8 days in Yunnan

8 days in Yunnan

Stone Forests to Tibetan Temples

About the Trip

Embark on an 8-day adventure through Yunnan, a land where nature, culture, and spirituality converge. From Kunming’s surreal Stone Forest to the tranquil waters of Erhai Lake and the charming ancient towns of Dali and Lijiang, each day offers a unique cultural encounter. Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, explore sacred Tibetan monasteries in Shangri-La, and marvel at the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge. Meet locals, taste regional flavors, and step into the rhythm of minority life. This journey is a harmonious blend of breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and unforgettable moments.

Trip Highlights

Marvel at the Naigu Stone Forest’s dramatic karst formations
Experience authentic Bai culture in Xizhou Village
Bike along the scenic Erhai Lake with views of Cangshan Mountain
Ride a cable car to Glacier Park on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Learn to make traditional Naxi baba and meet a real Dongba shaman
Walk the edge of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons

The Itinerary

DAY 1 – Welcome to Kunming

Arrive in Kunming and meet your friendly local guide and driver. You'll be transferred in comfort to your hotel, where you can relax after your journey.

Activities:

Meet local guide and driver

Activities:

DAY 2 – Kunming | Naigu Stone Forest & City Culture

Begin the day exploring the peaceful Naigu Stone Forest, filled with towering limestone formations. Visit the ancient Yuantong Temple to experience local Buddhist heritage, then enjoy the serenity and charm of Green Lake Park, where locals dance in colorful attire.

Activities:

Naigu Stone Forest visit

Yuantong Temple Buddhist heritage tour

Green Lake Park stroll and local dance observation

DAY 3 – Kunming to Dali | Bai Culture & Lakeside Leisure

Ride the bullet train to Dali, where your guide awaits. Discover Bai culture in Xizhou Village, then enjoy a scenic bike ride along Erhai Lake. Wander the historic streets and temples of Dali Ancient Town.

Activities:

Bullet train ride to Dali

Xizhou Village Bai culture exploration

Erhai Lake bike ride

Dali Ancient Town walk and temple visits

DAY 4 – Dali to Lijiang | Ancient Town & Black Dragon Pool

Travel to Lijiang with a private transfer. Visit tranquil Black Dragon Pool Park, then stroll through the cobbled lanes of UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient Town. Climb Lion Hill for panoramic views.

Activities:

Black Dragon Pool Park visit

Lijiang Ancient Town stroll

Lion Hill panoramic climb

DAY 5 – Lijiang | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Naxi Culture

Take a cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to Glacier Park. Visit the vivid Blue Moon Valley, make Naxi baba with locals, admire the ancient Baisha Murals, and meet a Dongba shaman to learn about Naxi spiritual life.

Activities:

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car ride

Glacier Park exploration

Blue Moon Valley visit

Naxi baba making experience

Baisha Murals appreciation

Dongba shaman encounter and spiritual insights

DAY 6 – Lijiang to Shangri-La | Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure

Drive to Shangri-La, stopping to take in the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge. Watch the Jinsha River surge through its narrow pass. After lunch, ascend to Shangri-La and check in at your hotel to rest and acclimate.

Activities:

Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic stop

Jinsha River viewing

Lunch en route

Shangri-La arrival and hotel check-in

Altitude acclimatization rest

DAY 7 – Shangri-La | Tibetan Monastery & Alpine Wilderness

Visit the grand Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan’s largest Tibetan monastery. Chat with monks and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. Later, explore the pristine Pudacuo National Park with its alpine lakes and rare flora.

Activities:

Songzanlin Monastery visit

Monk interaction and Buddhism insights

Pudacuo National Park exploration

Alpine lake and flora walk

DAY 8 – Shangri-La Departure | Dukezong Farewell

Enjoy a relaxing morning exploring Dukezong Ancient Town before a private transfer to the airport or train station for your departure.

Activities:

Dukezong Ancient Town stroll

Trip Include

Airport/train station pickup and drop-off with a professional driver.
Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides throughout the tour.
All your activities, hotels, and meals are planned out just as shown in the itinerary.
Private air-conditioned vehicle for all scheduled sightseeing.

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