Minorities of Yunnan and sacred mountains of Tibet
In summary
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Sports
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Duration19 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAsia / China
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions5313.6 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Exploring Yunnan on foot remains the best way to experience this province of a thousand faces. Between steep cliffs , cities with cobbled streets and vertiginous peaks, this route reveals an impressive diversity of landscapes.
Your adventure begins on the shores of Lake Lugu . From village to village, you'll meet the Mosuo and Naxi ethnic groups , sharing their daily lives, marked by gentleness and authenticity. The pace then quickens in the heart of the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge , a spectacular canyon dominated by the mighty Yangtze River.
Finally, the journey reaches new heights near the Meili Mountains . Facing Kawa Karpo , a sacred snow-capped peak and major Buddhist pilgrimage site, the Tibetan atmosphere is fully palpable. This multi-day trek perfectly combines cultural immersion with breathtaking panoramas, ideal for lovers of wide-open spaces seeking serenity.
The highlights
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The landscapes of the Meili Mountains, at the foot of Kawa Karpo
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A trek through the mythical 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, the first part of the trek is between Lake Lugu and Baoshan, then in the Tiger Gorge between 1800 and 3500 m altitude, and the second part of the trek is in Kawa Karpo National Park between 2200 and 3800 m.
No major difficulties on the way, but some sections may be problematic for people suffering from vertigo).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 605 m
- Average daily descent: 578 m
Management
Based in China for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you'll be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature. Let us guide you…
Our trip is led by a French-speaking Chinese trekking guide. During the walking days, the guide is assisted by a local team (local guide and cook).
Program
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France - international flight to Kunming
- Transportation Plane - 11h - 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 Minibus - 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 near the lake.Day 5 -
Minority Trek: Lugu Lake - Zhuangzi (2750 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- 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 Minibus - 01h - 47km
- 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 6h30
- 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 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we explore the stone village of Baoshan, one of the most beautiful in southern China, still untouched by mass tourism. Built in the 13th century on a massive cliff overlooking the Golden Sand River, this entirely pedestrianized medieval village invites leisurely strolls. We enjoy free time to soak up its unique atmosphere. After lunch, we begin a hike through spectacular scenery to the village of Yanke. From there, a short 20-minute transfer by vehicle takes us to the village of Wumu, another Naxi haven with authentic charm. Check-in and overnight stay in a family-run guesthouse in Wumu.Day 9 -
Route to Tiger Leaping Gorge: Wumu - Daju (1800 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 198km
- 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 Minibus - 01h - 98km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 446 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 Minibus - 02h - 97km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- 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 - Deqin - Fei Lai Si (3300 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A morning visit to Songsam Lin Monastery, nicknamed the Little Potala Palace. It is considered one of the 13 largest Tibetan monasteries in China. In the afternoon, we continue by bus northwest towards Deqin County, located just before the Tibetan border. We spend the night in a hotel in Feilaisi. The following morning, weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to see the sunrise over the snow-capped Meili mountain range.Day 13 -
Kawa Karpo Trek: Fei Lai Si - Yubeng (3400 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, due to ongoing construction on the traditional access route via the Xidang Pass, we adjusted our itinerary to reach the village of Yubeng. We now followed the Mekong Valley along the Ninong Trail. This route, which we used for both the outward and return journeys, offers a spectacular immersion into the heart of breathtaking landscapes and primeval forests. We gradually ascended to the hanging valley of Yubeng (approximately 3200m), nestled at the foot of sacred peaks. This spring season is ideal for admiring the alpine flora in full bloom. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Upper Yubeng.Day 14 -
Kawa Karpo trek: Xiao Nong glacial valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're hiking to the Xiao Nong glacial lake at 3900m altitude. A breathtaking place, surrounded by magnificent glaciers. We're passing by the base camp built by Chinese and Japanese mountaineers in the 1990s on Mount Kawakapo.Day 15 -
Kawa Karpo Trek: Shengpu - Sacred Waterfall
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our pilgrimage to the Sacred Waterfall, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters. According to legend, it is a sacred waterfall under which one must pass three times for their soul to be purified. Then, we return via the same route taken by Tibetans. We pass from a lush valley to a sublime primeval forest and sacred glaciers. This path remains the most popular in Yubeng.Day 16 -
Kawa Karpo Trek: Ninong - Yubeng - Shangri La (3300 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 1448 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our day with a four-hour hike out of the valley. It's the same trail used by Tibetan pilgrims. We walk along the Yubeng River to the Mekong River. From there, we take a bus to the town of Shangri-La.Day 17 -
Shangri-La - Kunming - Flight to France.
- Transportation Plane - 11h - 8659km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early morning flight to Kunming, then flight to France in the evening.Day 18 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrived in France during the day.Day 19
Note
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
We use scheduled flights with a layover between Paris and Kunming for both the outbound and return journeys. You will primarily fly with China Southern Airlines. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may also offer you flights with other airlines.
We prioritize night flights whenever possible: departing on Saturday, you arrive at your destination on Sunday, usually during the night or early morning. The airline makes a stopover in Guangzhou on both the outbound and return journeys.
Departures from certain provincial cities are possible: this is essentially pre-transportation from the provinces to Paris, either with domestic flights or by TGV'air (SNCF journey included in the plane ticket).
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
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- Meals in Kunming (~ €5 to €15 / meal without drinks).
- Tips for local teams
Options
- 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
- 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 and for crossing the Thorong La pass
- 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)