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10 |
Trek |
DAYS |
Voir les photos
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Lijiang Old Town & Naxi Cultural Experience
- Lugu Lake: Mosuo people live by the lake, which earned this area another name, the Mysterious Queendom
- Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
- Ganden Sumtseling Monastery: the Yellow Sect center in the Sichuan-Yunnan region, known as the "Little Potala Palace"
Brief Itinerary
- ARRIVE IN LIJIANG
- LIJIANG HIGHLIGHTS
- LIJIANG / LUGU LAKE
- LUGU LAKE TO YONGNING (2,800M) / TREK TO ZHUANGZI (2,500m)
- ZHUANGZI / LABO (2,650m) /FENGKE (1,900m) / LIUQING (2,300m) / BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE (1,788m)
- BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE / BOAT TOUR TO AHAI VILLAGE, TRANSFER TO TIGER LEAPING GORGE (1,970m)
- TINA GUEST HOUSE TREK TO TEA HORSE GUESTHOUSE (2,395m)
- TREK TO QIAOTOU (1,835M) / SHANGRI-LA (3,297m)
- SHANGRI-LA (3,297M)
- LIJIANG DEPARTURE
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
Yunnan, a land of natural beauty and mystery, located in the most southwest of China, has a vast territory, magnificent mountains and rivers, abundant natural resources and diverse cultures. It is known for its colorful and intriguing diversity of ethnic minority groups. We will start with Lijiang City, which enjoys a long history of over 800 years, a gathering place of Nakhi ethic group. And in the towns of Yongning and Fengke, in the villages of Zhuangzi, Liuqing and Baoshan, you’ll fully experience the dazzling diversity, as these places are a haven for the Naxi, Muosuo, Yi and Pumi etc ethnic groups. Spend enough time in Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the most attractive area in Southwest China. Your tour will end the trip at Zhongdian or say Shangri-La for the famous Dragon Snow Mountain etc. During this trekking route, you will not only visit impressive natural sites but will reach the rarely visited villages which still maintain their traditional lifestyle from thousand years ago.
Note: All the time and distance shown here are approximate and indicative only, if there is inconsistency, it will depend on the weather, local road condition and other actual situation.
Holiday Itinerary
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ARRIVE IN LIJIANG
Upon arrival in Lijiang, check in, Relax yourself in Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang is a small mountain town of stone and tile, laced with swift canals, which has been recently listed as an UNESCO world monument. It enjoys a long history of over 800 years and unlike most of the old towns in China, there is no city wall due to a superstitious belief of the local ruler whose family name is Mu (tree木), when encircled by walls, would be Kun (besieged困). Wooden structures, mountains, small rivers and lanes integrate harmoniously in this mountain town. It is also an enclave of ethnic minority cultures, and especially a gathering place of rugged mountain people of Nakhi (Naxi) ethnic group.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Lijiang
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LIJIANG HIGHLIGHTS
In the morning drive to Black Dragon Pool Park (pinyin: Hēilóngtán), also named Jade Spring Park, shows visitors picturesque scenery with a large crystal pool, luxuriant trees, a tall mountain and historic buildings in graceful shapes. Located at the foot of Elephant Hill, a short walk north along Square Street of Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan Province, China, it was built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty and offers a spectacular view on the region's tallest mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, over its white marble bridge. The park features several smaller temples and pavilions.
Then we will drive 22 kilometers to Yuhu village, Yuhu is a simple village of Naxi minority with the former residence of Dr. Joseph Rock. Dr. Rock, an Austro-American botanist and explorer who lived here off and on from 1922-1949, is best remembered for the introduction of innumerable plant species to the West and his rigorous works on Naxi ethnology. Just steps away from Dr. Rock’s residence.
Tour to Baisha village and visit Baisha Frescoes, north of Lijiang Country finds the Liulidian Temple and Daobaoji Temple at Baisha village, housing 558 mural paintings on 12 walls that date back to the Ming Dynasty in 1385. Buddhism, Taoism and Lamaism manifest in integration in styles of the Han Chinese, the Tibetan, the Bai and the Naxi people on the murals, a proof of exchange on politics, economy, culture and religion between the mainland and the frontiers of China. They are now rated as key cultural relics under national protection.
In the later afternoon wander in the Ancient Lijiang Town Sightseeing of the Old Town of Lijiang today that is regarded as "Oriental Venice, unsophisticated and picturesque".
Time permit, we’ll next learn more about the Naxi people at the Dongba Museum. The museum is built completely according to the traditional life style of the Naxi Minority. You can feel the traditional atmosphere of national culture from the layout of its yard, building facilities, tools and details of life.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Lijiang
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Meals BL
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LIJIANG / LUGU LAKE (2,690M)
After breakfast, you will leave Lijiang and drive to Lugu Lake. It is a long drive for about 3.5 hrs. On the way, enjoy the beautiful view among the huge mountains and rivers. To avoid long time on the van, you will have some stop on the way. There is a part of the road have a very beautiful view of the Yulong Snow mountain from the other side where the normal tourists will never see at all. Also, you could stop from time to time to have a short visit of some small villages of Yi nationalities. Upon arrival, visit a typical Mosuo family near Lugu Lake and stay for a wonderful night.
Mosuo Culture has attracted a lot of interest in recent years. The Mosuo community has been isolated for a very long time and has lived a self-reliant and self-managed lifestyle. This provides very clear evidence of the validity of its culture and traditions. They don't have a written language, so their entire history is an oral history, passed down from generation to generation. The Mosuo are often referred to as China's "last matrilineal society." One of the best known, and least understood, aspects of Mosuo culture is their practice of what has been termed "walking marriage" (Zou Hun in Chinese). It means partners do not live in the same household.
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Accommodation nice Mosuo guesthouse with private washroom
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Meals BLD
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LUGU LAKE TO YONGNING (2,800M) / TREK TO ZHUANGZI (2,500m)
This morning, we will drive along the Lugu Lake northwest to Yongning Town, which means a place of eternal peace and stability. Yongning is surrounded by mountains and spring-like all year round, thus many Chinese ethnic groups live here. (Note: From now on, Cook, porters or stablemen and horses will escort you till Baoshan Stone Town.) When arrive, visit Mosuo Market and Zhamei Monastery. Then, start our trekking to Zhuangzi Village with original forest on the way, where we can meet Yi, Pumi and Naxi Villages and feel the spiritual atmosphere there. There are several up-and-down parts today. We will climb over the Zhuangzi Pass (3,400m) for about 4 hours. Standing on the top of mountain, we will have a great view of Yongning basin and Jinsha River Valley. Then down the hill and arrive to the Yi Nationality’s area. Yi is the largest population of the minority groups in Yunnan and is well-known for their Torch Festival, from which is believed to have the power to ward off evils and protect the growth of crops by repelling insects. At the end of hiking, we will stay in a village named Zhuangzi and chat with Pumi Families around the fireplace in the middle of the living room on the upper level.
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Accommodation Pumi Guesthouse with public shower and washroom in Zhuangzi
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Ascent 600m
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Descent 920m
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Distance 15-17km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6-7hrs hiking
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ZHUANGZI / LABO (2,650m) / FENGKE(1,900m) / LIUQING(2,300m) / BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE (1,788m)
In the morning we will drive about 1.5 hour from Zhuangzi to lower Liuqing Naxi Village from there start our trek.
Today is a strenuous day! With beautiful forests, village, valley view along the way, pass by Labo pumi village and Fengke Naxi village.
From Liuqing village, head south. Jinsha River (Yangzi River) flows southward on your left. In 2.5 hours, you will encounter a tough ascent to the Taizi (Prince) Pass with an altitude of 2,490m, steeply-incised by Jinsha Jiang. Even horses are not able to climb up here. You will have to cross two tunnels without any illumination. Torches are essential here. The first tunnel is actual the highest point of Prince Pass.The last part of the hiking is not easy, you will descend the steep and narrow trail from 2,490m to 1,788m. But you will find it is rewarding with a fantastic view of Baoshan Stone Town setting on a huge stone along the bank of the Yangtse River!
Baoshan Stone village is not a town made of stone as it is named, but a big village built on a huge stone. The mighty nature mother brought along a heavy stone, and the diligent Naxi People turned it into a wonderland under heaven. The Town sits there, appearing uniquely simple and unsophisticated, and exhibiting the charm of local culture at the same time.
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Accommodation Local Naxi guesthouse
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Ascent 320m
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Descent 750m
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Distance 18km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6-8hrs hiking
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BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE / BOAT TOUR TO AHAI VILLAGE, TRANSFER TO TIGER LEAPING GORGE (1,970m)
Explorer near Baoshan stone village and reach the Yangyze River ferry place around 2 hours, and enjoy leisure time in the morning with different species of bushes.
Boat tour around 1.5hours to Ahai village. Transfer to tiger leaping Gorge, drive about 75km about 3 hours by minibus. We will pass by a beautiful town named Daju, where is the end of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Enjoy the wonderful view of Jade Gragon Snow Mountain from a far. When we arrive at Daju, we will be back again to the Golden Sand River (Yangtse River).
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Accommodation Tina’s guesthouse of Tiger Leaping Gorge
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Ascent 100m
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Descent 300m
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Distance 3km
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Meals BLD
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Time 1hrs hiking
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TINA GUEST HOUSE TREK TO TEA HORSE GUESTHOUSE (2,395m)
In the morning visit lower and middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, transfer to BenDiWan village: visit water fall, lunch and leisure time in Halfway, trek to Tea Horse guesthouse which is a Naxi Family Guesthouse,.
This is a full day trekking in the countryside north of Lijiang where the scenery is stunning. The Yangtze River, still in its infancy here, passes through the Gorge with cliffs of almost 4,000 metres on both sides. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world’s deepest gorges or river canyon in the world.
After breakfast, walk down to Jinsha River; visit the middle Tiger Leaping Gorge to feel the stunning view and roaring of the River running in the deep valley. Continue hike up to Tina’s guesthouse (partly by local van on the road). Then transfer to Bendiwan village, visit water fall, lunch and leisure time in Halfway Guesthouse, then trek 1.5 hour to Tea & Horse Guesthouse in for the overnight. Here is comfortable, with private bathroom and hot shower.
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Accommodation Tea & horse Guesthouse (2,350m) with toilet and shower
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Ascent 700m
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Descent 300m
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Distance 12km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6.5hrs hiking
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TREK TO QIAOTOU (1,835M) / SHANGRI-LA (3,297m)
Trek from Halfway Guesthouse to Qiaotou (1,835m), visit the Tea and Horse House, Naxi Family Guesthouse on the way. Pass through the 28-Zig-zag trail (28 bends) and reach the top of 2,670m on the cliff during the trek, cool and interesting. Opposite, the beautiful view of Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain is always in sight.
Our driver and bus is greeting us at the end of the day and transfer from Qiaotou to Shangri-la, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. If time is enough, walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Shangri-La
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Ascent 300m
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Descent 835m
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Distance 14km
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Meals BL
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Time 6-7hrs hiking
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SHANGRI-LA (3,297M)
Shangri-La is rich with Tibetan-style architecture and dates back 1300 years! We’ll eat breakfast and drive to Songzanlin Monestary, 5km north of the old town center. The Songzanlin Monestary (constructed in 1679) is the largest Tibetan Monestary in Yunnan and is nicknamed the “Lesser Potala” due to its resemblance to the magnificent structure in Lhasa.
After visiting the lamasery, your guide will take you to a dormitory. The lamas who live there will show their hospitality and will be happy to talk with you in their study room. If you are curious about their lifestyle, religious beliefs, and discipline, this is a great chance to get close to and interact with them.
In the afternoon, go to visit The Napa Lake Nature Reserve is the country’s largest grassland and most scene area of the plateau. Here we will have a chance to visit local Tibetan family, communicate with local people.
Drive back to Lijiang in late afternoon.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Lijiang
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Meals BL
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LIJIANG DEPARTURE
Transferred to the airport by our driver, take a flight back home. End of an incredibly memorable experience!
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Meals B
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Price Policy
Tour Price Policy
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
7. Internal flights
** Day 11/ Flight from Yichang to Shanghai (based on economy class);
8. Trains
** Day 04/ High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (based on 2nd class);
** Day 06/ High speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (based on 2nd class)
** Day 06/ High speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (based on 2nd class)
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure: 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure: 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure: 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.
