Yunnan Explorer

- 8 Days

China Tours - great for history

Tour Highlights

  • See the spectacular mountains near the shores of Erhai Lake
  • Visit thepeaceful, forested Tibetan Yufeng Monastery
  • Witness the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • Catch the famous Three Pagodas

Yunnan Province is unique in China for its combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity and quaint old towns. Our Yunnan Explorer is a wonderful journey into the heart of the legendary Shangri La kingdom. Spectacular mountain landscapes, colourful Tibetan towns, ethnic minorities and traditional life await you as you step back into the China of old.

Included: 7 night tour with accommodation and breakfast, all road transport by modern air-conditioned vehicles, flights within China, English speaking guide and transfers if arriving and departing on day of tour. Entrance fees of approx. US35 to pay locally. Average level of fitness is required.

Not Included: International flights. For additional expenses see trip details.

Accommodation: Golden Dragon Hotel - Kunming. Asian Star Hotel - Dali. Grand Lijiang Hotel - Lijiang. Gyalthang Dzong Hotel - Zhongdian.

Th monasteries we visited were so peaceful. We really felt like we were seeing a whole other side to China.

Mr S. Richardson

Prices:

Please call for 2009 prices.

Prices based on twinshare.

Full Tour Itinerary

Day 1-2: Kunming & Dali

Begin your journey into the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan via the capital city, Kunming. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a tour briefing and welcome drinks where you will get to know your tour leader. Early the next morning we fly to Dali, an ancient town set amongst spectacular mountains near the shores of Erhai Lake. We visit the Three Pagodas and take a stroll through the streets of the old town.
Stay 1 night: Golden Dragon Hotel, Kunming
Stay 1 night: Asian Star Hotel, Dali

Day 3-4: Lijiang

We drive to Lijiang and spend time exploring this enchanting town with its rich Naxi minority culture and maze of winding cobbled streets. We visit Lion Hill, the Museum of Naxi Culture and the mountain home of the eccentric botanist Joseph Rock. Outside Lijiang, we explore some classic Chinese villages and take a trip to the peaceful, forested Tibetan Yufeng Monastery. Stay 2 nights: Grand Lijiang Hotel

Day 5-6: Tiger Leaping Gorge & Zhongdian

From Lijiang, we travel north by road into the mountains and visit the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge where the mighty Yangtze has carved one of the world’s deepest chasms. We continue overland to Zhongdian, a town set high in the mountains on the remote Tibetan frontier. We spend some time exploring the backstreets of this fascinating town and the mysterious prayer halls and temples of its famous 300 year old Songzanlin Monastery.
Stay 2 nights: Gyalthang Dzong Hotel

Day 7-8: Kunming

From Zhongdian, it’s back to Kunming where we have time to visit the interesting Museum of Minority Nationalities and take a stroll around Green Lake before our farewell dinner. On day 8 your journey concludes with your airport transfer.
Stay 1 night: Golden Dragon Hotel