From Yunnan to the Tibetan borders, between trekking and encounters
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAsia / China
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions5234.85 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
On foot, Yunnan reveals its full splendor. This itinerary invites you to a gradual immersion in the heart of unspoiled China, amidst ethnic villages , breathtaking landscapes , and ancestral cultures . From the banks of the Yangtze River, you'll trek from Lijiang to Shangri-La , through the mountains of the northern province, discovering the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi and Mosuo ethnic groups. Each stage offers its own surprises: cobblestone streets steeped in history, sheer cliffs , rushing rivers , and snow-capped peaks sculpt a striking landscape. The trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge , one of China's most beautiful hikes, marks a highlight of this adventure. Between the Tibetan atmosphere , pristine nature , and warm encounters , this journey blends diverse landscapes with authentic interactions . A unique experience for lovers of hiking and cultural exchange.
The highlights
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3 multi-day treks in one trip
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Trekking in the Tiger Leaping Gorge
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The diversity of ethnic groups and landscapes of Yunnan
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This circuit is offered with a level 3 walking difficulty. 5 to 6 hours of walking on average, between Lake Lugu and Baoshan then in the Tiger Gorge between 1800 and 3300 m altitude.
The route does not present any major difficulties, but some exposed sections may be impressive for people prone to vertigo.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 465 m
- Average daily descent: 343 m
Management
Program
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France - international flight to Kunming
- Transportation Plane - 15h - 8659km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from France during the day.Day 1 -
Arrival in Kunming
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We arrive in Kunming during the day, the capital of Yunnan province, renowned for its eternal spring thanks to its mild climate. We stroll through the old town, where we experience our first taste of Yunnan's atmosphere.Day 2 -
Train to Lijiang (2400 m)
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we take a train to Lijiang. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, along with other sites in Lijiang. This city is the center of the Naxi people and a must-see tourist destination, nestled at the foot of the high mountains of Yunnan. Comprising a modern district and an old town with traditional architecture, Lijiang is deeply influenced by the Naxi culture, a minority originating from the borders of Tibet. We set off to explore the labyrinthine old town with its ancient cobblestone streets interwoven with canals.Day 3 -
Lijiang and its surroundings (3100 m)
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early this morning, we set off into the sleepy old town, which offers a different kind of charm, and on to the bustling local market where we can meet and experience the real lives of the locals. In the afternoon, we explore Black Dragon Pond and other old towns at the foot of the snow-capped Yulong Mountains.Day 4 -
Route to Lake Lugu (2650 m)
- Transportation 04h - 200km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A four-hour bus transfer takes us to the northernmost point of Yunnan Province. The last matriarchal ethnic group in China resides around Lugu Lake, where we explore their legendary traditions. We spend the night in a hotel by the lake.Day 5 -
Minority Trek: Lugu Lake - Zhuangzi (2750 m)
- Transportation 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our day with a bus transfer to the village of Yangping. This will be the starting point of our trek. We cross mountains and forests to northern Yunnan and Zhuangzi, a small Pumi village.Day 6 -
Minority Trek: Zhuangzi - Upper Liuqing (2100 m)
- Transportation Bus - 01h - 70km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A bus takes us to the Jinsha River, a name known to most Chinese as the "river of golden sand," to reach the Yangtze highlands. We cross the river by boat, passing through several Naxi villages. We begin our 3-hour hike to Upper Liuqing, where we spend the night.Day 7 -
Minority Trek: Liuqing Le Haut - Boashan (1900 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we hike through the pine forest and reach Prince's Pass, a very narrow path carved into the cliffs and leading through two tunnels that cut through high peaks. We pass through a 90-meter tunnel, hewn into the rock 50 years ago to facilitate access to the valley, and then reach the rocky pinnacles. From up there, we overlook the Yangtze River valley, its meanders stretching far below. We begin our descent on a steep path and pass through a second 60-meter tunnel before reaching Aoshulou (1850 m). The Golden Sand River flows peacefully below. We enjoy a picnic lunch in the mountains before continuing our trek to Shitou Cheng, the stone village. We check in and spend the night at a family-run guesthouse.Day 8 -
Minority Trek: Baoshan-Wumu (2200 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
During the morning, we stay in the stone village, one of the most beautiful villages in southern China, a place still untouched by mass tourism. Built on a massive cliff in the 13th century, it offers views of the Golden Sand River. The village evokes the medieval era and is entirely pedestrianized. We stroll through its winding streets. After lunch, we set off on foot for Wumu, another Naxi village with its authentic charm. We settle in and spend the night in a family-run hotel in Wumu.Day 9 -
Route to Tiger Leaping Gorge: Wumu - Daju (1800 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We stroll around Wumu to appreciate the peaceful Chinese countryside, a welcome change from the big cities. After lunch, we take a three-hour bus ride to Daju, a farming village sprawling across vast plains and one of the gateways to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge. We settle into our farmhouse guesthouse, where we'll spend the night.Day 10 -
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
- Transportation 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we take a one-hour bus transfer to the starting point of our trek in the Gorges. Legend has it that a tiger once leaped across the canyon at its narrowest point (a whopping 25 meters!) to escape a hunter. We hike for an hour and a half to the top of our trekking route before continuing to our "Tea Horse" guesthouse, where we'll stay for the night.Day 11 -
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek - Shangri-La (3300 m)
- Transportation Bus - 02h - 150km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The sensations continue throughout our trek in the Gorges. From the snow-capped peaks to the bottom of the roaring Yangtze River, we traverse one of the deepest gorges in the world, measuring over 4,000 meters. We emerge from the gorges at Qiaotou, where we take a different bus for a 2.5-hour drive to Shangri-La, the gateway to the Tibetan world.Day 12 -
Shangri-La
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A morning visit to Songsam Lin Monastery, nicknamed the Little Potala. It is considered one of the 13 largest Tibetan monasteries in China. We visit the local market in the afternoon. Then, we return to our guesthouse for the night.Day 13 -
Shangri-La
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free time to visit the city of Shangri-La.Day 14 -
Shangri-La - Kunming - Return flight to France - Arrival Paris
- Transportation Plane - 15h - 8659km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, we take a flight to Kunming, then an international flight to France. Arrival in France during the day. If your return flight is a night flight, arrival in France will be the following day. (Day 16)Day 15
Note
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Flights Paris / Kunming / Paris and airport taxes.
- Domestic flights: Kunming/Lijiang and Shangri-La/Kunming.
- Local transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as mentioned in the program.
- Supervision by a French-speaking guide and an English-speaking assistant/guide during the treks.
- All entrances to the sites included in the program.
The price does not include
- Chinese visa fees (see "Visa" section).
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- Meals in Kunming (~ €5 to €15 / meal without drinks).
- Tips for local teams (see section "Tips").
Options
- Additional night in Kunming in a single room with breakfast : CHF82.33 / person
- Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel in Kunming or vice versa : CHF64.04 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Telescopic hiking poles
- For nights spent with locals, we recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner for added comfort.
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- One 1.5 litre water bottle or two equivalent ones (camel bag or rigid water bottles)
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Quick-drying towel
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
Clothing to bring
Recommended clothing for hiking days:
- Cap or hat
- Neck warmer or scarf
- Cap
- Gloves
- T-shirt or shirt made of synthetic material (quick-drying)
- Thermal underwear (t-shirt and tights) for the night.
- Warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- Compact down jacket for breaks or evenings
- Comfortable walking pants
- Walking socks
- A pair of lightweight gloves and a warm pair
- Sturdy and well-insulated mountain hiking boots
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days
- Sandals (useful after days of walking)