9 Days 8 Nights
The Tea Horse Road was an ancient network of caravan for the trade of tea and horses, stretching nearly 1,400miles from the tea-growing region of Pu’er, winding through verdant valleys and snow-swept plateaus, and slicing through towering mountains. Part of the famed Silk Road, we have selected the best highlights of the once rugged trail while accommodating you in luxury contemporary hotels.
Itinerary Highlights
- Venture deeper into lesser-visited Yunnan gems such as Lashi Lake and Daju Village
- Immerse in authentic local culture, including Tibetan thangka painting, prayer flag making, blessing ceremonies and insights into Naxi Dongba Culture
- Curated dining experience featuring local taste and picturesque views
- Guided by an English-speaking Discovery Host from a local Tibetan village
- Stay exclusively in high-end, distinctive accommodations under the LUX* Tea Horse Road collection throughout the trip
Itinerary Outline
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Day 1
Arrival in Lijiang
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Day 2
Lijiang
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Day 3
Lijiang / Lashi Lake
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Day 4
Lashi Lake / Daju Village
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Day 5
Daju Village / Shangri-La
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Day 6
Shangri-La
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Day 7
Shangri-La / Benzilan
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Day 8
Benzilan
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Day 9
Departure from Benzilan
Itinerary
Arrival in Lijiang
Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Upon arrival in Lijiang (2,400m), meet your discovery hosts and then transfer to your hotel. You will enjoy a Naxi welcome dinner.
Lijiang
Lijiang Old Town Discovery
Visit Zhongyi Market to browse its handcraft outlets, enjoy a break at Café LUX and stroll along the old town of Lijiang. Savour lunch at Yunge Restaurant and head to Dayan Old Town to experience Pu’er tea tasting and ceremony, as well as a stroll in the Black Dragon Pool. The dinner will be mushroom hotpot at the hotel.
Lijiang / Lashi Lake
Car Transfer: Lijiang to Yuhu Village
You will be driven approx. 45m to Lashi Sea via Yuhu Village.
Dongba Culture at Yuhu
Visit the old Naxi courtyard, learn about Dongba culture, experience local life and lunch at Yuhu Village.
Life by Lashi Lake
After a Welcome Ceremony by Lashi Lake team, you will have some time to enjoy the Lashi Lake or take a break at CAFÉ LUX* overlooking the lake, with optional visit to Zhiyun Temple. Sunset aperitivo will be set up besides Lashi Lake and conclude with a Garden Dinner overlooking the lake.
Lashi Lake / Daju Village
Car Transfer: Lashi Lake to Daju Village via Tiger Leaping George
Drive approximately 85 km or 2 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge (1,800m). Thereafter, another 22 km / 45mins will bring you to Daju Village.
Tiger Leaping George & Daju Village
Hike at Tiger Leaping George and enjoy a tea break overlooking the mountain. At the village, you will visit a local Dongba Master and experience farm fruit picking.
Daju Village / Shangri-La
Car Transfer: Daju Village to Shangri-La
Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Shangri-La.
A Day as a Tibetan
Enjoy a Tibetan welcome ceremony and a Tibetan-style lunch. Visit Songtsamlin Monastery (VIP route), meet with living Buddha and experience Tibetan prayer flags making. Tonight’s dinner will be Tibetan Yak Meat Hot Pot.
Shangri-La
Finding Shangri-la
Head to Ringha Temple for a Tibetan morning blessing. Drive around Napa Lake, explore the Old Town of Dorkhar Zon, participate in optional Tibetan thangka painting. Sunset aperitivo will be set up overlooking the Shangri-La.
Shangri-La / Benzilan
Car Transfer: Shangri-La to Benzilan via Nyidhen Village
Drive approximately 75 km / 2 hours into the fabled land of Benzilan. You will enjoy a sightseeing at Nyidhen Village before transferring to Benzilan, where you will experience a Tibetan welcome ceremony.
Tibetan Forest Bathing
Visit Nyidhen Village (a Tibetan forest village with only 12 families), enjoy Tibetan Black Pottery Chicken Hotpot for lunch in the wild and a break at a pop-up Café LUX* in the mountains. You will enjoy a light hiking along the creek in the dense forest.
Note: The lunch will be arranged in a Tibetan house if you are visiting during the snowy season.
Benzilan
Kawagebo Chanting
Head to an outdoor temple for a Tibetan morning blessing ritual to the God of Wealth. Visit the Big Bend of the Yangtze River and enjoy lunch with a view of Meili mountain. You will also visit Dongzhulin Monastery in Benzilan. Conclude with a Garden Hotpot and BBQ dinner.
Departure from Benzilan
Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport
You will be transferred approx. 1.5 hours to Shangri-La airport or train station.
Hotels & Tour Price
Includes
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated on bed & breakfast basis
- Lijiang Sanyi Airport pick-up, drop off to Shangri-La airport.
- The first day of the trip includes dinner, the last day includes breakfast, and there maining days include three meals and soft drinks for dining.
- Travel and Transportation
- The fee of all experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- Exclusive discovery host (English Speaking) throughout the journey
- Unlimited LUX* Coffee during opening hour
- Travel insurance
Excludes
- International or domestic Airfare
- Lunches & dinners
- Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill & laundry
- Visa
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