7 day Yunnan Explorer tour (October 1st-7th)

This sightseeing trip combines some of the "must sees" of Yunnan (Dali, Zhongdian, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang) with some lesser known towns and villages in the west of Yunnan. Including spectacular snow mountain scenery, river gorges, historical towns and an ice glacier, this trip is sure to leave you planning your next visit to Yunnan!!!

The tour starts in Dali and finishes in Lijiang so you will need to arrange your own transportation to/from these places.

Thursday, October 1st: DALI-CANGSHAN MOUNTAIN-SHAXI
In the morning visit Cangshan Mountain by Cable Car for amazing views over Erhai Lake and the countryside surrounding Dali. Then drive for 3 hours from Dali to Shaxi, the most intact horse caravan town on the Ancient tea route leading from Yunnan to Burma and Tibet. Overnight in the ancient town in a nice guesthouse.

Friday, October 2nd: SIDENG MARKET-SHIBAO MOUNTAIN-SHIGU
Get up early in the morning to see the sun rising over the Yujing bridge. Then join in the Sideng market, to see local Yi and Bai merchants from the surrounding areas trading and selling their homemade goods. Visit Shibaoshan 7th century Buddhist Rock Carvings, evidence of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet. Then drive on to Shigu (Stone Drum) town where the Yangtze River bends for the first time after flowing uninterrupted in a thousand-kilometre arc from its source on the Tibet/Qinghai border. Overnight in Shigu in a small guesthouse.

Saturday, October 3rd: SHIGU-TACHENG
Have a look around the area of Shigu. Part of the Red Army chose this point to ford the river during the Long March in April 1936, breaking through Nationalist lines under the guidance of the spirited Communist general He Long. Then drive for 3.5 hours to Tacheng, a beautiful village which is the home town of Yunnan golden monkey. Overnight in Tacheng in a simple guesthouse.

Sunday, October 4th: TACHENG-MEKONG RIVER-CIZHONG
Drive for 5 hours from Tacheng to Cizhong, a Catholic wine-growing village set amidst a beautiful mountain valley, down by a river. Visit Cizhong Catholic church, built in 1909, and now used for worship by Catholics from Tibetan, Naxi, Han and Li villages in the nearby area (services are in in Tibetan dialect on Saturday and Sundays). Climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views. Then enjoy dinner at The Red Wine Guesthouse where you can taste delicious wine made by the church's caretaker.

Monday, October 5th: CIZHONG-FEILAISI-MINGYONG GLACIER
Drive for 4.5 hours to Mingyong Village. After lunch, you will hike/horseride to the top of Mingyong Glacier (4 hours return), the world's fastest moving ice glacier. Overnight in Mingyong village.

Tuesday, October 6th: FEILAISI-ZHONGDIAN
We wake up early to catch the sun as it rises over the Meili Snow Mountains peaking at 6740m. We then drive to Zhongdian (5 hours drive), stopping along the way to enjoy the spectacular views of the Meili & Baimang Snow Mountains, as well as the first bend of the Jinsha River, commonly known as the "Omega". In Zhongdian, we will explore the old town, and in the evening, join with the local Tibetans as they kick up their heels in the Old Square. Overnight in a nice guesthouse.

Wednesday, October 7th: ZHONGDIAN-LIJIANG
Take a dawn visit to the Songzanlin Monastery. Then drive back to Lijiang, stopping for lunch at a guesthouse overlooking the Middle Rapids of the Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way. Tour concludes.

Prices offered:

*** Single supplement= 600 RMB

Price includes:
1. English speaking guide
2. All transportation (private 2WD or Jinbei van)
3. All meals ( breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
4. The following entrance fees: Cangshan Mountain (80 RMB), Shibao Mountain, Mingyong Glacier Scenic Area (73 RMB), Songzanlin Monastery (85 RMB), Tiger Leaping Gorge (50 RMB)
5. 6 nights accommodation (2 nights in nice guesthouses, 4 nights in simple guesthouses)

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