8 Day Yunnan explorer tour

Day 1: DALI-ERHAI LAKE (L, D)

Meet in Dali, the ancient centre of the Bai minority people. Settle into a hostel. If it's market day, take a van to Shaping or a ferry to Wase to join in the frivolity. If not, enjoy a bike ride around Er'hai Lake, the second largest highland lake in China, visiting the ancient Bai minority villages of Zhoucheng and Xizhou. That night, explore the ancient streets and alleyways of the town. Stay in Dali.

Day 2: DALI-LIJIANG- BAISHA VILLAGE (L, D)

In the morning, take a three hour bus ride to Lijiang, a World Heritage-listed minority town with a history of over 1000 years. After lunch and a stroll around the cobbled streets, bike ride out to Yufeng Temple or Baisha ancient town. That night, dine on specialties of the Naxi minority people while relaxing by the canals. You also have the chance to sample some local music at a Naxi music performance. Stay in Lijiang.

Day 3: LIJIANG-TIGER LEAPING GORGE-WHITE WATER TERRACES (L, D)

For the next three days, we will hire four wheel drives to give us more flexibility. Our first stop is Lashi Lake, a provincial nature reserve, known especially for bird watching. We pass through the Tiger Leaping Gorge on route to Baishuitai, a series of spectacular terraced pools formed from minerals deposited by spring water. Stay in Baishuitai.

Day 4: BITA LAKE-ZHONGDIAN (B, L, D)

Drive onto Zhongdian, a Tibetan town recently renamed as Shangrila. On the way, stop at Bita Lake, an alpine lake at an elevation of 3580 metres. Enjoy a boat ride in this otherworldly place. On arrival in Zhongdian, take some time to wander around the Old town, and climb up the top of the hill to see the gigantic prayer wheel which towers over the town. That night enjoy Tibetan dancing in the square of the Old Town. Overnight in Zhongdian.

Day 5: SONGZANLIN MONASTERY-QIAOTOU- NAXI FAMILY (L, D)

Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan temple in Yunnan. See the 700 plus monks performing their daily prayer rituals. Free time for exploring the old town, or shopping. After lunch continue on to Qiaotou, the gateway to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Hike for two hours uphill to reach the Naxi Family Guesthouse where you will stay overnight.

Day 6: NAXI FAMILY- TEAHORSE TRADE GUESTHOUSE (B, L, D)

Enjoy a half day's hike along the High Trail in Tiger Leaping Gorge, braving the 900 metre ascent through the '28 Bends' then enjoying the panaroma of Yulong Snow Mountains from the summit. Hike along a flatter path for the next 2 hours to reach the Teahorse Trade Guesthouse where you will stay for the night.

Day 7: TEAHORSE- WALNUT GROVE- DAJU (B, L, D)

Continue hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge passing some beautiful cascades on route to Walnut Grove. Have lunch, then take a van/donkey/ferry combination to arrive at the other side of the Jingsha River. Hike for a further hour across a plateau surrounded by snow-covered mountains to Daju. Stay in Daju.

Day 8: YAK MEADOW- LIJIANG (B, L)

Visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5996m) area. Take a cable car up to Maoniuping (Yak Meadow) Go for a 1-2 hike at the top to take in the spectacular views of the snow mountains with the grasslands in the foreground. Continue onto Lijiang, stopping at Baishui He (White Water River) and Gan Haizi (Dry Sea) on the way for scenic views. Tour concludes in Lijiang.

If you'd like to extend your tour by a few days, take a look at our Yunnan explorer extension tours.

 
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