Day 1 – KUNMING

Arrival in Kunming, capital of Yunnan and starting point of this journey through one of China’s most spectacular provinces. Meet your English-speaking guide and driver, then transfer to the hotel. Free time to rest after the flight and gently acclimatise. Overnight in Kunming.

Day 2 – KUNMING – DALI

The morning begins with a peaceful walk through Green Lake Park, a true urban oasis where locals gather to dance, sing or practise tai chi. Continue to the majestic Stone Forest of Shilin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This extraordinary landscape consists of immense limestone pillars shaped by water and wind over more than 270 million years, creating an impressive and surreal mineral labyrinth. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Dali. Upon arrival, explore the old town, nestled at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains. Former capital of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, it charms visitors with its cobbled streets, traditional Bai architecture, grey-tiled roofs and bohemian atmosphere. Overnight in Dali.

Day 3 – DALI

Depart for Xizhou, a former trading town located around 20 kilometres from Dali. Stroll through the morning market, where locals in traditional clothing sell fruit, meat, spices, animals and everyday goods. Discover the Bai tea ceremony served in three courses and visit an elegant traditional house built around an inner courtyard. Continue to Zhoucheng, the largest Bai village in the region, renowned for its textile crafts. Observe local artisans at work and visit a workshop to discover the different stages of tie-dyeing, from dyeing to drying the fabrics. The afternoon is dedicated to a cruise on Erhai Lake. From the boat, enjoy panoramic views of the Cangshan Mountains and the villages lining this vast ear-shaped lake. A peaceful moment to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Overnight in Dali.

Day 4 – DALI – LIJIANG

After breakfast, travel to Lijiang. Upon arrival, visit Black Dragon Pool Park, located at the foot of Elephant Hill. This classical Chinese garden is famous for its iconic view of the elegant bridge set against the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, whose summit is reflected in the tranquil waters of the pond. Nearby, visit the Dongba Museum, dedicated to the culture of the Naxi people. Its collections introduce the Dongba script, considered the world’s last living pictographic writing system, as well as Naxi rituals, music and history. In the late afternoon, explore the old town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its narrow streets, canals and centuries-old stone bridges, discovering a lively town filled with shops, cafés and traditional houses. Overnight in Lijiang.

Day 5 – LIJIANG

Early departure for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. At the foot of the massif, attend the outdoor show Impression Lijiang, set against the spectacular natural backdrop of Ganhaizi and celebrating the cultures of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities. Take a cable car to Spruce Meadow, a pleasant high-altitude plateau ideal for walking, surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks. Continue to Blue Moon Valley, known for its turquoise rivers and lakes reflecting the mountains. The day continues in Baisha Village, famous for its remarkable murals showcasing the rich culture of the Naxi people. Final stop in the ancient town of Shuhe, whose narrow streets and old houses offer a quieter and more intimate atmosphere. Return to the hotel and overnight in Lijiang.

Day 6 – LIJIANG – SHANGRI-LA

Travel to the town of Shigu to admire the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the world’s third-longest river makes a spectacular V-shaped turn. This region is part of the Three Parallel Rivers Protected Areas of Yunnan. Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, nestled between the snow-capped Haba Mountain to the north and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the south. Stretching for around 16 kilometres, it is one of the deepest gorges in the world, with almost 3,900 metres of elevation difference between the turbulent waters of the Jinsha River and the surrounding peaks. Several Naxi villages are still located along the gorge. In the afternoon, continue to Shangri-La, a Tibetan town situated at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres. Gradually, the landscape and architecture change: barley fields, yaks, mountain villages and high peaks announce the arrival on the Tibetan Plateau. Settle in Dukezong, the former town of Zhongdian, where many Tibetan traditions are still preserved. Free time to explore the cobbled streets, discover local handicrafts and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this mountain town. Overnight in Shangri-La.

Day 7 – SHANGRI-LA

After a Tibetan-style breakfast, visit Songzanlin Monastery, sometimes referred to as the “Little Potala”. Founded in the 17th century and inspired by the Potala Palace in Lhasa, it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Its imposing golden roofs dominate the valley and accommodate a large community of monks. Meet a local family to discover the daily life of highland herders. Continue to Pudacuo National Park, also known as Potatso. Lakes, alpine meadows, forests and mountains create an exceptional natural environment renowned for its landscapes and biodiversity. Overnight in Shangri-La.

Day 8 – SHANGRI-LA – DEPARTURE

Enjoy a final Tibetan-style breakfast, with the opportunity to taste yak meat and stir-fried mushrooms. Depending on the flight schedule, free time for some shopping in the markets of Shangri-La: prayer flags, thangka paintings, traditional Khampa hats and local handicrafts. Transfer to Shangri-La Airport and end of the journey.