Yunnan Explorer
Did you know we can tailor any tour?
James Noyes
Senior Travel Consultant
020 7808 6786
Yunnan Explorer
Itinerary
Fly to Chengdu
(N)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals
Fly to Lijiang
Arrive in Chengdu and connect with a domestic flight to Lijiang. You will be met at the airport and transferred into Lijiang’s historical centre, once a staging post for travellers on the Tea Horse Road. Stay at the LUX* Hotel Lijiang for 3 nights. (N)
Lijiang
Take a guided tour of the historical centre, then drive out to Shuhe Ancient Town, a village north of Lijiang that was once home to members of the Naxi minority ethnic group. Visit the Mu Family Mansion, the former residence of Naxi chieftain, and wander the well-preserved cobbled streets to explore gardens, temples and museums. Optional evening Naxi music performance. (B)
Lijiang
Full-day tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, including a visit to Baisha village to see the Baisha Frescoes, a collection of murals depicting scenes from traditional village life and Tibetan Buddhist iconography. (B, L)
Zhongdian
Drive to north to Zhongdian, a city with a strong Tibetan influence due to its proximity to Tibet. Stop en route for views of the Tiger Leaping Gorge and the first bend of the Yangtze river at Shigu. Stay 2 nights at the Songtsam Retreat Hotel. (B, L)
Zhongdian
Morning tour of Songzanlin Tibetan monastery, which is modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa and has a delightful setting against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery. Afternoon visit to the Pudacuo National Park, home to a diverse array of karst features and beautiful landscapes. (B, L)
Benzilan
Drive north to Benzilan in the foothills of the Meili mountains. Stay 2 nights at the LUX* Tea Horse Road Hotel. Benzilan, set on the ancient Tea Horse Road trade route, has preserved its authenticity and opens an extraordinary window onto Tibetan culture.
Benzilan
Spend the following day walking scenic mountain trails overlooking the Yangtze river, trying local produce or visiting the lamasery of Dongzhulin. (B)
Fly to Chengdu
Drive to Diqing Shangri-La airport near Zhongdian and fly to Chengdu. Transfer into the city centre and overnight at the Buddha Zen Hotel, a traditional courtyard-style building near the Wenshu monastery. (B)
Fly home
Transfer to the airport and fly home*. (B)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- Striking scenery at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Discover Naxi history in Lijiang & Shuhe Ancient Town
- Visit the mountain town of Zhongdian & tour the Songzanlin Tibetan monastery
What's included
- International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
- UK departure and overseas airport taxes
- Accommodation, itinerary & meal basis as described
- Local Transfers in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle
- The support (if required) of an English speaking local representative
- Local guides and entrance fees where applicable
Important information
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