6 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Discovery with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain Hiking

Discover a hidden treasure on Haba Snow Mountain, which is unknown to 99% of tourists. You will be jealous of the yaks living on this meadow! It is unbelievable that Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen so superbly at the same time.

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1Lijiang | Arrival at the Little Kingdom of the Naxi People

Meet your private guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Explore Lijiang Ancient Town. Discover the splendid history of the Naxi minority. Enjoy a panoramic view of the town from Lion Hill at sunset.

DAY 2Lijiang | Pilgrimage to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Walk around Yuhu Village where American explorer Joseph Rock lived for 27 years, you will see typical stone houses of the Naxi people and villagers in their traditional dress on their way to their farms or fields. You will visit Rock’s former residence and listen to his adventure stories. And then follow in his footsteps in the embrace of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Skipping the cable car and tourist crowds, you will hike through the bushes, wade across a little stream, lie down on an alpine meadow, and enjoy the exclusive views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that only hikers can.

The hike is about 12.5 km (7.7 miles). There is about 600 meters (2,000 feet) of ascent, and normally people need about 5½ hours.

DAY 3Lijiang to Shangri-La | Great Gorge and Hidden Scenery

You will drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La in the morning. On the way, you will stop at magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge. Listen to the roar of the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze).

After lunch, discover a best-kept secret of Haba Snow Mountain. During a 2-hour hike on an alpine meadow, enjoy exclusive views of Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Continue to Shangri-La by a brand-new highway. Be impressed by the amazing scenery along the way and another super project of China.

DAY 4Shangri-La | The Spirit of Shangri-La

Visit the largest Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Yunnan, Songzanlin. Discover the beating heart of local Tibetan belief, which reflects the elevated purity and awe of its surroundings.

Visit the dormitory of a lama, which is not normally open to tourists. If you are curious about their lifestyle, religious beliefs, practices, and discipline, this is a great chance to ask a lama face to face. Prepare some questions!

And then you will walk to the back of the monostery to experience a Tibetan ceremony of blessing.

Walk around Shangri-La Old Town in the afternoon. Turn the huge prayer wheel on the top of Guishan hill (if you like) and overlook the old town.

DAY 5Shangri-La | The Life of Tibetan People

On day 5, you will discover the natural beauty and the life of local people in Shangri-La. The plateau lake and forest are the scenery you cannot miss. You will skip the well-developed scenic areas and just visit the lake and forest, which local people live around.

Explore Nixi Tibetan village. Get close to the daily life of the local Tibetan people and also experience making their famous Nixi black pottery.

Visit a Tibetan family’s house. Sit and chat with the host and enjoy some traditional Tibetan snacks.

Driving alongside Napa Lake, you’ll see yaks wandering on the grassland, verdant wetlands, and the clouds “floating” on the bright lake.

DAY 6Shangri-La Departure

Private transfer to the airport