Highlights
Day-by-day
Why this works
- Almost two weeks gives you time to see Yunnan’s highlights without rushing. You’ll do the must-sees, alongside the slower, off-the-beaten-path experiences that make Yunnan special.
- The route is designed to help you acclimatise gradually from Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-La.
- The 6-day Shangri-La road trip is where you really go deep. You’ll travel through dramatic mountain passes and remote villages with a local guide who knows the hidden gems and family-run spots you’d never find on your own.
Day 1
1
Arrive in Kunming, train to Dali
Fly into Kunming, then take the high-speed train to Dali (about 2 hours). Altitude: 2,000m
39km
1 h+
2
Stay in a heritage home in Xizhou Town
Afternoon tea, learn Bai architecture and traditions, evening walk through the village. Overnight at the hotel
Day 2
1
Explore Xizhou market and cooking class
Your second day in Xizhou takes you to explore a local market and try cooking local Bai cuisine
52km
2
Explore Erhai Lake and Dali Old Town
See Erhai Lake, known for migratory birds, and Dali Ancient Town. Both are popular, so expect crowds.
Day 3
1
Train to Lijiang
Take a morning train from Dali to Lijiang (about 2 hours). Altitude: 2,400m
14km
28 mins
2
Yunnan Specialty Coffee Omakase
If you love coffee, this is a must! Meet the pioneers of specialty coffee in Yunnan and roast your own beans.
5.0
Day 4
1
Learn hidden stories of Lijiang Old Town
A guided morning walk to hidden corners, exploring Naxi pictographic writing and the ancient Tea Horse Road.
5.0
4km
2
Local food hunt
Eat your way through Lijiang with a dinner food hunt! Try some of the best local dishes with a foodie guide.
5.0
Day 5
1
Tiger Leaping Gorge hike, fewer crowds
Push through the famous 28 Bends and be rewarded with insane mountain views. Overnight at a guesthouse.
5.0
Day 6
1
Tiger Leaping Gorge hike
Continue hiking past waterfalls. Learn about Lijiang’s plants with your local guide who is a cool plant expert
5.0
Day 7
1
Train to Shangri-La
Take a morning trail form Lijiang to Shangri-La (about 1.5 hours). Altitude: 3,300m
2
Shangri-La Town and Monastery
The start of your 6-day road trip through Shangri-La! Take it easy on your first day by staying in town.
Day 8
1
Hike to the gorgeous Niru waterfalls
4-hour hike to gorgeous waterfalls, plus a well deserved hotpot dinner.
Day 9
1
Discover a sacred cave and see Napa Lake
Climb to a sacred caved still used by Tibetan pilgrims today. Drive past Napa Lake (great for birdwatching).
Day 10
1
Drive past the epic Baima snow mountains
Definitely the most beautiful views of this 6-day road trip.
Day 11
1
Watch the sunrise at Meili Snow Mountain
Catch the glowing sunrise at Meili (if you're lucky!) and visit a Catholic church with its own vineyard.
Day 12
1
See the endangered snub-nosed monkeys
See one of the world's rarest monkeys that has big lips and no nose. Do a pilgrimage walk at a cave temple.
2
Back to Shangri-La town
Spend your last night in Shangri-La town.
Day 13
1
Train back to Kunming, fly out.
Take a morning train back to Kunming (about 5 hours). Fly out of Kunming airport.
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