The South Forgotten Lands

Day 1 : Arrival Kunming

Start this 11-day adventure discovering forgotten landscapes in the laidback city of Kunming in southern Yunnan province.

Upon arrival at the airport, we transfer to the hotel to check-in with the rest of the day at leisure. The capital of Yunnan province is known as ‘the city of eternal spring’ because of its pleasant yearround climate. It dates back over 2,400 years. In contemporary times Kunming remains an important economic and political metropolis.

Leisure exploration opportunities include bridges and pavilions in Cui Hu Park created in the 17th century. The city is also a focal point of ethnic culture. Twenty-six minorities such as the Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai and Hani reside in this location. Relax and settle into your new surroundings ahead of a new day of inspired exploration.

Overnight in Kunming Cachet Boutique Hotel.

Day 2 : Kunming (B / L / D)

Experience urban life ahead of viewing the mesmerising natural spectacle of the Stone Forest.

After breakfast we join locals who gather at Green Lake Park every morning to exercise, dance and take part in tai chi classes. We then head to Yunnan Military Academy. Founded in 1909, this served as the Qing Army Officer Training School until 1928. Today, it stands as an informative museum. We then leave behind city life and set off on a scenic 90 minute, 88 km drive to the Stone Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of thousands of limestone rock formations dotted across the landscape. These formations are the result of 270 million years of erosion and they span an area of 350 sq-km.

Lunch is at a local restaurant. Dinner is in a Qing-dynasty style building that dates back to 1852.

Today’s excursion combines vibrant urban life with spectacular nature.

Overnight in Kunming Cachet Boutique Hotel.

Day 3 : Kunming - Dali (B / L / -)

Today we board a high-speed train to delightful Dali and enjoy a wealth of activities.

In the morning we head to the railway station and undertake a two-hour journey to this city in south-western Yunnan province.

Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel and check-in and then commence our adventure excursion. We lap up breath-taking vistas of lush rolling hills and towering snow-capped peaks as we take a cable car up Cangshan Mountain.

On arrival at the peak we embark on a scenic hike along panoramic pathways that run 12 km through deep valleys. Next, we visit the ornate Three Pagodas and the historic Chongsheng Monastery and take a leisurely walk through Dali Ancient Town.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Overnight in Dali Landscape Hotel 4*.

Day 4 : Dali - Shaxi (B / L / -)

Spend a morning on the shores of iconic Lake Erhai before marvelling at splendid Buddhist cliff carvings.

After breakfast we drive to one of China’s most famous historic locations, Lake Erhai. This picturesque setting is dubbed the ‘pearl on the plateau’ because of the beautiful scenery. We are treated to warm hospitality at one of the ethnic Bai homes that populate the area, ahead of visiting a lively local market in Xizhou village.

We then transfer to Shaxi where we spend the night. This ancient town played a key role as a bustling trade point on the Tea Horse Caravan Road, a route that connected Tibet with India. The area is also home to the revered Shibaoshan Grottoes and we spend the afternoon exploring this sacred complex of temples perched high on a mountain.

The site features shrines, Buddhist cliff carvings and forested trails.

We return to the hotel with time to refresh, followed by an optional evening of traditional Taoist music at the village theatre. Today’s tour offers a unique insight into life in Shaxi.

Overnight in Shaxi Landscape Hotel 4*.

Day 5 : Shaxi - Lijiang (B / L / -)

Discover colourful ethnic life before we hit the road for historic Lijiang.

After breakfast, we visit the lively market where indigenous groups gather to trade goods. We then head deeper into rural surroundings to visit remote communities and learn about their way of life.

Our next stop is Lijiang, a charming UNESCO World Heritage listed destination famed as the home of the Naxi ethnic minority group. We stroll along the old town’s cobblestone streets before enjoying sweeping vistas from Lion Hill and picturesque views of our mountainous backdrop reflected in the clear waters at Black Dragon Pool.

In the evening we can take an unescorted walk to enjoy traditional performances of music that survived the Cultural Revolution. Lunch is at a local restaurant, dinner is at leisure. Today’s activities provide the perfect opportunity to connect with the ethnic tribe people who reside in this area.

Please note: The market is operational daily, but the largest market is held on Fridays.

Overnight in Lijiang Blossom Hill Boutique Hotel.

Day 6 : Liming – The Turtle Mountain - Liming (B / L / -)

Soak up Lijiang’s rich historical culture ahead of driving to picturesque Liming.

After breakfast we take a step back in time at Mu’s Palace, a building that served as the home of Tusi Mu, the ruler of the ethnic Naxi group during the Yuan, Ming and Wing dynasties. We then stroll to Shuhe, a quaint village. This location is one of the oldest settlements in Lijiang and it was a common stop on the Ancient Tea Route.

After lunch we drive to Liming, a picturesque town perched 2,100 metres above sea level. En route, we stop at the Shigu, the first bend of the Yangtze River and a great spot for photos. Today’s tour combines history, culture and local traditions with spectacular scenery.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Overnight in Liming Nuomadi Guesthouse 3* or similar.

Day 7 : Liming - Lijiang (B / L / -)

Today’s inspirational tour involves a trek that takes in Liming’s stunning mountain scenery. This small village is flanked by Yunnan’s towering peaks, which we explore on foot as we trek along trails that snake through the striking red rock formations that are characteristic of this area.

Our route takes in Thousand Turtle Mountain which has a fascinating landscape of red rocks. The unusual sandstone cliffs attract scores of rock climbers who are challenged by the vertical cracks and ledges. There is also the option to take a cable lift up the mountain.

We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon drive back to Lijiang, with the rest of the day at leisure to relax, or embark on some solo sightseeing. Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight in Lijiang Blossom Hill Boutique Hotel.

Day 8 : Lijiang (B / L / -)

Discover more about rich Naxi heritage ahead of a scenic hike through the foothills of a snow mountain.

After breakfast we head into a valley where a Naxi indigenous group resides.

After lunch in a traditional restaurant, we continue to the foothills of mighty Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and hike through breath-taking scenery to a Tibetan monastery. As we reach altitudes of 2,400 to 3,000 metres, we will enjoy a magnificent vista of sprawling farmland and snow-capped peaks. We then return to our accommodation, stopping for a refreshing tea tasting session at a traditional teahouse en route. Forge unforgettable memories on today’s tour that combines sublime scenery with warm hospitality.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Overnight in Lijiang Blossom Hill Boutique Hotel.

Day 9 : Lijiang – Shangri-La (B / L / -)

Spend the day in awe of mother nature’s artwork as we make our way to enchanting Shangri-La.

After breakfast, we hit the road for the Baishuitai limestone water terraces.

This striking site is nestled at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain and features a series of water terraces carved into some slops at an elevation of 2,400 metres above sea level. From the base on the summit, the terraces stretch 140 metres and span 160 metres at the widest point. They are highly-revered by the Naxi people who gather annually to honour them.

A highlight of today’s excursion is a visit to the incredible Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest gorges that reaches 16 km long, with the Jonsha River slicing through it.

Overnight is in Shangri-La, home to a magical collection of 470 snow-capped mountains and ethnic minority villages. Today’s excursion will leave you inspired at the wonder of nature.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Overnight in Shangri-La Songtsam Linka Boutique Hotel.

Day 10 : Shangri-La (B / L / -)

After breakfast we take a short transfer to impressive Songzanlin Monastery. This is Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery and it dates back to 1678. Its expansive grounds house a main hall that can accommodate 1,500 people. Two main temple buildings, Zhacang and Jikang, sit at the complex’s highest point at an elevation of 3,380 metres. Splendid views of the fairy-tale surroundings can be enjoyed from this vantage point.

Lunch is at a local restaurant with the afternoon free at leisure.

You could stay at the hotel to enjoy an afternoon tea (surcharge applies) or take a leisure walk in the old town.

Overnight in Shangri-La Songtsam Linka Boutique Hotel.

Day 11 : Shangri-La Departure (B / - / -)

It is time reflect on our unforgettable experiences as this thrilling nine-day tour draws to a close.

After breakfast we check-out and head to the airport and bid a fond farewell to our guide, ahead of catching our onward flight. This unforgettable exploration has taken us from Kunming to Dali to view the iconic lake.

We have taken a step back in time in the ancient towns of Shaxi and Lijiang and met the ethnic groups that reside in this idyllic area. Trekking in Liming and Shangri-La has unveiled stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.We have also stood in awe of nature’s magnificence at Baishuitai’s amazing limestone water terraces. This is an incredible tour that has taken us through some of China’s forgotten landscapes.

End of the Tour.