Yunnan (China

Black Dragon Pool, Lijang

Yunnan’s diversity of natural wonders includes Himalayan peaks, fertile valleys, tropical rainforests, tranquil lakes, nature reserves and thundering rivers. The snow-capped mountains and glaciers feed two of the world’s great rivers, the Mekong and the Yangtze. Culturally, the area is a veritable cornucopia of 24 colorful and exotic ethnic groups including Yi, Lisu, Bai, Naxi, and Li.

Starting in Kunming, we visit the Western Hills and a temple carved out of the mountainside. In the town of Dali, we explore ancient streets surrounded by remnants of the city wall that once protected inhabitants from invaders. In the background, the Cangshan Mountains rise to snowy heights. We cruise on beautiful Erhai Lake before traveling to the town of Lijiang and walking along footpaths over ancient canals and alongside merchant shops.

We make our way to higher altitude as we begin our journey to Shangri-La (formerly called Zhongdian) and Deqen on the Tibetan Plateau. We encounter locals in their traditional villages, plowing fields with yaks in this truly rugged, spectacular and seldom-visited Shangri-La. We also travel to Tacheng Nature Reserve in search of the very rare Yunnan golden monkey.

Finally, we board a plane to Chengdu in Sichuan province, where we conclude our trip with a visit to the UNESCO Panda Breeding Sanctuary.

Combines with Classic China.

Activity Level: 2 Fact File • 16 land days • Maximum 16 travelers • Start in Kunming, finish in Chengdu • All meals included • Includes 1 internal flight

Highlights • Visit ancient Dali and Lijiang and a traditional Naxi village • See the Stone Forest • View the Upper Yangtse and Mekong rivers • Explore Lijiang - a UNESCO World Heritage Site • Boat ride on Lake Erhai • Visit the UNESCO Panda Breeding Sanctuary • Search for the rare golden monkey

Daily Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Kunming, China

Includes Tibetan plateau, Tacheng ‘Golden Monkey’ Reserve & UNESCO Panda Breeding Sancturary

Day 2: Stone Forest and Kunming Day 3: Western Hills and Kunming */,5.+< Day 4: Dali, Lake Erhai, Three Pagodas +Ì8Ì5 Day 5: Dali, Boat Cruise on Lake Erhai :OHUNYPSH Day 6: To Shaxi ;HJOLU UW N 3010(5. Day 7: To Shangri-La :OH_P Day 8: Day 9: To Tacheng Nature Reserve Search for Golden Monkeys, ,9/(0 3(2, +(30 `HUN[ZL YP]LY to Deqen Via the Baimang Pass Day 10: Mingyomg Glacier, Feilai Temple 2<5405. Day 11: Explore the Himalayan Region, Return to Shangri-La Departure Dates & Prices Day 12: To Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge Sep 27 - Oct 12, 2021 - $4495 USD Day 13: Lijiang - Yufeng Temple, Sep 27 - Oct 12, 2022 - $4495 USD Traditional Naxi Village Day 14: Lijiang - Black Dragon Pool, Fly Comfort Level to Chengdu 6 days over 9,000 feet. Some rough/ Day 15: UNESCO Panda Breeding dusty, windy roads and long drives. Sanctuary, Chengdu City Tour Accommodations Day 16: Depart Chengdu Comfortable hotels with private bathroom facilities.

Golden Monkey