Yunnan, South West China and Tibet
About the tour
Take a journey from remote south west China, an area of incredible diversity in both landscapes and ethnic groups, each with their own dress, cuisine, beliefs and language. Visit spectacular Lugu Lake in the remote northwest plateau of Yunnan, home of the extraordinary matrilineal Mosuo people. The Mosuo community were largely sequestered from the outside world until recently and their ancient, unique traditions and culture are still intact. Cross the mountains into Tibet, a land that is, above all, uplifting – both spiritually and physically.
It is a land where the devotional dominates art, culture, architecture and politics on every level, and where Buddhism has settled more firmly than in any other country. Located on the “Roof of the World”, encompassing the highest points on the earth, it offers extraordinary landscapes and an almost otherworldly sense of tranquillity. Little travelled, wild and sparsely populated, this tour to the remote, fascinating province of Yunnan and extraordinary Tibet is for the culturally curious.
Download our brochure Yunnan, South West China and Tibet
Your tour leader
Zhang Zhong Jiu
Zhang Zhong Jiu (known as John) has worked with Jon Baines since 1994, taking healthcare, education, other professional groups and cultural groups around China. Educated in Beijing and London and widely travelled, John is extremely knowledgeable and popular with our groups for his warmth and sense of humour, as well as his ability to bring China’s history and society to life with personal anecdotes. Having led a wide variety of professional groups over so many years, his breadth of knowledge is second to none.
Need more information?
- Tel: (Toll Free) 1-8777-398-764
- Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Itinerary at a glance
- 16 June (Sat) Kunming: Arrive Kunming and transfer to the Jinjiang Hotel
- 17 June (Sun) Kunming / Dali: Take the train to Dali. Arrive and transfer to your lakeside hotel. Welcome dinner
- 18 June (Mon) Dali: Visit the Three Pagodas and take a cruise on Erhai Lake, visiting a local Bai village and temple. Take a walking tour of Dali old town and have dinner at Mulan
- 19 June (Tues) Dali: Visit the local market, see traditional textiles and take part in culinary tours with a cookery class and lunch. At leisure to further explore or relax by the lake
- 20 June (Wed) Dali / Lijiang: Drive to Lijiang, stopping at the village market in Xizhou on the way. Arrive in Lijiang and transfer to the Palace Hotel. Take a walking tour including a rooftop view of old Lijiang
- 21 June (Thurs) Lijiang: Visit Black Dragon Pool and the Museum of Naxi Culture. Take a walking tour of Lijiang. Visit Jade Dragon Mountain and the ancient town of Shuhe and see paper making and textiles and traditional crafts
- 22 June (Fri) Lijiang / Lugu Lake: Drive via Yi village through stunning scenery to Lugu Lake. Arrive in the afternoon and transfer to the Hu Tu Sui Yue Inn. Meet with the matrilineal Mosuo community and learn of their culture and customs
- 23 June (Sat) Lugu Lake / Lijiang: Circumnavigate the lake, visiting the villages and temples. Option to explore by bike. At leisure. Return to Lijiang late afternoon
- 24 June (Sun) Lijiang / Lhasa: Fly into Tibet and transfer to the Kai Yuan Hotel. Afternoon at leisure to acclimatise
- 25 June (Mon) Lhasa: Visit Potala Palace. Explore Lhasa in the afternoon, including Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street (the window of Tibet) and a hospital of traditional Tibetan medicine
- 26 June (Tues) Lhasa: Visit Tandruk Temple and Yumbulagang Palace. Take the ferry across the Brahmaputra River to Samye Monastery. Return to Lhasa
- 27 June (Wed) Lhasa / Chengdu: Fly to Chengdu and transfer to the Tibet Hotel. Arrive in the afternoon and visit a traditional teahouse. Enjoy a traditional hot pot dinner in the evening
- 28 June (Thurs) Chengdu: Visit the Panda Sanctuary. Visit Wenshu Monastery and the wholesale art market. Farewell Sichuan dinner
- 29 June (Fri) Chengdu: Depart Chengdu
Tour cost
Ground only: USD $4,144 pp sharing