Day 1 Various locations - Lijiang★Assembly Day
All day
First visit to Lijiang
Today is the meeting day. Please proceed to your designated hotel in Lijiang. There will be no scheduled activities today, leaving you ample time to fully experience Lijiang's culture and culture. You can stroll around Dayan Old Town and acclimate to the plateau climate, or enjoy a sunset at Qingxi Reservoir. After dark, the vibrant life of the ancient city is also worth looking forward to. We recommend you rest early today to recharge your batteries and face tomorrow's itinerary with full energy.
Day 2 Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge
·morning
First sight of Tiger Leaping Gorge and feeling the surging Jinsha River
Today we'll drive directly to Tiger Leaping Gorge. The Jinsha River, originating in the Tanggula Mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, travels thousands of miles to this point. Suddenly blocked by the Yulong and Haba Mountains, the once peaceful river suddenly becomes a raging rage. We'll visit the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge observation deck and experience the Jinsha River's striking power up close. This narrow section of the gorge is marked by a massive rock rising majestically from the center, like a cascading waterfall, splitting the rapids in two and creating a deafening surge.
·afternoon
Take a light hike on the epic Tiger Leaping Gorge high road and experience the majestic B-side of the Jade Dragon Thirteen Peaks
Over a decade ago, the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Route Hike was already as famous as other world-class routes like the Mont Blanc Hike and the EBC. We carefully selected a 5km section of the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Route Hike to explore a different side of the gorge from a lesser perspective. We drove to the Tea Horse Inn to begin our exciting hike, heading to the Halfway Inn. Amidst this dramatic drop, the turbulent river at the valley floor and the towering Yulong Thirteen Peaks to the right, a brisk walk, braving the gentle mountain breeze, might just be the poetic and distant place we all yearn for.
Sit on the HALFWAY balcony and enjoy afternoon tea with the mountains.
Arrive at the iconic Halfway Inn, a decades-old online-famous inn, and enjoy afternoon tea on the stunning balcony overlooking the Thirteen Yulong Peaks. We'll allow ample time for photos, to enjoy the magnificent views of the Thirteen Yulong Peaks, and to experience a different side of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
·night
Tiger Leaping Gorge View B&B, directly facing the B side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
In the evening, we were specially arranged to stay at the Tiger Leaping Gorge View Hotel, where we could gaze at the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the opposite bank across the Jinsha River Valley, and calm down to feel the beauty of the world.
Day 3 Tiger Leaping Gorge → Baishuitai → Haba Snow Mountain
·morning
Baishuitai geological wonder, Pamukkale of the East
After breakfast, depart for Baishuitai (White Water Terrace). Located at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain, Baishuitai is a natural wonder formed by calcium carbonate dissolved in spring water. Its terraced appearance has earned it the nicknames "Immortal's Fields" and "China's Pamukkale." In the Naxi language, Baishuitai is called "Shibuzhi," meaning "growing flower." This area is also the birthplace of the Naxi Dongba religion. Hike to the observation deck to marvel at this breathtaking natural wonder.
·afternoon
Enjoy a light hike in Haba Snow Mountain Forest and enjoy dinner facing the snow-capped mountains
After lunch, we'll head to Haba Snow Mountain for a light hike (approximately 4 kilometers, about two hours, at an altitude of 3050-3250 meters) to experience the Haba primeval forest. We'll follow a stream to the ranch campsite. The azaleas in the mountains bloom in April and May, becoming lush and verdant in summer, and the autumn colors unfold in October. In this unexplored secret area, the nearby meadows and forests and the distant snow-capped mountains are reflected in the camp's pond, seamlessly blending with the campsite itself. This allows you to witness the beauty of Haba Snow Mountain up close.
Summer Exclusive | Hunting for Wild Mushrooms and Savoring Yunnan Flavors
July and August are the seasons for wild mushrooms to grow in Yunnan. After a rain, wild mushrooms of various colors and shapes emerge from the soil like elves. There are well-known mushrooms such as the green mushroom and the boletus, as well as some native mushrooms of Haba. During the hike and around the camp, we will look for traces of wild mushrooms, identify edible species, and select relatively safe mushrooms to bring back to the camp for cooking and enjoy (weather and altitude will affect the time when wild mushrooms emerge from the ground. Picking wild mushrooms is relatively a matter of luck. If you can't pick up edible wild mushrooms, please take it easy).
PS: If you do not want to hike to the Dela Ranch Camp on the same day, you can take the car directly to the camp and move freely around the camp.
·night
Luxurious camping in the snowy mountain camp, looking for the brightest stars in the night sky
The campsite is nestled in the mountains, offering minimal light pollution. Weather permitting, you can enjoy stargazing with the naked eye. At night, as the Milky Way rises, step out of your tent and gaze up at the sky, identifying a few important or famous stars and finding your own constellation. If you're feeling up to it, you can even take photos of the sky with your camera or phone.
Day 4 Haba Snow Mountain → Pudacuo → Shangri-La
·morning
Get up early and watch the golden sunset on Haba Snow Mountain
Today, we'll rise early and watch the golden glow of the Haba Snow Mountain. Our tent camp faces the mountain, and as soon as we open our tent, we'll see the ice cream-like snowcapped peak. In ideal weather, the peak slowly turns golden. When the summit is open, you can see teams of people striving for it, and we can't help but admire human courage.
·afternoon
Visit Pudacuo and experience the natural beauty of the national park
After breakfast, we'll depart for Pudacuo National Park, located in the heart of the Greater Shangri-La Scenic Area and a key component of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site. At the ticket office, we'll transfer to a scenic shuttle bus to explore the heart of Pudacuo. Scenic area staff will provide a brief overview of the scenery along the way. The approximately 20-minute drive will take us to Shudu Lake, the core area of Pudacuo. Along the way, we'll enjoy scenic views of lakes and wetlands, forest meadows, river valleys and streams, and rare flora and fauna. We might even spot playful squirrels wandering right before our eyes, a delightful sight.
Special Experience: Mountain Bike Cycling at Shudu Lake
After arriving at Shudu Lake, we took a mountain bike and rode 4 kilometers along the dirt road beside the lake, passing through meadows and primeval forests. Few tourists come to this area, and the plateau lake accompanies us all the way, allowing us to enjoy the rare deep tranquility.
Note: To ride in Shudu Lake, you need to go to the pick-up point to register and pick up the mountain bike. If you don’t know how to ride, you can choose to walk. The mountain bike rental fee will be refunded.
Traditional Tibetan family banquet, experience Tibetan customs
Upon arrival in Shangri-La, we'll visit a local Tibetan home, where we'll enjoy a family dinner. Upon arrival, our hosts will briefly explain Tibetan dwellings, daily life, and other aspects of life. We'll then take a seat in the elegant living room, where we'll watch and experience the making of butter tea and savor some milk residue and tsampa. We'll also learn a few Tibetan phrases and choose a Tibetan name. Afterward, we'll dine together, enjoying beautiful Tibetan music and toasting to an unforgettable evening.
·night
Dream of Shambhala, free stroll in Dukezong Ancient Town
In the evening, tourists will proceed to explore the Dukuzong Ancient Town on their own. They will have free time to stroll around the area and enjoy dinner. This ancient town boasts over 1,300 years of history. At Guishan Park, perched high above Dukuzong, you'll find a massive, gilded copper prayer wheel (21 meters tall, weighing 60 tons, and a Guinness World Record entry). Join us in turning the wheel and chanting prayers. Everyone should rest well tonight to prepare for tomorrow's hiking trip.
Day 5 Shangri-La → Visita City
·morning
Hidden Valley Horseback Riding, Traveling on Horseback on the Ancient Tea Horse Road
After breakfast, we will set off for the horse farm. We will mount our horses and start our journey on horseback, led by the groom. We will enter a hidden valley with few tourists, pass by pastures, rivers, and long-bearded forests, enjoy the wind and freedom, and experience the fun of riding in the wild.
Note: If the child is unable to ride the horse alone, the horseman can take the child for a ride.
Encounter Napahai and experience the ecological beauty of the plateau wetlands
Then we headed towards Weishita City, passing by the Napahai Observation Deck, overlooking the entire Napahai and Yila Grassland. In spring and summer, you can see the vibrant plateau meadows with cattle and sheep leisurely grazing.
·afternoon
Tasting the Lap Valley Ice Wine and exploring local customs
Weixi is one of China's three major ice wine producing regions. The Lap River Valley primarily cultivates Vidal grapes, which ripen and hang on the vines until frost or snow falls before being harvested and brewed. The resulting wine is slightly sweet, rich in floral and fruity aromas. We'll visit a local winery, observe the grapes growing and planting in the vineyards, and then visit the brewing workshop to see how grapes are transformed into fine wine. We'll learn about wine classification and taste, and experience the unique flavors of wine.
Authentic Naxi family banquet, experience traditional craftsmanship
In Tacheng, a hot land with a fusion of multi-ethnic cultures, you can visit a local Naxi family, change into Naxi clothing and take photos freely, or prepare meals for the family banquet with the host, grind tofu and pound rice cakes, or just sit and chat while waiting for a delicious dinner, and get a glimpse of Yunnan's food culture from the seasonal flavors.
Day 6 Weishita City → Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park → Lijiang ★ Dismissal Day
·morning
Biodiversity, Searching for the Yunnan Golden Monkey
The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, a primate species other than humans that lives at high altitudes, is a snow mountain elf, a national treasure, on par with the panda. With a small, human-like face, rosy white cheeks, voluptuous red lips, and black, white, and gray fur, it's a clever and adorable sight. This is one of the few places where you can see the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey up close, not in a television documentary or a zoo. We'll follow a professional instructor to explore these monkeys in the jungle, observing and recording their behavior, identifying their groups, and understanding their living habits.
·afternoon
The tour departs for Lijiang at approximately 13:00 and arrives in downtown Lijiang (near the Blue Sky Hotel, the airport shuttle bus departure point) around 16:30 for disbanding. For tourists returning on the same day, please book flights after 19:00 or trains after 17:30. For those staying in Lijiang, please book your hotel through China-TravelNote or make your own reservations.
