	Liwang Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Hotel	Shangri-La Old Town Hotel	Moon City Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Benzilan	Songtsam Hotel			Local Guesthouse
Deqin	Guanjing Tiantang Hotel	Feilaisi Pearl Hotel	Feilaisi Pearl Hotel	Yunling Guesthouse

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• High speed train tickets from Dali to Kunming.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

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Yading Natural Reserve is located in Daocheng, a county subordinated to the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture on the southwest border of Sichuan Province. It is noted for its mysterious lamasteries, forests, pastures, snowclad peaks, clear lakes and primitive Tibetan villages. During this 10 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Tour, you will visit the highlights of Lijiang and Shangri-La city, then move on to enjoy the stunning scenery of Meili Snow Mountain and Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve.

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Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
• Day 2: Lijiang
• Day 3: Lijiang – Shangri-La
• Day 4: Shangri-La
• Day 5: Shangri-La – Feilaisi
• Day 6: Feilaisi – Meili Snow Mountain – Derong
• Day 7: Derong – Daocheng – Riwa
• Day 8: Riwa – Yading – Riwa
• Day 9: Riwa – Yading – Riwa – Daocheng
• Day 10: Daocheng Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Lijiang	Pullman Hotel	Wangfu Hotel	Liwang Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort
Shangri-La	Shangrila Hotel	Shangrila Old Town Hotel	Moon City Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Feilaisi	Deqin Regalia Resorts & Spa	Songtasm Feilaisi Hotel	Guanjing Tiantang Hotel	Yunling Guesthouse

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry