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Yunnan Province is widely regarded as the country’s most diversified ethnic cultures and sensationally spectacular area in China. Yunnan is the home to more than 52 ethnic groups, including the Bai, Naxi, Yi, Tibetan and other groups. Dali is the birthplace of Bai people who are well-known for their craftsmanship and literature. Lijiang, listed as the world cultural heritage, was the communication harbour of the ancient Tea-horse Road. We start our trip in Kunming and go further to the heart of Yunnan, where you meet many different minority ethnic groups, including Bai people in Dali, Naxi people in Lijiang, and Tibetan people in Shangri-La (Zhongdian). We travel by bus in Yunnan, and it’s a good opportunity to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views of areas featuring spectacular scenery. Walking on the old streets of Dali and Lijiang, you will be feasted by the local ethnic cultures. The superb trekking in Tiger Leaping Gorge will be an unforgettable experience in your life.

Day 1 Kunming
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Kunming. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-tour briefing with your tour leader late in the afternoon. Kunming is a vibrant and bustling city, with a flourishing Muslim area, exciting markets, interesting temples and a strong ethnic minority influence. A walking tour will take in the more interesting sites of Kunming, including watching the locals practising Taichi in the morning in People’s Square, and a meander through the bird and flower market, leaving some time for you to make your own explorations.

Day 2-3 Lijiang
We travel by local bus to start our spectacular journey to the beautiful Old Lijiang (approximately 9 hours). On the way we will see the towering mountains, alpine passes and tobacco field beneath the clear blue sky. Lijiang, former capital of the famed Naxi Kingdom, is listed as the world cultural heritage. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, narrow canals and decorative wooden houses, a wonderful place to wander around and imagine being in a bygone era. In the evening, you have the opportunity to witness a performance of the local Naxi orchestra, a unique and entertaining musical experience (please check schedules in Lijiang to see if the show is on during your visit).

Days 4-5 Tiger Leaping Gorge
On the morning of day 4 we travel by bus (approximately 2 hours) to Qiaotou, the starting point for our trek through the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the deepest gorges in the world. The entire gorge is 16km long but rises up to 3900m above the waters of the Yangtze. Over the next three days we embark on some exercise, as we hike along scenic trails, overlooking the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (known here as the Jinsha River). The river thunders through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is in turn framed by 5,000-metre-high snow-capped mountains.

The walking in the gorge is serious going – expect to walk 4-8 hours each day. The reward, however, is great – simply stunning views! There is no hurry so we take our time and stop to talk with the local villagers en route. The accommodation is quite basic, as we are visiting a remote area that is only frequented by adventurous travellers. Some people may choose to bring a sleeping sheet, although this is not essential. It is necessary to bring warm clothing, especially for the evenings, and, in general, for the cooler months. The degree of difficulty on the particular trail that we take will vary greatly, depending on the time of year. Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, our trekking route can vary greatly. Our tour leader may not be able to advise us of the actual itinerary until the last minute.

Days 6-7 Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
In the morning of Day 6 we catch the bus to Shangri-La, the town of distinct Tibetan people. The two-story local farmhouses, the hot yak butter tea and Tibetan religion are all different from what you’ve been to. If lucky we might see the yaks wandering on the road leisurely. Due to Shangri-La’s high altitude (3,200 metres), it is advisable to bring warm clothing. (Please note that sometimes due to bad road conditions caused by poor weather, it may not be possible to travel to Shangri-La. If that is the case, additional time may be spent in Lijiang). The highlight of Shangri-La is a visit to the Songzanlin Monastery, one of the top 13 monasteries of Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Lamaism and once again a place of homage for Tibetan Lamaism. You have the option of hiring bikes and exploring the local countryside and traditional life that the farmers lead.

Days 8-9 Dali
On Day 8, we travel by bus to Dali, (approximately 6 hours), a wonderful lakeside town. Dali is one of the favourite places for travellers in China. To the east is Erhai Lake, to the west is Cangshan Mountain, the old town is located at the very centre of the valley. The town's cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses and laid-back charm make it a wonderful place to relax. Dali is home to the proud Bai people, a traditional minority tribe renowned throughout China for their craftsmanship and literature. There is much to explore in our free days in Dali. There is a chance to go boating on Er Hai Lake and travel across to the village of Wase, or spend a day catching a chairlift up and hiking in the mountains behind Dali (stopping at the occasional monastery along the way). We can also cycle to nearby villages to visit the traditional Bai courtyard or just stroll around town.

Days 10-11 Kunming
On Day 10 we leave Dali this morning and catch the bus back to Kunming (6 hours). Our adventure ends this morning on Day 11 in Kunming. Checkout time is usually around 12 Noon; however you are free to leave at any time in the morning. Additional accommodation can be arranged on request.