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Home > Yunnan & Sichuan > 9 DAYS HIDDEN CHARMS OF NORTHERN YUNNAN

9 DAYS HIDDEN CHARMS OF NORTHERN YUNNAN

Lijiang, Benzilan, Meili, Shangri-La

Outdoor & Adventure, History & Culture

Highlights

  • Discover the fabled land of Shangri-La, themed as Heaven on Earth
  • Traverse outskirt ancient villages away from crowd outside Lijiang
  • Venture into Meili Snow Mountain and sunrise at Kawagebo peak
  • Sample 6 award-winning all-natural Shangri-La craft beers
  • Optional extension for off-the-beaten glamping hike into Abudje Lake

Discover both the legendary icons and lesser-known charms of Yunnan. Stroll across the quaint roofed houses of Lijiang and the undulating beauty of Shangri-La town, hike across the iconic Tiger Leaping Gorge and marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Meili.

This trip is designed to get beneath the surface, exploring lesser-visited villages where you can witness the locals knead and fire black potteries, make Tibetan wooden bowl painting and incense sticks.

For the adventurous, we can also offer premium glamping experience where you can truly get away from it all into the sacred Abudje Lake.

From

SGD 4,385 Per Person

9 Days 8 Nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN LIJIANG

Lijiang
N.A

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival in Lijiang (2,400m), you will transferred to your accommodation.

Day 02 LIJIANG

Lijiang
N.A.

Into the Minority Naxi Villages

Let us whisk you off the tourist trail into the Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe is one of the earliest habitation of the Naxi ancestors and an important post of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Continue to Baisha Old Town to admire its Ming Dynasty-era architectures and the well-known Baisha Frescoes in Dabaoji Palace.

If time permits, you will also visit Yuhu Village, where Austrian-American botanist and explorer Joseph F. Rock once lived and introduced the local culture of Lijiang into the western world. We will visit Joseph F. Rock’s former residence, as well as the stone and wooden houses of local Naxi people.

Orientation Walk & Black Dragon Pond

Bordering Tibet, the small town of Lijiang offers spectacular mountain backdrop. Depending on where you stay, we will arrange either Lijiang or Dayan orientation walk. You will walk the lovely alleyways and learn about the local culture. You will also visit the Black Dragon Pond at the foot of the Elephant Hill.

Day 03 LIJIANG

Lijiang
N.A

Jade Snow Mountain & Countryside Walk

Today, you will ascend by cable car into the Jade Snow Mountain to visit the Yak Meadow. Enjoy a lovely countryside walk starting from Yu Hu Village, former home of American naturalist and explorer Joseph Rock. Alternatively, if time permits, we can also arrange a walk to the Spruce Meadow (3,240 metres).

Impressions of Lijiang

Conclude the day with a fantastic Impressions of Lijiang performance.

Day 04 LIJIANG / TIGER LEAPING GORGE / BENZILAN

Benzilan
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Lijiang to Benzilan via Tiger Leaping George

Leaving Lijiang, you will drive approximately 85 km or 1.5 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge (1,800m). Thereafter, another 50 km or 1 hour will bring you to Benzilan (2,020m).

Tiger Leaping George with Nixi Tangdui Hike

In Tiger Leaping George, you will make a stop at The First Bund of the Yangtze River. Embark on a short hike of the momentous river canyon before continuing approximately 150 km or 3 hours to Nixi Tangdui Black Pottery Village, where you can observe the locals knead and fire black clays, as well as an opportunity to DIY your own pottery!

Day 05 BENZILAN / MEILI

Meili
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Benzilan to Meili

You will be driven approximately 80 km or 1.5 hours to Meili (3,600m) with stops along the way.

Prayers of Benzilan

Start the morning at a white pagoda where the local elderlies pray before continuing to Dongzhulin Monastery to admire the gilded Maitreya Buddha, the White Drolma statue and the Buddhas of Three Worlds.

Hands-On at a Cultural Village

A cultural afternoon follows with an option of either visiting Gonjo village to learn the arts of Tibetan wooden bowl painting, or Shiyi to witness the traditional making of Tibetan incense sticks.

Great Bend of Jinsha River

We will make a stop at a scenic spot to view the Great Bend of Jinsha River. The river flows through a steep valley forming a U-shaped bend.

Day 06 MEILI

Meili
Breakfast included

A Scenic Day in Meili

Rise early for a morning sunrise at Kawagebo. Thereafter, you will visit Feilai Temple to appreciate the scenic the scenic mountains. Afterwards, we will drive to Kala Mountain for a 2-hour hike to Mingyong Glaciers (2,600m).

Day 07 MEILI / SHANGRI-LA

Shangri-La
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Meili to Shangri-La

After a leisure morning, you will be transferred approximately 160 km / 3 hours into the fabled land of Shangri-La (3,460m).

Day 08 SHANGRI-LA

Shangri-La
Breakfast included

The Fabled Land of Shangri-La

Start your tour with a visit the famous Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. You will also make a stop at Dukezong ancient town or the award-winning Shangri-La Highland Craft Brewto sample 6 distinctive all-natural Shangri-La beers.

Day 09 DEPARTURE FROM SHANGRI-LA

N.A.
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport via Potatso National Park

Escape to the wilderness of Potatso National Park before transferring to the airport for your onwards journey.

OPTIONAL TRIP EXTENSION

5 DAYS SACRED CARAVAN HIKE TO ABUDJE LAKE (MID MARCH - NOV ONLY)

Discover the true face of Shangri-La as we embark into the wilderness, passing through jutting mountain passes of over 4,000 metres, all while you are accommodated in an elegant glamping tent. Hiking arrangement is on shared basis and special request for exclusive private hike can be arranged at extra cost.

Day 01 SHANGRI-LA / MONK GRASSLAND

SHANGRI-LA / MONK GRASSLAND
Glamping
Breakfast & Dinner included
Ringha Valley Hike
Depart early afternoon to Zuomogu village, where you will begin your 3h/8km hike. Traverse through the Ringha valley until the first pass at 3,790m with a captivating view of Mount Sikha. Thereafter, you will continue to the Monk Grassland (3,690m) where you will rest for the night.

Day 02 MONK GRASSLAND / MUET GRASSLAND

MONK GRASSLAND / MUET GRASSLAND
Glamping
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Into the Mountain Passes
Today, we will hike 6h/15km through larch, fir and rhododendron forests. The journey will pass through two mountain passes around 3,900m, where you will marvel at the views of Yading Range and Abudje Mountains peaks before camping at Muet Grassland (3,750m).

Day 03 MUET GRASSLAND / ABUDJE LAKE / MUET GRASSLAND

MUET GRASSLAND / ABUDJE LAKE / MUET GRASSLAND
Glamping
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Abudje Lake
Today’s 8h/22km loop will bring us through two major passes above 4,000m. After picnic on the banks of a forest lake, you will arrive in the majestic Lake Abudje around 3pm before returning back to your camp.

Day 04 MUET GRASSLAND / SHANGRI-LA

MUET GRASSLAND / SHANGRI-LA
Shangri-La
Breakfast & Lunch included

Back to the Fabled Land of Shangri-La
Today, you will descend 7h/18km through a 3,905m mountain pass and the Ringha Valley pastures, followed by a delicious picnic lunch at a pine tree forest. Thereafter, you will be transferred to your hotel to rest.

Day 05 DEPARTURE FROM SHANGRI-LA

DEPARTURE FROM SHANGRI-LA
Nil
Breakfast included

Enjoy free time before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

 

Hotels & Tour Price

Category 1

Indicative Cost Per Person (SGD)

Minimum 2 Pax S$ 5,785
Minimum 4 Pax S$ 4,385
Single Supplement S$ 1,580

Jinmao Hotel Lijiang, Songtsam Lodge Benzilan, Songtsam Lodge Meili, Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City

Lijiang

Lijiang

Jinmao Hotel Lijiang, Unbound Collection

An exquisite contemporary stay with a dash of traditional architecture and fantastic backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

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Benzilan

Benzilan

Songtsam Lodge Benzilan

Inspired by authentic white-walled Tibetan homes, this retreat is nestled at green valley by the Yangtze River. The lodge looks into the view of a hilltop prayer house and the valley opens up to a starry night accompanied by serene stream and cow bells sound.

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Meili

Meili

Songtsam Lodge Meili

Comfortable retreat at the Tibetan settlement of Gujiunong with every window facing a blessed view of Mt. Kawagarbo flickering in the clouds.

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Shangri-La

Shangri-La

Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City

Seated atop the commanding heights of Dukezong Ancient Town, the décor of the 99 Moonlight City guest rooms and suites are inspired by the Tibetan cultures and are designed to offer a sense of modern sanctuary, with panoramic views. (Opened: 2021; Rooms: 99)

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Category 2

Indicative Cost Per Person (SGD)

Minimum 2 Pax S$ 7,995
Minimum 4 Pax S$ 6,785
Single Supplement S$ 3,060

Amandayan Lijiang, Songtsam Lodge Benzilan, Songtsam Lodge Meili, Hidden Valley Resort

Lijiang

Lijiang

Amandayan

Blending elegant Chinese fabrics,Yunnan pine and Dong Bei elm, each suite offers gracious courtyard or a terrace overlooking the quaint Lijiang rooftops, Lion Hill or the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

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Benzilan

Benzilan

Songtsam Lodge Benzilan

Inspired by authentic white-walled Tibetan homes, this retreat is nestled at green valley by the Yangtze River. The lodge looks into the view of a hilltop prayer house and the valley opens up to a starry night accompanied by serene stream and cow bells sound.

View More
Meili

Meili

Songtsam Lodge Meili

Comfortable retreat at the Tibetan settlement of Gujiunong with every window facing a blessed view of Mt. Kawagarbo flickering in the clouds.

View More
Shangri-La

Shangri-La

Hidden Valley Resort

Set at a serene valey between the reclining Buddha Mountains and lush forests, this boutique Tibetan residence and glamping tent offers farm-to-table dinner and a range of cultural immersions.

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OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS - 5 DAYS SACRED CARAVAN HIKE TO ABUDJE LAKE

Indicative Cost Per Person (SGD)

Per Pax S$ 5,285
Caravane Liotard, Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City
Category 1

Category 1

Glamping: Caravane Liotard (Caravan Light)

Inspired by French writer Constantin de Slizewicz and the ancient Tea Horse Road legacy, choose from a selection of mobile glamping experience through the mystical Yunnan gems away from the beaten crowd.

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Category 1

Category 1

Shangri-La: Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City

Seated atop the commanding heights of Dukezong Ancient Town, the décor of the 99 Moonlight City guest rooms and suites are inspired by the Tibetan cultures and are designed to offer a sense of modern sanctuary, with panoramic views. (Opened: 2021; Rooms: 99)

View More

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS - 5 DAYS SACRED CARAVAN HIKE TO ABUDJE LAKE

Indicative Cost Per Person (SGD)

Per Pax S$ 5,585

Caravane Liotard, Hidden Valley Resort

Category 2

Category 2

Glamping: Caravane Liotard (Caravan Premium)

Inspired by French writer Constantin de Slizewicz and the ancient Tea Horse Road legacy, choose from a selection of mobile glamping experience through the mystical Yunnan gems away from the beaten crowd.

View More
Category 2

Category 2

Shangri-La: Hidden Valley Resort

Set at a serene valley between the reclining Buddha Mountains and lush forests, this boutique Tibetan residence and glamping tent offers farm-to-table dinner and a range of cultural immersions. (Opened: 2014; Rooms: 11)

View More

COST INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated on bed & breakfast basis
  • All transportation & transfer on an air-conditioned minivan
  • Local English-speaking expert guide in each city
  • All entrance fees in sights stated

COST EXCLUDES:

  • International or domestic Airfare
  • Lunches & dinners
  • Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill & laundry
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance

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Kindly call us at (65) 6219 1359 if you require any immediate assistance.

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