Overview
Overview
This 7-day expedition unveils the untouched splendor of Yunnan’s Tibetan frontier with a seamless loop from Lijiang to Tacheng, Meili Snow Mountain, Balagezong Canyon, and Shangri-La. Travelers will witness iconic sights like the First Bend of the Yangtze River, hike through highland forests on Baima Snow Mountain, walk glass skywalks in Balagezong, and share tea with villagers near Napa Lake. Along the way, you’ll enjoy luxury eco-lodges, private transfers, and curated cultural moments—from incense-making workshops to Lisu folk performances. It’s a deep dive into the mystical and majestic rhythm of northwestern Yunnan—crafted for travellers who seek both authenticity and elegance.
Tour Highlights
- Diverse Landscapes in Motion：From river gorges and snow mountains to travertine terraces and hidden valleys, every day offers new terrain—without backtracking.
- Tibetan & Minority Cultural Immersion：Connect with local life through incense-making, ancient monasteries, folk dance, and visits to remote Lisu and Tibetan communities.
- Effortless Comfort, Premium Logistics：Enjoy a fully escorted loop with private chauffeur service, mountain-view lodges, and thoughtful pacing—no need to navigate or plan a thing.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang – Welcome & Rest
- Arrive at Lijiang/Changshui Airport, where your private guide and chauffeur will greet you upon arrival.
- Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Lijiang.
- Take time to rest, adjust to the altitude, or enjoy a gentle stroll through Lijiang’s charming lanes and tea houses.
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Enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner with Yunnan specialties.
Day 2: Lijiang to Tacheng – First Bend of the Yangtze & Damo Master Cave
Morning
- Depart Lijiang and drive toward Tacheng (approx. 3.5 hours).
- Stop at the breathtaking First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the Jinsha River makes a dramatic S-shaped turn.
Afternoon
- Visit the sacred Damo Master Cave, a Buddhist cliffside site with ancient religious carvings.
- Enjoy a relaxed afternoon and dinner at your lodge in Tacheng.
Day 3: Tacheng Exploration – Golden Monkeys, Tongle Village & Meili Snow Mountain
Morning
- Visit the Yunnan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey Sanctuary, home to one of China’s rarest primates.
- Stop at Tongle Lisu Village, a culturally preserved village showcasing traditional wooden architecture.
Afternoon
- Drive along the Lancang River valley to reach Meili Snow Mountain, revered by Tibetan pilgrims.
- Check in to a mountain lodge near Deqin.
Day 4: Meili Sunrise – Baima Snow Mountain Hike & Moon Bend of Jinsha
Morning
- Optional early start to witness sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain, with views of the sacred Kawagebo Peak.
- Hike a forested trail in Baima Snow Mountain, featuring alpine meadows and panoramic views.
Afternoon
- Enjoy a Tibetan-style lunch the Village.
- Stop at the Moon Bend of Jinsha River, a dramatic canyon U-turn beloved by photographers.
- Arrive at Balagezong Scenic Area, staying overnight at an eco-resort inside the park.
Day 5: Balagezong Canyon – Napa Lake – Transfer to Shangri-La
Morning
- Walk the Balagezong Skywalk, a glass trail offering dramatic canyon vistas.
- Explore the traditional Balagezong Tibetan Village and visit Zhuoma Lhakang Hall.
- Optional short rafting or hike in Balagezong Grand Canyon.
Afternoon
- Visit the 3,000-year-old Bodhi Tree en route to Shangri-La.
- Stop at Napa Lake, a wetland known for black-necked cranes and grazing yaks.
- Arrive in Shangri-La and check in to a deluxe hotel.
Day 6: Shangri-La Cultural Day – Monasteries, Heritage & Handcrafts
Morning
- Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.
- Climb up to Turtle Hill Park in Dukezong Old Town, where you can spin the world’s largest prayer wheel.
Afternoon
- Visit the Shambhala Time Wheel City for immersive Tibetan culture.
- Join a Tibetan incense-making workshop, a hands-on intangible heritage experience.
- Enjoy a traditional Tusi Banquet, with song, dance, and bonfire festivities.
Day 7: Shangri-La – Baishuitai – Haba Snow Mountain – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Return to Lijiang
Morning
- Departure toward Lijiang with stops along the way:
- Visit Baishuitai, known for its tiered white travertine terraces.
- Enjoy views of Haba Snow Mountain, often snow-draped and spectacular.
- Stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge Viewpoints including Shenchuan, Tea Horse Road lookout, and Lower Gorge.
- Return to Lijiang in the evening for onward travel.
What's included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included in the Package:
- Services of China Best Gets local guide and expert team
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Domestic flights and trains, as noted in the itinerary
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary
- Two bottles of water per person per day
- Travel and medical insurance
Not Included in the Package:
- International flights plus relevant taxes
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, including shopping and extra services
- Communication fees, such as SIM cards or phone charges
- Additional expenses due to personal reasons, including but not limited to:
- Laundry fees
- Paid TV programs
- Medical expenses for personal injuries
- Costs related to retrieving lost personal belongings
- Penalties or extra charges resulting from personal negligence, rule violations, or illegal activities (e.g., damages to hotel property, fines at scenic spots, or compensation for losses at learning venues).
Hotel
Accommodation
- A four-star hotel accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts is included in the package price. The hotel selection is made based on location, quality, and availability, and all accommodations meet international four-star standards.
(Please note that images provided are for reference only and do not necessarily reflect the exact hotel you will stay in.)
- For guests seeking a higher standard of accommodation, an upgrade to premium or five-star hotels is available at an additional cost. This can be arranged by purchasing the Hotel Upgrade product separately during the booking process.
(Please note that images provided are for reference only and do not necessarily reflect the exact hotel you will stay in.)
Policy
- Cancellations made 21 days or more before the departure date are eligible for a 90% refund of the total amount paid
- Cancellations made between 7 and 20 days before the departure date are eligible for a 25% refund
- Cancellations made within 7 days of the departure date are non-refundable
- The cancellation request date is determined based on the timestamp of the email sent to our support team
All refund requests must be submitted in writing via email and will be processed within a reasonable time frame after confirmation.