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Secrets of the Southwest

11 Days from $3,590 USD / person

Adventure & Outdoors

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Wildlife & Safaris

Cub of Giant panda bear sleeping on tree Chengdu, China
Karst landscape and rape flowers - in China's yunnan province
a beautiful view of the china Shangri-La
A girl dressed in ancient Chinese Miao nationality clothing. Located in Lijiang Ancient City, Yunnan Province, China
Chinese landscape. Stone forest in Kunming, Yunnan province
Songzanlin Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Zhongdian,Yunnan China. A place always knows in the name of fictional places,Shangri la.
Yuantong Kunming Temple panorama, Kunming capital city of Yunnan, China

Ideal For

Adventure & Outdoors

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Wildlife & Safaris

Itinerary Summary

Day
Place
Hotel Opts
1 – 3
Kunming
Highlights: Temples & Museums, Ethnic Communities, Shilin Stone Forest
Intercontinental Kunming
3 – 6
Lijiang
Highlights: Ethnic Minorities & Naxi Culture, Trekking in Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Old Town
The Bivou
6 – 9
Shangri-la (Zhongdian)
Highlights: Tibetan Buddhism, Grasslands & Yaks, Himalayan Mountains
Arro Khampa Shangri-la
9 – 11
Chengdu
Highlights: Endangered Giant Pandas, Qingyang District, UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Shu Brocade & Embroidery
Buddha Zen Hotel Chengdu
Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Itinerary Details

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.

Included activities

Picnic at the Stone Forest

Explore the historic region around Kunming on this all-day tour, understanding the cultural heritage and natural history of the land. After an early breakfast at your hotel, drive over from Kunming to Lunan in the company of your English speaking guide. Wander through the fascinating Stone Forest, also known as Shilin, which locals have always believed to be ‘The First Wonder of the World’. Soak in the tranquil ambiance of this huge, natural landscape of spectacular stone structures. Stroll through a rocky maze, taking in your surroundings and picking up trivia from your guide on this natural wonder. Enjoy a delicious luncheon spread in the shadows of this unusual forest. On your way back to Kunming, stop at a section of the running train tracks built by the French. Discover a bit of colonial history attached to this ambitious project before returning to your hotel. (Full Day; Time: 0800 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Picnic lunch included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

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!

Included activities

Experience Naxi Culture

Get a glimpse into the lives of the Naxi ethnic group on a fascinating tour of their small yet authentic village. Stroll around the hamlet clicking pictures and taking in the unique stone houses. Pass by men, women, and children dressed in colorful clothes going about their daily chores. Step into the compact home of a local family and join them in making tofu the traditional way. Also known as bean curd, tofu is prepared by coagulating soy milk and comes in various textures. Sip a cup of freshly brewed tea as you learn all about the intricate art of ancient Naxi calligraphy. After exploring to your heart’s content, return to your hotel enriched by this immersive experience. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Soft Trekking at Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today you’ll be transferred to the major highlight sport of Yunnan: the Tiger Leaping Gorge. One of the deepest gorges in the world, this natural crevice separating the Jinsha River has staggering variations in altitude (nearly 4000m). As such, it has become a playground for global trekkers keen on defying this unforgiving terrain. Prepare to enjoy a leisurely 2-3 hour trek through the spectacularly beautiful gorge area. (Full Day; Time: 0800 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch included: Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

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.

Included activities

Tibetan Experience: Songzanlin Monastery, Thangka Painting & Family Lunch

Discover the secrets of the legendary Shangri-la on this extensive tour of this Tibetan corner of the country. After an early breakfast, set off with your English speaking guide to visit the iconic Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtselling Gompa). Watch the faithful line up at this venerated Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site. Capture a timeless image of the tranquil Lamuyancuo Lake, fluttering prayer flags in colorful shades, smiling monks in flowing robes and the golden roofs of the Gompa glittering in the sunlight. Visit a local Tibetan family and join your gracious hosts for lunch as you learn about their precious cultural heritage. Over gentle conversations, relish a simple meal of typical Tibetan barley bread and dried pork, washed down with cups of Tibetan butter tea. After a satisfying lunch, learn the art of Thangka painting at a nearby school. A religious art, original Thangka works are delicately painted on precious silk scrolls and involve the use of gold paint. Return to your hotel after the trip. (Full Day; Time: 0800 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Napahai Lake Biking Tour

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the impossibly blue glacial lakes and high altitude grasslands around Shangri-la. After breakfast or lunch at your hotel, head out towards the Napa Lake region with your local English speaking guide. Choose your bike and make the most of a wonderful trip, riding along the Himalayan landscape of rugged mountains and verdant grasslands. The Napa Lake lies in a valley lined with snow-covered peaks on all three sides. It is completely blanketed in snow through the long winter and spring months, but come summer, the valley transforms into an Alpine flowery meadow. Expect to find herds of local yaks and horses grazing peacefully in meadows. Ride along the picturesque lakeside, taking in the local Tibetan villages along the way. Don’t forget to stop for a gorgeous photo op or a selfie at this roof of the world. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Please dress comfortably).

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.

Included activities

Enjoy a Sichuan Opera Show

Spend the evening watching a fascinating Sichuan opera performance unique to the region. Tracing its origins to the 18th century, this operatic style is distinguished by its face-changing moves and flashy stunts. Head backstage to see the actors put on make-up as they get into character. Get a look at the different patterns in various colors that the actors use to portray the characteristics of each persona. Watch mesmerized as dancers, fire-eaters, acrobats, and other artists put up a riveting 90-minute show. Soak in the rich cultural ambiance created by the ornate set designs and the dazzling costumes of the performers. Lose yourself in the tales adapted from the classics, folklore, and legends that are depicted by the artists with the help of visual aids and special effects. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy).

See the Pandas at Chengdu Panda Breeding Center

Set out to spend time with adorable pandas at the Panda Breeding Center situated on the outskirts of the city. Wander around the facility that is the largest center for captive pandas in the world with a population of nearly 100 animals. Learn all about the habits and breeding of this endangered species that has been at the center of conservation efforts by the Chinese government and numerous NGOs. Get a closer look at the country’s famous residents and see how the conservation efforts have borne fruit with the population of the species increasing by about 50 percent. Click photographs of these charming creatures as they frolic and relax in their natural habitat before you head back. (Full Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

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

Uncover the southern heart of China, traversing Himalayan mountains, picture perfect valleys, majestic canyons, lakes and spiritual kingdoms. From peaceful Kunming to historic Lijiang, surreal Shangri-la and cultural Chengdu – temper your tour of Southwestern China with leisurely picnics, cultural explorations, outdoor activities and rewarding visits with the country’s beloved Giant pandas.

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $3,590 USD / person

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

What Our Guests Say

We’ve worked with Enchanting Travels on more than ten trips now………….many have been 3-5 week adventures that require tremendous attention to detail in remote parts of the world. We have never been disappointed–only incredibly delighted! Anita was amazing to work with for Sri Lanka/Southeast Asia. I had a very specific wish list and she made sure I crossed everything off of it! The itinerary was geared to our interests and the pace we prefer. Divya kept a close eye on us throughout to ensure that things went smoothly. Working with Enchanting for so many years has allowed us to build relationships that increase the quality of our experiences as time goes on. Not only do they know the best places to see throughout the world but now the bonus is that they know US! These trips keep getting better. We run out of superlatives in trying to explain just how outstanding our experiences have been since we started working with Enchanting. As long as we can drag our suitcases to an airport, we will continue to plan meaningful, life changing adventures with them. Many thanks to the entire Enchanting Team for all of the efforts in making this trip so memorable!
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Photo of Carol Susan Larimore
Carol Susan Larimore

USA

Once again we were delighted to travel with Enchanting Travels. This was our third time and destination and they didn’t disappoint. Our driver/guide was of exceptional standard proudly showing us his country with the combination of the Enchanting team in the background making it a seamless adventure. I would recommend them to one and all.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Photo of Pauline Hunter Kleeman
Pauline Hunter Kleeman

Australia

Enchanting Travels made our trip entirely stress free and easy. This meant we were able to enjoy the beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia. All our guides, drivers, hotel staff, and trip coordinators were so so wonderful and a pleasure to interact with- Can’t speak highly enough about this company.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Photo of Edith Isaacs
Edith Isaacs

Australia

Enchanting Travels exquisitely prepared our excursion from top-to-bottom based on our initial discussions regarding our desires for our trip. From cities, sites, tours, hotels, & activities, we were immersed in our favorite style of travel: get involved in activities [culinary class, organic farming, yes – and of course care of the elephants], great knowledgeable guides, local food tasting as one priority, and trying different modes of local transport [from car, boat, bicycle, Cyclo-cross, Tuk-Tuk, Long Boat, gondola, canoe, Vespa scooter, and even a bamboo raft]. The hotels were specifically selected for their local style, and the sites were all well represented and included off-the-beaten path historical and natural treasures. The oversight of our trip via the App as well as 24/7 coordinator involvement made it totally hassle-free.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Photo of Marek Mirski
Marek Mirski

USA

Enchanting Travels and their staff put together a trip of a lifetime. We hadn’t traveled to Asia before and were nervous about what to expect or how to navigate once we were there. We also really didn’t know what we wanted to do other than a few expectations. We went to four countries with multiple hotels, flights and boat excursions. I cannot believe that the 5 week trip went off with out any hitches! Everything was so smooth and effortless. We did not worry about anything the whole time we were there. It was comforting to know that our trip coordinator was there for us if we needed her and she certainly responded quickly if we did have a need or question. The choices for hotels that Enchanting Travels recommended were superb and the guides and driver were knowledgeable and fun. I can not speak more highly of all of their services and plan on using them again for another big trip.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Photo of Candace Morton
Candace Morton

USA

Enchanting Travels did an excellent job of planning, coordinating, and executing our trip. This was our first trip with Enchanting Travels and we would definitely recommend them and we will definitely use them again. They have an outstanding staff and listened to our needs and developed a trip within our budget. While I was skeptical about having a coordinator in another country, it worked; when we needed help addressing issues, which were minor, they were on it quickly and efficiently and effectively. This is a first rate operation.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Photo of Stephen Goldman
Stephen Goldman

USA

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