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20Days Yunnan-Tibet Trekking Tour from Nujiang-Salween River Grand Canyon


20Days Yunnan-Tibet Trekking Tour from Nujiang-Salween River Grand Canyon


$3395
Click for Price Details

Tour Code: YTKT008

Tour Dates: From April to October
Starts/Ends: Kunming/Lhasa
Trip Type: Yunnan-Tibet Trekking Tour
Activity Level: Moderate trekking tour

Tour Route:

KunmingtoStone ForesttoBaoshantoLiukutoGongshantoBingzhongluotoChawalongtoMinhongtoNuola MountaintoRidongtoZelong PasturetoYixiula MountaintoChayutoRanwutoBomitoNyingchitoLhasatoShiagatse toLhasato


Trip Highlights:
With a lower altitude and without any snow obstruction Bingcha Highway starts from Binzhongluo in Yunnan and ends Chawalong in Tibet, through which one can reach Lhasa from Kunming within five days or fewer, via Dianxi Sub-tropical Area, Lancang River Valley, Nujiang River Valley, Dulongjiang River Valley, Nyingchi Spruce Forest, Midui Glacier, Zangbubadong Waterfalls, Yarlungzangbo Great Canyon, Baxio Rawu Lake, Basong Tso, Niyang River Valley and so on. The track has been clopping for century after centrury, serving as a golden passage of caravans since the beginning of Tibetan civilization. Together with a horse caravan, Dreams Travel takes you into Great Canyon of Nujiang River, walking up onto Tibet Plateau. This set is a slideshow of a trip I did in May 2005 trekking into Tibet from Yunnan. The trek was along the Nujiang (or Salween River) for a major part of the journey, following a group of caravans carrying supplies to remote villages along the trail. This is part of the ancient Tea Horse Trail used to transport tea to Tibet. Just click on the slideshow within the set to see it.
Green Lake Park in Kunming city
 
 
Tour Dates Destinations Todays Activities Meals Included
Day 1 Arrival in Kunming Green Laken[detail]  
Day 2 Kunming-Stone Forest Stone Forest[detail] B,L,D
Day 3 Kunming-Baoshan-Liuku Nujiang River[detail] B,L,D
Day 4 Liuku-Gongshan Nujiang Grand Canyon
[detail]
B,L,D
Day 5 Gongshan-Bingzhongluo Bingzhongluo Town[detail] B,L,D
Day 6 Bingzhongluo-Chawalong Sijitong Village[detail] B,L,D
Day 7 Chawalong-Minhong Minhong Village[detail] B,L,D
Day 8 Minhong-Nuola Mountain Menkong Village
[detail]
B,L,D
Day 9 Nuola Mountain-Ridong Ridong Village [detail] B,L,D
Day 10 Ridong-Zelong Pasture Zelong Pasture[detail] B,L,D
Day 11 Zelong Pasture-Yixiula Mountain Yixiula Mountain
[detail]
B,L,D
Day 12 Yixiula Mountain-Chayu Chayu County[detail] B,L,D
Day 13 Chayu-Ranwu Ranwu Lake[detail] B,L,D
Day 14 Ranwu-Bomi Gangxiang village[detail] B,L,D
Day 15 Bomi-Nyingchi Nanjia Bawa Mountain
[detail]
B,L,D
Day 16 Nyingchi-Lhasa Bosongtso Lake[detail] B,L,D
Day 17 Lhasa Potala Palace[detail] B,L,D
Day 18 Lhasa-Shiagatse Yamdrok Lake[detail] B,L,D
Day 19 Shiagatse-Lhasa Jokhang temple[detail] B,L,D
Day 20 Departure See off[detail] B
Price(USD/Person) Superior Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
1 Person $4350 $4025 $3795
2-5 Persons $2420 $2258 $2195
6-9 Persons $1535 $1370 $1308
Single Room Supplement $530 $395 $345
Destinations Superior Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
Kunming Grand Park Hotel Kunming Kunming Hotel Kingword International Hotel Kunming
Camp     Camp
Lhasa Sheraton  hotel Gyang-gyan Kailash Hotel
Shiagatse jiumuyamei international jiumuyamei international Holy Land hotel

    Service Inclusion

  • - Pick up/Drop off;
    - All land transfer and transportation;
    - Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner as specified;
    - Accommodation/Camping;
    - Entrance fees as listed in the program;
    - Skilled driver & Experienced English-speaking guide;
    - Travel Agency's Responsibility Insurance;
     

    Service Exclusion

  • - Train Tickets/Flight Tickets;
    - Personal Travel Accident Insurance;
    - Any optional programs;
    - Chinese visa fees;
    - Personal Consumption;
    - Tips (150CNY/day to Guide; 100CNY/day to Driver);
     

    Note

    The economy-class airfare of China flights as specified in the itinerary.
    The hotel/cruise accommodation is based on two persons sharing one standard twin room/cabin with private facilities in all relevant locations. If a single client requests a twin room/cabin alone, the single room/cabin supplement will be charged.
    For the land tour in each city, daily American breakfast is served in the hotel, and Chinese lunch and/or dinner will be served with two cups of soft drink outside the hotel. All meal arrangements are served as the itinerary specifies.
    On the cruise daily American breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. The beverage arrangements are subject to policies.

1,Altitude Sickness:

Yunnan is a mountainous Province with high elevation. Sometimes people maybe suffer from the altitude sickness, you should drink much water,walk slowly and have much more rest. The elevations of Yunnan are as follows: Kunming(1895M),Dali(1976M),Lijiang(2416M),Shangrila(3280M).

 

2, Ethnic Folk Customs:

Please respect the local ethnic culture when you visit China. There are 55 ethnic minorities in China, you can find 52 of them in Yunnan Province. In this tour, you will experience Bai, Yi, Naxi, Tibetan,Mosuo minorities. You can learn more information about them from "Yunnan Ethnic Minorities".

 

3, Tipping
Giving a tip to someone who serves is a token of gratitude for a job well done.For the person who provides the service, their tip is often a large part of their income.Therefore, it is assumed they will do their best job to get the best tip possible.Unfortunately service tends to fall short quite often and then servers become insulted when the tip does not measure up to their expectations.

 

As the time flies to 21 century, tipping is no longer illegal in China since 1980s. Tipping for tour guides and drivers in recognition of their good service has become a common practice. Hotel bellboys and house keepers expect your tips as well. It is not customary to leave tips at hotel or local restaurants as the bill usually includes 10-15% service charge. 

.Yunnan Adventure Travel does not include tipping in our quotation as tipping is a personal matter. If you don't know what the proper amount for tipping would be, the following standard is for your reference:

 

•If you are traveling in a small party like 2 to 5 members, We suggest approximately US $8 to US $10 /per guest per day as tips for tour guide and US $4 to US $6 for the driver and about US $2 to US $3 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service.

 

For example, if 2 of you are traveling together and will stay in Beijing for 3 nights, the tip from both of you may be from US$48 to US$60 for the tour guide, US$24 to US$36 for the driver. But, for active tours like hiking, biking, rafting, we suggest you double the tipping.

 

•If you are traveling in a party like 6 to 9 members, We suggest US $6 to US $8 /per guest per day as tips for the tour guide and US $3 to US $5 for the driver and about US $1 to US $2 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service.

 

•If you are traveling in a group with more than 10 people, We suggest US $3 to US $5 /per guest per day as tips for the tour guide and US $2 to US $3 for the driver and about US $3 to US $5 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service.

 

The above is for your reference only, again tipping is a personal matter, you can always adjust the amount based on your satisfaction with the service you get from your tour guides, drivers, bellboys and so on.

 

4, Weather and Climate:

Yunnan is very nice to travel all the year around. From Kunmin to Shangri-La, you will experience different climate from 1900 to 3400meters above the sea level.

If you have any specific dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies) please inform us on the inquiry form so that we can provide advance notice about any special accommodations that may be necessary for you. If you are a food lover, Yunnan Adventure can be your culinary guide and provide you the opportunity to savor tempting local food and world-famous dishes.


Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Meal codes are: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.

 

Breakfast - Each breakfast will be served in your hotel. Breakfast selections include both Chinese and Western dishes to meet every diner's taste.

 

Lunch - Lunches are normally arranged at the Chinese restaurants near the scenic spots. Your tour guides will order food according to your appetite. Most are Chinese dishes, and some are modified to fit westerners' tastes. A complimentary glass of beer or soft drink is served with lunch.

 

Dinner - Same as lunch. If you prefer to not eat Chinese food, China Odyssey Tours suggests you have dinner on your own. Your local tour guide can recommend some good western restaurants in the area.

Our Luxury Car for Families
Yunnan Adventure use only modern air-conditioned luxury cars, vans and small buses on all tours. The comfort and safety of our customers is of utmost importance, so we ensure that all of the vehicles that we use are well-maintained and always very clean.
Groups of 1-2 persons: 5 seats car
Groups of 3-5 persons: 11seats van
Groups of 6-10 persons: 19seats van
Groups of 11-20 persons: 35seats van

If you are interested in this tour program and if you want to modify the itinerary in any way, please feel free to contact us.
Day 01 Arrive in Kunming (D)
Flight Information:Please inform us in advance.
Sightseeing: the Green Lake, Kunming City Tour
Special Experience:Enjoy welcoming dinner of Yunnan Flavouring food with crossing Bridge Rice Noodle and Steam Pot Chicken/Qiguoji.
You'll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.
 
You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. If time permits, you will have a Kunming city tour. Enjoy welcoming dinner of Yunnan Flavouring food with crossing Bridge Rice Noodle and Steam Pot Chicken/Qiguoji.
 
-- Kunming is the capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, a primarily agricultural province of 45 million. Kunming has a population of five million and is located in one of the world's most geographically, ethnically, biologically and linguistically diverse regions. Situated at 1,900 meters (6,233ft) above sea level and 25° north of the Equator it has a rather unique and pleasant climate for a Chinese city.
 
Day 02 Kunming-78KM-Stone Forest-Kunming (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the Stone Forest , Guandu Ancient Town, Jingang Pagoda
Optional Special Experience: Enjoy the large-scale dance drama "Dynamic Yunnan" in Kunming People's Hall (show time: from 20:00-21:30).
You will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that 'If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.' Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. After lunch drive back Kunming to visit the Guandu Ancient Town which is a famous historical & cultural town in Kunming; it keeps the main architectural style of Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.
 
After dinner, you will have an option to enjoy the large-scale dance drama "Dynamic Yunnan" which has been an outstanding innovation on the Chinese stage in recent years directed by Yang Liping. Primitive, unsophisticated folk dances and a fresh artistic concept converge in the programme, giving audiences a unique "Yunnan Impression." Sixty-two drums and 120 masks of strong ethnic characteristics are incorporated in the performance.
 
 -- The Stone Forest is in Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which is about 120 kilometers from Kunming and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. The Stone Forest has unique karst topography which is one of the best of its kind within China. There are six scenic spots in the Stone Forest: the Greater Stone Forest, the Lesser Stone Forest, the Naigu Stone Forest, the Zhiyun Cave, the Long Lake, the Da Dieshui Waterfall and the Qifeng Cave.
 
Day 03 Kunming-Baoshan-Liuku (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Yuhuang Ge Pavilion, Taibao Mountain,Gaoli Gongshan Mountain, Nujiang River 
In the morning, take the flight to Baoshan City, visit Yuhuang Pavilion in Taibao Mountain. After lunch, drive about 3hours from Baoshan to Liuku(120KM), the county seat of Nujiang Lisu and Pumi Nationalities Autonomous Prefecture.
In the afternoon, you will walk around Liuku Town, visit Nujiang River and Nujiang River Bridge.
 
-- The Nujiang River is China's important river flowing from north to south. It has its source on the southern slope of the Tanggula Mountain Range in Tibet Autonomous Region, flowing across the Tibet Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province, with a total length of 2,816 kilometers and a drainage area of 324,000 square kilometers.
 
The name of the river is changed into the Salween River after flowing into Burma from China, and it finally empties into the Andaman Sea of Indian Ocean at the Moulmein. The upper reaches of the river are known as the Naqu River in Tibetan. The river is called Anurimei by the Nu ethic minority, Anu is the name of the Nu people called by themselves, the Rimei means the river, so Anurimei means the river dwelled by the Nu people.
 
Day 04 Liuku-248KM-Gongshan (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the Nujiang Grand Canyon
Drive from Liuku to Gongshan. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang Grand Canyon.
The 316-kilometer-long Nujiang River Gorge is flanked by two 4,000-meter-high mountains. The mountain peaks on the two sides have an average altitude of over 3,000 kilometers. The gorge is located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, an area rich in ethnic minority culture. It is now a first choice for many domestic and foreign travelers.
Overnight in Gongshan
 
Day 05 Gongshan- 44KM- Bingzhongluo (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Bingzhongluo Town, Nujiang-Salween River
One full day excursion to Bingzhongluo, sightseeing includes the first bend of Nujiang River (Salween River), the stone house of the Nu Nationality, Peach Island, the Tibetan Puhua Temple. You will then have the chance to visit a minority household and experience the life of the local people. You will do about 4 hours trekking along Nujiang River to Bingzhongluo Town, the trekking is really wonderfull wit green water and trees.
Overnight in Bingzhongluo
 
Day 06 Bingzhongluo-Qiunatong-Chawalong(Zhana) (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Nujiang River,Catholic Church of Chongding Village, Puhua Monastery, Stone Pass, Sijitong Village, Chaohong Bridge, Wuli Village,
Trek about 17 Km from Bingzhongluo to Qiunatong, it is very easy 5 hours trekking along Nujiang- Salween River. You will visit Catholic Church of Chongding Village, Puhua Lamaist Monastery, Stone Pass, Sijitong Village, Chaohong Bridge, Wuli Village, Tea-Horse Trade Caravan in the cliff.
After Qiunatong, you will trek 4 more hours to Chawalong Town, or take the car around 1.5 hours driving.
 
Qiunatong Nujiang Grand Canyon is between two steep mountains, there are  a lot of rhododendron, camellia, azalea in the canyon.You will carry on by the Salween northward, so arid here but still some Tibetan hamlets scattered on the steep slopes of either side of the Salween. Eventually you come to a comparatively densely populated tiny town (Chawalong) with a old tiny temple.
 
Day 07 Chawalong-Minhong (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Minhong Village, Nujiang-Salween River, 
It is easy trekking from Zhana(Chawalong) Town to Minhong Village. You will trek through a suspension bridge over the Nujiang-Salween River, and then finish the Nujiang Grand Canyon trekking.It is about 3 hours trekking from Chawalong Town to Minhong Village, when you arrive at Minhong Village, you will be free and be ready for the four days hard
trekking to Tibet.
 
Day 08 Minhong-Nuola Mountain (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Nuola Mountain Pass, Menkong Village
The elevation in Minhong Village is 2000 meters; you will trek from Minhong to Nuola Mountain Pass which is 4200 meters above the sea level. After Nuola Mountain Pass, walk down to Menkong Village (3000m). Overnight at the camp
 
Day 09 Nuola Mountain-Ridong (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Qimala Mountain Pass (4700m), Ridong Village (3000m)
Depart at 8:200, you will stat the mountain trekking same to yesterday. At first trek up to Qimala Mountain Pass (4700m), then trek down to Zemian Village, you will arrive in Ridong Village (3000m) in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Ridong Village
 
Day 10 Ridong-Zelong Pasture (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Xiubang Pasture, Zelong Pasture(3800m)
You will start the trekking at 8:00, after 5 hours trekking, you arrive at Xiubang Pasture, arrive at Zelong Pasture(3800m) around 18:00 in the late afternoon.It is a beautiful trekking today; you will trek to two pastures, these lots of wild flowers and grass. It is said that the road will be built from Chayu to Zelong Pasture months later. Overnight at camp
 
Day 11 Zelong Pasture-Yixiula Mountain (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Changlaka Mountain Pass (4700m), Yixiula Mountain
Trek about 1.5 hours to Changlaka Mountain Pass (4700m), the pas is very wide and you can get a good view from this pass. You will arrive at the foot of the Yixiula Mountain. It is very hard and long trekking today.
 
Day 12 Yixiula Mountain-Sangjiu-Chayu (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Yixiula Mountain,Chayu County
Start the trekking at 10:00; you will arrive at the road at the foot of Yixiula Mountain around 17:00. Then you will meet the driver and drive to Chayu County.
 
-- The County of Chayu lies in the southeast of Tibet, 900 km from Lhasa and 500 km from Bayi. It borders with Yunan in the east, with Bomi, Basu and Zuogong Changdu Prefecture in the north, with Motuo in the west and with Burma and India in the south. At east longitude of 95°41′- 98°45′and north latitude of 27°44′- 29°32′, Chyu (250 km long and 180 km wide) has a land area of about 31,659 square kilometers. Its national borderline with India is 400 km in length and with Burma 188 km. There are six townships and 114 villages in the county.
 
Day 13 Chayu- 172km- Ranwu (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Guyu peachblossom valley,Ranwu Lake
After breakfast come back to Guyu peachblossom valley from Chayu. The Peach Blossom Valley is a wonderful natural paradise and fruit base. In these villages, the view of Guyu town is most special and valuable to shoot. Leave from Guyu and come over Mt.Delama again. We will visit Laigu village.
 
You could take fine picture for Laigu glacier across a small lake-side village, where erecting snow peaks, mirror-like lake, pure-white ice lid & live houses bless your film with blue immense sky. The village is known as the most scenic village in China for its snow kingdom surrounding. Then go back to Ranwu along Ranwu Lake.
Stay in hotel of Ranwu.
 
Day 14 Ranwu-Bomi (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Ranwu Lake,Gangxiang village 
Depart from Ranwu to Bomi. The Bomi county which located in the dense forest, which take our great attention the famous Himalaya mountain is located near this county. So we can easily see the snow mountains around the county. After lunch we go to visit Gangxiang village which is 20km far from Bomi county center. Gangxiang is famous as “Switzerland of Tibet”, which is typical of mountains and canyon. Come back to Bomi and stay in the hotel.
 
Day 15 Bomi- 220km- Nyingchi (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:  Palongzangbu Canyon, Nanjia Bawa Mountain
Start off from Bomi via Tongmai, come across the renowned Palongzangbu Canyon, through Pailong Bridge, arrive Lulang Nation forest Park. In the way, you could admire Nanjiabawa Peak which is the third peak in Tibet. Along Palongzangbu primitive forest we will get over a snowcovered mountain Nanjiabawa and
arrive Bayi which is the capital of Nyingchi.
 
Day 16 Nyingchi- 400km- Lhasa (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Niyang River, Bosongtso Lake, Gongbu Jiangda County,
Depart to Peach blossom valley in Nyingchi. Some 5km to the southeast of Nyingchi County seat, it is a wild peach forest. Surrounded by mountains in three sides, the valley has water running down from the mountains. It has green verdant trees, fragrant flowers and singing birds everywhere. The valley is a good place for purifying your hearts. Then along Niyang River go to Gongbujiangda. In the way to Gongbujiangda we will visit Basongcuo which is called little Jiuzhaigou. Diver along the Lhasa River via Dazi,turning west, Potala palace is welcoming you in the long distance. We arrive Lhasa.
 
Day 17. Lhasa (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Potala Palace,Tibet Museum
After breakfast visit Longwangtan behind of Potala palace mountain. It is dug when Potala palace rebuild in the middle 17 century. Then visit Potala palace which was built by Tufen Kingdom Zhanpu King (Shuzhan Genpu) in 7th century at morning. Sera temple lies at the foot of a mountain on the northern outskirts of Lhasa. It was built in 1419 by one of the eight disciples of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Ge-lug-pa Sect, is one of three Tibet temple. The structure is imposing and splendid in green and gold. It is in typical Titetan architecture.
 
After that we will visit the Tibet Museum is located in the southeast corner of Norbu Lingka, Lhasa city. It covers an area of 23,508 square meters (5.8 acres) including the exhibition area of 10,451 square meters (2.6 acres). The museum is equipped with modern facilities to ensure quality service for visitors and safety and efficient administration of the museum itself.
 
Day 18 Lhasa-260km-Shiagatse (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier and Baiju Monastery,Honghe Valley
Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse (about 347km). On the way visit Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier and Baiju Monastery.  View the pretty Yongdrok lake ,which is the second biggest holy lake in Tibet(water level:4441m). Visit the Honghe Valley where is the filming “Honghe Valley” on location. Baiju Monastery: It is with 9 stories, 108 doors and 77 rooms. Each room contains a different statue of Buddha and the wall frescoes telling the story about it. Then diver to Zongshan old castle in Jiangzhi. Finally we will arrive Shiagatse. Stay overnight in Shigatse.
 
Day 19 Shiagatse- 260km- Lhasa (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Tashilhunpo Monastery,Jokhang temple
Visit Tashilunpul temple in the morning. Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet. Also called the Heap of Glory, the monastery is located at the foot of Drolmari (Tara’s Mountain), Shigatse. Founded by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, the monastery’s structure was expanded by the Fourth and successive Panchen Lamas.
 
After lunch visit Jokhang. The temple lies at the center of the old Lhasa. Built in 647 by Songtsen Gampo and his two foreign wives. Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. Everyday, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. Then visit Bajiao Street (Street with Eight Corners) next to the Dazha Temple, is the oldest street and reveals the most Tibetan culture. You can go shopping on Bajiao Street for some Tibetan handicrafts.
 
Day 20 Departure from Lhasa City.(B)
Transfer to Gongar Airport for returning.

Service ends.  

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