Lijiang to Shangri-La: Yunnan must-sees

Upon arrival at Lijiang airport, your driver will welcome you and take you to the small village of Shuhe. You’ll check-in at your charming countryside hotel.

This morning, your driver will take you the old town of Lijiang. Explore it on foot with your guide. You’ll walk around the Black Dragon Pool, and visit the Wangu Pagoda, on top of which you’ll have an amazing view on the old town and its famous roofs. Then you’ll walk down through the old Mu Palace, an old centre of Naxi power. You’ll wander through Lijiang market, in order to discover the special tastes of this part of Yunnan. Finally, you’ll visit the Dongba museum, where you’ll learn more about the Naxi history and customs.

Today, you’ll roam around the countryside by car with your driver. Explore Lijiang surroundings: you’ll visit the Naxi villages of Baisha and Yuhu, at the foot of the Dragon Jade Mountain. You’ll have many possibilities to stop and visit villages on the way, in order to discover the rural lifestyle around Lijiang. Back to Shuhe, you’ll meander across this bucolic and festive old village.

Today, let’s go to the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge, that are among the deepest in the world. Down the gorge, between the Haba mountain (5396m) and the Dragon Jade Mountain (5596m), runs the famous Yangze river. At the entrance of the gorge, you’ll meet your local guide who will take for this day and a half walk. Enjoy the spectacular views along the hike, while you ascend at the side of the mountain. In the evening you’ll stop in a guesthouse for the night.

This morning, you’ll end your beautiful hike with a few more steps, and meet your driver. He will take you to Shangri-La, where you can freely wander across its city centre for the afternoon. In the evening, if you like, you can witness and maybe join the spontaneous dances on the city’s main square!

Today after breakfast, you’ll visit the beautiful Songzanlin monastery: built three centuries ago, it is still home to 600 monks. It is also the biggest Tibetan monastery in the south-west of China. After your visit, you’ll meander across the old town and reach Bai Ji Temple that offers a great point of view on Shangri-La surroundings and the Shika Mountains. In the afternoon, your driver will take around the city so that you can discover the Tibetan mountains around and maybe take a walk.

Today, you’ll meet your local guide to explore Shangri-La countryside by foot. According to your preferences, several hikes and itineraries are possible. Moreover, who knows, you could meet a Tibetan family who will suggest you to join them for a traditional yak butter tea.

Enjoy a few last hours in Shangri-La; then your driver will take you to the airport and you’ll take your flight back.