China’s Yunnan Province is widely regarded as the country’s most culturally diverse and scenically spectacular region. Sharing a common border with Vietnam, Laos and Burma, Yunnan is home to a multitude of fascinating minority groups, each with their own distinct characteristics. The origins of these people are as varied as their languages and costumes. Many migrated from the mountains of Tibet, whilst others came from the Muslim regions along the ancient ‘Silk Route’.
The scenery also changes dramatically across the province from the dry, windswept plains of the Tibetan plateau to the spectacular gorges surrounding the early stages of the Yangtze River.
This is a superb ten-day adventure that introduces many of the highlights of an amazing region, including a memorable walk through Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Fri) Arrive in Kunming and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
Walking tour of Kunming. Bus to Dali. |
| Day 3 |
Free time. Optional chairlift up to Cangshan Mountains or boat ride on Erhai Lake. |
| Day 4 |
Morning in Dali. Bus to Lijiang. |
| Day 5 |
Free time to walk around Old Town, Black Dragon Pool Park or Lion Hill. |
| Day 6 |
Bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Half-day walk. |
| Days 7-8 |
Half-day walk. Short walk out and bus to Tibetan-influenced Zhongdian. |
| Day 9 |
Tour to Songzanlin Monastery, surrounding valley and visit Tibetan family. |
| Day 10 |
Fly to Kunming, where trip ends (Sun). |