Overview
Explore Yunnan from snow land to tropic forest along the Mekong & the Yangtze
Kunming – Zhongdian – Deqin – Lijiang – Shaxi – Dali - Xishuangbanna - Kunming
Mekong River is the crucial river in Southeast Asia. Rises from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau it runs through China's Yunnan province, penetrates Burma, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Its beginnings in China is the upper basin of Mekong, locally known as the Lancangjiang descends through rugged landscapes, drops a precipitous stretch of some 2,200km comprising nearly 50% portions in Yunnan province. The Jinsha River, the major headwater streams of the Yangtze River, tumbling down from Qinghai province, flows south through Sichuan and passes Shigu town in Yunnan, where makes an abrupt turn to the north and then shortly surge through deep and narrow Tiger Leaping Gorge. The two upper rivers basin is the portions within the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, boasts unparallel biodiversity and geographical wonders. Hugely rare plant species and endangered mammals, fishes could be found in this area. In between, two remarkable trading roads cross it, the Tea-Horse caravan route from the southeast to Lhasa and the old Burma Road from Kunming to Myanmar. Many extant old towns spread along, where reside countless ethnic minorities, forming the broad cultural groupings and social units. This graceful tour steps over the two majestic rivers area from north to south, is a fantastic mingling with cultures, ethnics and scenic vistas for exploring the heavenly riches of Yunnan.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Kunming & City Sightseeing (D)
Day 02 Flight to Zhongdian (B)
Day 03 Deqin via Dhongdrupling Monastery (B)
Day 04 Sunrise of Mt. Meili & Mingyong glacier hike (B)
Day 05 Return to Zhongdian (B)
Day 06 Lijiang via Tiger Leaping Gorge (B)
Day 07 Lijiang Explorations (B)
Day 08 Discover hidden old town Shaxi (B)
Day 09 Dali Sightseeing (B)
Day 10 Flight to Xishuangbanna (B)
Day 11 Xishuangbanna Sightseeing (B)
Day 12 Flight to Kunming and Departure (B)
Get Inspired
https://plateautours.com/destinations/yunnan/yunnan-mighty-rivers-tour#sigProIdf3af21b598
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kunming & City Sightseeing (D)
Upon arrival in Kunming and transferred to hotel. After some rest visit Bamboo Temple, a Buddhist temple established during the Tang Dynasty, displayed exquisite 500 arhats sculptures. Then take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and paintings. Later free wander the interesting flower market. Dinner will be served as the local flavor mushroom hot pot, one of Yunnan’s characters with infinite varieties.
Day 02: Flight to Zhongdian (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. After lunch, take a beautiful trail to a tranquil Tibetan village of Chuni, the colorful wildflowers carpeted verdant meadows extending as far as distant serenity. Hike up to nearby Hampi Gompa, set on atop of hill and built as the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Zhongdian though it is small in size. Rest time free stroll in Gyalthang (or Dukezong) old town. In the evening around 7pm, there are often street dances at the central square, you can join them and have fun.
Day 03: Deqin via Dhongdrupling Monastery (B)
The trail extends north along the spectacular gorges towards the Tibetan border. The scenes start to change from here on scary mountains. Uphill to halfway town of Benzilan, have the great view of the first bend of Yangtze River. The road then winds northwest to pass Dhongdrupling, visit this Gelukpa monastery. Climbing further to cross Baima Pass (4,292m), enters into the Baima Nature Reserve through the dense forests, clusters of rhododendrons crown the hills in summer. As the snow peaks of Mt. Meili are visible, the road turns into the outpost town of Deqin and immediate track to vicinity of Feilai Si, where the Kawa Karpo in close at hand.
Day 04: Sunrise of Mt. Meili & Mingyong glacier hike (B)
Wake up early morning to witness the magical sunrise of the Mount Meili range, including the Yunnan’s highest peak Kawa Karpo (6,740m) soaring over the numerous stupas and fluttering prayer flags. Later head out further north to deep of Meili Snow Mountain by following the dramatic Mekong River. Hike or horse trek 4-5 hours here till the ice toe in order to get the closer views of the Mingyong glacier that offers you the joyous experiences of the villages, temples and rich biodiversity along the uphill trails.
Day 05: Return to Zhongdian (B)
Take the original route returning to Zhongdian via the original route. As approaching Gyalthang, hop off the main road and turn into a fascinated Tibetan village of Nixi, where is renowned for its black pottery made at home by village people, dating back some 1,000 years. Rest time you can free leisure in Gyalthang old town.
Day 06: Lijiang via Tiger Leaping Gorge (B)
Today drive to Lijiang. On the way, stop at breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge. Take short hike down to the bottom of the gorge, up-close view the raging Jinshajiang River plunges through sharp, large rocks and crashes down into the river forming swirling whirlpools. At the shortly township of Shigu, stop for the U-shaped vista of the First Bend of Yangtze River. Rest time sink yourself in old town of Lijiang, famed for its brilliant ancient architectures, unique Dongpa pictographic script, excellent traditional music, and fabulous lifestyles of Naxi people. Explore the town through deep alleys spreading out in all directions. In evening time, many joyous Naxi square folk dances could watch in central Sifang Street, join them or just take a look.
Day 07: Lijiang Explorations (B)
Today out of Lijiang to visit a pristine village of Yuhu (Jade Lake Village), where gains the name due to a nearby turquoise lake. Additionally, it is the ancient home of famed botanist Joseph Rock who lived here decades of earlier 20th century. Horse trek or moderate hike around for pretty countryside views. Next, visit Baisha village and see the ancient murals preserved there, fusion of Chinese Taoist, Tibetan and Naxi Buddhists and Dongba shamans. Another ancient town of Shuhe will also be visited in the late afternoon. Situated at the foot of Jade Snow Dragon Mountain, Shuhe is one of the earliest settlements for Naxi people and is a former staging post on the Tea-Horse trading route.
Day 08: Discover hidden old town Shaxi (B)
Take the way southwest to Shaxi via Jianchuan, where has the China’s heaviest Bai minority population. In Jianchuan, wander the flagstone alleyways for extant Ming and Qing architectures, visit a nearby village to get insight of the extraordinary woodcarvings that widely decorated on those old houses. Later visit Shibao Mountain, a notable site with the exquisite Buddhist grottos and the best Bai stone carvings. Shaxi, a serene and pristine small town, while the crucial outpost on one of the old Tea-Horse trading routes. Explore the extremely pretty old town, cross the ancient stone bridge, walking the same trail as the horse caravans. Every step is an annotation for how the past remains an integral part of the very vibrant present.
Day 09: Dali Sightseeing (B)
The trail gets down south towards Dali. En the route, pass through Zhoucheng, a village famed for Bai’s Tie-dyeing art. Visit old town of Xizhou, witness old lifestyles among the local people. Complex of age-old Bai private houses is still well-preserved include Yan’s compound. Try local snacks of Xizhou Baba and the fragrant Three-course Tea, a tea drinking ceremony of the Bai minority. Boating on Erhai Lake, gaze at the cormorant fishing in old ways. Then leisurely walk in Dali old town, step on flagstone streets, look around delicate courtyards, fall in beautiful handcrafts, hang out yourself in bars or tea houses in Foreigner’s Street, take an overlook for Three-pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, visit an interesting Catholic church built in 1927 and framed in typical Bai’s architecture features.
Day 10: Flight to Xishuangbanna (B)
Morning is free for your own disposal for exploration of this ancient city. At noon, take the flight to Jinghong, the capital city of Xishuangbanna prefecture. Later take a short drive to Menglun. En the route, visit a Dai village and their traditional wooden houses built on stilts, some villagers believe Catholicism and you may visit an interesting catholic church. Menglun, is a splendour site for Menglun Tropical Botanic Garden, over 8,000 species of tropical plants housing here, including many rare exotic and endangered species. Spend a night in this gorgeous and fragrant garden.
Day 11: Xishuangbanna Sightseeing (B)
Enjoy the fresh air in the garden early this morning. Then we head out for an active local market at Menglun, some Dai and Jinuo ethnics come from their nearby villages. Later take the scenic drive to Menghai where we pay a visit at the over 300 years old Octagonal Pagoda. Visit a Dai village and their traditional paper making. Walking through the green tea plantation, get a view of the Aini and Bulang villages. Drive back to Jinghong and experience the local’s nightlife.
Day 12: Flight to Kunming and Departure (B)
Take the morning flight to Kunming for the exit or trip extension. Or you can head out for Laos.
Experiences & Activities
- Explore Shangri-la by the hints from Lost Horizon at your own eyesight
- Marvel at sublime Mt. Meili snow peak & hike the rigorous glaciers
- Lose breath for the fabulous, deep, and awe-inspiring Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Get lost amongst the ancient and intriguing cobblestone town of Lijiang
- Discover Shaxi & Jianchuan, the crucial nodes on the old Tea-Horse route
- Step back in time in flagstone streets of ancient Dali old town
- Laze in Xishuangbanna and walk to visit minority villages in the jungle
- Experience the unique multiple ethnic minorities cultures and lifestyles
