Trekking in Yunnan - From Lugu Lake to Stone Village

After a quick breakfast, you'll travel by minibus (30 minutes) to the village of Alawa, the starting point of the trek. The first hour is fairly easy and includes a visit to a Yi-Nuosu ethnic village. The ascent then becomes steeper, and after about 3.5 hours, you'll reach the pass (3600 m). The descent follows a comfortable path through a dense forest and leads you in about two hours to the Pumi village of Zhuangzi, where you'll spend the night with a family we've known for years. Overnight homestay in Zhuangzi (beds with mattresses and blankets, shower and toilet available).

After breakfast and saying goodbye to your hosts, you leave Zhuangzi village for today's hike. The morning trail is pleasant and passes near a small Tibetan temple. You then follow a small road that crosses two small valleys, each home to charming villages surrounded by terraced fields. Around midday, you reach the second village, Bajiahe, where you can rest and have lunch.

This afternoon hike takes you to the banks of the Yangtze River. The trail is exposed and, after skirting a spur, you'll discover the valley and the river below. It will still take about three hours to reach the river! You'll arrive in the late afternoon at the village of Labo (1500 m altitude), where you'll stay in a small guesthouse. Overnight in a guesthouse in Labo.

The morning begins in a unique way with a boat trip on the Yangtze River! A 30-minute journey takes you to the pier, where you'll begin your hike. You'll first ascend a track to the lower village of Liuqing, then continue along pleasant forest trails. You'll enjoy several 360° panoramic views during the 3-hour hike to the upper village of Liuqing, where you'll stay at a peaceful farm nestled in a roadless valley. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family in Liuqing.

The day begins with a walk in the shade, reaching the day's highest point, the "Prince's Pass," in under an hour. Here, you'll be overlooking the Yangtze River from a height of nearly 1,000 meters! The descent follows high-altitude trails (with several sections along ledges), offering stunning views of the river and surrounding valleys. Although the path is mostly downhill, the dry conditions and potential heat can make this a physically demanding day. You'll arrive in Shitoucheng, the "Stone Village," in the mid-afternoon and enjoy the sunset from the village's viewpoint. Dinner and overnight stay in a rural guesthouse in Shitoucheng.

The morning begins with a descent to the riverbank, where a small local boat awaits for a 45-minute crossing. After disembarking, you'll begin a 700-meter climb to the charming village of Wumu, arriving in the mid-afternoon. You'll stay in a very comfortable guesthouse, opened in 2013 by a Naxi man married to a European woman. The terrace offers breathtaking views, and the tasteful decor provides a welcome touch of comfort after a week of exertion! Overnight in a guesthouse in Wumu.

In the morning, you will depart by vehicle for Lijiang, where you will arrive at lunchtime.