8 Days Yunnan Cycling Tour from Yangtze to Mekong Rivers

Sightseeing and Activities: Shangri-La Old Town, Songzanlin Monastery,

Accommodation: Shangri-La

Meals: Dinner

Meeting Point and Welcome

• You'll meet the guide at the airport and take a short drive to your start point hotel in  Shangrila old town.
• There will be a group meeting at 6 pm where you'll go over all the formalities of the trip and answer any questions you might have about the upcoming trip before heading out for a delicious Tibetan banquet in the old town.

Early Arrival and Exploration

• For those arriving early, not a bad idea if you wish to acclimatise and do some exploring, there is the old town to wander, Songzanlin Monastery to visit, and endless hikes in the surrounding hills, lakes and national parks. There are also numerous cafes, restaurants and local wares to sample as well as Shangrila's own craft brewery that uses locally grown ingredients.

About Shangrila

• A town of many names, Shangrila, Xianggelila in Chinese, formerly called Zhongdian, sits at 3280m above sea level and is traditionally a Tibetan town (known as Gyalthang in Tibetan) and is most famous for Songzanlin Monastery, south west China's most important monastery.
• Renamed Shangrila in 2003 to promote tourism, numbers of visitors have risen dramatically and much of the town has modernised, following a path that most Chinese tourism towns take: emptying the old areas of residents and making them commercial.
• The old town was almost destroyed in 2014, but has been restored now and, despite the development, it's still one of the more charming old towns in China, particularly the architecture of the Tibetan homes; enormous ornately decorated buildings utilising the plentiful local wood; dwellings not found on such a grand scale in other parts of the Tibetan world.

Surrounding Landscapes

• The surrounding landscapes are probably the real drawcard though, for which Shangrila makes the perfect base: cool, crisp mountain air, deep blue skies, lush grasslands, pine forests, hot springs, wheat and barley fields, handsome villages, numerous lakes and flowering rhododendrons and azaleas in spring.
• With an extra day, jump on a bike or scooter and check out the spectacular views of Songzanlin from afar (no need to go in, unless this is your first monastery!
• There are several smaller temples in the surrounds that are have few tourists) or head for the hills on foot!

Note: the Shangrila altitude is 3280m

Sightseeing and Activities: cycling to Napa Sea and Wujing

Accommodation: Wujiang County

Meals: Breakfast

Day Begins

• After breakfast and a bike set up, you start an unforgettable adventure with an epic 100km ride.
• Although it may seem like a long day, apart from a gentle six-kilometre climb, it's mostly flat and downhill! We'll cycle out of town and head straight for Napa Lake (Napa hai), a stunning water catchment that attracts various species of migratory birds, including the majestic black-necked crane.
• This area is also a grazing ground for livestock and a vital water source for agriculture, producing wheat, barley, and vegetables, surrounded by picturesque Tibetan villages. The serene lake, nestled between towering mountains, offers breathtaking views!

The Ascent and Descent

• You'll leave the lake behind and begin our morning climb, greeted by prayer flags at the pass at 3560m, the highest point of our journey. Then, it's all downhill from here!
• Your route takes us on a massive descent of over 1000m to the mighty Yangtze River below.
• Be sure to stop at viewpoints along the way to take in the breathtaking scenery – and you'll have plenty of time to do so – as this will be the easiest 100km you'll ever cycle. Tiny Tibetan and Lisu villages dot the hillsides as we descend to the river, where the ride flattens out.

Exploring Wujing

• After settling into your hotel, you'll head out for dinner in town and visit the famous 30m high Buddha tree, known as Malishuwang, and experience the local atmosphere.
• While Wujing may be an unknown gem to outsiders, it's close to Damofusi monastery, a remote retreat perched high in the mountains on the opposite side of the river.
• This sacred site is a secluded haven where hard-core Tibetan Buddhist monks come to delve into their faith's deeper practices.
• It's a well-kept secret outside of Buddhist circles – making it a unique experience for those who venture here.

Note: the Wujing altitude is 1950m

Sightseeing and Activities: ride that continues along the Yangtze River, The Xiangguqing Valley, Three Parallel Rivers National Park

Accommodation: Tacheng

Meals: Breakfast

A Gentle Start

• On your second day on the bikes, you will take a more leisurely approach with a 35km ride that follows the scenic Yangtze River.
• You'll cross a bridge and continue along the smaller Lapo River, winding through a picturesque fertile valley.
• Quaint farming villages, gingko groves, rice and wheat fields, and densely forested hillsides unfold before you as you ride.

The Xiangguqing Valley

• Your destination is the enchanting Xiangguqing valley, situated just beyond the charming township of Tacheng.
• Here, you'll find the golden monkey (also known as snub-nosed monkey) reserve, home to around 360 of these fascinating primates.

Conservation Efforts

• As part of the larger Three Parallel Rivers National Park, this valley is not only a haven for the monkeys but also a vital sanctuary for other species.
• The park is designed to protect not only the monkeys and other wildlife but also the delicate ecosystem and water catchment that supports biodiversity in the valley.
• After lunch, you'll have time to explore and spot these highland primates or other wildlife in their natural habitat.
• You'll settle in for the night with dinner amidst nature's splendor.

Note: the Tacheng altitude is 2070m

Sightseeing and Activities: meet Weixi Lisu Conty

Accommodation: Lishui county

Meals: Breakfast

A Mountainous Ascent

• Today's ride is the most demanding of the tour, as you tackle a 46km climb up the valley.
• You'll pass through several Lisu minority villages and their lush farmlands, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Into the Wilderness

• As you ascend higher, the villages become fewer and farther between, and the forest grows denser, enveloping us in its tranquility.
• The valley narrows, and we find ourselves in a remote and serene environment.

A Highland Plateau

• Eventually, you emerge onto a plateau of undulating highland, where lush grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see.
• After refueling with lunch, you'll start a 20km descent before tackling a shorter climb into Weixi town and our hotel for the night.

Cultural Immersion

• Weixi Lisu Autonomous county is the heartland of the Lisu ethnic group, and we'll have the opportunity to explore this vibrant rural centre.
• In the evening, you'll delve into local cuisine and immerse ourselves in the bustling atmosphere of this charming town.

The Weixi altitude is 2250m

Sightseeing and Activities: the landscape on the way, Zhongpai Village

Accommodation: Zhongpai Village

Meals: Breakfast

A Quick Transfer and River Convergence

• You make a swift transfer, dodging a bustling section of road and getting back on our bikes.
• As you ride, you will meet the majestic Mekong River, situated where three of Asia's largest rivers - the Yangtze, Mekong, and Salween - are mere 150km apart.
• The snow-capped mountains that surround us are an imposing barrier, causing the rivers to diverge and flow to different parts of Asia, sustaining massive populations along the way.
• This confluence of rivers has given rise to ancient empires and cultures, which eventually terminate in separate oceans thousands of kilometers apart.
• Over the next two days, you'll follow the Mekong as it winds its way through the mountains on its journey southward.

Tunnels and Villages

• You'll likely bypass a section of tunnels before jumping back on our bikes and making our way to Zhongpai, a charming Lisu village. Our hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Mekong River and the snowy summit of Biluo Snow Mountain, which separates the Lancang and Nujiang Rivers. We've entered the Nu minority region, where the cuisine is heavily influenced by South East Asian flavors and eating is a more tactile experience - people use their hands to enjoy their meals.

Culinary Delights

• Tonight, you'll indulge in a sumptuous banquet featuring this unique cuisine.
• Be prepared for a sensory experience like no other!

The Zhongpai altitude is 1770m

Sightseeing and Activities: Ride on roads of Mekong, Move to Lanping County

Accommodation: Lanping

Meals: Breakfast

Undulating Roads

• Back on your bikes, you ride on rolling roads above the Mekong, taking in the breathtaking views as you pedal 36km to your lunch break.
• After refueling, you'll transfer to tunnels and dusty roads, making your way to the top of today's pass. Don't worry, you won't be tackling a grueling climb!

Twisting Descent

• The forested roads then treat us to a thrilling downhill ride, winding your way to the outskirts of Lanping.
• Here, you'll pack up our bikes for a ride into town. Lanping is a unique place, being the only autonomous county for both the Bai and Pumi people.

Cultural Significance

• Lanping is a relatively poor region, but recent development efforts have brought significant changes to the area.
• The Bai people originally hailed from the shores of Lake Erhai and Dali, migrating to this region along the ancient tea horse route.
• The Pumi, a Tibetan-related people, were once nomadic and connected to the Qiang tribe, which inhabited the highlands of the Tibet-Qinghai plateau.
• They were forced to move to Sichuan and Yunnan's Hengduan Mountains in the 13th century with the Mongol empire's expansion.
• Today, they practice agriculture and livestock farming in their highland homeland. You'll experience the local culture and flavors for dinner in this rarely visited town.

Note: the Lanping altitude is 2420m

Sightseeing and Activities: Jianchuan valley, Lashi Lake, Views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,Shuhe Old Town, Baisha Old Town

Accommodation: Lijiang

Meals: Breakfast

Final Ride

• Today marks the final day of your cycling journey as you pedal off into the distance.
• You'll transfer for 2 hours to begin our ride at Baihanchan Reservoir, where you'll face an optional 16km climb out of the Jianchuan valley.
• Those who prefer can start at the top of this hill and enjoy a more leisurely ride.

Downhill Delight

• At the summit, you'll descend to Lashi Lake, treated to breathtaking views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain in the background.
• Depending on time, you'll take a scenic route around the plateau, with possible stops in Shuhe Old Town and Baisha Old Towns.
• Your hotel awaits us on the edge of Lijiang Old Town, where you'll gather for a farewell feast and celebration tonight!

Lijiang's Charm

• Lijiang is a bustling tourist town, with a summer escape for northerners and an array of holiday homes.
• However, the original old town remains a UNESCO-listed treasure, boasting an impressive maze of old buildings and canals.
• With the ever-present Jade Dragon Snow Mountain looming in the background, Lijiang is a photographer's paradise.
• Early morning, late evening, or when the light is just right, you can catch a glimpse of its former grandeur.

A Hidden Gem

• If you're lucky enough to have extra time, consider exploring Shaxi, just a couple of hours away by car.
• This rural valley is home to dozens of old villages, waiting to be discovered on foot or by bike. The old town has been well-preserved, offering a glimpse into local life and the old tea horse route of yesteryear.

Note: the Lijiang altitude is 2420m

Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Lijiang

Accommodation: None

Meals: None

Today is departure day and you are free to leave at anytime. We’ll organise a transfer to Lijiang airport for your departing flights.