Discover

 Yunnan & Shangri- La.

12 nights/14 Days from :£1495   

average group size: 24 

CHENGDU (3 nts)

KUNMING (2 nts)    DALI (2 nts)

ZHONGDIAN(Shangria-La)(2 nts)  &   LIJIANG(3 nts)

 

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1. Our journey begins as we fly to Chengdu airport from London (Via Amsterdam) by KLM- Royal dutch  airlines (regional flights available on application.) 

 DAY 2. On arrival at Chengdu airport meet your local guide before being transferred to your superior hotel for 3 nights. There will be time to settle in and unwind after your journey. In the evening join your fellow travellers in one of our favourite restaurants for a welcome dinner / D   

DAY 3.After a leisurely breakfast we take in a full day sightseeing and discover Chengdu with it's narrow streets and busy market. We also include a visit to the Panda Breeding and Research centre and discover the breeding and preservation  methods of the giant panda's. There will also be an opportunity to take photographs with the Pandas . A once in a lifetime experience. B/L/D/

DAY 4. We drive to Leshan to see the great 8th century Budda built in to the mountainside and guarding the boatmen of the river.  A spectacular sight. In the afternoon we drive back to Chengdu and a opportunity in the evening to appreciate the famous Sichuan Opera with the fantastic "changing faces" B/L/ D

DAY 5. After breakfast we depart our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Kunming(1hr 15 min) at the foothills of the Himalayas .On arrival we transfer to the city for lunch. In the afternoon a sightseeing tour of the Western Hills, a  range of four mountains along the shore of Di- anchi Lake. The area offers some of the most beautiful scenery and finest temples in

the region. Then on to tour the 400 year old Golden Palace temple at the top of Mingfeng Hill, home of the Taoist Taihe Palace and the largest copper temple in China.  Overnight in our superior hotel for 2 nights.  B/L/D

DAY 6. A rare experience today ,we have a full day sightseeing visit to the fantastic Stone Forest at Shilin ,where you will marvel at the enthalling labyrinth of jagged limestone crags. The area is home to the Sani minority,known for their fine embroidery and dancing skills. and on the return to Kunming we make a stop at a local Sani people's village. Free evening & overnight in our hotel.   B/ L /D

DAY 7. Departure after breakfast for the short flight to Dali, capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, and home of the Bai minority group. On arrival we transfer by coach to our hotel. After lunch we make a  visit to the famous 9th century Three Pagodas of Chongsheng temple and explore the wonders of the ancient quarter of Dali. Return to our hotel for a 2 night stay. B/L/D

DAY 8. We transfer to Erhai Lake (one of the largest in-land lakes in China) for a leisurely cruise and enjoy it's alpine setting. Visit Jin Suo Isle which is home to a Bai minority people's fishing village and market. In the afternoon return to the city and the remainder of the day and evening free to explore fascinating Dali. B/L/D.

DAY 9.After breakfast we start our drive through the countryside and will make stops

at Bai villages to see traditional houses and colourful markets etc.  Arriving in Zhongdian (3400 m. above sea level) in the late afternoon .The stunning picturesque setting believed to be inspiration of the mythical Shangri La described in James Hilton's novel "The Lost Horizon" we then check-in our hotel for 2 nights   Free evening   B/L/D.

DAY 10. Today, we have a leisurely tour of Zhongdian taking in the main sights including Bita Lake and Sumtsentling Monastery. We also visit a Tibetan home and in the evening we have a local Tibetan dinner.    B/L/D.

DAY 11.We drive approx 4 hours (with stops) to Lijiang.  En- route we make a visit to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge one of the deepest gorges in the world with spectacular views. We also see the "first bend" of the Yangste River at Shigu  On arrival in Lijiang we check-in to our hotel for 3 nights. B/L/D

DAY 12.Aftrer a hearty breakfast we travel outside of Lijiang to make a visit to Yak meadow of the Jade Dragon snow mountain where we will take a chair lift for fabulous views over the valley (we travel up to 4500m above sea level today) On return to Lijiang we visit a local village. Free evening to explore the ancient Dayan town of Lijiang, a UNESCO world heritage site.

DAY 13  Free day at Leisure in Lijiang

DAY 14. In the morning we take in a visit to Black Dragon pool park  with it's moon embracing pavilion, Five phoenix  pavilion and Dongba cultural village we also explore the wonders of the ancient quarter of Lijiang. In the late afternoon we take a flight from Lijiang back to Chengdu and on arrival overnight in our hotel.  B/L/D

DAY 15. Depart our hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back to London (via Amsterdam). As you will be flying westwards your arrival will be later the same day.

B=Breakfast, L= Lunch,  D= Dinner

PLEASE NOTE: This tour includes areas of high altitude at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang of 4500m.and in Zhongdian at 3200m.This should not be a problem although everyone should take care.If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have other concerns please consult your doctor.

OUR HOTELS

CHENGDU-Tibet Hotel.    

 KUNMING-Jinjiang Hotel or Kunming Hotel   

DALI- Regent Hotel or Landscape Hotel

ZHONGDIAN- Paradise Hotel or Holly Palace Hotel    

 LIJIANG- Jiananchun Hotel or Garden Garden Hotel

Due to government tourism arrangements in this area some hotels may be changed but you can  be rest assured that should this happen you will be accommodated in a similar or better standard.

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Flights from Heathrow Airport (regional airports on request at supplement)

KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines to Chengdu (via Amsterdam)

OUTBOUND: Depart: 17.10pm Arrives Chengdu(next day) 12.30pm

INBOUND: Departs: 14.00pm arrives Heathrow 20.45pm (same day) 

Hong Kong extension available from Chengdu on return- please call for details.

All reservations are subject to our standard bo

oking conditions.

 

YUNNAN in South West China is the ultimate China experience