Highlights
The Iron Pillar is actually a pillar made of iron in the Tiezhu Temple in Midu County. With a tallness of 3.3 meters, a circumference of 1 meter and weight of 2 tons, the iron pillar, has witnessed 1100 years of changes, is the oldest and famous historic relic in Midu County. The Iron Pillar is said to be cast by using the confiscated weapons at the order of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military consular in Three Kingdoms period (220-280).
The Baisha Mural is a group of murals scattered around Lijiang City, which took 300 years to complete, therefore it is a reflection of the true life in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. Having been undergone over 500 years of history, part of the Baisha mural group somewhat becomes indistinct, but a large part of which still can tell you about the culture of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Yunnan is the kingdom of mountains.Every mountain areas offers diverse scenery and experience. It will be your fascinating treking to Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain.
Itinerary
On arrival in Kunming, you are transferred to your hotel, located right in the middle of town. You meet your tour leader at a pre-tour briefing, and then head out for an optional group dinner. Local specialties are a highlight, with dishes such as ‘across-the-bridge noodles’ and other similarly intriguing ethnic fare.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals included:
Kunming is a vibrant and bustling city, with a flourishing Muslim area, exciting markets, interesting temples and a strong ethnic minority influence. A half-day walking tour will take in the more interesting sites of Kunming, including watching the locals practicing Taichi in the morning in People’s Square, and a meander through the bird and flower market, leaving some time for you to make your own explorations. We depart Kunming and catch an afternoon bus to Dali. You are supplied with a Trek Pack on this tour, consisting of a backpack, sleeping bag, warm jacket and roll mat. Porters are also on hand to carry your pack, although we do recommend you pack lightly and store unnecessary luggage at our Kunming hotel.
Stay overnight in Dali.
Meals included: Breakfast
Resting near the banks of Er Hai Lake, with the Cang Shan mountain range forming an impressive backdrop, Dali’s cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses and laid-back charm always make a lasting impression on travellers. It is home to the proud Bai people, a traditional minority tribe renowned throughout China for their craftsmanship. After having a look around town we travel by private minibus to Liu Ku, four hours away. Upon arrival, we take a walk around a local Lisu village, before returning to Liu Ku for the night.
Stay overnight in Liu Ku.
Meals included:
After breakfast we head to Gongshu, then on to Bin Zhong Luo, where we can see the first bend of the Nu River. Our next two nights are spent in a local village guesthouse, run by the family of Mother Din. Our evening meals with the family provide an excellent opportunity to understand the local culture, as there are up to five different minority groups represented! We spend time trekking along the Nu River, walking through villages where traditional Tibetan ethnic minority groups live. There is also an opportunity to visit a local primary school.
Stay overnight at a local village guesthouse.
Meals included:
Stay overnight at a local village guesthouse.
Meals included:
This morning we travel by bus for approximately 1.5 hours, before walking to the Tibetan village of Di Ma Luo. Here we stay with a local family in the village and prepare for our trek to Bi Luo Mountain.
Stay overnight at a local house.
Meals included:
We start out after breakfast for our 8 to 10 hour trek over the mountain to our camp by the river in the valley. We climb to a height of 2670 metres, we enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, including tall mountain pines and beautiful views across the valley. We arrive at our camp by the river in the late afternoon.
Stay overnight at our camp.
Meals included:
We’re on the trail again after breakfast and head towards the peak of Bi Luo Mountain. Our trek today will take approximately 7 to 8 hours. The vegetation changes as we gain altitude and our guides will point out the snow lotus plants that can be found on the slopes of the mountain. Along the way we pass a village that is home to the Catholic Church known as Bai Han Cang. Lying at 2900 metres, this church was untouched by the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution due to its isolated location. At 3970 metres, the highest point we reach is covered in snow all year round and we are rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions from this vantage point. We head down the valley to our camp at 3400 metres by the river, where we can rest our weary feet and relax!
Stay overnight at our camp.
Meals included:
Our third and final day of trekking sees us follow a mountain stream through a large rhododendron forest, which is spectacular when in bloom in the spring. We start at 3400m and continue for about 6 hours down to Yong Zhi Village at 2200m.
Stay overnight in a local family guesthouse.
Meals included:
Our final day of trekking sees us follow a path for two hours down to the road, where we will be met by our bus and transported to Deqin passing Meili Snow Mountain (Kawa Karpo) on the way - which, at 6740 metres, is the highest mountain in Yunnan Province. Deqin is our base for two nights and is the last town before the Tibetan border. During our stay at Deqin we visit Mingyong Glacier, which tumbles off the side of the mountain and is the lowest-lying glacier in China. We have the opportunity to walk on trails to the glacier, following in the footsteps of Tibetan pilgrims, who in autumn walk around the mountain.
Stay overnight in Deqin.
Meals included:
Stay overnight in Deqin.
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning we drive to Shangri-la, a town set on a high plateau with a distinctly Tibetan feel. Home to a range of minority groups from western China, it encapsulates much of the region's fascinating qualities. Yaks are seen grazing on vast alpine plains and the farmhouses are built in a distinctive local style. Due to Shangri-la’s high altitude (3200 metres), you will appreciate your warm clothing. (Please note that sometimes due to bad road conditions caused by poor weather, it may not be possible to travel to Shangri-la. If that is the case, additional time may be spent in Lijiang.) The highlight of Shangri-la is a visit to the Songzanlin Monastery, restored since the ravages of the Cultural Revolution and once again a place of homage for Tibetan Lamaism. We also visit a Tibetan family and gain an understanding of their unique way of life.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today we take a spectacular bus ride to Lijiang, former capital of the famed Naxi Kingdom. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, narrow canals and decorative wooden houses, a wonderful place to wander around and imagine being in a bygone era. A walk up to the Wangu Pagoda on Lion Hill offers an impressive view of the rooftops of the Old Town. Our accommodation is located right in the middle of the Old Town and set up like a local Naxi house, but the rooms contain all facilities that one would expect at home! In the evening, you can witness a performance of the local Naxi orchestra (optional), a unique and entertaining musical experience (please check schedules in Lijiang to see if the show is on during your visit).
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast
We fly back to Kunming, where our tour ends upon arrival at Kunming Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
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US Dollar -
Euro -
GB Pound -
CA Dollar -
AU Dollar -
HK Dollars -
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $5299 | $3699 | $3199 | $2705 | $499 |
| Comfortable Tour | $4579 | $3199 | $2700 | $2155 | $309 |
| Standard Tour | $4260 | $2820 | $2380 | $1805 | $265 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* Price is in US dollar. It may vary a little bit according to US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc.
* The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
1. Hotel/ local guesthouse accommodation
Room is based on two persons sharing a room with private facilities.
2. Meals specified in the itinerary
3. Private Transport
Private transport between airport or railway station and hotel and all the sights by air-conditioned vehicle.
4. Transportation between Cities
The economic class air tickets of the domestic flight or soft berth/seat train tickets between cities as specified in the itinerary.
5. Entrance tickets
The main entrance tickets for the sights mentioned.
6. Guiding service
Excellent tour Guiding. All normal sightseeing tours in each city with English-speaking guide and admission fees where applicable. Our guide will not fly with you from one city to another. Upon your arrival at each city, a new local guide and driver will pick you up, be with you for local tour and see you off after you finish the itinerary of each city.
7. Insurance
China Life Tourist Accident / Casualty Insurance. We highly recommend that you purchase full coverage travel insurance from you country of origin.
Exclusions:
1. Visa Fees
Charge of obtaining your visa to enter China.
2. Charge of arrival and departure
The international or domestic air / train charge of arrival and departure.
3. Single Room Supplement
Should a twin room is needed by a single guest, supplement of the twin room will be charged.
What is single supplement? - The hotel is based on double occupancy. If the visitor travels alone or the number of the travelers is odd (such as 3, 5, 7...), who stays in one single room has to pay the single room supplement. As the hotel is on double occupancy.
4. Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone call, optional activities or sightseeing, overweight baggage charges or meals not indicated, ect.
5. Optional Programs
Optional programs which are not specified in the above itinerary.
6. Tips to guides and drivers
Suggested tips: USD12-14 to tour guide per day, USD 8-12 to driver per day, but depending on their service, it's up to you, entirely voluntary.
Important Information
Please note that your trek may vary, depending on weather conditions. We may not be able to walk the same trails or reach the altitudes as stated in our itinerary. This adventure takes us to areas not frequently by many travellers and the local infrastructure is very basic. Please note that your safety is always our main concern and will dictate how the tour is run.
How to Dress (only for reference):
Comfortable walking shoes
Long, loose and comfortable pants
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes (Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves etc.) for Nov-April
Umbrella or waterproof jacket in a cloudy day or rainy day
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry in case of rain
What to Bring (only for reference):
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Bottled Water
Small towel
Camera, film and memory chip, battery
Binoculars
Per Person
