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8-Day Shangri-La & Meili Snow Mountain Adventure

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IDEAL LENGTH

8 Days

BEST TIME TO GO

Sept - Oct

PRICE

From USD per person

Trip Overview

Discover the dramatic landscapes and rich Tibetan culture of Yunnan’s highlands on this eight-day adventure. Explore the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town, hike the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, and experience alpine tranquility at Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp. Immerse yourself in Tibetan heritage in Shangri-La, with scenic forest treks, traditional artisan workshops, visits to Tibetan monasteries, and hands-on cultural experiences including butter tea preparation and tsampa making. Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over Mt. Kawagebo in the Meili Snow Mountain range. This journey seamlessly blends ancient towns, dramatic gorges, alpine meadows, and highland vistas, offering an unforgettable adventure for nature and culture enthusiasts alike.

Price Includes

  • All mentioned activities, excluding the optional ones
  • Private transfer
  • 7 nights in handpicked 5-star accommodations
  • 7 breakfasts, 3 curated meals
  • Professional English-speaking guide

Itinerary

Day 1Lijiang – Arrival

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 your leisure time exploring the enchanting Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobbled streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and charming canals.

Accommodation: Overnight in Lijiang
Meals: None

Day 2Diqing Prefecture (Tiger Leaping Gorge)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing by private vehicle to Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Halfway Cliffside Platform and enjoy panoramic views over the Jinsha River and canyon walls. Embark on a light high-trail hike along the Upper Trail, a scenic route ideal for photography and nature appreciation. In the afternoon, continue to the Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp and enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea amidst tranquil alpine surroundings. In the evening, savor a traditional Tibetan-style yak meat hotpot.

Accommodation: Overnight in The Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3Diqing Prefecture (Haba Snow Mountain)

After breakfast at the camp, take a peaceful forest walk through the alpine woodlands nearby, reconnecting with nature. Continue to White-Water Terraces (Baishuitai), a natural limestone formation shaped by mineral-rich spring water and considered sacred in Dongba culture. Travel onward to Niru Village, a hidden Naxi settlement nestled in the mountains, preserving traditional architecture and authentic local life.

Accommodation: Overnight in Niru Village
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4Diqing Prefecture

Begin with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic hike to the Seven Color Waterfalls, known for their vibrant, multicolored cascades amid lush forests. Afterward, transfer to Shangri-La City, a gateway to Tibetan culture and stunning natural scenery. Visit the historic Dukezong Ancient City, one of the oldest Tibetan settlements in the region, and conclude the day with a traditional Tibetan Guozhuang Dance performance in the town square.

Accommodation: Overnight in Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5Diqing Prefecture (Pudacuo National Park)

After breakfast, explore Potatso National Park (Pudacuo National Park) with its pristine alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and rich biodiversity. Visit the majestic Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Proceed to Yila Grassland of Napa Lake to visit a local Tibetan family and enjoy authentic Tibetan butter tea, participating in its preparation. From November, activities may include horseback riding across meadows or visiting Shika Snow Mountain for alpine scenery.

Accommodation: Overnight in Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6Diqing Prefecture (Niding Village)

After breakfast, depart for Niding Village in the Benzilan area of Shangri-La. Begin a scenic forest trek to Duola Alpine Pasture, passing through highland forests and open meadows with sweeping mountain views. At the pasture, enjoy a curated wilderness barbecue lunch in a rustic alpine setting. After the experience, descend from the mountain and transfer to your hotel for a restful evening.

Accommodation: Overnight in Benzilan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7Diqing Prefecture (Meili Snow Mountain)

Start the morning with breakfast before visiting a local Tibetan artisan’s home. Participate in a traditional wood bowl crafting workshop with gold painting and coloring techniques, taste Tibetan butter tea, and learn to prepare tsampa. Sample homemade Tibetan grape wine. Continue to Dongzhu Lin Monastery (Ganden Döndrubling) in Deqen County, admiring Buddhist mandala artworks. Explore the First Bend of the Jinsha River, Baima Snow Mountain U-shaped Valley, and Feilai Temple near Meili Snow Mountain.

Accommodation: Overnight near Meili Snow Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8Diqing Prefecture – Departure

Rise early to witness the sunrise over Mt. Kawagebo, the highest peak of the Meili Snow Mountain range. After this natural spectacle, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic drive back to Shangri-La. Transfer to take a flight or high-speed train to your next destination, or return via Lijiang for onward travel.

Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

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