
Experience the stunning landscapes and rich Tibetan culture of Yunnan’s highlands. In Lijiang, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, hike the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, and camp with spectacular views at Haba Snow Mountain. In Shangri-La, immerse yourself in Tibetan culture with scenic forest treks, traditional artisan workshops, and gourmet outdoor dining. Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over Mt. Kawagebo. This journey takes you through dramatic gorges, ancient towns, and some of the region’s most stunning highland vistas.
Trip Overview




Price Includes
All mentioned activities, excluding the optional ones
Private transfers
7 nights in handpicked 5-star accommodations
7 breakfasts & 3 Curated dinning experience
Professional English-speaking guide
Highlights
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, your professional English-speaking guide will greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. After check-in and a brief rest, enjoy leisure time exploring the enchanting Old Town of Lijiang (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), renowned for its cobbled streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and charming canals.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Lijiang
Meals: No
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing by private vehicle to Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world (approximately 2-hour drive). Upon arrival, visit the iconic Halfway Cliffside Platform, where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee with panoramic views over the Jinsha River and dramatic canyon walls. Embark on a light high-trail hike (approximately 3 km round trip) along the Upper Trail, a peaceful and scenic route ideal for photography and nature appreciation. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp (approximately 1-hour drive). Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea and immerse yourself in the tranquil alpine surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tibetan-style yak meat hotpot, offering an authentic taste of the region’s highland cuisine in a serene alpine setting.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast & curated local cuisine
After breakfast at Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp, enjoy a peaceful forest walk through the alpine woodlands near the camp, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the serenity of Yunnan’s highlands. Continue your journey to White-Water Terraces (Baishuitai), a remarkable natural limestone formation shaped by mineral-rich spring water and considered sacred in Dongba culture. Then travel onward to Niru Village, a hidden Naxi settlement nestled in the mountains. This quiet village preserves traditional architecture and an authentic way of life rarely seen by outsiders. It is an ideal stop for cultural immersion and scenic exploration.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Niru Village
Meals: Breakfast
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic hike to the Seven Color Waterfalls, renowned for their vibrant, multicolored cascades set amidst lush forest landscapes. After the hike, enjoy a private transfer to Shangri-La City (approximately 3-hour drive), a gateway to Tibetan culture and stunning natural beauty. Upon arrival, visit the historic Dukezong Ancient City, one of the oldest Tibetan settlements in the region. Conclude the day by experiencing an authentic cultural performance of the traditional Tibetan Guozhuang Dance in the ancient town square, where locals and visitors gather to celebrate and participate in this communal circle dance.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Potatso National Park (Pudacuo National Park), famed for its pristine alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and rich biodiversity. Then explore the majestic Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Continue to Yila Grassland of Napa Lake to visit a local Tibetan family and enjoy authentic Tibetan Butter Tea, including a hands-on opportunity to participate in its preparation (approximately 40 minutes).
Note: From November, Pudacuo activities will change to horseback riding across meadows, forests, pastures, or ancient trails. An additional charge of USD 5 per person applies for this activity. Alternatively, guests may opt to visit Shika Snow Mountain for alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Niding Village in the Benzilan area of Shangri-La. From this peaceful Tibetan village, embark on a scenic forest trek to the remote and beautiful Duola Alpine Pasture (approximately 3 km, 1.5 hours). The trail passes through pristine highland forests and open meadows, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to encounter seasonal wildflowers and grazing livestock. Upon reaching the pasture, indulge in a curated wilderness barbecue lunch in a rustic yet luxurious setting, surrounded by alpine tranquility. After the experience, descend from the mountain and transfer to your hotel for a restful evening.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Benzilan
Meals: Breakfast & a curated lunch
Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel, followed by an immersive cultural visit to a local Tibetan artisan’s home. Participate in a traditional wood bowl crafting workshop, including intricate gold painting and coloring techniques. Enjoy tasting authentic Tibetan butter tea and learn to prepare the staple Tibetan food, tsampa. Conclude the experience with a sampling of homemade Tibetan grape wine (duration: approximately 1.5 hours).
Afterward, proceed to the Dongzhu Lin Monastery (Ganden Döndrubling) in Deqen County, Diqing Prefecture, a significant Tibetan Buddhist temple, where you will admire exquisite Buddhist mandala artworks. Continue to the spectacular First Bend of the Jinsha River, followed by a visit to the Baima Snow Mountain U-shaped Valley and the renowned Feilai Temple near Meili Snow Mountain.
Accommodation: Overnight stay near Meili Snow Mountain
Meals: Breakfast & a curated lunch
Rise early to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Kawagebo, the highest peak of the Meili Snow Mountain range, renowned for its breathtaking golden light that illuminates the summit. After this unforgettable natural spectacle, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic drive back to Shangri-La (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival in Shangri-La City, take a flight or high-speed train to your next destination, concluding your journey. Alternatively, guests may choose to return via Lijiang with an approximate 2-hour transfer by car, where onward flights or trains are also available.
Accommodation: No
Meals: Breakfast

Why China Vistas
Trusted Experts
28 years of making China travel easy, safe, and unforgettable.
Tailored Just For You
Every trip starts with your needs and adapts to your pace.
Great Value
Top quality, fair prices. No hidden costs—just real experiences.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |