Yunnan Explorer

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kunming.

Upon arrival into Kunming airport you'll be met by your guide and driven to your city hotel.

This morning you drive or fly to Dali, which is the starting point for exploring the mountains of the northwest of the province. After checking into your hotel you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Spend today exploring Dali's Old Town by yourselves.

A further day at leisure to explore the delights of Dali; perhaps take a cable car into the Cangshan Mountains or cycle out to Lake Erhai.

Today you'll drive out to the village of Shaxi. This drive will take you into the countryside, through villages and rice paddies to Shaxi. Once there you'll have time to explore.

After more time spent in the village, you'll drive further north today to Lijiang, stopping off at the holy Buddhist mountain of Shibaoshan on the way.

Lijiang has a very well preserved old town and you'll spend the day exploring it by yourselves.

At leisure in Lijiang.

You drive onto Lugu Lake today - a stunningly picturesque journey, folllowing a tributary of the Yangtze some of the way, and passing through a handful of minority villages.

Have time around Lake Lugu today - visit some minority villages, go walking or even horseriding, or simply relax and take in the views - the choice is yours.

Return to Lijiang today, retracing your steps.

This morning you'll be driven to Daju, start of the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek. Your guide will then accompany you for day one of the trek. This is the more strenuous of the two days, as you gain height to the upper path of the trek. Towards the end of the day, you'll approach a small guesthouse, where you spend tonight.

After a restful night's sleep, you'll continue along the path - today is a little less tiring than the first day, with less climbing. You'll finish the trek and be met by your driver around the middle of the afternoon. You'll then be driven onto Zhongdian, sitting high on the Tibetan plateau at 3,200 metres.

Today your guide will accompany you to Songzanlin Monastery - the most important Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet. You have this afternoon at your leisure to explore Zhongdian by yourselves.

A final day at leisure to explore the beautiful surrounds of Zhongdian.

You drive to the airport this morning for your flight to Kunming, where you connect onwards to Hong Kong, ready for your international return flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.