8 Days Grand Shangri-la Adventure Driving Tour from Daocheng Yading to Lugu Lake

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See off.
Service ends.