11 Days from $3,590 USD / person
Secrets of the Southwest
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 3
International Arrival
Your guide will accompany you from Kunming airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Kunming
Kunming has the distinction of being one of the country’s most liveable cities with its pleasant climate and laid back vibe. Given the peaceful co-existence of the traditional with the modern here, there are plenty of attractions and activities to suit all types of travelers. While the many museums and landmarks beckon history buffs, ancient temples provide a dose of spirituality. Sprawling parks and tranquil lakes that are home to numerous exotic bird species complete the picture postcard image! Home to the ethnic Yi people, it is common to come upon members of the group dressed in their traditional garb peddling handicrafts and participating in cultural performances. With a smattering of craft breweries and hip bars, there is no dearth of places to unwind at as night falls. Being well-connected to the rest of the country makes this city of eternal spring, as it is also called, the perfect base to explore Yunnan region. A little over an hour’s drive from the city is the Shilin stone forest known for its hauntingly beautiful natural stone pillar formations as well as Jiuxiang Scenic Area with its dam and scenic karst caves.
Hotel options
Intercontinental Kunming – Opt 1
Room
Superior Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 3 – 6
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Kunming train station in a private vehicle
Board your train from Kunming to Lijiang (Duration: 3-4 hrs)
Your guide will meet you at Lijiang train station and accompany you to your hotel in a private vehicle
3 Nights
Lijiang
Lijiang in China’s Yunnan province is home to historical sites, snow-capped mountains, majestic canyons, lakes, and the Naxi and other ethnic minority groups. A commercial center of the 1300s, its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town is a fascinating mosaic of cobblestone streets, an orderly system of canals and the Central Market Square with shops and restaurants. Must-visit sites include the Baisha village of the Naxi people with its relics and rice murals, the Shuhe Ancient Town along the Tea Horse Road as well as the scenic Black Dragon Pool. Enjoy stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain whether you choose to hike up the mountain or take a cable car ride to its lofty heights!
Hotel options
The Bivou – Opt 1
Room
Garden Yard Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 6 – 9
Drive from Lijiang to Shangri-la (180 km, 3.5 hrs)
3 Nights
Shangri-la (Zhongdian)
The Shangri-La (or Zhōngdiàn) of today may have very little to do with James Hilton’s 1930s bestseller, but the name still fires a traveler’s imagination. An isolated Tibetan world of Buddhist monasteries, it has preserved humanity’s wisdom and knowledge for thousands of generations. Present-day Shangri-La is the seat of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, clearly divided into a modern Chinese city and the old Tibetan quarter. Zhōngdiàn (Gyalthang in Tibetan) is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, glacial lakes, high altitude grasslands and major Tibetan monasteries. The Pudacuo National Park and Bashitai Terrace are worth a visit between sips of buttered tea or barley beer, while the Napa and Shudu lakes are a photographer’s delight. If you’re out hunting for old Tibet, the Buddhist Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Old Town won’t disappoint.
Hotel options
Arro Khampa Shangri-la – Opt 1
Room
Queen Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 9 – 11
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Shangri-la airport in a private vehicle
Board your flight from Diqing/Shangri-la to Chengdu (Flight duration: 1-2 hrs).
Your guide will accompany you from Chengdu airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Chengdu
The capital of the Sichuan province, Chengdu, in the foothills of the Himalayas, is renowned for its giant pandas, flavorful cuisine – it is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy – and a laid back vibe. The city is a mix of downtown skyscrapers and well preserved ancient neighborhoods. View endangered giant pandas roam freely in bamboo forests – their natural habitat – at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. The Wide and Narrow Alleys and courtyards in the Qingyang District – one of Chengdu’s historical and cultural reserves – invite you to explore a variety of restaurants and street food, pubs, old lodges, teahouses, and souvenir stores selling the famous Shu brocade and Shu embroidered works. History buffs will love museums such as the Jinsha Site Museum and Sanxingdui Museum, which showcase relics from 3000 years ago, and the picturesque parklands that house historic sites.
Hotel options
Buddha Zen Hotel Chengdu – Opt 1
Room
Superior Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Heritage
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Chengdu airport in a private vehicle
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
- Carbon emissions offsetting for your trip
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
