Day 1 Kunming
Day 2 Kunming
Day 3 Kunming - Dali (by bullet train)
The Erhai Lake is reputed as the pearl on plateau for its charming scenery, and it is one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China.
In Xizhou Town, you will get an idea of what traditional Bai architecture really is. The asset of Xizhou are its well-preserved courtyards,which make the old town a living art museums.
Good to Know: One way bullet train from Kunming to Dali takes about two hours. There are direct flights from Kunming to Dali (about 50 minutes). We could also arrange the overnight train (soft sleeper), which could offer you some savings and a unique experience. A train trip to Dali takes about 8 hours (23:00 – 7:00 next morning).
Day 4 Dali - Mount Jizu (by automobile)
Mount Jizu
Today, take a car ride to the Mount Jizu (abou 3 hours). Situated 80 kilometers northeast to the Dali Old Town, the Mount Jizu is a famed holy mountain in Buddhism. The highest peak, Tianzhu Peak, is about 3,250 meters (10,660 feet) high. ‘On the top of Tianzhu Peak, people can admire sun-rise in the east, sea of auspicious clouds in the south, the Cangshan Mountain and the Erhai Lake in the west, and the Yulong Snow Mountain in the north’ writed by Xu Xiake (1586-1641), a famous traveler and writer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Upon arrival, explore the Mount Jizu for the rest of the day.
Good to know: Climbing up to the top of the mountain is strenuous and takes about 3-4 hours. You could also choose to take the cable cars at Huideng Temple which will take you straight up to Jinding Temple on the highest peak.
Day 5 Mount Jizu to Lijiang (by automobile)
Day 6 Lijiang
The Baisha Village is one of the oldest towns in Lijiang as well as one of the earliest communities of the Naxi ethnic group. The 44 pieces of ancient murals there were carved in the early Ming Dynasty.
The Old Town of Lijiang (UNESCO) is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in China and is famous for its distinctive Naxi culture and ancient buildings.
Day 7 Lijiang - Shangri-La (by automobile)
Day 8 Shangri-La
The Pudacuo National Park is notable as the first national park in China to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards. It incorporates the Bita Lake and the Duhu Scenic Area, and holds the stunning view of three parallel rivers and dense deciduous forests.
Day 9 Shangri-La to Deqin (by automobile)
Baima Snow Mountain, Dongzhulin Temple, Feilai Temple Scenic Zone
Today, embark on a splendid car ride from Shangri-La to Deqin, which encompasses breathtaking scenery and two passes over 4000 meters high.
You'll traverse the northern slope of Baima Snow Mountain (also called White Horse Snow Mountain) and then you'll find a U-shaped river bend, the First Bend of the Jinsha River, flowing from the Meili Mountain Range, later goes on to form the mighty Yangtze, then making its way southwards to central Yunnan through parallel gorges.
Pit-stop for a view of the Dongzhulin Temple, one of 13 great Lama temples in China.
End today's ride after Feilai Temple Scenic Zone, till the town of Deqin, bordering Tibet Autonomous Region to the east, and Burma to the west. With 80% of its 55,000 inhabitants are Tibetan, Deqin more likes a small piece of Tibet.
Day 10 Deqin to Shangri-La (by automobile)
Meili Snow Mountain
Rise early and wait for the first sunray hit the Meili Snow Mountain, one of the eight sacred mountains in Buddhism. Gaze on as the peaks slowly being bathed in light, you'll feel like you're witnessing something pure, something incredibly serene.
Later, hit the road for Shangri-La (about 6 hours’ car ride) and transfer to the hotel.
- Private tour guide
- Private air-conditioned car or coach
- Land transfers between airport or train station and hotel
- First entrance tickets as listed
- Chinese lunch as listed
- Centrally located hotels with breakfast
- Domestic flight ticket with tax as listed
- Service charge & government taxes
- International flight
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, phone bills, optional activities
- Tips for guides and drivers
- China Visa
- Travel insurance