Shangri-La (Diqing) – Ganden Monastery – Napahai Lake – Tibetan Town. Overnight in Shangri-La

Shangri-La County - The tour guide will greet guests at their hotel lobby at 09:00 am or at Shangri-La airport.

Sumtsaling Monastery - The first stop is Ganden Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan province, also known as ‘the little Potala Palace.’ Established in 1679, it is situated in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and is the most significant monastery in southwest China.

Napa Hai Nature Reserve - Next, visit Napa Hai Lake, the largest grassland in Shangri-La. Located 8 km northwest of Shangri-La County, it is a seasonal mountain lake and one of the few thermal alpine swamps and swamp meadows in Yunnan province.

Yila Grassland - Napahai Lake and Yila Grassland are essentially the same location. During winter and spring, the lake’s surface recedes, transforming into the expansive swamp meadow known as Yila Prairie, the largest spring pasture in Yunnan province.

Guishan Park - Afterwards, travel by private car to the city center. Climbing to the top of Guishan Hill, or Tortoise Hill, offers a view of the world’s largest prayer wheel and a panoramic view of Shangri-La County and Dukezong.

Dukezong Ancient Town - After lunch in Dukezong Ancient Town, enjoy an hour of shopping and exploration. Then, return to the hotel in Shangri-La.

Shangri-La – Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking. Overnight at Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Shangri-La County - At 9 am, the guide will meet guests at the hotel lobby and transfer them to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 2.5-hour drive covering 120 km.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Known as one of China’s premier hikes, Tiger Leaping Gorge is not overly strenuous except for the initial climb along switchbacks near the entrance. With a leisurely pace and good accommodations, the trail is manageable. The inns and hotels along the way provide comfort for backpackers. Today’s hike from Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse covers about 17 kilometers, taking approximately six hours. Halfway Guesthouse is indeed at the midpoint on the High Trail. After a two-hour hike to Naxi Family Guesthouse for lunch, continue for another two hours up the steep 28-bends switchback. The views are breathtaking. After a break, hike for another one to two hours to reach Halfway Guesthouse, which offers stunning views of Yulong Snow Mountain and the Jinsha (Golden Sands) River Valley. Guests can relax on a deck facing the mountain, with access to hot showers and clean beds.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking – Lijiang. Overnight in Lijiang.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Today, hike down to Tina’s Guesthouse (about 2 hours), passing beautiful waterfalls and canyons. The driver will pick up guests at Tina’s house and drive 2.5 hours (100 km) back to Lijiang.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Upon arrival, take a private car to the hotel in Lijiang/Shuhe and check in. The rest of the day is free for personal exploration.

Lijiang Old Town – Black Dragon Pool Park – Baisha Village – Shuhe Old Town. Overnight in Lijiang.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - The tour guide will meet guests at the hotel lobby at 09:00 am to visit Lijiang Old Town.

World Heritage Park, Lijiang - The route includes entering Lijiang Old Town through the South Gate, visiting Mu’s Residence (entry fee applies), Lion Hill (entry fee applies), and Wangu Tower, and wandering through the old streets and lanes to enjoy the leisurely atmosphere. This exploration takes a couple of hours. Lijiang Old Town is one of Yunnan’s most enchanting ancient cities. Despite being largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1996, it was quickly rebuilt, aided by its UNESCO World Heritage status. Lijiang is the center of the Naxi minority, known for its unique culture, including a religion and writing system with over 1,000 pictograms. The culture and old town of Lijiang offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village - Next, visit Baisha Village to see the Dongba pictograms, mural paintings in Dabaoji Palace, and the ‘ten thousand camellia blossoms’ tree. Baisha, meaning ‘white sands,’ was the first settlement of the Naxi people after migrating south from the Tibetan plateau. It was once the political, commercial, and cultural center of the powerful Naxi Kingdom, becoming part of the Yuan Empire in the late thirteenth century. The Mu family, who governed Lijiang from the late fourteenth to the early eighteenth century, originated in Baisha. The area was also a key part of the strategic commercial network known as the Tea Horse Road.

Black Dragon Pond Park - Afterwards, travel by private car to Black Dragon Pond Park. Here, enjoy a panoramic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town. This park is a landmark of Lijiang, renowned for its exquisite beauty. The surroundings are lush with grass and shaded by willow trees. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is reflected in the pool’s waters. At the far side of the pool, renovated buildings like the Moon-Embracing Pavilion, with its white marble bridge, and the Five-Phoenix Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, are used for art exhibitions.

Shuhe Ancient Town - After lunch, enjoy a leisurely walk in Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe, or ‘Shaowu’ in the Naxi language, means the village at the foot of the high mountain. Historically, a high mountain named Jubao stood behind the village, giving it its name. Shuhe Ancient Town is located 4 km northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town. Its central area covers about 5 square kilometers with a population of around 3,000. In 1997, Shuhe was recognized as an important part of Lijiang Ancient Town, already a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Lijiang – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – White Water River – Impression of Lijiang Show & Drop off at Lijiang airport.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - The tour guide will meet guests at the hotel lobby at 09:00 am and transfer them to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 50-minute drive covering 25 km.

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - The visit may start with the Snow Mountain via cable car to Spruce Meadow or with White Water River, depending on the Impression Lijiang Show schedule, which varies based on daily visitor numbers between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. The show lasts for 60 minutes. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is easily accessible via cable cars that transport visitors to various parts of the mountain. The 13 peaks, home to several glaciers, are snow-covered year-round. Different altitudes offer changing landscapes, from peaceful meadows to snow-covered paths and glaciers. The choice to visit Spruce Meadow via cable car is due to its lower altitude (3300M), fewer visitors, and beautiful views.

Lijiang Impressions Show - Next, attend the Lijiang Impression Show, an outdoor performance featuring traditional songs and dances by local ethnic people from villages around Lijiang. The show is held at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, just outside the main building, at scheduled times.

Blue Moon Valley - Afterwards, travel by private car to White Water River (Blue Moon Valley). This extremely blue river meanders through a lush valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From a distance, it resembles a blue crescent moon at the mountain’s base, giving it its beautiful name. However, the river’s color changes; if it rains, the white mud and limestone rubble at the riverbed swirl up, turning the water as white as milk. Hence, the local Naxi people call it White Water River (Baishui River).

Lijiang - Finally, guests will be dropped off at Lijiang airport/train station, marking the end of the services.

• The entrance tickets
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• The private car & private tour guide

• The hotel
• The meals

Visit highlights of Lijiang including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow cable car, White Water River, Impression of Lijiang Show, Lijiang old town, Black Dragon Pool park, Baisha village, Shuhe old town, Shangri-la(Diqing) area and overnight in Tiger leaping Gorge with this 5 days Private tour from Shangri-la.

You will be picked up at Shangri-la hotel/airport and dropped off at Lijiang/Shuhe hotel/airport/train station.

• Can add more days if you want

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.