Arrive in Kunming

Kunming - Whether arriving by flight or high-speed rail, the guide and driver will warmly welcome you to Kunming. They will transport you to your hotel to relax and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead. After booking, please provide detailed flight or train information to arrange pick-up and drop-off transfers in advance. Nimen Hao! Welcome to Kunming. The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Please check for a note in the hotel lobby or inquire at reception for the meeting location.

Kunming to Dali

Dali Ancient - Travel by high-speed train to Dali (approximately 2 hours). This destination has long been a favorite for foreign travelers and backpackers due to its relaxed atmosphere and stunning surroundings. Snow-capped mountains on one side and the vast Erhai Lake on the other create a breathtaking view. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walk around Dali’s ancient town with your leader. Present-day Dali blends history with modern convenience, divided into the Ancient City and the New District (known as Xiaguan). After the tour, enjoy a free evening in this charming town. Perhaps revisit Foreigner Street in the Ancient City, where handicrafts and local culinary delights attract many visitors.

Dali

Dali Ancient - Take a private bus to Xizhou, about 23 kilometers north of Dali, for a day trip. Xizhou is renowned for its Butterfly Spring and Bai architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the town and local markets – a great opportunity to learn more about Bai architecture. Interact with local families living in traditional courtyards to experience local life. Be sure to try some delicious local snacks such as baba (fried rice cake) or the local cheese. Enjoy more free time upon returning to Dali - perhaps take the cable car up Cangshan Mountain or visit the Three Pagodas.

Dali to Lijiang

Lijiang - Travel by high-speed train to Lijiang (approximately 2 hours). This World Heritage-listed town is home to the Naxi people, a matrilineal society descended from Tibetan nomads. After arrival, enjoy some free time. Maybe visit the Wangu Pagoda, located at Lion Hill in a small park with amazing views over Lijiang. Or explore the picturesque Heilongtan Park, wander the cobbled streets in the old town, and take the opportunity to shop. In recent years, Lijiang has become very popular with domestic tourists, so expect to see the streets bustling with visitors from home and abroad.

Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Travel by private bus to Qiaotou (approximately 1 hour 40 mins), the starting point for the trek through the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world. The entire canyon is 16 km long and rises up to 3,900 meters above the famous Yangzi River. Though the gorge has become very popular in recent years, and the area has developed rapidly, it remains an incredibly rewarding travel experience, often cited as a highlight of a visit to China. Prepare a day pack (larger luggage will be stored for two nights) and embark on the hike. There will be regular stops to rest as needed. The first part of the trek is quite challenging – this is not flat terrain. After a slow and steady climb, reach the 24 bends (the most challenging part of the trek), a steep and twisting path where altitude is gained.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - After a break, continue along the flatter section of the gorge to the accommodation. This is a simple but comfortable guesthouse with shared facilities (upgrades to private facilities at your own cost may be possible, depending on availability). The area is subject to dramatic weather changes. Departures are scheduled for more stable seasons, but conditions may still make traveling through the gorge dangerous. In such cases, an extra night will be spent in Shaxi and Lijiang. If the weather is deemed too rainy or foggy to safely complete the trek once in the gorge area, an alternative walking route will be taken, or a minivan will be used for transport between destinations, using the recently built highway.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - The second day of trekking starts with a pleasant, easy section offering spectacular views. There are only a few uphill challenges (and one slippery downhill stretch) before reaching the destination for the night – Walnut Grove. Those with energy can enjoy further hikes to excellent lookout points from here. Otherwise, this is a tranquil place to relax, enjoy the scenery, and rest tired legs. It’s important to note that Tiger Leaping Gorge is subject to dramatic and unpredictable weather conditions. Departures are scheduled in more stable seasons, but conditions may still make traveling through the gorge dangerous.

Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La

Shangri-La County - Travel to a place so beautiful it was officially renamed Shangri-La, a reference to the mythical utopia from James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. Make the 5-hour drive to Shangri-La and feel the modern world fade away as you ascend into the mountains. This charming Tibetan town is situated at an altitude of around 3200 meters, so take it easy upon arrival and allow time to acclimatize. Later, stroll through winding streets past prayer halls and pagodas in Dukezong Ancient Town. A fire in 2014 destroyed much of the town, but painstaking restoration work continues, and the town remains charming. It’s also home to a towering, gilded prayer wheel – the largest in the world.

Shangri-La

Shangri-La County - Learn more about Tibetan Buddhism with a visit to the Sumtseling Monastery. Located just outside the city and modeled after the Potala Palace, Sumtseling is the predominant monastery in the region and a popular destination for pilgrims. Constructed in 1681 and destroyed during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, the complex was rebuilt in 1981, and the red and gold buildings now house hundreds of monks. Enjoy a free afternoon in Shangri-La. Consider hiring a van to drive to Xiaozhongdian, where the beautiful landscape is dotted with Tibetan villages. If lucky, you may even be invited to a local’s home to enjoy some Yak butter tea!

Shangri-La (Departure)

Shangri-La County - The Yunnan tour concludes this morning. There are no activities on the final day, and you will be taken to the high-speed train station or airport. If you wish to extend your stay in Shangri-La, additional accommodation can be arranged (subject to availability).

• Travel agency liability insurance
• Dali’s ancient town walking tour
• Entrance tickets included
• English-speaking tour guide
• Itinerary transfers
• Day trip to Xizhou
• 2-day Tiger Leaping Gorge trek
• Breakfast included
• Lijiang walking tour
• Shangri-La walking tour
• Visit to Sumtseling Monastery
• 8 nights in 3-Star accommodations

Discover the vibrant local markets in Kunming, relax in the scenic beauty of Dali, and learn about the Naxi and Bai cultures. Journey to the majestic, legendary Shangri-La, and connect with Tibetan pilgrims at the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. Experience one of Asia’s most stunning geological marvels by hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge, and wander through the charming alleyways of Lijiang.

Truly China Travel provides a variety of options, allowing you to select either a private tour or a group adventure tour to explore Yunnan. Private tours can accommodate between one and twenty travelers. You can choose a specific departure date, set your own pace, enjoy personalized attention from the tour leader, and even upgrade your accommodations if desired. This option is perfect for families, friends, corporate teams, or social clubs, as there is something for everyone. For those who prefer group travel, there are adventurous trips available with international groups, featuring participants of all ages from around the globe.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.