Private, tailor-made journey
Highland Landscapes · Local Cultures
11–13 days
Kunming → Dali → Shaxi → Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La
Summary
Follow Yunnan’s markets, lakeside villages and mountain paths into the highlands.
Overview
Explore Yunnan through changing landscapes and the communities that give each place its character. Begin with local markets and regional food in Kunming, slow down beside Erhai Lake and follow the traces of the Tea Horse Road through Shaxi. Continue through Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge before reaching Shangri-La, where monasteries, grasslands and village experiences introduce the highlands.
Highlights
Taste Yunnan cuisine and explore local markets in Kunming.
Cycle beside Erhai Lake and discover Bai villages around Dali.
Spend time in Shaxi’s old market square and village lanes.
Explore Lijiang’s Old Town, Naxi culture and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Walk among the mountain landscapes of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Discover Songzanlin Monastery, Tibetan villages and the grasslands around Shangri-La.
Itinerary
Kunming
Ease into the journey through food markets and Yunnan cuisine. This first stop offers time to get to know the region’s flavours before you continue towards its lakes and mountains.
Experiences to consider: Local markets, Yunnan cuisine.
Suggested stay: A central lifestyle hotel or a boutique hotel.
Dali
Explore beside Erhai Lake, with time for cycling, local markets and Bai villages. Cangshan and the surrounding countryside add mountain scenery to a relaxed lakeside stay.
Experiences to consider: Erhai cycling, Bai villages, Cangshan, local markets.
Suggested stay: A boutique courtyard hotel or a hotel overlooking Erhai Lake.
Shaxi
Settle into the rhythm of an old trading town associated with the Tea Horse Road. Village walks and the ancient market square offer a quieter way to experience this part of Yunnan.
Experiences to consider: Ancient market square, Tea Horse Road heritage, village walks.
Suggested stay: A restored heritage guesthouse.
Lijiang
Explore old lanes and Naxi culture, with mountain scenery close by. Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provide contrasting perspectives on the region.
Experiences to consider: Lijiang Old Town, Naxi culture, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Suggested stay: A boutique Naxi courtyard hotel.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Follow trails and viewpoints through a dramatic mountain setting. Village stops and a guesthouse stay make room to experience the landscape along the way.
Experiences to consider: Gorge hiking, mountain viewpoints, village stops.
Suggested stay: A scenic mountain guesthouse.
Shangri-La
Finish among highland landscapes, monasteries and Tibetan communities. Explore Songzanlin Monastery, visit villages and grasslands, and make time for a local family experience.
Experiences to consider: Songzanlin Monastery, Tibetan villages, grasslands, local family experience.
Suggested stay: A Tibetan-inspired boutique hotel or a luxury mountain lodge.
