Starting from Lijiang, this tour takes you through ShangriLa, into Daocheng Yading, and then to Lugu Lake, combining four major destinations into one unforgettable journey. This trip covers the most exquisite scenery of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, featuring pristine forests, flowing clouds, shimmering lakes, and snowcapped mountains, with breathtaking views at every step. One end connects the culturally rich scenery of Lugu Lake, while the other end showcases the wellknown beauty of Daocheng Yading. Enter Lugu Lake via the Luya Highway, all the way through Wujiao Township, Eya Township, Eya Tong Township, and Geka Township to reach Yading. The journey includes numerous grand canyons and traverses through pristine forests. The cultures of horse caravan, Dongnu Kingdom, Kham, and Tujia blend together along the way.

Code of Tour: SZW0000018

Length of Travel: 6 Days

Departure City: Lijiang

Price of Tour: Request

Features of Tour: This unique journey from Lijiang through ShangriLa, Daocheng Yading, and Lugu Lake will take you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, blending pristine nature with rich cultural heritage along the way.

Highlights

• Lijiang Ancient Town: also known as Dayan Town, it is the main part of the "World Cultural Heritage" Lijiang Ancient Town. This ancient town, with a history of over 800 years, emphasizes "nature" in its architecture and is built along the slopes and waterways.
• Yading: Located in the midsection of the Hengduan Mountains on the Tibetan Plateau, with altitudes ranging from 2900 meters to 6032 meters. This land has preserved its original appearance completely, with snowcapped mountains soaring into the clouds, deep and long canyons, clear and tranquil lakes, expansive meadows, and mysterious ancient glacial relics, all showcasing diverse natural scenery.
• Lugu Lake: situated at the border of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in China, this beautiful highland lake is known as a "paradise on earth."

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang
• Day 2: Lijiang – ShangriLa – Daocheng Yading
• Day 3: Daocheng Yading
• Day 4: Daocheng Yading – Lugu Lake
• Day 5: Return to Lijiang
• Day 6: Return from Lijiang

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang

Attractions & Attractions & Activities: None
Meals: None
Accommodation: Lijiang
Arrive in Lijiang, transfer to your hotel. If time permits, you can explore Lijiang Ancient Town, Lion Mountain, and Sifang Street.

Day 2: Lijiang – ShangriLa – Daocheng Yading

Attractions & Activities: Dukezong Ancient Town, Napa Lake
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Yading
Travel from Lijiang to ShangriLa (approximately 2.5 hours), strolling through Dukezong Ancient Town. After that, continue your journey from ShangriLa to Daocheng (approximately 5 hours), primarily along mountain roads, with the driver arranging timely short breaks.

Day 3: Daocheng Yading

Attractions & Activities: Explore Daocheng Yading
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Yading
A deep exploration of Daocheng Yading lasting 9 hours. Visit the Three Sacred Mountains: Sinalak, Yangmaiyong, and Xianoduojie, known as the Three Sacred Mountains and essential landmarks of Daocheng Yading and important holy mountains in Tibetan Buddhism.
Pearl Lake: A sacred lake at a lower altitude with clear water reflecting the surrounding snow mountains and forests; the scenery is stunning.
Luorong Pasture: A high mountain pasture featuring vast meadows, clear streams, and spectacular snow mountains, ideal for enjoying the beauty of Yading.
Milk Lake: Located between the Yangmaiyong Mountain Pass at an altitude of 4500 meters, this ancient glacial lake displays a blue hue, surrounded by snow mountains and meadows forming a beautiful picture.
Five-color Lake: Another famous site in Yading, where the lake water changes colors under sunlight, creating a magical experience.

Day 4: Daocheng Yading – Lugu Lake

Attractions & Activities: Naxi village，Lugu lake
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lugu Lake
Depart from the hotel (approximately 3.5 hours drive) to explore the Naxi Ancient village of Eya. In this Naxi village, which has a history of 500 years, the ancient tradition of polyandry and many customs of ethnic minorities are preserved. After lunch, head to the mysterious Daughter’s Country, Lugu Lake, known for its Mosuo people who traditionally do not engage in marriage. The drive to Lugu Lake is longer (approximately 5 hours), primarily along mountain roads, with the driver scheduling timely short breaks.

Day 5: Lugu Lake – Lijiang

Attractions & Activities: Lugu Lake
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lijiang
Early risers can enjoy the sunrise over Lugu Lake, where the water is crystal clear and algae bloom. The only transport available on the lake is the unique "pig trough boat" of the Mosuo people. Take a pig trough boat from the Daluoshui Village pier to Lihuba Island in about 20 minutes, then return by car to Lijiang.

Day 6: Lijiang Departure

Attractions & Activities: None
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: None
Transfer to the airport or train station. The end of a pleasant journey.

Service Included

• Accommodation: Four-star hotels throughout the trip;
• Daily hotel breakfast;
• Excellent English-speaking tour guide;
• 5-19 seats vehicle for transportation;
• Yunnan tourism insurance;
• Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.

Service Excluded

• Lunch and dinner throughout the trip;
• Major transportation for arrivals and departures;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Tips for guides and drivers (suggested: 200 RMB/group/day for guide; 150 RMB/group/day for driver);
• Travel accident insurance;
• Personal expenses;
• Single room supplements.

Group Tour Service Standards

• For groups of 2-4 people, there will be an English-speaking tour guide as driver.
• For groups of 5-10 people, there will be an  English-speaking tour guide and a Chinese driver.

Price Notice

Child prices: Children under 3 years old are free, children aged 4-6 years old are 50% of the adult price (Not occupying a bed), children aged 7-11 years old are 70% of the adult price (occupying a bed and tickets), and children aged 12 years and above are charged at the adult price.

Itinerary Notice  

To offer you better travel experience, our company reserves the right to adjust the order of the tour itinerary, but the content of the tour will not be reduced. If certain attractions cannot be visited due to force majeure or policy adjustments, our company has the right to cancel or replace them with equivalent attractions, and any fees for additional attractions will not be refunded.

Precautions

Altitude Sickness Prevention: Daocheng Yading's high altitude requires visitors to take precautions against altitude sickness, such as taking preventive medications in advance and avoiding strenuous Attractions & Activities.
Warmth and Sun Protection: Due to significant weather changes in Daocheng Yading, visitors should pack warm clothing and sunblock to cope with different weather conditions.
Respect Local Culture: Daocheng Yading is inhabited by Tibetan people; visitors should respect local religious beliefs and customs and avoid damaging local natural environments and cultural relics.