Overview
Sichuan-Yunnan overland tour through grand Shangri-la (or vice versa)
Shangri-la, a mythical earthly paradise, was first described as an eternal quiet place lied in the oriental hills and mountains in the 1933 novel of Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton. The narrow sense of Shangri-la refers to Zhongdian town in northwestern Yunnan Province, since the scenes here are believed resembling the landmarks appearing in the novel. Then in 2001, Zhongdian officially declared the title and renamed itself as Shangri-la County. Nevertheless, no one could point out the certain location for this fictional place portrayed by Hilton, several places claim the title too, and Yading Nature Reserve in western Sichuan, stated as the “Last Shangri-la”, is one of a vigorous contenders, as Hilton was inspired by then National Geographic articles by Joseph Rock, whom wrote about the details of his expeditions once to this region in 1928 that referenced the legend by Hilton. However, for the travelers, it may not so important to know where is Shangri-la located, but the valuable traveling experience and insight from their journey to those places. And this tour exactly is! Passes the hinterland of Hengduan Mountain ranges through Sichuan to Yunnan, the trip will trail on the footprint of the legends, to explore the fabled land of Shangri-la. The trip’s highlights will be in Daocheng and Yading in Sichuan and Zhongdian in Yunnan. Here, the region’s three parallel rivers with grand canyons, the blood-red valleys and the fertile plains, the extraordinary abundant flora and fauna, the sentinel snow peaks of Chenrezi (6,032m), Jampeyang (5,958m), Chenadorje (5,955m) and Kawa Karpo (6,740m) with the outstanding Gedan Sumtseling Monastery fit the descriptions from Lost Horizon and indeed provide the heartbeat, dazzling and dramatic images.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Chengdu & City Sightseeing
Day 02 Danba (B)
Day 03 Danba Villages Walk (B)
Day 04 Drive to Yajiang via Tagong (B)
Day 05 Yajiang to Daocheng via Litang (B)
Day 06 Yading Nature Reserve Sightseeing (B)
Day 07 Yading Nature Reserve Sightseeing (B)
Day 08 Daocheng to Xiangcheng (B)
Day 09 Drive to Zhongdian (B)
Day 10 Zhongdian Sightseeing (B)
Day 11 Zhongdian Departure (B)
Get Inspired
https://plateautours.com/destinations/yunnan/deep-of-shangri-la-tour#sigProId8d0e51d89f
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Chengdu & City Sightseeing
Upon arrive at Chengdu and transfer to your hotel. Get refreshment in the hotel, we step out for the Wide and Narrow alleys (Kuan Zhai Xiangzi), two ancient streets preserved from the old architectures in Ming and Qing dynasties in Chengdu. In the evening time, enjoy the magical Sichuan Opera and Face Changing Show, the ancient Chinese dramatic art.
Day 02: Danba (B)
Today take the scenic drive to Danba. In Danba, drive to nearby countryside and stay in a tranquil and picturesque village, presents the sumptuous scenery.
Day 03: Danba Villages Walk (B)
Wake up early morning, view the possibly sunrise of Mt. Modor. Then we visit the village for countryside view and renowned ancient architectures that were built by the Qiang people between 800 and 1,200 years ago, it’s hence Danba gains the name of “the Thousand Watchtowers Kingdom”.
Day 04: Drive to Yajiang via Tagong (B)
Leave Danba by passing through the stunning gorge and valley. On the route, visit Geda Shambaling Monastery. Later visit Tagong Monastery, one of the impact monasteries in Kham. Next, the highway extends to tranquil and fascinated Xinduqiao, we arrive at Yajiang and spend a night here.
Day 05: Yajiang to Daocheng via Litang (B)
Hit the road by traversing a few main high passes, all is over 4,000 meters, scenes are spectacularly among them. Taking the main road westward while passing through verdant forested meadows, we will arrive at Litang. Visit Litang Chode. Another 146km ride to Daocheng will be continued after the visit. Overnight in Daocheng.
Day 06: Yading Nature Reserve Sightseeing (B)
Takes approximately 2 hours drive to Yading Nature Reserve this morning, the countryside scenery en route is very charming. At Yading, take a horse-riding to Tsongu Monastery, see the scenery of sacred peak Chenrezi. From here trekking up to Drolma-la tso (Pearl Lake) or ride a horse about 15 minutes, where can get the best view for Chenrezi. Overnight at Yading guesthouse with dorm bed.
Day 07: Yading Nature Reserve Sightseeing (B)
Have a beautiful sunrise view at Tsongu Monastery, then keep riding horse to Luorong Pasture. It is the best location to pilgrim the three scared peaks, with Chenrezi (6,032m) lies to the north, Jampeyang (5,958m) to the south, and Chenadorje (5,955m) to the east. Afternoon ride horse back to Yading village and drive back to Daochen.
Day 08: Daocheng to Xiangcheng (B)
The road ascends to the huge and deep forested mountain, the stunning valleys and picturesque Tibetan villages interspersed by white stone houses and green barley fields would emerge as the high Wuming Pass (4,720m) crossed which takes us all the way heading to Xiangcheng town, a tidy border town between Sichuan and Yunnan. Visit Sangpiling Monastery on the right uphill of the town, built in 1669 and presently houses 600 monks in the temple.
Day 09: Drive to Zhongdian (B)
From Xiangcheng, the road leaves Sichuan and enters into Yunnan by heading down to the south. The highway belts is wriggling in the lush valleys to the atop the mountain ridge, the idyllic Tibetan villages and complex white houses gradually drift away from the eyesight as the altitude ascending to cross the two high passes at 4,000 meters. This pleasant drive clustered by densely virgin forests takes us heading to Shangri-la, Zhongdian county. Free stroll in the town.
Day 10: Zhongdian Sightseeing (B)
Morning visit Gedan Sumtseling Monastery, built by the fifth Dalai Lama during 16th century, it is the most important site in Shangri-la. Later visit Shangri-La Institute sponsored by an international funds for universal education and ecology. Visit school facilities and interesting artworks made by local students. In the afternoon, drive northwest for about 20km for visiting a fascinated village of Nixi, is renowned for its black pottery made at home by village people, dating back some 1,000 years.
Day 11: Zhongdian Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport flying out for Kunming or Lhasa, or extend the trip to Lijiang and other parts of China.
Experiences & Activities
- Explore Shangri-la by the hints from Lost Horizon & Joseph Rock’s footprint
- Lose breath for the fabulous alpine scenes in Yading Nature Reserve
- Visit Gedan Sumtseling Monastery, one of the landmarks of Shangri-la
- Get insight for the idyllic Tibetan villages and the varied residences
- Experience the diverse landscapes and rich flora and fauna
