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Explore some of China’s most iconic sites, from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall.
Exploring the far north western region of Yunnan, this holiday to Shangri-La is ideal for travellers wishing to experience remote, wild and scenically beautiful parts of China. Immerse yourself in local communities by staying in peaceful Tibetan villages surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Tibetan culture
Visit Tibetan villages and some of the region’s most important Tibetan monasteries.
Yunnan golden monkey
See the endangered Yunnan golden monkey.
Mountain walking
Hike village trails and mountain paths amidst the snow-capped peaks of Northern Yunnan.
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Day 1
Arrive Beijing (The PuXuan Hotel and Spa)
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Day 2
Beijing (The PuXuan Hotel and Spa)
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Day 3
Beijing (The PuXuan Hotel and Spa)
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Day 4
Beijing - Shangri-La (Songtsam Lugu Lodge)
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Day 5
Shangri-La - Tacheng (Songtsam Tacheng Lodge)
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Day 6
Tacheng - Deqen (Songtsam Meili Lodge)
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Day 7
Deqen (Songtsam Meili Lodge)
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Day 8
Deqen - Benzilan - Shangri La (Songtsam Lugu Lodge)
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Day 9
Shangri La (Songtsam Lugu Lodge)
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Day 10
Shangri La (Songtsam Lugu Lodge)
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Day 11
Shangri-La - Chongqing (Niccolo Hotel)
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Day 12
Chongqing (Niccolo Hotel)
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Day 13
Depart Chongqing
Day 1
Arrive Beijing (The PuXuan Hotel and Spa)
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation in the city.
Day 2
Beijing (The PuXuan Hotel and Spa)
Meet your guide to explore the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding park, where locals gather to exercise and socialise. Wander through the Forbidden City, then take in the view from atop Coal Hill before hopping into a sidecar to tour some of Beijing’s backstreets.
Day 3
Beijing (The PuXuan Hotel and Spa)
Visit the Great Wall of China today. One of China’s most iconic sites, it was originally built to protect the Chinese empire from Nomadic tribes and is the largest man made structure in the world. The section of the wall at Jinshanling takes a little more effort to get to but is dramatic and far less visited.
Day 4
Beijing - Shangri-La (Songtsam Lugu Lodge)
Transfer to the airport for flights to Yunnan and Shangri La, capital of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Day 5
Shangri-La - Tacheng (Songtsam Tacheng Lodge)
Visit Sumsanling Monastery this morning where at least 600 Buddhist monks spend their time engrossed in Buddhist learning. Built in the 17th Century by the 5th Damai Lama, the monastery with its numerous chapels, woodcarving and paintings is a living museum of Tibetan culture. Also visit Napa Lake before travelling around two hours to Tacheng.
Day 6
Tacheng - Deqen (Songtsam Meili Lodge)
Visit the Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park where it is possible to see the Golden Snub Nosed Monkey. Also visit Lisu Village with the opportunity to try the local honey and make traditional buckwheat cake. Continue north to Deqen taking around three to four hours.
Day 7
Deqen (Songtsam Meili Lodge)
Today explore the beautiful scenery, small temples and villages in the area. Watch the sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain, the highest mountain in the Hengduanshan range and an important mountain for Tibetan pilgrims. Later visit Mingyong Glacier, visiting Mingyong Tibet village en route, Horses are offered (led by their owners) to the glacier and in total about three hours of riding can be expected. Whilst on the mountain also visit Taizi monastery.
Day 8
Deqen - Benzilan - Shangri La (Songtsam Lugu Lodge)
Return to Shangri La today, stopping in Benzilan enroute to visit Dongzhulin Temple, a serene monastic site overlooking the Mekong, before continuing to the Wooden Bowl Village, known for its traditional craftsmanship and quiet charm.
Day 9
Shangri La (Songtsam Lugu Lodge)
Explore the alpine meadows and lakes of Pudatso National Park before meeting local artisans in Nixi Pottery Village. End the day wandering the winding lanes of Dukezong Ancient Town.
Day 10
Shangri La (Songtsam Lugu Lodge)
Begin today on the Xiaozhongdian Plateau, a highland landscape of grazing yaks and seasonal wildflowers. Journey on to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons. Before returning to Shangri La visit the White Water Terrace, where mineral-rich waters have formed striking natural limestone steps over centuries.
Day 11
Shangri-La - Chongqing (Niccolo Hotel)
Spend some time with a local Tibetan family to experience their daily life and traditions and sample home-made Yak Butter Tea and Tibetan Cheese. Wander through a local market before trying out the intricate art of Tanka painting, a revered practice rich in spiritual symbolism. Transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Chongqing.
Day 12
Chongqing (Niccolo Hotel)
Explore Chongqing today. See the quirky Liziba station, where a monorail passes straight through a residential building, stroll the cobbled lanes and teahouses of historic Ciqikou and view the city from above on the Yangtze River Cableway.
Day 13
Depart Chongqing
Transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
More Details
A Slice of Tibetan Life
Songtsam are a small group of traditional Tibetan style boutique lodges, built within charming villages, and run by indigenous Tibetans, ensuring they remain part of the communities. This tight bond with local people brings guests to places less visited and captures a wealth of intimate interactions with local culture. From the villages of Shangri La to Tacheng, Benzilan and Meili it is also an area where many of the 25 ethnic minorities groups currently living in Yunnan can be found.
During your stays at the Songtsam Lodges you will have the chance to spend time with local families, learn about local handicrafts and join local Tibetans at worship at holy sites.
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Yunnan Golden Monkey
Visit the Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park and embark on a one to two hour trek into the nature reserve. These monkeys are one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world and make their home at altitudes higher than any other primate except humans.
When To Travel To Northwest Yunnan
Winter in Yunnan gets extremely cold so it is possible to visit this region from April to November with the best months being June to October. Due to the sometimes dramatic changes in altitude you could experience four seasons in one day and within just a few hours experience snow-capped mountains and flower filled valleys. From late May through to early June hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons bloom in this area.
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How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Songtsam Lodges are committed to sustaining traditional skills by employing local artisans — from stonemasons and coppersmiths to carpenters — in the construction and upkeep of their properties. Interiors feature hand-carved lacquerware, pottery, spoons and washbasins, helping to generate income for the community while honouring and sharing these crafts with guests.
Once abundant in the forests surrounding Meili Snow Mountain, the white-eared pheasant (crossoptilon) had all but vanished due to climate change and hunting. In partnership with Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve, Songtsam Lodges have supported a conservation initiative to help restore the population. At the Meili lodge, staff have incubated, nurtured and successfully released the first group of pheasants back into the wild.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £5,095 Per person
When to travel
China in January
Around Beijing and the mountainous areas such as Tibet, winter can get very cold, with some snow. However, there are also many crisp days with clear skies across the country.
China in February
Chinese New Year takes place in late January or Early February, and is the biggest event in the calendar. Fireworks and lanterns light up the night sky, but be aware that public transport and accommodation may be hard to come by.
China in March
The start of spring see temperatures rise across the country and fruit trees start to blossom. Although not as widespread as Japan, the blossoms in rural China can still be stunning.
China in April
The spring blossoms are in full swing, and the countryside is lush. The north and mountainous areas may still be chilly, but generally, spring is a good time to visit most places.
China in May
A very good time to visit many places in China. Southern regions are getting very warm, but there is an increased chance of rain. The northern and mountainous regions are pleasantly warm but lack the humidity of the summer.
China in June
A very good time to visit many places in China. Southern regions are getting very warm, but there is an increased chance of rain. The northern and mountainous regions are pleasantly warm but lack the humidity of the summer.
China in July
The ideal time to get out into the mountains of Tibet and Yunnan province. The alpine landscape is verdant and enjoys long hours of sunshine. Temperatures can be sweltering, especially in the south.
China in August
The hot weather prevails throughout the country as it is the peak of summer. Many places, especially in the south are unpleasantly hot and humid to travel. The mountains are the perfect place to escape the heat.
China in September
Temperatures decline gradually, but it is less humid and wet than summer in many regions. The mountains are still a good place to hike in, especially as snow has receded as far as possible. This makes it an excellent time for journeying along the Silk Road.
China in October
The majority of October is perfect for travelling, with widespread mild temperatures and little rain. However, it is worth avoiding the first week of October, as it is a national holiday.
China in November
This is the time to take in the beautiful autumn colours, especially in the northern and central regions. Snow may begin to fall in the north, but the tourist hotspots are much less busy as locals don’t tend to travel at this time.
China in December
It is cold in most of China at this time, but it is a great time to visit Beijing and surrounding areas. There are many cold and crisp days, and the tourist hotspots will be much quieter. Western China is bitterly cold though and Southern China is milder but damp.
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