Off-the-Beaten-Track Yunnan Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Shangri-La - Deqin

  Pulsing with anticipation, you depart Shangri-La in the morning.

  Pass sheer cliff walls and emerald waters within the Balagezong Scenic Area, embarking on the road leading to Bala Village, where traditional Tibetan houses with sloping roofs and valley watchtowers stand. Stretching across 50 kilometers with over 100 sharp turns, the journey reveals a remarkable tale of Mr. Sna Ding Zhu's heartfelt dedication.

  Continue along the mighty First Bend of Jinsha River. Then, pause to take in the tranquil serenity of Dongzhulin Temple. Renowned for its simple yet solemn architecture, the temple exudes a devout atmosphere. Drive towards Feilai Monastery Scenic Area and check into your accommodation for a night's rest.

  • Deqin

• Day 2: Awe-inspiring Views of Mingyong Glacier

  Today, head to Feilai Monastery, a Buddhist temple with distinct Tibetan ethnic characteristics, which serves as the ultimate vantage point to marvel at the sacred Meili Snow Mountain with its thirteen peaks. Weather permitting, consider an early rise to witness the breathtaking spectacle of sunrise painting the mountains in hues of wonder.

  Travel towards the Mingyong Glacier in awe. Its rippling blue mass seems to stretch endlessly between stark cliff faces. Hike along the wooden path through the forest, where colorful prayer flags flutter on the trees. Standing at the observation platform, you look up to see the towering Kawa Garbo and down into the valley where ancient glaciers lie.

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  • Deqin

• Day 3: Reaching Remote Upper Yubeng Village

  Pass villages and yaks grazing on lush hillsides and reach the Tibet village of Xidang, the starting point for today's 12-kilometer hike to Upper Yubeng Village. Alternatively, you can opt for a 40-minute off-road vehicle ride to the destination. Wind up a muddy trail surrounded by wildflowers, the road climbing ever higher. Glimpses of towering snowcapped peaks accompany the journey.

  At last, Upper Yubeng Village reveals itself in an idyllic valley, with streams flowing through grasslands and prayer flags waving in the alpine air.

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  • Yubeng Village

• Day 4: Hiking to Legendary Glacier Lake

  Challenge yourself and ascend from 3150 meters to 3860 meters to take in majestic alpine landscapes along the way. The circular trek will take around 7 to 10 hours, during which you will cross meadows dotted with grazing cattle, pass by the remains of the camp built by the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team in 1991, and get overwhelmed by soaring snowcapped peaks.

  Continuing south along the trail, a ridge crest later revealed the legendary Glacier Lake - its deep blue waters framed by towering cliffs resembling a giant sapphire dropped between the highlands. After enjoying a packed lunch at the lakeside, retrace your steps north along the trail, returning to the starting point and proceeding with another half-hour walk to the lower Yubeng Village for the night.

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  • Yubeng Village

• Day 5: Divine Waterfall

  Today a three-hour hike will take you to the Yubeng Waterfall.

  Rounding the final bend, the sacred waterfall comes into full view. Sheets of water cascade down the towering cliffside like a thousand silk threads, creating a breathtaking spectacle. For the locals, this place is highly sacred, and following the Tibetan tradition, you can walk clockwise around the waterfall three times to pray for blessings.

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  • Yubeng Village

• Day 6: Lower Yubeng Village - Grand Canyon of Nylon

  Leaving Lower Yubeng Village, conquer the rugged Niyong Gorge. Traverse through the pristine forests within the gorge, feel the chill of the melting snow and ice, experience the grandeur of the high mountain ravine, navigate the thrilling cliffside paths, and finally witness the desolate beauty of the dry and hot river valley.

  After a short break, it's time to begin the return journey, with night falling as you arrive back in the Feilai Monastery Area.

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  • Deqin

• Day 7: Deqin - Shangri-La

  Leaving Feilai Monastery, you embark on a scenic drive from Diqing County to Shangri-La City. Transfer thereafter to the airport or railway station, taking with your unforgettable memories of traversing Yunnan's breathtaking landscapes over the past week.

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