We'll begin our journey to Lijiang, which is the travel highlight of Yunnan. Our local guide will meet us in Lijiang airport. And then we will be transferred to our hotel. The rest time will be free in Lijiang Old Town.

The Old Town of Lijiang, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province. Located on the plateau which is 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above the sea level and embraced by the tree-covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast and crystal clear water running through, the old town looks like a big jade ink slab, therefore got the alias the Town of Big Ink Slab (Dayanzhen).

Resembling a sleeping dragon in repose, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain slumbers majestically at 18,000 feet above sea level. Its main peak, Shanzidou stands among some of the tallest glaciers in the world. Springtime in this corner of Shangri-La erupts in a frisson of color, dotting the soft meadows with vivid bursts of camellias and rhododendrons.

Follow the trail of nomadic herders as they lead their livestock and yaks to graze at Yak Meadow. Or revisit the traditional customs of the minority Naxi, Lishu, Pumi and Moshuo people. A Lishu shaman's knife mountain climbing ritual and a fire sea jumping ceremony are other highlights of the tour not to be missed
 

A scenic transfer from Banyan Tree Lijiang to Banyan Tree Ringha includes a stopover at Tiger Leaping Gorge, a steep cliff located between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain of Lijiang and the Haba Snow Mountain of Shangri-La. This deepest gorge in the world takes the breath away with its echo of gushing rapids from the Golden Sands River below.

Behind every myth is at least a grain of truth – a comforting thought for someone in search of James Hilton's evasive Shangri-La. In his acclaimed novel 'Lost Horizon' Hilton masterfully describes a distant and secluded hideaway of great beauty and peacefulness, a remote paradise on earth hidden in a Tibetan valley of snow-capped mountains, where harmony reigns, where the gods walk among the people, and where man and nature embrace. A utopian dream perhaps or surprisingly close to reality?

At 3,200 meters above sea level, the setting is spectacular with day-trips and overnight excursions taking you to divine mountain peaks touched by the clouds, awe-inspiring ridges, deep canyons, torrential rivers, mystical plateaus, endless valleys, crystal-clear streams and the most tranquil of lakes.

Acclimate in Shu Da Gang for Trekking. The Acclimatization Trek traces the meandering course of Ringha’s holy river away from the vast plain of the valley into the mountains. We recommend this preparatory trek to first time hikers who want to sample the trekking experience in Shangri-la.

The trail winds through a mixture of pine forest and cherry trees that are much loved for their blossoms in spring. Walking along the edge of the mountain high above the river, you will be mesmerized by the inspiring sound of water rushing beneath you.

The acclimatization trek allows you to experience the diverse highland landscapes of this fascinating Ringha valley.
 

Located 32km northeast of Banyan Tree Ringha is one of the largest lakes in the Shangri-La Prefecture – Shudu Lake. At 3705m above sea level, this pristine alpine lake provides an ideal setting for nature walks. Unlike the barren rocky mountains of Western Tibet, the hills surrounding Shudu are covered with forests and home to many species of birds. The lake water is so limpid that you can see “cracked-stomach fish” shimmering in golden hues. Horses and yaks frequently roam the banks of the lake, and if you are lucky musk deer and muntjaks might make a special guest appearance in this serene landscape.

Discover the warmth and hospitality of the Tibetan people who welcome strangers with a cup of fragrant yak butter tea. Learn about Tibetan architecture and the different aspects of a traditional wooden village house. And find out how to tell whether a young woman is married or searching for a husband by looking at the costume she wears.

The Shangri-la Culture Tour provides fascinating insights into Tibetan life and its many unique traditions and customs by taking you on a walk through the picturesque villages and undulating pastures. The village ladies showcase the elaborate techniques used for spinning fur into long threads and weaving treasured rugs and warm clothes for the winter.

On the way, you will visit farmhouses, sample home made yak butter tea and cheese and come face-to-face with yaks, horses, sheep and pigs living under the same roof as their masters.

After a hearty lunch in a Tibetan home, your journey continues through an ancient pine forest that claims a 3,500-year old tree to the 800-year old Ringha Da Bao Si Monastery, a small but historically significant working temple on top of a scared hill. Draped in fluttering prayer flags that have sutra mantras printed on them, the winding path emanates an otherworldly presence and is a true testament to the deep spirituality of Greater Tibet.
 

Send you to the Airport for returning. Service ends.