7 days Yunnan Journey to the Lost Horizon

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: Fly to Lijiang

Pick up at airport, transfer to reserved hotel in Shuhe, a previous stopover station on the Tea Horse Road 4km from Lijiang. It is known as the “Village Under the Peak”, the rest of the day is yours to explore the peaceful old town.

Day 2: Lijiang

After breakfast, visit Black Dragon Pond (Heilongtan) Park and Dongba Culture Museum where you can learn Naxi pictograph character and explore the rich Naxi minority culture. Continue visit Lijiang Ancient Town. Next, drive to Baisha, a small village with many ancient temples. Visit Baisha Mural, the unique art treasure stands for the peak of Chinese religious frescoes. Next, stop by Naxi Embroidery Institute, it teaches local women embroidery. Learn to make a small one by yourself. Afterwards, drive to Yuhu Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, enjoy its unique architecture and culture seen nowhere else. The national geographic explorer-Joseph Rock stayed here over 20 years, visit the museum which was turned by his former residence.

Day 3: Drive to Tacheng 180km, 3hrs30min

Depart at 8am, 1hr’s drive take us to the ancient village of Shigu, it lies on a unique point: on the first bend of Yangtze river. Today you will meet locals coming from all around for the traditional wet market, that sells vegetables, fruits, farm produce. After that, drive to Tacheng.

Day 4: Drive to Shangrila 138km, 2hrs30min

This early morning drive to Yunnan Wild Snub-nosed Monkey National Park. Switch to the sightseeing bus, and with around half an hour’s hiking, arrive at the viewing spot. Those rare monkeys come very close to you when they get down to feed. Continue to Nixi village, it is famous for making black pottery, watch and learn to make a pottery item by yourself. Finally, arrive to Shangri-la, stay in the ancient city dukezong tonight, explore on your own for the rest of the day.

Day 5: Shangrila

In the morning, drive to Songzanlin Monastery to see the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. The castle like complex is also known as Little Potala Palace, experience the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue to Napa Lake Grassland, enjoy the beautiful highland meadow full of yaks, horses. Lastly, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family to experience the local daily life.

Day 6: Drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge and back to Lijiang 180km, 3hrs40min

After breakfast, drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, you can walk about 2.6km to Tiger Leaping Rock. It is a lovely walking along the Jinsha River and stone trail, enjoy the breath-taking view. Afterwards, drive back to Lijiang.