6 days Kunming, Jianshui, Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Tour summary

Sparkling azure waters that stretch from horizon to horizon await at the end of this 5 day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake tour. Spend a little under a week exploring the highlights of the Tibetan world and some of its most sacred sites. From the glistening white walls of Potala Palace with its commanding view to the lively streets of Barkhor this tour will open the door to this enigmatic land. Lhasa City is the heart of Tibet, and it can be felt when there amongst the locals and pilgrims from the landscape. This tour will allow enough time to immerse yourself into to the culture and enjoy the sites. It’s also a perfect addition to any trip in Asia.

Tour photos

Day 1: Kunming Arrival

Picked up at airport or train station, transfer to hotel. The rest of time can be spent on your own, either stroll along Green Lake, or pay a visit to flower & birds market and learn locals’ life.

Day 2: Kunming- Stone Forest- Jianshui 288km/4hrs

Drive 68km to Stone Forest, this geopark has almost all karst forms in the world! After that, drive around 3 hours to Jianshui. Upon arrival, visit Jianshui Old Town, and Zhu Family’s Garden, they are typical traditional dwellings in Jianshui, you will be amazed by the architectural style.

Day 3: Jianshui- Yuanyang 185km/3.5hrs

In the morning, attend a local tofu workshop. Next, visit the Purple Pottery street, learn and make a pottery yourself. On the way, pay a visit to Shuanglong Bridge. Continue to Tuanshan Village, the traditional dwellings, temples are well preserved here, admire the exquisite workmanship of wood, stone, brick carvings. In the afternoon drive to Yuanyang, it is famous for its spectacular rice terraces, the exploration starts tomorrow.

Day 4: Yuanyang

Get up around 6am to watch sunrise at Duoyishu Terrace, the fields gradually turn golden when sun appears above, together with the villages scattered around in the cloud and mist. Later, join the Ethnic Market & Bazaar where locals trade daily supplies, get close to Hani people’s life. After that, drive back to hotel to rest. In the afternoon, head to Azheke, explore in the primitive Hani minority village with mushroom-like houses. Continue hiking in the rice paddies, see locals working in the fields, and finally enjoy the sunset.

Day 5: Yuanyang-Kunming 344km/5hrs

On the way back, pay a visit to Xingmeng Mongolian Village, their language is composed of ancient Mongolian, Yi, Hani, and is only handed down orally without writing records.