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18 |
Soft Hiking |
DAYS |
Voir les photos
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Leisure time in Chengdu
- Jiuzhai Valley and Yellow Dragon Park
- Ancient Tea Horse Road: the international trade route in Southwest China radiating to South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and even Europe
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: the deepest gorge in the world
- Ethnic Minority Culture Experience
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 01 HOME / CHENGDU
- DAY 02 CHENGDU / YELLOW DRAGON / JIUZHAIGOU NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 03 JIUZHAIGOU NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 04 JIUZHAIGOU NATIONAL PARK / CHENGDU
- DAY 05 CHENGDU PANDA BASE / LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA STATUE
- DAY 06 MT QINGCHENG / DUJIANGYAN IRRIGATION PROJECT
- DAY 07 CHENGDU / LIJIANG
- DAY 08 LIJIANG
- DAY 09 LIJIANG / LUGU LAKE
- DAY 10 LUGU LAKE
- DAY 11 LUGU LAKE / YONGNING / STAY IN ZHUANGZI
- DAY 12 TRANSFER TO FENGKE VIA LABO / TREK TO LIUQING
- DAY 13 LIUQING VILLAGE / BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE
- DAY 14 BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE / DAJU
- DAY 15 DAJU / TIGER LEAPING GORGE / STAY IN HALFWAY GUESTHOUSE
- DAY 16 HALFWAY GUESTHOUSE / QIAOTOU / ZHONGDIAN
- DAY 17 ZHONGDIAN
- DAY 18 ZHONGDIAN / BEIJING
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
Sichuan, the home to pandas, best known outside of China for its fiery cuisine. It has wonderful diversity of nature and culture. From west of Sichuan, entering the mountains that eventually kiss the intensely blue sky at more than 6000m, where it is the second largest Tibetan area, and travel in the east, in the flat, densely populated Sichuan basin in and around the capital city of Chengdu, the weather is humid and foggy, the people, and life races toward future as it does in many other Asian urban centers.
Travel into Sichuan deeply, you will encounter the spicy Sichuan cuisine, visit China’s adorable “Black and White “Pandas, follow the pilgrimage trail to learn about the Buddhism culture and Daoism philosophy, and enjoy the incredible views in Jiuzhai and Yellow Dragon national parks. All these elements present the unique laid-back life style in Sichuan. And this is why people call Sichuan the Land of Milk and Honey since 2000 years ago.
After Sichuan, we will take a flight to Lijiang, Yunnan province. Yunnan, a land of natural beauty and mystery, located in the most southwest of China, has a vast territory, magnificent mountains and rivers, abundant natural resources and diverse cultures. It is known for its colorful and intriguing diversity of ethnic minority groups. We will start with Lijiang City, which enjoys a long history of over 800 years, a gathering place of Nakhi ethic group. And in the towns of Yongning and Fengke, in the villages of Zhuangzi, Liuqing and Baoshan, you’ll fully experience the dazzling diversity, as these places are a haven for the Naxi, Muosuo, Yi and Pumi etc ethnic groups. Spend enough time in Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the most attractive area inSouthwest China. Your tour will end the trip at Zhongdian or say Shangri-La for the famous DragonSnowMountain etc. During this trekking route, you will not only visit impressive natural sites but will reach the rarely visited villages which still maintain their traditional lifestyle from thousand years ago.
Note: All the time and distance shown here are approximate and indicative only, if there is inconsistency, it will depend on the weather, local road condition and other actual situation.
Holiday Itinerary
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HOME / CHENGDU
Arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to downtown Chengdu to check-in to your hotel. Evening is left free to explore the city if time is permitted.
Located in the heart of eastern Sichuan, Chengdu is the capital of this southwestern province. Geographic and political remoteness have always contributed to the free-spirited nature of the Sichuan people, and the modern cosmopolitan nature of Chengdu reflects this. Chengdu’s identity as a fast-growing metropolis, gateway city to Tibet, and source for some of Sichuan’s most delicious cuisine, makes it one of the most interesting cities to visit in China
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Accommodation 4 star in Chengdu
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CHENGDU / YELLOW DRAGON / JIUZHAIGOU NATIONAL PARK
Take the early flight to Yellow dragon airport. Once arrived, we will bring you to the Yellow Dragon natural forest where we will spend the whole afternoon there to admire the stunning views. Local legend claims this area is the manifestation of a yellow dragon after its victory over a demon. In fact, Huanglong got its color from the terraced land, where water, containing rich Calcium Carbonate, flows down from the higher part of the mountain. After millions of years of geographical sedimentation and natural oxidation, various types of sedimentary rocks are formed under the water, and from afar, looks like a yellow dragon lying in water. Hence, its name “Huanglong – Yellow Dragon”.
Late afternoon, we will drive about 2 hours to Jiuzhaigou valley, and stay overnight nearby.
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Accommodation 4 star hotel in Jiuzhai
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Meals BLD
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JIUZHAIGOU NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day photographing the natural beauty of Jiuzhiagou National Park. Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve's stunning scenery and simple idyllic beauty became internationally famous and immortalized in film director Ang Lee's movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." The terrain encompasses mountains, deep ravines, forests, grass-covered slopes, lakes and waterfalls. Jiuzhaigou is also home to several Tibetan communities who have placed abundant Tibetan prayer wheels and stupas, locally known as chortens, around the area.
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Accommodation 4 star hotel in Jiuzhai
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Meals BLD
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JIUZHAIGOU NATIONAL PARK / CHENGDU
In the morning we go into Jiuzhai Valley again to visit another valley, after that we take the bus to airport and catch the afternoon flight back to Chengdu. Enjoy the laid-back life by walking around Kuanzhai Alleys.
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Accommodation 4 star in Chengdu
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Meals BLD
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CHENGDU PANDA BASE / LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA STATUE
This morning we drive about one hour to the panda breeding center, for those wildlife lovers, this is quite a unique chance to observe these cute pandas. Located on the outskirts of the city on Futou Hill, the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center is devoted to Giant Panda research, breeding, captive conservation and education. We arrive in the morning when the pandas are most active and visit grounds where Giant Pandas thrive alongside Red Pandas and Black Necked Cranes, also endangered, and more than 300 varieties of bamboo.
After our tour at the Panda breeding center, we will drive to visit the Great Buddha, which is the largest stone buddha in the world. The looming Leshan Great Buddha is a Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) relic that is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world at 71 meters. The Buddha, build in AD 713 by a Chinese monk named Haitong to calm the river waters, was crafted from a cliff face. It seems that so much stone from the carving process fell into the river below that it did indeed calm the area’s waters. Depending on what you prefer we may walk up for two hours to see the Buddha statue from the top or take a boat trip to see it on the river. In the late afternoon we will drive back to Chengdu.
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Accommodation 4 star in Chengdu
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Meals BLD
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MT QINGCHENG / DUJIANGYAN IRRIGATION PROJECT
This morning we will drive about 1.5 hours to visit Dujiangyan Irrigating System that was built nearly 2000 years ago. It still irrigates millions of acres of land around the Chengdu Plain, which in turn makes it one of the primary food production bases in China, hence why Sichuan is entitled "The Land of Abundance".
After the tour in Dujiangyan, we will head to the holy Taoist mountain, and have a 2-3 hour circular hike on the back part of Mt. Qingcheng. As the early residence of one of the Taoist founders and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qingcheng Mountain’s path is lined with temples and sanctuaries. As such, it is the perfect retreat from bustling city life and provides visitors with a profound sense of calm. Visitors spend several hours on the tranquil mountain route, enjoying the peace of the natural surroundings. Later in the afternoon we will drive back to Chengdu.
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Accommodation 4 star in Chengdu
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Meals BLD
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CHENGDU / LIJIANG
Take an early morning flight to Lijiang. Upon arrival in Lijiang, check in, and then take a guided stroll in the old town. Lijiang is a small mountain town of stone and tile, laced with swift canals, which has been recently listed as an UNESCO world monument. It enjoys a long history of over 800 years and unlike most of the old towns in China, there is no city wall due to a superstitious belief of the local ruler whose family name is Mu (tree木), when encircled by walls, would be Kun (besieged困). Wooden structures, mountains, small rivers and lanes integrate harmoniously in this mountain town. It is also an enclave of ethnic minority cultures, and especially a gathering place of rugged mountain people of Nakhi (Naxi) ethnic group.
Then, we will drive 20mins to explore aspects of Naxi daily life in Baisha Village (白沙古镇), where houses built of adobe and wooden struts and beam are usually decorated with fish designs. We’ll next learn more about the Naxi people at the Dongba Museum. The museum is built completely according to the traditional life style of the Naxi Minority. You can feel the traditional atmosphere of national culture from the layout of its yard, building facilities, tools and details of life. Later, more tours including Black Dragon Pool.
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Accommodation 4 star courtyard guesthouse in the Lijiang old town
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Distance 10km
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Meals LD
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Time 20mins driving
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LIJIANG
After breakfast, transfer to visit the fascinating Shibaoshan Mountain, known for its well-preserved Buddhist grottoes that are more than 1300 years old. Here, there are more than 200 mischievous resident monkeys. Climb to Baoxiang Temple, a Chinese Buddhist temple from the Yuan Dynasty built into the hillside.
After a Bai lunch in Shaxi Old Town, said to be the best preserved ancient town along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, you will visit the local square, old bridge, farmland and traditional houses.
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Accommodation 4 star courtyard guesthouse in the Lijiang old town
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Meals BLD
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LIJIANG / LUGU LAKE
After breakfast, you will leave Lijiang and drive toLuguLake. It is a long drive for about 6.5-7 hrs. On the way, enjoy the beautiful view among the huge mountains and rivers. To avoid long time on the van, you will have some stop on the way. There is a part of the road have a very beautiful view of the Yulong Snow mountain from the other side where the normal tourists will never see at all. Also, you could stop from time to time to have a short visit of some small villages of Yi nationalities. Upon arrival, visit a typical Mosuo family near Lugu Lake and stay for a wonderful night.
Mosuo Culture has attracted a lot of interest in recent years. The Mosuo community has been isolated for a very long time and has lived a self-reliant and self-managed lifestyle. This provides very clear evidence of the validity of its culture and traditions. They don't have a written language, so their entire history is an oral history, passed down from generation to generation. The Mosuo are often referred to as China's "last matrilineal society." One of the best known, and least understood, aspects of Mosuo culture is their practice of what has been termed "walking marriage" (Zou Hun in Chinese). It means partners do not live in the same household.
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Accommodation nice Mosuo guesthouse with private washroom
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Distance 280km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6.5-7hrs driving
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LUGU LAKE
Today, start your marvelous exploration in Lugu Lake area. Many cultural sites and scenic spots are scattered along the lakeside. They are Mosuo villages, plateau hot springs, the underground maze- Lucky Cave, the Chieftain's Palace, Zhamei Lama Temple, Riyuehe - The Ruins of the Yuan Army Quarters when Kublai Khan was on his south expansion and Yongning - the key town on the Ancient Tea-horse Road.
Today’s highlight is we will do a 4hrs hiking from Luowa dock to Kuawa village.
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Accommodation nice Mosuo guesthouse with private washroom
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Distance 12km
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Meals BLD
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Time 4hrs hiking
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LUGU LAKE / YONGNING / STAY IN ZHUANGZI
This morning we will drive along the Lugu Lake northwest to Yongning town(2,800m), which means a place of eternal peace and stability. Yongning is surrounded by mountains and like spring all year round, where many Chinese ethnic groups such as Mosuo, Pumi, Yi, Bai, Zhuang, Naxi etc live here.
Note: From now on, Cook, porters or stablemen and horses will escort you till Baoshan Stone Town.
When we arrive in Yongning town, visit Mosuo ethnic market and Zhamei Monastery. Then, start our trekking(6-7hrs) to Zhuangzi village with original forest on the way, where we can meet Yi, Pumi and Naxi minorities villages and feel the spiritual atmosphere in those villages. There are several up-and-down parts today, we will climb over the mountain pass(Zhuangzi Pass) (about 3,620 m) and then arrive to the Yi nationality’s area. Yi is the largest population of the minority nationalities in Yunnan and is well-known for their Torch Festival, from which is believed to have the power to repel insects, ward off evils, and protect the growth of crops. Standing on the top of mountain, we will have a great view of Yongning basin and Golden Sand River Valley.
At the end of hiking, we will stay in a village named Zhuangzi and chat with Pumi families. the Pumi were influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Pumi women often wear jackets with buttons down one side here.
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Accommodation Pumi guesthouse with public shower and toilet
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Ascent 900m
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Descent 670m
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Distance 15-17km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6.5-7.5hrs hiking
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TRANSFER TO FENGKE VIA LABO / TREK TO LIUQING
Today we will make a 1-hour drive towards Fenglian (奉联) Village. On the way, meet the first village Labo on the east shore. Fenglian Village is located in Fengke Town, where many travelers would finish their trek as landscapes of the first stage are the most breathtaking.
Today, we will take about 3 hours from Fenglian Village trek cross the Yangtse River to discover the Naxi’s country. A further descent to the next village Liuqing is a long but gentle hike. Several villages can be found along the path with wooden irrigation canals, wooden houses and terrace field as well. You will come into Naxi nationality’s residential area and meet friendly and smiling villagers on the way. Stay in Naxi village guest house at the bank ofYangtze river.
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Accommodation Naxi family guesthouse with public toilet
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Ascent 750m
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Descent 750m
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Distance 7km
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Meals BLD
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Time 3hrs hiking
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LIUQING VILLAGE / BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE
Today is a strenuous day! With beautiful forests, village, valley view along the way.
In the early morning, head south. Jinsha River (Yangzi River) flows southward on your left. In 2.5 hours, you will encounter a tough ascent to the Taizi (Prince) Pass with an altitude of 2,490m, steeply-incised by Jinsha Jiang. Even horses are not able to climb up here. You will have to cross two tunnels without any illumination. Torches are essential here. The first tunnel is actual the highest point of Prince Pass.
The last part of the hiking is not easy, you will descend the steep and narrow trail from 2,490m to 1,788m. But you will find it is rewarding with a fantastic view of Baoshan Stone Town setting on a huge stone along the bank of the Yangtse River!
Baoshan Stone Town is not a town made of stone as it is named, but a big village built on a huge stone. The mighty nature mother brought along a heavy stone, and the diligent Naxi People turned it into a wonderland under heaven. The Town sits there, appearing uniquely simple and unsophisticated, and exhibiting the charm of local culture at the same time.
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Accommodation local Naxi guesthouse with public toilet and shower
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Ascent 620m
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Descent 800m
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Distance 15km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6.5-7.5hrs hiking
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BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE / DAJU
Explorer near Baoshan stone town and reach the Yangyze River around 2 hours, and enjoy leisure time in the morning with different species of bushes.
Note: Here you will say good-bye to the porters who escorted us for 5 days. There will be no porters and stablemen for the next 2 days' soft trekking.
Transfer to Daju after lunch, drive about 95km about 3.5 hours by minibus. Daju, a town where is the end of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Enjoy the wonderful view of Jade Gragon Snow Mountain from a far. When we arrive at Daju, we will be back again to the Golden Sand River (Yangtse River).
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Accommodation local village guesthouse with public toilet and shower
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Ascent 600m
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Descent 100m
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Distance 12km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6.5hrs hiking
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DAJU / TIGER LEAPING GORGE / STAY IN HALFWAY GUESTHOUSE
Note: Today, your big luggage will be transferred by the van to the end of the hike point next day. You can only take necessity of one-night needs in a small bag with you for the following two-day’s hiking. The rest two-day’s hiking have guesthouse or tea house along the way, we may take rest in or have lunch there.
This is a full day trekking in the countryside north of Lijiang where the scenery is stunning. The Yangtze River, still in its infancy here, passes through the Gorge with cliffs of almost 4,000 metres on both sides. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world’s deepest gorges or river canyon in the world.
After breakfast, walk down to Jinsha River; take the boat to Heika village on the other side of Yangtze River from the Daju New Ferry. Hike along the road from the Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge to the Middle Part and visit the Walnut Grove Garden Village on the way. If time permits, trek down the middle Tiger Leaping Gorge to feel the stunning view and roaring of the River running in the deep valley. Continue hike up to Tina’s guesthouse (partly by local van on the road). Then further up to Halfway Guesthouse in Bendiwan village for the overnight. Here is simple but comfortable, with private bathroom and hot shower.
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Accommodation Halfway Guesthouse in Bendiwan with private toilet and shower
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Ascent 700m
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Descent 300m
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Distance 12km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6.5hrs hiking
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HALFWAY GUESTHOUSE / QIAOTOU / ZHONGDIAN
Trek from Halfway Guesthouse to Qiaotou(桥头)(1,835m), visit the Tea and Horse House, Naxi Family Guesthouse, pass through the 28-Zig-zag rail (28 bends) on the cliff on the trekking, cool and interesting. Opposite, the beautiful view of Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain is always in sight. Our driver and bus is greeting us at the end of the trekking and transfer from Qiaotou to Zhongdian (also called Shangri-la). Celebrating night with Tibetan dancing!!!
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Accommodation 4 star hotel in Zhongdian
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Ascent 300m
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Descent 820m
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Distance 14km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6.5-7hrs hiking
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ZHONGDIAN
Zhongdian is the first Tibetan town inYunnanwith a sprinkling of Bai Muslim and Naxi cultural influences. It is a beautiful land characterized by snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, idyllic lakes and religious culture. It is a "Utopia" free from stress, pollution and turmoil that plagues most of the cities where we live.
Today we’ll visit Zhongdian Old town, huge prayer wheel and local Tibetan. This area is rich with Tibetan-style architecture and dates back 1300 years! We’ll explore Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias - 'the little Potala Palace ', so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. Walk around for 2 hours.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll drive to a small hill to visit Napa Lake about6kmaway. The Napa Lake Nature Reserve is the country’s largest grassland and most scene area of the plateau. We’ll enjoy the Tibetan culture and take photographs before get back to Zhongdian old town for some souvenir shopping. Upon returning to our hotel in the evening we’ll have a delicious dinner.
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Accommodation 4 star hotel in Zhongdian
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Meals BLD
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ZHONGDIAN / BEIJING
After breakfast, transfer to Zhongdian airport for flight to Beijing.
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Meals B
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Price Policy
Tour Price Policy
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
7. Internal flights
** Day 11/ Flight from Yichang to Shanghai (based on economy class);
8. Trains
** Day 04/ High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (based on 2nd class);
** Day 06/ High speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (based on 2nd class)
** Day 06/ High speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (based on 2nd class)
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure : 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure : 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure : 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.
