Originated in the Tanggula Mountain on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nu River flow parallel along the Hengduan Mountains for several hundred kilometers. More interestingly, their entrances to different seas are thousands of kilometers away. The protected area covers Nu Jiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Lijiang City. It is a very rare phenomenon, the Three Parallel Rivers have spectacular scenery that is composed of the rivers, mountains, rare plants, animals and 16 ethnic groups inhabitation.

Highlights:

Trek along the area of three parallel rivers, explore the nature and challenge yourself.
Visit the extraordinary natural stone view in Stone Forest.
Explore unique Ethnic culture in colorful Yunnan and get amazed by Naxi people and Tibetan people’s unique culture and lifestyle.
Explore profound ancient towns on the trip, like Shuhe old town, Lijiang old town and Baisha old town, etc.
Lose yourselves in Shangri-La, an earthly paradise with Snow Mountain, Buddhist monastery, forest park, and hospitable Tibetan people.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming-Tengchong
Day 3: Tengchong
Day 4: Tengchong-Liuku
Day 5: Liuku-Gongshan
Day 6: Gongshan-Bingzhongluo
Day 7: Bingzhongluo-Biluo Snow Mountain
Day 8: Biluo Snow Mountain
Day 9: Biluo Snow Mountain-Cizhong
Day 10: Cizhong-Xidang Village
Day 11: Xidang Village-Yubeng
Day 12: Yubeng Village
Day 13: Yubeng Village-Feilaisi
Day 14: Deqin-Shangri-La
Day 15: Shangri-La
Day 16: Shangri-La-Halfway Guesthouse
Day 17: Halfway Guesthouse-Daju
Day 18: Daju-Lijiang
Day 19: Lijiang
Day 20: Lijiang Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: the Green Lake
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: None

The Green Lake Park(Cuihu Park) in Kunming

Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming.

You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of tea houses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. If time permits, you will have a Kunming city tour.

Day 2 Kunming-Stone Forest-Tengchong

Sightseeing and Activities: the Stone Forest, Guandu Ancient Town, Heshun Ancient Town
Accommodation: Tengchong
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, we will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan.

After lunch drive back Kunming to visit the Guandu Ancient Town which is a famous historical & cultural town in Kunming. It keeps the main architectural style of Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.

Take the flight to Tengchong in the late afternoon. Arrive in Heshun Ancient Town in Tengchong City, you will be free in Heshun Ancient Town and enjoy the relax life before the wonderful Three Parallel River Grand Canyons adventure tour.

The Stone Forest has unique karst topography. There are six scenic spots in the Stone Forest: Large Stone Forest, Small Stone Forest, the Naigu Stone Forest, the Zhiyun Cave, the Long Lake, the Da Dieshui Waterfall and the Qifeng Cave.

Tengchong city, a vital link on the ancient Southwestern Silk Route (Kunming-Baoshan-Tengchong-Mangshi-Ruili), is situated in the western part of Yunnan Province, Bordering on Burma in the northwest with a boundary line of 151 kilometers long.

Day 3 Tengchong

Sightseeing and Activities: Nujiang River Bridge, Gaoli Gongshan Mountain, Heshun Ancient Town
Accommodation: Tengchong
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, visit Nujiang River Bridge in Nujiang Basin and Gaoli Gongshan Mountain and drive back to Tengchong at noon.

After lunch, you will visit Heshun Ancient Town including the Museum of Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War, Heshun Library, the Archway, Dragon Pool, the Wanlouzi Museum of Native Residence, Wenchang Daoist Palace, Clothes-washing Pavilions, Yuanlong Daoist Pavilion, the Philosopher Ai Siqi’s Former Residence, Guanyin Ancient Spruce Trees an so on. “Heshun” means peace and harmony. You could walk leisurely around the historical old town, built in earlier days by overseas Chinese as a location for their retirement.

Day 4 Tengchong-Liuku

Sightseeing and Activities: Gaoli Gongshan Mountain Natural Reserve Area, Nujiang Grand canyon, Liuku Town, Nujiang River and Nujiang River Bridge
Accommodation: Liuku
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, drive about 4 hours from Tengchong to Liuku, the county seat of Nujiang Lisu and Pumi Autonomous Prefecture. You will visit Gaoli Gongshan Mountain Natural Reserve Area which is located in the Nujiang River Grand Canyon, the south part of Qing-Tibet Altiplano. With a steep slope and sharp mountain incision, the Grand Canyon presents great vertical natural scenery and various climates. In fact, the vertical drop height is above 4,000 meters.

Drive north along the Nujiang-Salween River. As it’s hot and humid in the gorge here, Dai people who live here use big banyan trees to surround the villages. Tropical plants are grown here such as papaya, pineapple, banana and coffee. The famous Yunnan Coffee is grown in this area near the Nujiang-Salween River.

In the afternoon, you will walk around Liuku Town, visit Nujiang River and Nujiang River Bridge. The Nujiang River is China’s important river flowing from north to south. The name of the river is changed into the Salween River after flowing into Burma from China, and it finally empties into the Andaman Sea of Indian Ocean at the Moulmein.

Day 5 Liuku-Gongshan

Sightseeing and Activities: the Nujiang Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Gongshan
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Drive from Liuku to Gongshan. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang Grand Canyon. The 316-kilometer-long Nujiang River Gorge is flanked by two 4,000-meter-high mountains. The gorge is located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, an area where is rich in ethnic minority culture. It is now a first choice for many domestic and foreign travelers.

Day 6 Gongshan-Bingzhongluo

Sightseeing and Activities: Bingzhongluo Town, the First Bend of Nujiang-Salween River, Nu ethnic village
Accommodation: Bingzhongluo
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Drive to BinzhongLuo, then trek 4 hours to visit the First Bend of Nujiang River (Sawleen River), the Nu People, Stone Houses, Hinayana Buddhism, Lama Temple, Chongdintian Catholic Church. Full day excursion to Bingzhongluo, sightseeing includes the first bend of Nujiang River (Salween River), the stone house of the Nu minority, Peach Island, the Tibetan Puhua Temple. You will then have the chance to visit a minority household and experience the life of the local people.

Day 7 Bingzhongluo-Dimaluo-Biluo Snow Mountain

Sightseeing and Activities: Baihanluo Village, the catholic church, Biluo Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Biluo Snow Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Start trekking up the Biluo Snow Mountain(4652 meters), which is between the Nu river and the Mekong river. you will pass through a village(Baihanluo) and a catholic church. Finally, camp or stay in local villager’s house.

Day 8 Biluo Snow Mountain-Layatong Village-Diwazhachong Village

Sightseeing and Activities: Biluo Snow Mountain, Layatong Village, Diwazhachong Village
Accommodation: Diwazhachong Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Continue trekking up the mountain, you will pass through a village (Layatong) and the mountain pass of 4000 meters, reach the village (Diwazhachong). Camp or stay in local villager’s house.

Day 9 Biluo Snow Mountain-Cizhong Village

Sightseeing and Activities: Biluo Snow Mountain, Cizhong Catholic Church
Accommodation: Cizhong
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Trek down the mountain to Cizhong village by the side of Mekong river, finishing your 3 days trekking(total trekking distance is about 50 km). Visit the 100-year-old catholic church built by a french missioner, which is also the best-preserved church in Yunnan. Stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 10 Cizhong-Lancang-Mekong Grand Canyon-Xidang Village

Sightseeing and Activities: Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Village, Mingyong Glacier Park, Xidang Village
Accommodation: Xidang Hot Spring Hostel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Early in the morning, drive along the Lancang-Mekong River to Mingyong Village in Meili Snow Mountain. Trek about 2 hours to Mingyong Glacier Park, then trek down to Mingyong Village. Walk directly to Xidang Village(2,200m), arrive in Xidang Village and stay in Xidang Hot Spring Hostel.

Day 11 Xidang Village-Nazongla Pass(3680 meters)-Yubeng (3100 meters)

Sightseeing and Activities: Original Forest, Yubeng Village, Yubeng Sacred Waterfalls
Accommodation: Yubeng
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, walk from our hostel to the Base Camp(3,700m). You will trek up about 3 hours to the Mountain pass(3,500m) in the original forests. And one hour trekking down along the horse-road from the mountain pass, we reach the base camp, where the view becomes very open. The tough, 1000-meter-high ascent from Hot Springs to Nazongla Pass, takes 2.5 hours for a fit hiker without carrying any heavy bag. The path zigzagging under the canopy of trees is quite damp and muddy.

A Tibetan house, located at one-third of the route, sells snacks and drinks. No breathtaking view can be spotted at Nazongla Pass. Another alternative is to ride up on a mule. You can easily reach the pass within 2 hours. It costs RMB 100 from Hot Springs to Nazongla Pass either for riding or carrying heavy bags. The descent from Nazongla Pass to the Upper Yubeng Village takes one hour.

Upon arriving at the village, take the trail turning to the left, walk further down to a stream, cross a bridge and climb a small slope up to the Lower Yubeng Village. When you arrive in Yubeng Village. If weather permits, you’ll wake up to a clear view of the Mt. Kawagebo glacier. You will hike to the Sacred Waterfalls(3,400m), from which Yubeng’s name originated. Buddhists on a pilgrimage to the area circumambulate the waterfall 13 times with the belief that this act will erase all sins from his life.

In the early afternoon, we’ll head back to the village lodge, visit sacred sites along the way, Yubeng Sacred Waterfalls(3650 meters). It takes two hours to reach Shenpu from Lower Yubeng Village. The higher you go, the farther you seem to be from Shenpu, the most sacred destination of circumambulation in Meili. On the background of tantalizing Mt. Miacimu, other lofty peaks as well as imposing glaciers, the valley is flamboyantly adorned by thousands of Tibetan prayer flags.

Day 12 Yubeng Village-Cuoka Sacred Ice Lake-Yubeng Village

Sightseeing and Activities: the Mt. Kawagebo glacier, Ice Lake, Meili Snow Mountain, Original Forest
Accommodation: Yubeng
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Ice Lake of Yubeng Village in Meili Snow Mountain, Diqing

Enjoy the sunrise of the Mt. Kawagebo glacier from the guesthouse, then walk up to Ice Lake of the Meili Snow Mountain.

Walk through the original forest from Yubeng Village, you will see some horses and yaks, as well as some wild animals if you are lucky enough. A beautiful river originates from the Glacier Park, walk along the river with some wooden bridges and spruce trees, you will have a wonderful view of Mt. Kawagebo Glacier. At last, arrive at the Ice Lake which is located at the foot of the glacier. Trek down back to Yubeng village in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset of Kawagebo Peak.

Cuoka Sacred Ice Lake is 1300 meters higher than Yubeng. The ascent takes 5-6 hours.
First three hours is a tough and long climb in a primitive forest where you may encounter local leeches, especially active after the rain. The ordeal will be rewarded later by a spectacular landscape when you reach the high meadow plateau at 4050 meters.
Another one-hour climb, you will reach Cuoka Pasture. There is a collapsed hut.
Last hour: from Cuoka Pasture to Cuoka Lake (4385 meters).

The return trek takes 3-4 hours. This one-day excursion is only reserved for strong hikers. Before June, the upper plateau is often covered by snow. Bring enough food and ask Aqinbu to find a good guide for you. It may be more reasonable to do this trek for two days and overnight camp at Cuoka Pasture.

Day 13 Yubeng Village-Ninong Grand Canyon-Feilaisi in Deqin

Sightseeing and Activities: Ninong Village, Yubeng Valley, Mekong River, Jiabi Village, Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

This day, you won’t go back through Nazongla Pass, the same route that you hiked in, you can venture the steep narrow path along a stream and descend to Ninong Village. You will spend the whole morning walking down in Yubeng Valley. Yubeng River flows all the way into Mekong River. Parts of the trail we will pass is actually a canal dug along the half-way mountain by local villagers.

Have lunch in Ninong village(1,900m), cross Mekong River and 2 hours more trek to Jiabi Village. Finally, drive to Feilaisi and enjoy the sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain.

Meili Snow Mountain, also called Kawakarpo, is a UNESCO scenic spot located in Deqin County dividing Yunnan from Tibet. It is a wonderful place to hike and explore both nature and Tibetan culture. Rising between the Salween River and the Mekong River in the extreme edge of Northwest Yunnan, the Meili Snow Mt. is part of Three Parallel Rivers. Legend says that the Meili Snow Mountain is a god guarding Tibetan Buddhism. With 13 peaks over 6000 meters in the range, the main peak Kawakarpo (“Kawagebo” in Chinese) is a sharp snow mountain with an altitude of 6740 meters, which has never been conquered yet.

Day 14 Deqin-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: the sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain and the 13 white pagodas, Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, the Moon Bend of Jinsha River, Dongzhulin Monastery
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Yubeng Village in Meili Snow Mountain, Diqing

In the morning, you will enjoy a nice sunrise view of Meili Snow Mountain from the Sightseeing Platform, where you can see the 13 white pagodas that means the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain over 6,000 meters above sea level.

Drive 6 to 7 hours to Shangri-La. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams, prayer flags and stupas, as well as Tibetan villages. Start from Deqin County, after one hour drive, you will visit Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you will be able to view Baimang Snow Mountain if the weather is clear.

Visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend, which is the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan. This is different from the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City. The bend in Shigu Town changes the flow direction of the Yangtze River but Jinsha River is in Benzilan, the Moon Bend is just a grand bend between the mountains with an impressive scenery.

Drive downhill to the Dongzhulin Monastery , which is located in Shusong Village, Benzilan District, Deqin County, and 105 km from the county seat of Zhongdian County. The Yunnan-Tibet Road passes behind the temple and cars can get straight to the temple. The Dongzhulin Monastery was built in 1667, the 6th year of the Kang Xi Period in Qing Dynasty.

After lunch in Benzilan, we will drive along the the upper Yangtze River to Shangri-La. On the way, you will have a panoramic view of Nixi Pottery Village.

Day 15 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In the morning, you’ll visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. And afterwards you’ll go and visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. After finishing the tour in the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, you’ll visit the Old Town of Shangri La and the Guishan Park.

The Songzanlin Monastery, often called Ganden Sumtseling Monastery or Guihua Monastery, is located at the foot of Foping Mountain nearby Shangri-La County in Yunnan Province. The monastery is built on a hillside and looks like an ancient fort. The Songzanlin Monastery is often called the little Potala Palace because of its traditional Tibetan architectural style.

At night you will visit a Tibetan family and taste the butter oil tea and Tibetan food.

Day 16 Shangri-La-Qiaotou-28 Turns-Halfway Guesthouse

Sightseeing and Activities: Nuoyu Village, 28 turns Trail, the upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Halfway Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Your hiking trip starts from Qiaotou, pass through 28 turns. 26 km takes about 6-8 hours. From the top of “28 turns” on the high path further uphill to a place of altitude above 3000 meters, you can have a view of the panorama of the entire upper tiger leaping gorge. Check this at a Tea Horse or Guesthouse if you cannot figure it out yourself.

You will arrive at Halfway Guesthouse to finish today’s trekking. At an altitude of 2500 meters, you get a magnificent view over the Yangtze River and the Yulong Snow Mountain right in front of you. For the keen photographer this trek provides a great opportunity to capture nature’s best moments.

Halfway Guesthouse organizes two-day trekking up Haba Snow Mountain with an overnight stay uphill at a point of altitude above 4000 meters. Sleeping bags and mats for the trek can be rented at the guesthouse. Successful trekkers are awarded “donkey shoes” as souvenirs and their names and contact information will be recorded in the “donkey skin book” at the guesthouse. Similar treks can also be arranged at Five Fingers Mountain Guesthouse.

Day 17 Halfway Guesthouse-Middle Rapids-Walnut Grove-Daju

Sightseeing and Activities: Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, Walnut Grove, Daju Village
Accommodation: Daju
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the early morning, continue hiking to Tina’s Inn (2 hours). After another hour walking down the steep cliff to the bank of Jinsha River, you will reach the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (Middle Hutiao or Middle Rapids), it is the narrowest part of the gorge, where a tiger can easily jump over the Jinsha River. Trek from Middle Rapids along the Middle Gorge to Walnut Grove Garden, then drive to the lower part of Gorge, get off and walk for about half an hour to the bank of the River. Then hike further along the road to the lower section of the Gorge (about 1.5-2 hours) where we will take ferry across the River. Not far from the Lower Section of gorge, at the other side of river, is Daju Village, you will get off the ferry and trek about one hour to Daju, whose inhabitants are mostly Naxi people.

Day 18 Daju-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain–Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Yulong Snow Mountain, Baishui(White Water) River, the Yak Meadow, Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show, Baisha Village and Mural
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, drive about 2 hours from Daju to Yak Meadow. You’ll visit Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui(White Water) River; take the chairlift to visit the Yak Meadow(3700 meters) in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers and a width of 20 kilometers. Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The highest peak named Fan Peak (Shanzidou in Chinese) which is about 5596 meters above sea level.

You will enjoy Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show in the mountain directed by Zhang Yimou, which reflect the history about Tea Horse Trade Caravan from the upper Mekong River to Tibet and India. Around 500 local people from 10 ethnic groups were selected from 16 towns and villages in Lijiang of Yunnan Province to perform folk songs, dances and rituals for visitors daily.

In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan Town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 19 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Shuhe Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum, Lion Hill, Mu Emperor’s Palace, Naxi Orchestral and Show
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In the morning you’ll head for Shuhe Old Town, which is the relic of the Tea-Horse Trading Caravan from bank of Mekong River to India via Tibet.

You will have Lunch at NO.8 Restaurant at the bank of Black Dragon Pool, after lunch you’ll head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture.

Then drive back to Lijiang Old Town and visit the Wangu Pagoda on the top of the Lion Hill, here you will have a wonderful panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town. You will walk down from the Lion Hill to Mu Emperor’s Palace which is the local chieftain’s former residence.

After dinner, you will attend the Naxi Orchestral and Show in Dongba Palace in the Lijiang Old Town.

Day 20 Departure from Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Lijiang
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Departure from Lijiang by air or high-speed train. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Sofitel Hotel	Jinjiang Hotel	Longteng Hotel	Tu Tu Inn
Lijiang	InterContinental Hotel	E-outfitting Hotel	Liwang Hotel	Flowers Hall Inn
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Resort	E-outfitting Hotel	Bodhi Boutique Inn	Guzang Xiangbala Diannan Wufu Inn
Feilaisi	Guan Jing Tian Tang Hotel	/	Feilaisi Temple Pearl Hotel	Deqin Yunling Inn
Tengchong	Guanfang Hotel Tengchong	Pumi Wenlv Zhang’s Courtyard (Hepan)	Yongle Holiday Resort and Spa	Yonder Way Hostel
Liuku	/	/	Shengshi Hongbang Hotel	/
Yunlong	/	/	Yulongwan Hotel	Nuo Deng Fu Jia Liu Fang Inn
Tacheng	Guanfang Hotel Tengchong	Pumi Wenlv Zhang’s Courtyard (Hepan)	Yongle Holiday Resort and Spa	Yonder Way Hostel
Baoshan	/	/	Shengshi Hongbang Hotel	/
Gongshan	/	/	Dusheng Zhuangyuan Inn	/
Bingzhongluo	/	/	Nu Xia Hotel	Fusheng Manor Inn
Cizhong	Songtsam Cizhong Lodge	/	Najizhaxi Hotel	Jitao Yizhan

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.

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!

Highlights:

Explore the panda base and leisure life of Chengdu locals.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan including Daocheng Yading.
Visit the highlights of Shangrila, Lijiang, Dali and Kunming.
Have a spectacular view of Meili Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, First Bend of the Yangtze River, etc.

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

Day 1 Chengdu Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Airport-hotel transfer
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: None

Upon your arrival at the airport, meet your local tour guide and driver and then transfer to the hotel for rest. If time permits, you can explore the city on your own.

Day 2 Chengdu – Panda Research Base – Chengdu

Sightseeing and Activities:the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Wangjiang Tower, Wuhou Temple, Dufu Thatched Cottage
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your tour guide and start the tour. First visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in the morning, which is the best time to see the pandas. Move on to Wangjiang Tower, the memorial to a female poet of the Tang Dynasty, Xue Tao. This tower is a symbol of Chengdu city.

Continue the tour to Wuhou Temple, which was built in the sixth century to honor Zhuge Liang. The last stop is Dufu Thatched Cottage, the home of one of the greatest poets of the Tang Dynasty.

Day 3 Chengdu-Kangding

Sightseeing and Activities: Kangding, the hot spring at Erdaoqiao
Accommodation: Kangding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive to Kangding, 376 km from Chengdu. It takes about 6 hrs on the expressway. Kangding, the capital city of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where you can appreciate the idyllic scenery and visit the local people. After dinner, enjoy the hot spring at Erdaoqiao.

Day 4 Kangding-Litang

Sightseeing and Activities:Anjue monastery, Litang, Chang-Qing-Chun-Ke’er-Si monastery
Accommodation: Litang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, visit the very first Tibetan monastery on this trip – Anjue monastery, and see their morning ceremony!

Then drive about 5 hours to Litang (306km). At an altitude of just over 4000m, Litang is one of the highest towns in the world (Lhasa is 3700m). Situated high on a grassy plateau, Litang has the feel of a rough and tumble ‘Wild West’ town.

You will also visit the famous Chang-Qing-Chun-Ke’er-Si monastery and pay homage to the living Buddha with a personal interview. The monastery here is now home to 1400 Yellow Hat sect monks.

Day 5 Litang-Daocheng-Yading

Sightseeing and Activities:Yading nature reserve
Accommodation: Yading
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today drive about 4 hours from Litang to Daocheng, and then another 3 hours from Daocheng to Yading as much of the road to the reserve is dirt track. Then reach the highlights of this journey – Yading nature reserve, home of three sacred Tibetan mountains – Chenresig (Avalokitesvara, 6032m), Jambeyang (Manjusri, 5958m), and Chanadorje (Vajrapani, 5958m). The scenery here easily rivals that of national parks of the west such as Yellowstone and Yosemite in terms of spectacular, pristine mountain scenery.

Spend the night in tent hotel.

Day 6 Yading

Sightseeing and Activities:Mt. Chanadorje, Tshonggo Gonpa Monastery, Mt Chenresig
Accommodation: Yading
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today visit the beautiful Yading by horseback riding or hiking. From the reserve entrance you will traverse a beautiful wooded pathway leading to a valley set at the foot of the spectacular Mt. Chanadorje.

You’ll pass piles of Mani stones by the side of the pathway and at the base of the Reserve’s most stunning vistas. Visit Tshonggo Gonpa Monastery (Chonggu Si in Chinese) – a small Tibetan temple, which Joseph Rock nicknamed ‘Bandit Monastery.’ Continue the tour to the foot of Mt. Chenresig, where you’ll ascend a small but steep hill to view a beautiful mountaintop emerald green lake. Return to the meadow at the foot of Mt. Chanadorje and spend the night in a tent hotel.

Day 7 Yading-Daocheng

Sightseeing and Activities:Yading Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Daocheng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the morning doing a short hiking or horse ride around the reserve. In the afternoon drive back to Daocheng where you’ll spend the night.

Day 8 Daocheng-Benzilan

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: Benzilan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a long (5 hours, 290km) but scenic drive to Shangri La, the former Zhongdian (3,300m, 10,000 ft), a small city on the Tibetan Plateau. It still preserves an unique and remote atmosphere, also due to the Tibetan minority that keep the place different from the rest of Yunnan. Shangri La is in the center of a famous scenic area where three mighty rivers converge: the Nu River, the Yangtze River and the Mekong River.

Day 9 Benzilan – Deqin

Sightseeing and Activities: Jinsha River bend
Accommodation: Deqin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Kawa Karpo Kora Meili Snow Mountain in Diqing

Walk to see the famous Jinsha River bend, then start driving to Deqin by pass White Horse Mountains. Feilaisi is several km away from Deqin, which is the best place to see holy Meili Snow Mountain. 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. Overnight at Feilaisi or Deqin.

Day 10 Deqin – Shangrila(184 km, 6hours)

Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise of Mt. Meili
Accommodation: Deqin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Get up to see the sunrise of Mt. Meili, then start driving to Shangrila by passing White horse mountains and Benzilan again.

Day 11 Shangri La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, Potatso National Park, Tibetan family visit
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, visit Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtseling Monastery), reputed as the “Little Potala Palace”. Established by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679, the monastery belongs to Gelug sect of Buddhism, and it is also the largest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province with around 600 monks.

Then, drive to the first national park in China – Pudacuo National Park which is mainly comprised of Shudu Lake, Militang Grassland, Bita Lake. Shudu Lake is a famous pasture, herds of yak and goat grazing beside the lake. Militang Grassland is located between Shudu Lake and Bita Lake with lush grass in meadow. Bitahai Lake, regarded as a pearl of the Plateau, is an intact natural attraction with outstanding landscapes.

After the merry time in the park, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family to experience the highly-praised hospitality of Tibetan people and taste some special Tibetan snacks and butter tea.

Day 12 Shangri La-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge, the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 13 Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Yulong Snow Mountain, Baisha Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum, Naxi Orchestral and Show
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The Glacier Park of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

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.

Day 14 Lijiang-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Three-pagoda in Chongshen Temple, ancient city of Dali
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, travel (200 km – 4 hrs) south to the ancient city of Dali. Dali, a historically and culturally famous city of China, is renowned for her historical interest. If this day happens to fall on a Monday you will call in at Shaping for a visit to the colorful Bai market.

In Dali, visit the Three-pagoda in Chongshen Temple, which is a typical historical symbol of Yunnan. It is also one of the oldest sublime architecture in South China. At last, walk around the Old Dali Town, which is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain.

Day 15 Dali-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Erhai Lake cruise, Jinsuo Island, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Town, Bai people’s Tie-Dyed Cloth Work Shop
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, take the Erhai Lake cruise by boat and visit Jinsuo Island. After landing, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style architecture, taste their fragrant three-course tea and explore their distinctive culture.

At last, visit Zhoucheng Village, and Bai people’s Tie-Dyed Cloth Work Shop. At night take the high speed train to Kunming.

Day 16 Kunming-Stone Forest-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Stone Forest, Green Lake, Flower and Bird Market
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. There is a local saying: ‘It is a waste of time not to visit the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming’, which vividly expresses the deep love of the local people toward this world wonder. The quintessential karst landscape makes every tourist lost in wonder.

After lunch drive back Kunming, take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. Visit the Flower and Bird Market in the late afternoon.

Day 17 Kunming Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Kunming International Airport for returning. Service ends.

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.

Incorporating stays at different Songtsam lodges; this circuit trip takes guests to varies hikes each day to the heart of Three Parallel Rivers Area; follow village paths, fields or secret mountain tracks to explore this magic land and its rich culture on foot.

Highlights:

Have varies hikes to the heart of Three Parallel Rivers Area.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.
Experience the super stay at Songtsam Hotels.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Shangrila Arrival
Day 2: Shangrila
Day 3: Shangrila – Tacheng
Day 4: Tacheng – Benzilan
Day 5: Benzilan
Day 6: Benzilan – Songtsam Meili
Day 7: Songtsam Meili
Day 8: Songtsam Meili – Shangrila
Day 9: Shangrila Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Shangri-la (3,300m)

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals:

Arrive in Shangri-la. You guide will pick you up at the airport.

Day 2 Shangri-la (3,300m)

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day hike to Abujee, which is A beautiful mountain known to very few people. The trek follows a crystal stream to this huge stone mountain. We pass by 2 Tibetan pastures on the way and hike up to the hill next to the mountain and lake on top of it.

Day 3 Shangri-la – Tacheng (1,900m)

Sightseeing and Activities:Tibetan and Naxi villages
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive about 3 hours to Tacheng after breakfast. Leisure walk in the afternoon. Follow the paths link different Tibetan and Naxi villages through beautiful rice fields and vine yards. Climb up to a small hill for a bird view of the villages with charming black roof tops and surrounding area.

Day 4 Tacheng-Benzilan

Sightseeing and Activities:Yunnan Golden Monkey Nationsl park, Bazhu village
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park, take an easy hike of 1-2 hours to the south end of Baima Snow Mountains and part of the ancient Tea and Horse Road. Trek to Bazhu village if time allows, which will take about 4 hours.

Then drive to Benzilan.

Day 5 Benzilan (1,900m)

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will hike about 3 hours uphill (wide mountain road) to visit several pristine Tibetan villages and have a stunning view of Yangtze River valley. Then follow the mountain path to different villages and back after a picnic lunch. Visit local families.

Day 6 Benzilan – Songtsam Meili(3,600m)

Sightseeing and Activities:Dongzhulin Monastery
Accommodation: Meili Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Songtsam Meili after breakfast, visit Dongzhulin Monastery on the way (balanced on a steep cliff, it’s a breath taking view). Arrive at Meili Lodge, relax or take an easy mountain walk for about 1-2 hours.

Day 7 Songtsam Meili (3,600m)

Sightseeing and Activities:hike
Accommodation: Meili Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day hike for about 8 hours with a 3 hours up hill. It could be difficult given the high altitude.

Day 8 Songtsam Meili – Shangri-la

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, monastery Kora
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning free to enjoy the view of Meili. Drive back to Shangri-la and visit Songzanlin Monastery if time allows, walk the monastery Kora. Dinner party at a Traditional Tibetan family.

Day 9 Departure from Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangrila
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

Departure from Shangrila.

Recommended Hotels

City	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Shangrila	Songtsam Hotel	/	/	/
Benzilan	Songtsam Hotel	/	/	/
Meili	Songtsam Hotel	/	/	/
Tacheng	Songtsam Hotel	/	/	/

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;
Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

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.

Originating in the Tanggula Mountain on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nu River flow parallelly along the Hengduan Mountains for several hundred kilometers. For this tour, you will visit the highlights of Lijiang and Shangri-la. And you will have two trekking experience: Tiger Leaping Gorge(the most famous and must-visit attraction in Yunnan Province) trekking and Yubeng Village( a welcomed fairyland in Shangri-La) trekking.

Highlights:

Visit the highlights of Lijiang and Shangri-La include Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Songzanlin monastery, etc.
Experience two unforgettable trecking tour: Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking and Yubneg Village Trekking.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
Day 2: Lijiang
Day 3: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge
Day 4: Tiger Leaping Gorge – Baishuitai – Shangri-La
Day 5: Shangri-La
Day 6: Shangri-La-Benzilan-Feilaisi
Day 7: Feilaisi-Xidang-Yubeng
Day 8: Yubeng
Day 9: Yubeng-Ninong-Cizhong
Day 10: Cizhong-Weixi-Tacheng
Day 11: Tacheng-Shigu-Lijiang
Day 12: Lijiang
Day 13: Lijiang Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lijiang Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Lijiang
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals:None

Airport-hotel transfer.

Day 2 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuihe River, Spruce Meadow, Impression Lijiang Show, Baisha Old Town and Mural
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spruce Meadow(3200M). After lunch, you’ll visit the Impression Lijiang Show.

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

Day 3 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Sightseeing and Activities: hiking
Accommodation: Halfway Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

At 6:00, drive to Qiaotou Town, which will take 2 hours on the trip. Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking tour is one of the most beautiful trekking tour of Yunnan Province. Your hiking trip starts from Qiaotou. About two hours trekking in the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will arrive at Naxi Family and have lunch there. It is an easy trekking from Qiaotou to Naxi Family, but with beautiful scenery.

After lunch, a trekking from Naxi Family to 28 zigzagging turns will be a challenge for you. From the top of “28 turns” on the high path further uphill to a place of altitude above 3000 m, you can have a view of the panorama of the entire Gorge. Then go pass Tea Horse Guest House (5 hours) and arrive at Halfway Guesthouse (2500m) to finish today’s trekking. The total trekking route is 26 km, and it takes about 6-8 hours.

Day 4 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Baishuitai-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baishuitai, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan park
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, continue hiking to Tina’s Inn (2 hours) after another hour walking down the steep cliff to the bank of Jinsha River to the Middle Gorge (Middle Hutiao or Middle Rapids), worship the dangerous shoal of “Starriness”, the most narrow part of the gorge, where a tiger can easily jump over the Jinsha River. Drive to Baishuitai to see the beautiful terrace, then drive to Shangrila. After arrive at Shangrila, you’ll visit Shangrila old town and Guishan park.

Day 5 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Songzanlin 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, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Day 6 Shangri-La-Benzilan-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Benzilan Town, Dongzhulin Monastery, The First Bend of Jinsha River, Feilaisi Temple, Sunset of Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we drive toward Feilaisi (5-6 hours, including lunch and stops); en route, you will be able to see The First Bend of Yangtze River, Which looks like a flying dragon down the vast and deep valley of Wakha region. We have a local lunch in Benzilan Town; visit Dongzhulin Monastery-a Gelupa sect and the First Bend of Jinsha River, get to Feilaisi Temple and enjoy the Sunset of Meili Snow Mountain.

Day 7 Feilaisi-Xidang-Yubeng

Sightseeing and Activities:Yubeng Village Trekking
Accommodation: Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning , we could enjoy the golden mountain, on top of which the sunrise touches its snow capped peak. After breakfast, we drive along Mekong River to reach trail head; hike up to and over a mountain pass to Yubeng, with picnic lunch (5-7 hours, with several steep sections). Arrive in Yubeng village; dinner at a traditional Tibetan living room, followed by lively singing and dancing with local villagers. Overnight in Yubeng.

Day 8 Yubeng Village

Sightseeing and Activities:Yubeng Village Trekking
Accommodation: Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we enjoy breakfast with breathtaking views of Kawagebo Meili Snow Mountain, if weather permits. We then hike to Yubeng waterfall and enjoy picnic lunch on the way (5-6 hours roundtrip, steep hike). Visit sacred sites, such as the local Tibetan Buddhist temple, then return to the village. In late afternoon, sip traditional Dri (a female YAK), butter tea with a farmer in Upper Yubeng village, while chatting about local life.

Day 9 Yubeng Village-Ninong-Cizhong

Sightseeing and Activities:Trek along the Ninong Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Cizhong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek along the Ninong Grand Canyon from Yubeng Village to Mekong River, then drive to Cizhong.

Day 10 Cizhong-Weixi-Tacheng

Sightseeing and Activities:Catholic church in Cizhong
Accommodation: Tacheng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Cizhong Catholic church and the villages around. Drive to Tacheng.

Day 11 Tacheng-Shigu-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:wild Yunnan golden monkeys, the First Bend of Yangze River, Stone Drum Town, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, explore wild Yunnan golden monkeys, one of the most endangered primates in China. Then drive to Shigu Town, visit the First Bend of Yangze River, Stone Drum, then drive to Lijiang.

Visit Lijiang Ancient Town, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today.

Day 12 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Yuhu Village and Joseph Rock’s Exhibition, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Culture Museum, Lion Hill and Wangu Tower
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, pay a visit to Yuhu Village and the Former Residence of Dr. Joseph Rock at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, who traveled to Lijiang in 1922 and was known for his study on Dongba culture of Naxi minority group. Then continue the tour to Black Dragon Pool Park and the Dongba Cultural Museum. By visiting this museum, learn more about Dongba culture preserved by Naxi People. The last stop is Lion Hill and Wangu Tower.

Day 13 Departure from Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Lijiang
Accommodation:None
Meals: Breakfast

Hotel breakfast, then you will be dropped to Lijiang Sanyi Airport to end the service.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Cizhong	Songtsam Cizhong Lodge	Xuelong Meili Yiju Hotel	Kawagebo Hotel	Yubeng impression boutique Inn
Feilaisi	Deqin Regalia Resorts & Spa	Songtasm Feilaisi Hotel	Guanjing Tiantang Hotel	Juesedianxiang Youth Hostel
Lijiang	Pullman Resort	Hexi Hotel	Liwang Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort
Shangri-La	Paradise Hotel	Zhaxi Dele Hotel	Moon City Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Tiger Leaping Gorge	/	/	/	Tina’s Hostel
Yubeng	/	/	/	Longmen 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 Chinese-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
Two bottles of mineral water each day;
Horse fee for luggage while Yubeng trekking.

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.

Travel Tips:

Tips of Yubeng Village Trekking Tour

1. Ensuring you will have enough time. The round trips from Hot Spring to Yubeng village needs two days at least, three days or four days are better.
2. We suggest that you choose trekking as far as possible because you can control your time and your pace and it is more convenient to take pictures. It takes some time to reach your destination by riding horse because horse needs to rest en route either, and riding horse is not cheap.
3. About equipment is mainly about clothing and shoes. It is humid in Meili area with plenty of rain, so you should pay attention to rain and moisture. And you have better prepare some insect repellent medicine to protect yourself from Tibetan louse.
4. About food, we suggest you to bring some chocolate and processed meat product, for example, you can buy some yak jerky in Lijiang and Zhongdian because it is difficult to eat fresh meat in Yubeng village, and daily foods are potatoes, vegetables and eggs. But physical consumption is high; vegetables cannot meet your needs.
5. There is signal from Xidang Hot Spring and Nazongla Pass, but after Nazongla Pass will remain off the hook. Therefore, Nazongla Pass is the last station you can keep contact with outside world.
6. Respect the local custom: in some places of Yubeng village, there is polygamy, that is women can be married to more than one people. When you communicate with Tibetans, you must pay attention to their subtle relationship.
7. Most of villagers of Yubeng have no regular education, they can’t read in general. And they speak Tibetan language; women and children can’t speak Mandarin in the most situations, so it is easier to talk with men.
8. Draw lots for the horse: if there are two people or more wants to ride horse, you need draw lots to decide to ride which horse. No matter what you get, you cannot change your horse by your own; otherwise you possibly rent no horse and cause troubles. This rule made by Tibetans is their own way to ensure fairness and it is useful in many places of Tibet.

Tips of Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour

Photography Tips

High Path – you can take photos with Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Naxi Family G.H. (纳西雅阁) and Tea-horse G.H. (茶马客栈) – best places to take photos of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Note: along the route, some good viewing points will be charged RMB 3 – 5.

Best Time to Hike

Avoiding Jun to Sept because it is the rainfall season which is dangerous and unsafety of the hiking route.
Taking enough cool-proof clothes if you hike there after Oct.
Note: Tiger Leaping Gorge weather can take the one of Lijiang as reference. Lijiang Climate & Weather page for information you need.

Packing List for Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

Quick-dry light clothes
Jacket
Old antiskid shoes
A bottle of mineral water
Alpenstock
Torch
Small bag
Food such as chocolate, sliced dried beef etc.
Note: along the hiking route there are many guesthouse or small stores to supply and rest.

This tour focuses on most famous cities and classic attractions in Yunnan Province and it also provides a chance to experience the winter of Yunnan–Meili Snow Mountain tour. Moreover, Lugu Lake tour, another discovery of mysterious Muosuo minority which combines matrilineal society with matrilocal society.

Highlights:

Visit the highlights of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La.
Experience the winter of Yunnan–Meili Snow Mountain tour.
Discover the mysterious Muosuo minority which combines matrilineal society with matrilocal society.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming
Day 3: Kunming – Dali
Day 4: Dali – Lijiang
Day 5: Lijiang
Day 6: Lijiang – Lugu Lake
Day 7: Lugu Lake – Lijiang
Day 8: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
Day 9: Shangri-La
Day 10: Shangri-La – Deqin – Feilaisi
Day 11: Feilaisi – Meili Snow Mountain – Shangri-La
Day 12: Shangrila-La Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kunming Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Kunming Arrival, Green Lake
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: None

You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.

You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. If time permits, you will have a Kunming city tour.

Day 2 Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, Guandu Ancient Town, Jingang Pagoda
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. After lunch drive back Kunming to visit the Guandu Ancient Town which is a famous historical & cultural town in Kunming; it keeps the main architectural style of Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.

Day 3 Kunming-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:the Three-pagodas in Chongshen Temple, Erhai Lake Cruise, Dali Ancient Town, City Wall, the Foreigner Street
Accommodation: Dali
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Take the morning flight to Dali which is a historically and culturally famous city of China, is renowned for her historical interest and Bai ethnic culture.

After landing, you visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island. In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake.

At last, you will visit the Ancient Dali Town, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

Day 4 Dali -Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style.

Drive about 180KM to Lijiang with the beautiful farmlands and ethnic villages on the way. Lunch at No.8 Restaurant at the bank of Black Dragon Pool, after lunch you’ll head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture.

In the late afternoon, explore Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.

Day 5 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Yulong Snow Mountain, Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River and Terraces, Impression Lijiang Show, Baisha Old Town and Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hours in the original forest in Spruce Meadow (3200M).

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses.

In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan town. Visit the Baisha Murals about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 6 Lijiang- 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, Lunch

In the morning, drive 4-5 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 and Heiwawu 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 7 Lugu Lake – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Zhamei Monastery, Mosuo Ethnic Market in Yongning, Mosuo Ethnic Home-made,Pumi and Yi Ethnic Villages
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Afternoon, drive back to Lijiang. On the way to Ninglang Town, where you will stop to visit a Pumi Ethnic Village and Pumi Family.The ancestors of Pumi were a nomadic tribe living in the southern part of Gansu Province and the eastern part of Qinghai Province. Later, their descendants moved south to warmer areas along the Hengduan Mountain Range. After the 13th century, the Pumi ethnic group gradually settled down in Ninglang, Lijiang, Weixi and Lanping counties.

Day 8 Lijiang-100KM-Tiger Leaping Gorge-100KM-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Shigu Ancient Town, the Iron Chain Bridge, Stone Drum, Tiger Leaping Gorge,Dukezong Ancient Town
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu 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.

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. Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India.

Day 9 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, 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 Tibetan Village.

Day 10 Shangri-La-Deqin-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Bengzilan Town, the Moon Bend of Jinsha River, Dongzhulin monastery and Baima Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The Moon-shaped Bend of Jinsha River in Deqin County, Diqing

In the morning, drive 4 to 5 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude) which is 187km away from Zhongdian 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 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.

Stay at Feilaisi.

Day 11 Feilaisi-Meili Snow Moutain-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, 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. Then drive back to Shangri-la.

Day 12 Departure from Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangrila
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Pick up from hotel and transfer to Shangri-La airport for the departure flight. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Kunming	Crown Plaza Kunming City Centre	Wenhui Hotel	Baiyun Hotel	T&T Story Hotel
Dali	Hilton Dali Resort And Spa	Landscape Hotel	Gnosis Hotel	Dali Fengxue Gucheng
Lijiang	Hilton Garden Inn	Wangfu Hotel	Louwailou Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort
Shangri-La	Shangrila Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Lugu Lake	Silver Lake Island Hotel	Shilili Hotel	Nverguo Hotel	Anyi 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 and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
Free-bottled mineral water;

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;
Domestic air tickets fares with airport tax and fuel extra fee based on economy class mentioned in the program.

Duokela Mountain Pass of Meili Snow Mountain

Duokela Mountain Pass is a part of Meili Snow Mountain. It is the famous holy mountain and the boundary of Tibet and Yunnan.

Why is Duokela Mountain Pass so special?

Meili Snow Mountain is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. In the 1930s, Meili Snow Mountain was praised by American scholars as the most beautiful mountains in the world. The dangerously steep and beautiful scenery of Duokela Mountain Pass attract many visitors.

Where is Duokela Mountain Pass?

Duokela Mountain Pass of Meili Snow Mountain is located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northeast of Deqin County of Yunnan Province, sitting on the border of Yunnan Province and Tibet. It lies close to the northwestern boundary of the province and is bounded by the Salween River on the west and the Mekong on the east.

How to Get to Duokela Mountain Pass?

►By plane: Fly directly to Shangri-la city (Zhongdian), and then take a local bus to Feilai Temple in Deqin County, which is the best jumping off point to view Meili Snow Mountain.

►By scheduled bus: There are regular bus routes to Feilai Temple from a number of nearby destinations: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang (albeit, via Shangri-la), and Shangri-la itself.

►By charter bus: One of the easiest ways to get to Feilai Temple is to take a charter bus. A number of even easier ways to get to Feilai Temple is to hire a minibus, a car, or a cross-country jeep – they are available everywhere.

History & culture

Duokela Mountain Pass of Meili Snow Mountains is a holy mountain of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists. It is a multi-religious Tibetan area with Tibetan Buddhism as the main body and co-existence of Catholicism, Christianity and Islam. In 1268, the founder of the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism living Buddha, Karma Pakshi made a pilgrimage to kawakbo and determined the route of the Inner and Outer Circumambulating Pilgrimages around Meili Snow Mountain. Thousands of devout pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province and Gansu Province worship together and encircle the holy mountain Pilgrims, making this mountain more mysterious.

What to See at Duokela Mountain Pass

Sunrise/Sunset: The golden sunrise on the Duokela Mountain Pass of Meili Snow Mountain is a must-see for most tourists who want to admire the spectacular scenery of this mountain.

Glaciers: There are four big glaciers at Duokela Mountain Pass: Mingyong, Sinong, Niuba and Nongsong. The longest and the largest glacier is the Mingyong Glacier.

Natural Resource: The mountain possesses diversity plants and also provide habitat for many wild animals, such as red-spotted stonecrop, lichen, pedicularis, leopard, clouded leopards, takin, etc.

Best Time to Visit Duokela Mountain Pass

The ideal seasons to visit Duokela Mountain Pass are in the winter and spring periods between October and May. The best season is after the end of October, when you can view the main peak because of the nice weather, clean air and the high transparency there.

However, in other seasons, to see the main peak you have to depend on your luck. You are more likely to have a chance to see the snow-covered mountain in the early morning when the sun has just come out

Accommodate at Duokela Mountain Pass

In order to meet the golden sunrise of Duokela Mountain Pass, it’s highly recommended to stay here for one night. There are many guesthouses and hostels around Feilai Temple, most with viewing decks for tourists to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the sun shining over the snow mountains.

Inner/Outer Trekking Routes

The Route of Inner Circumambulating Pilgrimage
1. Xidang Village- Ninong Village- Lower Yubeng (Sacred Waterfall and Sacred Lake)-Upper Yubeng- Xidang Spring
2. Xidang Village- Upper Yubeng (Ice Lake)- Lower Yubeng (Sacred Waterfall and Sacred Lake)- Ninong Village- Xidang Spring

The Route of Outer Circumambulating Pilgrimage
Deqin County Center- Yunling Town- Yangla Village- Yangza Suspension Bridge- Yongjiu Village (northwards) or Yongzhi Village (southwards) – Yongshitong- Dekangyading- Duokeyaka- Shusutong- Qienatong- Abing- Lakangya(near Nu River, at an altitude of 1700m)- Zhana- Longbu- Damuyaka- Gebu- Daguya(4100m)- Gezaya (4300m)- Meijiubugong- Shuoya (4828m)- Dulongyong- Meilishui (near Lancang River)- Adong River- Deqin

Recommended Visiting Route

2 Days Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La

5 Days Shangrila Discovery with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage

7 Days Shangrila Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Trekking Tour

10 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure and Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage Tour

10 Days Lijiang and Shangrila Exploration Tour with Meili Snow Mountain and Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

11 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage

12 Days Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Overland Tour with Biluo and Meili Snow Mountains

Nearby Attractions

Yubeng Village in Deqin County, Shangrila

Yubeng is a secluded small Tibetan village tucked away at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin county, the northwestern corner of Yunnan Province. It is only accessible by foot or horse/mule. But the trip, however arduous, is worth it. Yubeng is divided into an upper and a lower section. Both parts offer fabulous views of the Mei Li Snow Mountains. Lower Yubeng is smaller, quieter and closer to the lakes and waterfalls that you will likely visit during your stay.

Feilaisi Temple, Deqin

Feilai Temple, the best place to watch goden peaks of Meili mountain at sunrise. So if you plan to watch sunrise, it’s absolutely a good idea to live at Feilai temple the night before. But actually it is unusual to see the goden peaks. The peaks of the mountains are often surrounded with clouds due to the high altitude they are. And this makes more interesting for Meili. There’s a kind of saying that, if any Japanese appears in this area then people can’t see the golden peaks that day. This is because Japanese are not welcomed by Tibetan people. Yes, they hate Japan and Japanese, just like people in northeast of China.

Lancang-Mekong River Grand Canyon

It is called the Lancang River after it reaches Changdu. The river runs south until it leaves China at the Nanla Bayout of Yunnan Province and therefrom changes its name from the Lancang River to the Mekong River. The river finally empties into the Pacific Ocean in the south of Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.

Useful Travel Tips

► Check with the hotel or guesthouse whether there is water for shower before checking in it for its lack of water in this area.

► It is difficult to see the mountain in its entirety during summer and autumn, due to heavy cloud cover or mists.

► The ultraviolet rays are strong and you may need to bring something anti-sunburn.

► Please keep in mind that in the mountains, do not yell or shout, that would offend the God of the Mountains. Tibetans there is always very quiet and respectful. Believe it or not, at least we do as the Romans do or show the courtesy.

This tour focuses on famous attractions in Lijiang and Shangri-la, such as the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Pudacuo National Park…This could be a Lijiang and Shangri-la classic tour, and moreover, it has been added some unconventional routes, such as pay a visit to Meili Snow Mountain and Tacheng Black Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park. These could be another highlights of this tour.

Highlights:

Visit the highlights of Lijiang and Shangri-La.
Pay a visit to Meili Snow Mountain and Tacheng Black Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
Day 2: Lijiang
Day 3: Lijiang – Shangri-La
Day 4: Shangri-La
Day 5: Shangri-La – Benzilan – Feilaisi
Day 6: Feilaisi-Meili Snow Mountain-Cizhong
Day 7: Cizhong-Weixi-Tacheng
Day 8: Tacheng-Liming-Shigu-Lijiang
Day 9: Lijiang Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lijiang Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities: Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals:

Take the flight to Lijiang, explore Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.

Day 2 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River, Yulong Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow, Impression Lijang Ethnic Show, Baisha Old Town and Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spruce Meadow(3200M).

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses.

In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 3 Lijiang-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: First Bend on the Yangtze River, the Iron Chain Bridge, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Old Town
Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to 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.

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. Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist.

Upon arrival in Shangri La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India.

Day 4 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: Songzanlin Monastery, Cigulong Tibetan Village, Tibetan Family Visiting
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, 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, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species. Visit Tibetan Family.

Day 5 Shangri- Benzhilan-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Benzilan Town, Dongzhulin Monastery, Moon Bend of Jinsha River(Yangtze), Baimang Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive 4 to 5 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude) which is 187km away from Zhongdian through Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you will be able to view Baimang Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude.

After traversing 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.

Stay overnight at Feilaisi.

Day 6 Feilaisi-Meili Snow Mountain-Cizhong

Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Village, Mingyong Glacer, Lancang-Mekong Grand Canyon, Xidang Village, Cizhong Catholic Church
Accommodation: Cizhong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning, you will enjoy the magnificent sunrise view of Meili Snow Mountain from Feilaisi, then drive to Mingyong Village. Hike from Mingyong village to Mingyong Glacier (2600m) which is the low altitude glacier of the lowest latitude in the world.

After lunch in Mingyong Village, you will trek down directly to the edge of Meikong River(2,050m/6,724ft). Walk along the Mekong Grand Canyon and arrive in Xidang Village(2,200m/7,216ft) where you can visit some scattered Tibetan houses in the village. Drive to along the Lancang-Mekong River to Cizhong Village in Yanmen Town, with some Tibatan villages en route, here you can see the different hoses from Shangri-la. Visit the Tibetan Catholic Church built by French missionaries in 1867, the church is used by Tibetan, Naxi and Lisu people. They still have the grapes planted by missionaries and old the traditional way of making wine.

Day 7 Cizhong-Weixi-Tacheng

Sightseeing and Activities:Naxi and Lisu villages, Tacheng Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Park
Accommodation: Tacheng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive further south along the Mekong gorge to Weideng Township, you will drive through these Lisu and Naxi ethnic towns with Badi Town, Yezhi Town, Baohe Town in Weixi Lisu Autonomous County of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and finally arrive in Tacheng Town for one night stay. All of these towns are located at the bank of Lancang River with a wonderful view on the driving.

Enjoy the landscape of the Mekong with mountains, terraces, villages on the both sides of the valley, and we will make stops to visit Naxi and Lisu villages and a church en route, people here live in the traditional houses built with wooden walls and tile roofs. As the road construction work is going on here, we may need to wait sometimes.

Arrive in Tacheng Town in the late afternoon and pay a visit to Tacheng Black Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park of Weixi County. Overnight at the guesthouse in Tacheng Town.

Day 8 Tacheng-Liming-Shigu-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Stone Drum, the Iron Chain Bridge, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will drive along the Yangtze River to Shigu Ancient Town. Visit the Stone Drum, the Iron Chain Bridge which is the relic of the Ancient Tea-horse Road from Yunnan to Tibet and India. On the mountain at the river’s bend stands Stone Drum (Shigu) Town. This ancient town is named after a drum-shaped marble plaque. Built during the Jiaqing era (1548-1561) of the Ming Dynasty, the stone drum is a monument commemorating the victory of Lijiang’s Naxi ruler over an invading Tibetan army. It is one point five meters (five feet) in diameter and zero point five meters (two feet) in thickness. The stone drum has an obvious vestige of what appears to be a “rip” in it. It is said that the stone drum would rupture prior to any war and then fold when peace returned.

Afterward, you will meet your driver and come back to Lijiang. Visit Lijiang Ancient Town and enjoy the night life.

Day 9 Departure from Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Lijiang
Accommodation:
Meals:

Transfer to Lijiang International Airport for returning. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

City	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Lijiang	InterContinental Lijiang	Wangfu Hotel	Louwailou Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort
Shangri-la	Shangri-la Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Tacheng	Songtsam Lodges Tacheng	Damo Hotel	Deluke International Hotel	Woyun Guesthouse
Feilaisi	Deqin Regalia Resorts & Spa	Songtasm Feilaisi Hotel	Guanjing Tiantang Hotel	Yunling Guesthouse
Cizhong	Songtsam Cizhong Lodge	/	Najizhaxi Hotel	Jitao Yizhan

Service Included:

1.Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
2.Meals as listed in the itinerary;
3.Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
4.Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
5.Service charge & government taxes;
6. Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
7. Two bottles ofmineral watereach day;
8.Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance.

Service Excluded:

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

Travel Tips:

8 Days Shangri-La Circle Tour and Three Parallel Rivers Adventure(Depart from Lijiang)8 Days Shangri-La Circle Tour and Three Parallel Rivers Adventure(Depart from Lijiang)

Home
Tag: Meili Snow Mountain
( Page 7 )

Meili Snow Mountain

20 Days Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Adventure Trekking Tour

Kunming-Stone Forest-Tengchong-Liuku-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo-Biluo Snow Mountain-Cizhong-Lancang-Xidang Village-Yubeng-Deqin-Shangri La-Qiaotou-Daju-Lijiang

Three Parallel Rivers Tours Veiw

17 Days Grand Shangrila Overland Tour from Chengdu (Sichuan) to Kunming (Yunnan)

Chengdu-Kangding-Litang-Daocheng-Yading-Daocheng-Benzilan-Deqin-Shangrila--Lijiang-Dali-Kunming

China Tours Including Yunnan Veiw

Deluxe 9 Days Shangrila Hiking Tours and Three Parallel Rivers Adventure with Songtsam Hotels Experience

Shangrila-Tacheng-Benzilan-Songtsam Meili-Shangrila

Luxurious Yunnan Tours Veiw

13 Days Three Parallel Rivers Circle Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge and Yubeng Village Hiking Tour

Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangrila-Feilaisi-Meili Snow Mountain-Yubeng-Cizhong-Tacheng-Shigu-Lijiang

Mekong River Discovery Veiw

12 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Meili Snow Mountain and Lugu Lake Pilgrimage

Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Lugu Lake-Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangrila-Meili Snow Mountain-Shangrila

Minority Discovery Veiw

Photo Gallery of Duokela Mountain Pass of Kawa Karpo Kora

...

Photos Veiw

Duokela Mountain Pass of Meili Snow Mountain

Duokela Mountain Pass of Meili Snow Mountain Duokela Mountain Pass is a part of Meili Snow Mountain. It is the famous holy mountain and the boundary of Tibet and...

Attractions Veiw

9 Days Shangri-La Circle Tour and Three Parallel Rivers Adventure (Depart from Lijiang)

Lijiang-Shangrila-Benzilan-Deqin-Cizhong-Tacheng-Lijiang

Mekong River Discovery Veiw

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.

Customize a Trip

Contact Info

Address: Building 4, Yifuyuan, Hehong Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Wechat/QQ: 270384698
Office Call: 86-18812220370
Email: Trip@YasoTrip.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/YasoTrip

Tel/WhatsApp: +8618088243690
Trip@YasoTrip.com

Daily: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm