Best of Yunnan: A Bespoke Edit

Close your eyes and think of Yunnan. What do you see? Epic scenery? Ancient towns? Incredible food? Check, check and check – plus absolutely loads more. This single province is larger than many European countries and is famous for its incredibly diverse landscapes and peoples. Our week–long journey is full of surprises, makes use of excellent local boutique hotels and comes with a fully dedicated driver and expert guide, a sophisticated polyglot who has spent years exploring the region. You’ll start in Dali for some cultural context: this small city has a long history as a center of power and boasts perfectly-preserved architecture plus the chance to village-hop along the banks of Erhai Lake. Your next stop, Shaxi, is a sleepy former market town on the Tea Horse Caravan Road with buckets of rural charm. A surprisingly vibrant culinary scene here also highlights the excellent fresh ingredients available. Our final destination, Shangri-la, takes us to the fringes of Tibet where the imposing Songzanling Monastery offers the chance to chat with a senior monk and enjoy wild rambles through the area’s rugged scenery.

Day 1

Arrive in Dali, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon coffee to orientate you, go over the itinerary etc.

Day 2

Spend the day hopping around Erhai Lake, visiting the fascinating minority villages on its banks and several small temples.

Lunch at a local eatery on the lake serving fresh produce.

Returning to Dali in the afternoon to explore the old city and visit local artisanal workshops making copper and woodwork, and traditional and contemporary art.

Day 3

Today you can choose between visiting Dali’s surrounding Bai villages to understand the history of this once-important kingdom, bike from Dali to Xizhou to see its whimsical architecture, or hike Cangshan mountain.

You’ll also get the chance to visit Zhoucheng, see the local tie-dyeing in action and then try your hand at making your own without any tourists around!

Enjoy lunch at the Linden Center in Xizhou and, if time, pay a visit to local craftspeople in the area before returning to Dali.

Day 4

Leave the hotel early for breakfast at an off-the-beaten-path organic farm whose owners grow local their own vegetables and raise their own animals

Then you’ll drive to the beautiful market town of Shaxi, where time seems to have stood still. Visit the old theater, walk through the countryside and stroll through its dusty streets. If you wish you can also visit the impressive Shibaoshan Buddhist cave and surrounding ‘monkey mountain’ in the afternoon.

In the evening we’ll make a reservation for you at Hungry Buddha, one of the best, and most interesting, restaurants in the area.

Day 5

This morning you’ll set off on an epic four-hour journey to Shangri-La – but not before stopping off and hiking through Tiger Leaping Gorge (or, if you’re not keen on a longer day, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant nearby with incredible views instead).

This evening you’ll check into your hotel and we’ll set you up for dinner of traditional Tibetan hotpot.

Day 6

Now you’ve arrived in the fabled Shangri-La it’s time to explore its Tibetan side by visiting the Songzanling Monastery and getting the chance to chat to a senior lama in his living quarters to learn about his life.

This afternoon you’ll spend time in the old town of Dukezong exploring the yak wool workshops and more.

Our dinner suggestion? Flying Tiger! Named after the American volunteers of the 1940s Chinese airforce.

Day 7

The perfect last day spent exploring the countryside around Shangri-la, including the epic Pudaocuo National Park, stunning Napa Lake and more. You’ll hike, explore and interact with locals wherever possible with the help of your guide.

Day 8

Transfer to Shangri-La airport ready for your departure.

From CNY 18,900 per person based on 4 pax

Private Tour

8 Day Tour

Not included:Meals (except breakfast), gratuities, insurance, add ons/extras

When to go:Anytime before December

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

The moment you stand atop the pass overlooking Abudje lake - it's heart-stoppingly beautiful
The thrill of sitting down to a candlelit meal in a bell tent beneath the stars with no one - no one - else around. Just magical.
Knowing that you're following in the footsteps of the world's most intrepid. This is off the beaten path in the extreme
The numerous moments of gratitude and stillness. You'll be filled with wonder daily.

THE BESPOKE DIFFERENCE

Efficient, reliable and down-to-earth service at all stages of your trip
Only the most experienced guides and best accommodation hand picked for all of our tours
10 years of experience touring clients around China
Conde Nast Traveler China Specialists 2020

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Accommodation (incl. breakfast) in boutique hotels throughout
The same expert guide throughout your trip
All transportation and transfers

OUR HOTEL PICKS FOR THE PERFECT TRIP...

OASIS Dali

Sunyata Hotel Shaxi

ARRO KHAMPA