Northwest Yunnan: Tracing the Thousand-Year Footsteps
Customizable
Small Group Journeys
Suggested Length
6 days
€165 per person per day
Price From
Maximum group size 6 people
What We Love
This 6-day, 5-night journey through Northwest Yunnan takes you from Dali to Lijiang and Shangri-La, tracing the legendary Tea Horse Road where snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes, and ancient towns reveal centuries of history and culture. Along the way, you’ll encounter the vibrant traditions of the Bai, Naxi, and Tibetan peoples.
In Dali, cycle along the tranquil shores of Erhai Lake beneath the snowy peaks of Cangshan, then step into Xizhou to savour local flavours and try your hand at Bai tie-dye, an age-old craft. In Lijiang, stroll through cobbled lanes steeped in history, admire the timeless Baisha Murals, experience Dongba papermaking, and ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where glaciers and the turquoise waters of Blue Moon Valley offer breathtaking vistas.
Shangri-La reveals its splendour in striking contrasts: the thundering depths of Tiger Leaping Gorge, the golden rooftops of Songzanlin Monastery, and the vast wetlands of Napa Lake, dotted with yak herds and migratory birds. For those extending their adventure, Lugu Lake awaits—a hidden gem where the Moso people keep alive their unique matrilineal traditions and warm hospitality.
On this journey, you will cross ancient towns, snow-capped mountains, and serene lakes—embracing the grandeur of nature and the depth of human culture.
Explore Xizhou Ancient Town, taste traditional Bai cuisine, and join a hands-on tie-dye workshop, an intangible cultural heritage.
Stroll Dali Ancient Town, feeling the romance of “Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon” with views of Cangshan and Erhai.
Cycle around Erhai Lake, weaving through lakeside villages and rice fields, and pause at the scenic S-Bend for breathtaking lake views.
Visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River roars through the canyon.
Ride or walk at Napa Lake Grassland, enjoying plateau pastoral beauty.
Visit Songzanlin Monastery, immersed in Tibetan Buddhist solemnity.
Highlights of the Journey
Cycle along Erhai Lake, passing villages and rice fields with Cangshan Mountain as your backdrop.
Create your own Bai tie-dye artwork in a centuries-old courtyard workshop.
Experience Naxi papermaking, crafting sheets by hand from local plants.
Spin the giant prayer wheel in Shangri-La, feeling the solemn rhythm of Tibetan devotion.
Join a lively bonfire night in Lijiang Old Town, dancing and singing with locals.
Ride horseback across the wide Napa Lake grasslands, with herds of yak and sheep nearby.
Map & Itinerary
DAY 1:
Arrival in Dali
DAY 2:
Dai Traditions · Ancient Tea Forests of Jingmai
In the morning, visit a Dai family in Gasa Town. Learn the Elephant-Foot Drum dance as villagers share the rhythms of their heritage, filling the courtyard with energy and warmth.
In the afternoon, journey to Jingmai Mountain and explore Nuogan Ancient Village. Surrounded by ancient tea forests, wooden houses and bamboo fences blend seamlessly with centuries-old tea trees.
At dusk, sit down with a Blang family for a home-cooked dinner. Over steaming bowls of tea-infused dishes, hear stories of tea culture passed down for generations as the fire crackles nearby.
DAY 3:
Morning Mists · Blang Villages and the Tea Horse Road
Rise early and hike to the mountain ridges. As morning mists drift through the valleys, the scene feels like a “city in the clouds,” perfumed with the scent of wild tea.
Visit Wengji Ancient Village, where the Blang people uphold their belief in “cherishing tea as their eyes.” Wander among ancient tea groves and hear ancestral rituals that keep their traditions alive.
Share a traditional lunch inside a Blang wooden home, where laughter, conversation, and tea create a timeless atmosphere.
By evening, arrive in Pu’er. Take a leisurely walk through Tea Horse Ancient Town, where stone-paved streets and historic caravan trails still echo with the memory of jingling bells.
DAY 4:
The World of Pu’er Coffee · Secrets of the Forest
Begin the morning at a Pu’er coffee estate, following the entire journey of a single bean—from hand-picking to sun-drying, roasting, and brewing. End with a freshly ground cup, rich and aromatic, sipped under the forest sun.
In the afternoon, visit Pu’er Sun River National Forest Park, a sanctuary for rare wildlife. Spot the playful red panda, or perhaps glimpse a white rhinoceros or slow loris among the trees.
After nightfall, join a guided walk in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. Fireflies flicker like stars in the darkness, insects and birds create a rainforest symphony, and the night reveals the hidden mysteries of the jungle.
DAY 5:
Tropical Botanical Wonders · Farewell to Yunnan
Spend your final day exploring the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, home to an astonishing array of plants. See traveler’s palms storing water like desert oases, strangler figs entwined with their hosts, trumpet-shaped datura blossoms, and crimson-leaved cotinus.
Wander beneath towering buttress roots and giant lianas that hang like natural sky gardens.
As the journey ends, carry with you the memories of Dai hospitality, the fragrance of Blang tea, the aroma of Pu’er coffee, and the timeless rhythm of the rainforest.
Featured Stays
We’ve hand-selected a range of accommodations to suit different preferences, each offering a distinctive experience deeply connected to the local land and culture.
Guesthouse, Jingmai Mountain & Xishuangbanna
Perched high on the slopes of Jingmai Mountain, this guesthouse blends seamlessly with the surrounding ancient tea forests. Built in traditional wooden architecture, it reflects the simplicity and harmony of Bulang village life.
Evenings are often spent sharing stories around the fire, with the fragrance of freshly brewed tea lingering in the air. Waking up here means stepping out to the sight of mist drifting through centuries-old tea trees—a place where time slows down and nature sets the rhythm.
What’s Included:
Accommodation
Private driver and vehicle for the duration of the trip
All activities, experiences, and necessary equipment as outlined in the itinerary
12/7 online concierge service for assistance during your journey
Emergency rescue team on standby for safety and security
Virtual guided sightseeing explanations to enhance your cultural experience
Daily medication and oxygen supply to ensure your well-being at high altitudes
Entrance fees for all attractions listed in the itinerary
What’s Excluded:
Daily meals (We will recommend the best local restaurants based on your personal preferences)
On-site translator (Our 12/7 online guide service is available if language assistance is needed)
Additional emergency rescue expenses caused by personal circumstances
Trip Costs:
Starting from €165 per person per day
Based on boutique accommodation and a group of 4 travelers.
Room upgrades
Add €40 per room, per night for each upgrade level.
Send us an inquiry
Begin Your Unique Journey Through China.
