Hiking & culture in China's mountain villages
Take a journey into the cultural heart of China on this 10-day hiking adventure in the Yunnan region. A magnificent landscape dominated by stunning mountains, beautiful rivers, and one of the world's deepest gorges, this area features a rich heritage conserved by the ethnic minority communities that live here.
As you hike between villages, you will have the opportunity to visit with local families to learn more about their age-old way of life. Taste their local food, observe their unique style of dress, and hear the melody of their languages. If you want to experience real, authentic China, far away from the country's mega-cities, this trip is for you.
Services
Included:
- Local transportation: A private vehicle (land cruiser in the desert or other off-road area as listed in the itinerary, bus or mini-van elsewhere in the area with good road) will accompany us for the entire tour. While we are trekking, our vehicle will transfer our food and luggage to the appointed site or hostel and wait or meet us at the end of the trekking tour
- Equipment as required: Horse to carry luggage, water (4 liters per person per day), 2-way radios, compass , first aid kit, GPS
- Leader: Experienced English-speaking tour leader and one or more service persons along the trip as needed
- Tips for guide and all working staff (horsemen, driver, etc.)
- Entrance fees: All first-entrance tickets to the tourist spots mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation: 4-star hotels in the big cities, twin and tri-share clean hostel in the small counties or villages, occasionally private home if indicated, and tents in the desert and at certain unique camping spots mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary, with some simple picnic lunches while trekking
- Common carrier tickets: All domestic airfares and train tickets (soft sleeper) as listed in the itinerary, if applicable
- Extra supplier of staff (only needed when the area we will trek to is non-residential and not accessible for any vehicles): horse or camel or yak and porter to carry food and all supporting equipments, and cook to prepare fresh food for the group when necessary（usually for a group more than 8 persons only）
- Travel agency liability insurance
Excluded:
- Expenses of a personal nature: favorite snacks, soft drinks, laundry , local or long-distance calls, etc.
- Tourist accident insurance. You are strongly advised to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country
- Single supplement costs (for those who want accommodation on a single basis)
- Domestic and international flights and related airport taxes not listed in the itinerary
Optional:
- No
Itinerary at a Glance
Lijiang
Welcome to Lijiang!
Lijiang - Lugu Lake
Meet the Mosuo People of Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake
Trek Through Old-Growth Forests to Zhuangzi Village
Diluo Village
Journey Across Tranquil Farmlands
Baoshan Stone Village
Embark on a Challenging Trek to a Yangtze River Town
Baoshan Stone Village - Daju
Journey to the Town of Daju
Daju - Tige Leaping Gorge
Feel the Power of One of the World's Deepest Gorges
Shangri-la
Hike to Shangri-La and Watch Tibetan Dancing
Shangri-la
Delight in the Cultural Richness of Shangri-La
Shangri-la
Goodbye, Shangri-La!
Detailed Itinerary
Lijiang
Day 1: Welcome to Lijiang!
Head out for a stroll around the lovely town of Lijiang. This ancient mountain village features enchanting vistas at every turn. Wander along peaceful waterways that flow past quaint wooden homes and observe the cultural traditions of the ethnic minority cultures, such as the Nakhi (Naxi) people, who live here.
Later, venture to Baisha Village situated a 20-minute drive away. Here, in this picturesque Naxi village, the age-old customs of the local people are well preserved. As you walk through the charming lanes, admire the adobe and wooden houses decorated with fish designs. At the Dongba Museum, you will get a more in-depth picture of the Naxi way of life.
Lijiang - Lugu Lake
Day 2: Meet the Mosuo People of Lugu Lake
Today you will journey to Lugu Lake, home of the Mosuo community. The drive there will take all day, but you will break up the long journey by stopping en route at various points of interest including a viewpoint that offers exceptional panoramas of Yulong Snow Mountain. You'll also stop to visit small villages set within the glorious landscape of this spectacular region.
When we arrive at Yugu Lake, you will have the chance to visit with a local family. They will teach you about their culture, cultivated over centuries of isolated living in the mountains of China.
Known as China's "last matrilineal society," the Mosuo people have many unique traditions, including their oral history, which is very strong since they do not have a written language. They also practice a custom called a "walking marriage," meaning partners live separately from one another.
Lugu Lake
Day 3: Trek Through Old-Growth Forests to Zhuangzi Village
Our journey continues through the mountainous landscape of central China today as we make our way to the town of Yongning. Enjoying a year-round spring-like climate, this mountain town is home to several Chinese ethnic groups, including the Mosuo, Pumi, Yi, Bai, Zhuang, and Naxi people.
Upon arrival, you can visit the Mosuo ethnic market and Zhamei Monastery before setting out on a 6 to 7-hour trek to the village of Zhuangzi.
The hike offers a profound experience, as you venture through old-growth forests and up and down mountain slopes to peaceful valleys. Take in the views of Yongning basin and the Golden San River Valley as you make your way to Zhuangzi, where you will meet Pumi families, whose culture is informed by Tibetan Buddhism. Observe the unique style of the women's clothing, which features jackets with buttons running down one side.
Diluo Village
Day 4: Journey Across Tranquil Farmlands
Another full day of hiking is on the agenda for today, but first, you will be transferred from Zhuangzi to Diluo Village. After about 45-minutes of driving along a bumpy road, you will reach your destination. From here, set out on your trek to Labo. The trails will take you through picturesque villages where the Pumi and Moso people reside. As you make your way through this serene landscape of pine and oak forests, stop to watch local farmers drive their herds of cattle across the quiet road. The serenity is broken only by the delicate ring of a horse's bell.
Baoshan Stone Village
Day 5: Embark on a Challenging Trek to a Yangtze River Town
After a one-hour drive from Labo to lower Liuqing Naxi Village this morning, you will begin your trek. A quite challenging hike awaits you today as you make your way to Baoshan Stone Village.
First, the trail leads along the tranquil waters of the Jinsha River (Yangzi). Then, tackle Taizi Pass, a tough ascent that even horses cannot climb. Later, make your way through two dark tunnels, illuminated only by your flashlights. Finally, you will descend a steep, narrow trail. Watch your footing as you carefully hike down, stopping to rest and marvel at these extraordinary views of Baoshan Stone Town, a picturesque village perched on a stone on the banks of the Yangtze River.
Baoshan Stone Village - Daju
Day 6: Journey to the Town of Daju
Spend some leisure time enjoying the scenery of Baoshan Stone Village this morning. Wander around the serene Yangtze River landscapes and observe the unique vegetation found here.
After lunch, take a 3.5-hour ride in a minibus to the town of Daju, situated at one end of Tiger Leaping Gorge. During the drive, look out the window to see the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.
Daju - Tige Leaping Gorge
Day 7: Feel the Power of One of the World's Deepest Gorges
A magnificent adventure in the stunning environment of Tiger Leaping Gorge awaits today. This morning after breakfast, you will walk to the riverfront to catch a ferry boat across the Yangtze to Heika Village. Upon arrival, begin walking along the gorge, stopping at Walnut Grove Garden Village en route. Today you are passing through one of the world's deepest gorges. Majestic rock walls rise up around you on either side of the river and the roar of the rushing waters is breathtaking. Tonight, you will stay in a simple guest house in Bendiwan Village.
Shangri-la
Day 8: Hike to Shangri-La and Watch Tibetan Dancing
Set off for today's 6.5-7-hour hike after breakfast. Along the hiking route, you will get the chance to encounter more local communities at places like the Tea and Horse House and Naxi Family Guesthouse, and of course, marvel at the scenery, which includes sensational views of Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain.
At the end of your hike, you will be met by your driver, who will transfer you by bus to Shangri-La. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and get ready for an entertaining evening of Tibetan dancing.
Shangri-la
Day 9: Delight in the Cultural Richness of Shangri-La
Shangri-La Old Town is a delightful destination characterized by elements of Tibetan culture. Today's itinerary will take you on a tour of this lovely place, with visits to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and Songzanlin Monastery, which is set within a mystical traditional house.
You'll have lunch at a restaurant in town, then take a drive to nearby Napa Lake. Here, you will encounter a nature reserve that embodies a magnificent plateau covered by grasslands.
Another culturally rich evening in Shangri-La Old Town awaits.
Shangri-la
Day 10: Goodbye, Shangri-La!
Your 10-day tour in the Yunnan region comes to an end this morning. This has surely been an awe-inspiring adventure. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in Shangri-La to catch your onward flight. We wish you pleasant travels and more adventures ahead!
