Details
Arrival in Lijiang
Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet you outside the customs hall at Lijiang Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be driven to Lijiang Old Town to begin your 12-day private Yunnan journey. Lijiang Old Town is both a mountain city embraced by green hills and a water town with winding canals flowing under stone bridges. At the end of the day, your guide will accompany you to check in at a local hotel.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Lijiang ancient town
Lijiang – White Water River – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Baisha Village
In the morning, you will travel by private vehicle to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Before taking the cable car, you’ll visit Dry Sea Meadow and White Water River at the foot of the mountain, where you can enjoy views of highland meadows and quiet valleys. Then, ride the cable car up to Spruce Plateau for a distant but impressive view of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
After lunch, your in-depth Lijiang tour continues with a visit to Baisha Village, including a stop at a local Naxi family. You will also admire the famous Baisha Murals, created during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911).
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Baisha Ancient Town, Yunnan
Lijiang- Tiger Leaping Gorge – Stone Drum Village – Tacheng
After breakfast, you will be driven to the peaceful town of Tacheng. On the way, you’ll stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge to witness the fast-flowing river thundering through the deep canyon between steep cliffs. You will also pass Stone Drum Village, known for its white marble, drum-shaped stone tablet. Upon arrival in Tacheng, your guide will assist you with checking in at the hotel.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Stone Drum Village
Tacheng- Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey Nature Reserve
Today, you will take a day trip to the Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey Nature Reserve. This rare monkey species is considered a national treasure of China and can only be found within this protected area. The reserve maintains a well-preserved natural ecosystem with rich wildlife and vegetation. While visiting, you can enjoy watching the monkeys climb through the trees and may even have the chance to feed them. After the visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey
Tacheng – Weixi Town – Tongle Village – Cizhong
After breakfast, we will drive along the Lancang River toward Cizhong, making a stop in Weixi Town to visit a local market. En route, you will also explore Tongle Village, an ancient mountain settlement of the Lisu people, and admire the spectacular view of the Lancang River’s great bend. Upon arrival in Cizhong, you will check in at the Songtsam Lodge for an overnight stay.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Cizhong – Cizhong Church – Qudengge Monastery – Deqin
In the morning, you will visit Cizhong Church, a Catholic cathedral that blends Gothic and traditional Chinese architectural styles. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you may have the opportunity to attend mass together with believers from the Tibetan, Lisu, Naxi, and Han communities in nearby villages.
After lunch, you will take a two-hour drive to Deqin County. Along the way, you’ll stop at Qudengge Monastery and visit a kindergarten in Puli, a Tibetan village. Upon arriving in Deqin, you will check in at the Songtsam Lodge Meili.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Qudengge Monastery
Cizhong Church
Deqin – Mingyong Village – Mingyong Glacier – Feilai Monastery – Mount Kawakarpo
Rise early for a guided trip to witness the sunrise over Mount Kawakarpo, the highest peak in Yunnan and often praised as one of the most beautiful snow mountains in the world. After about an hour’s drive, you’ll arrive at Mingyong Village, then transfer to an eco-vehicle that takes you to the hillside of Mingyong Glacier. From there, hike for around two hours to the viewing platform, stopping by Taizi Temple along the way.
After the visit, return to Deqin by car and continue on to explore the Feilai Monastery.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Mount Kawakarpo
Deqin – Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve – Dongzhulin Monastery – Benzilan
Early in the morning, you’ll join a meditation session led by the hotel staff. Afterwards, depart for Benzilan on a three-hour drive through the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve. Along the way, stop at Dongzhulin Monastery to see its valuable cultural relics and exquisite mandalas. Upon arrival, check in at Songtsam Lodge Benzilan, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Baima Snow Mountain
Benzilan(hike)
After breakfast, begin today’s hike to a village nestled in the Benzilan Gorge, known for its traditional Tibetan lacquer bowls. You’ll learn about the craftsmanship behind these exquisite bowls and even try your hand at painting one with colorful lacquer in a local workshop. After the hike, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Benzilan Gorge
Benzilan – Nixi Earthenware Village – grasslands of Napa Lake Nature Reserve – Shangri-La
After breakfast, we will drive you to the beautiful city of Shangri-La. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit Nixi Earthenware Village, a Tibetan community renowned for its distinctive black pottery. The route also takes you past the vast grasslands of Napa Lake Nature Reserve. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you’ll check in at the Songtsam Retreat.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Shangri-La – Songzanlin Monastery – Potatso National Park
After breakfast, begin your private Shangri-La tour with a visit to Songzanlin Monastery, set against magnificent mountain scenery. Built in 1679, this impressive monastery resembles a grand fortress, earning it the nickname “the Little Potala Palace.” Afterward, explore a lively local bazaar to experience regional customs and culture.
Following lunch, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Bitahai Lake and Shuduhu Lake within Potatso National Park, located east of Shangri-La.
Meals: Customizable
Accommodation: Customizable
Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery
Departure from Shangri-La
After breakfast, pack up all your belongings and check out of the hotel. This concludes your 12-day Yunnan tour. You will then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant journey home!
Meals: Customizable
Fee Description
Cost Includes:
Can be customized with customer service
Cost Does Not Include:
Can be customized with customer service
