Starting in Shangri‑La, a Tibetan town set above 3,000 m, the route leads north‑west into the wilder part of Yunnan, where the Mekong and Nujiang carve the mountains into dramatic gorges. Tacheng and the Yunnan golden snub‑nosed monkey park provide a first nature‑oriented stop, before dropping down to Cizhong, a wine village known for its Catholic church, vineyards and the unusual legacy of French missionaries. Further north, Deqen and the Meili range open onto true high‑mountain scenery, with, in clear weather, views of Kawagarbo, a sacred peak for Tibetan pilgrims.
Crossing into the Nujiang valley, the itinerary becomes even more confidential: the spectacular road to Bingzhongluo, the river’s iconic first bend, villages only reachable on foot, small churches tucked into the hillsides and the coexistence of Tibetan, Lisu, Nu and Drung communities. Stopovers in Gongshan, Fugong and Liuku allow you to slow down: local markets, striking rock formations (Stone Moon, narrow gorges), handicraft workshops, traditional bathhouses and little‑known vineyards punctuate the days. The journey ends in Baoshan, a historic stop on the ancient Tea and Horse Road, where museums, old quarters and characterful lodging offer a final insight into the history of this border region.
Daily program: From Yunnan’s Mountain Peaks to the Nujiang Valleys
Day 1: Arrival in Shangri-La – First Impressions at 3,300m
Welcome during the day at Diqing train station or airport (3,287m) (reference to be specified). Private transfer to the old town of Shangri-La, authentic and still preserved. Check-in at a renovated Tibetan house: cedar wood, hand-painted paneling, and a copper teapot already simmering with yak butter tea on the stove. Depending on your arrival time, visit Songzanlin Temple and return to the old town where you can choose a restaurant to sample local specialties: yak-stuffed momos, fennel-seed spinach, and a small rösti (fried bread) to finish. Over tea, your host will explain the doctrine of the “snow ox” and let the scent of burning juniper linger. Return to the hotel under a starry sky so clear you can see the Milky Way reflected in the stained glass of the nearby chapel. First night wrapped in Tibetan blankets, serene, at 3,300m altitude.
Overnight at Khimtsang Hotel.
Day 2: Shangri-La → Bodhidharma’s Cave → Tacheng (B) | 3h30 (120 km)
Depart at 8:00 AM from your hotel. Your adventure begins in the legendary Shangri-La at 3,300m. After a revitalizing Tibetan breakfast, you’ll head north, crossing Himalayan plateau landscapes lined with prayer flags. The first stop takes you to the sacred cave of Master Bodhidharma, a meditation site for the founder of Chan Buddhism. Perched on a cliff, this cave offers a breathtaking view of the Yangtze Valley. Your guide will share the legend that Bodhidharma meditated here for nine years. After a 1h30 contemplative visit, you’ll continue to Tacheng, a charming Tibetan village nestled in the valley. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring terraced rice fields and observing local rural life. Your traditional Tibetan hotel will welcome you for a peaceful night.
Overnight at Tacheng Habuda Hotel.
Day 3: Golden Monkey National Park → Cizhong (B) | 4h (150 km, including 2h on dirt roads)
Early morning departure at 7:30 AM to Yunnan’s Golden Monkey National Park, a protected sanctuary for these unique, flame-furred primates. You’ll observe the monkeys in their temperate forest habitat, accompanied by a ranger who will share insights on conservation. After 2h30 of observation and photography, you’ll begin a spectacular descent into the Lancang (Mekong) Valley. The road winds through dramatic landscapes, offering plunging views of the turquoise river. Lunch stop in Bêtsa, a Naxi village, with a tasting of local yak cheese. In the afternoon, you’ll cross the mythical river before climbing to Cizhong, a Tibetan Catholic village famous for its vineyards. Check-in at a family guesthouse where your hostess will introduce you to the secrets of Tibetan grape wine.
Overnight at Shenjing Yiju.
Day 4: Cizhong → Dêqên (B) | 3h (110 km)
Depart around 9:00 AM for a cultural morning in Cizhong with a guided tour of Sainte-Thérèse Catholic Church, a neo-Gothic architectural gem built in 1867. Your French-speaking specialist guide will explain the fascinating history of the French mission and the adaptation of Christianity to Tibetan traditions. Discover the vineyards introduced by missionaries and taste their award-winning wine. Depart around 11:30 AM for Dêqên via the scenic Lancang route. Photo stop at Wunongdong Pass (3,800m) with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. Arrival in Dêqên around 3:00 PM, check-in at a mountain-view hotel. Late afternoon dedicated to observing Kawagarbo (6,740m), the sacred Tibetan peak, from Feilai Temple Park. Stunning sunset over the Meili range, depending on the season.
Overnight at Xuelong Meili Yiju.
Day 5: Dêqên → Bingzhongluo (B) | 5h (150 km of mountain roads)
Depart at 8:00 AM for a spectacular day on the legendary “Dêqên-Gongshan Road,” considered one of the most beautiful in the world. You’ll cross Baima Pass (4,300m) before descending into the Nujiang Valley. Stop at Baihanluo Catholic Church, a perfect example of Tibetan-Catholic architectural syncretism. Picnic lunch in a Drung village with local specialties. In the afternoon, the road winds along cliff faces with dizzying views of the Nujiang Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon. Arrival in Bingzhongluo around 3:00 PM, the “Hidden Tibet” according to British explorers. Check-in at an eco-friendly lodge. Visit Zhongding Catholic Church and explore the authentic village where Tibetans, Lisu, and Nu coexist. Traditional dinner with a Tibetan family.
Overnight at Wangcheng Inn (No BF the next day).
Day 6: Bingzhongluo (Cultural Immersion & Hiking) | 4h hiking
Depart at 8:30 AM for a full-day immersion in “Hidden Tibet.” Morning dedicated to the First Bend of the Nujiang viewpoint, where the river forms a dramatic 300-degree Ω. Easy 1h30 hike to the traditional village of Wulicun, accessible only by a suspension bridge. Explore this preserved Naxi village, meet locals, and discover mud-brick architecture. Lunch at a local home with Naxi specialties: dried yak and cheese bread. Afternoon: 2h hike on the Ancient Tea Route to Qiunatung, a Tibetan village with stone houses and slate roofs. Free time to photograph hanging vegetable gardens and hydraulic prayer wheels. Return to the lodge for sunset over terraced rice fields. Evening of traditional storytelling and songs around the fire.
Overnight at Gongshan Aluo Inn (No BF the next day).
Day 7: Bingzhongluo → Gongshan (Dulong Option)
Depart at 8:00 AM with two options based on preferences and weather.
Option A: Dulong: 3h to Kongdang + 2h visit
Exclusive excursion to the Dulong Valley, accessible via a new tunnel road (3,000m elevation change). Visit Pukawang Village with traditional Drung houses and, if lucky, meet a face-tattooed woman (a fading practice). Strict respect for customs with photo permission. Discover Drung culture and their exceptional textiles.
Option B: Direct to Gongshan: 2h (80 km)
Gentler route to Gongshan, with photo stops and a visit to the Nujiang Cultural Museum. Both options include local lunch and an afternoon dedicated to observing endemic wildlife (snub-nosed monkeys and pheasants). Check-in at chosen accommodation with a briefing for the next leg.
Overnight at Lavande Hotel.
Jour 8 : Gongshan → Fugong (Découverte du Lisu et du Nu) (PDJ) 3h (120 km)
Départ à 08h30 et exploration matinale du marché ethnique de Gongshan avant le départ vers Fugong. Route panoramique le long du Nujiang avec arrêt majeur à la “Lune de Pierre”, formation géologique emblématique et lieu saint du peuple Lisu. Randonnée optionnelle de 45 minutes jusqu’au pied de la formation. Déjeuner dans un restaurant Lisu avec introduction aux épices locales. L’après-midi, route spectaculaire avec vues sur le “Bouddha Couché” – formation rocheuse naturelle. Arrivée à Laomudeng vers 15h00, village perché dominant le canyon. Installation dans une auberge traditionnelle Nu avec vue imprenable. Visite de l’église protestante de Laomudeng, exemple remarquable d’architecture religieuse harmonisée aux traditions locales. Participation à un atelier de vannerie Nu et dégustation de vin de palme. Coucher de soleil depuis la terrasse avec du thé aux fleurs de rhododendron.
Nuit au Guoxiang Hotel.
Day 8: Gongshan → Fugong (Discovering Lisu & Nu Cultures) (B) | 3h (120 km)
Depart at 8:30 AM with a morning exploration of Gongshan’s ethnic market before heading to Fugong. Scenic route along the Nujiang with a major stop at “Stone Moon,” an iconic geological formation and sacred site for the Lisu people. Optional 45-minute hike to the base of the formation. Lunch at a Lisu restaurant with an introduction to local spices. Afternoon: spectacular drive with views of the “Reclining Buddha” natural rock formation. Arrival in Laomudeng around 3:00 PM, a perched village overlooking the canyon. Check-in at a traditional Nu inn with stunning views. Visit Laomudeng Protestant Church, a remarkable example of religious architecture harmonized with local traditions. Participate in a Nu basketry workshop and taste palm wine. Sunset from the terrace with rhododendron flower tea.
Overnight at Guoxiang Hotel.
Day 9: Fugong → Liuku (Through Gorges & Traditions) (B) | 4h (150 km)
Early morning departure (8:00 AM) to Liuku, capital of Nujiang. Spectacular stop at “Tiger Leaping Gorge,” narrow gorges where the Nujiang roars between 2,000m vertical walls. 1h hike along Lisu hunter trails with a chance to observe traditional fishing techniques. Picnic lunch in a cliffside village accessible by vine bridge. Afternoon: continuation to Liuku with a stop at Denggen Bathhouse, a traditional public bath site used by the Lisu during New Year festivals. Learn purification rituals and the benefits of local medicinal herbs. Arrival in Liuku around 4:00 PM, check-in at a modern hotel with heated pool. Free time to explore the night market and sample Dai specialties: salted papaya and Nujiang fish barbecue.
Overnight at Clouds Taihe Hotel.
Days 10-11: Wine Immersion Around Liuku (B) | 6h daily activities
Depart at 9:00 AM each day for two full days exploring Nujiang’s lesser-known wine villages.
Day 10: Head to Lishadi Village after a 1h30 drive. Meet Lisu families practicing viticulture for 3 generations. Participate in harvest (September-October) or pruning, depending on the season. Taste unique wines from Tibetan grape varieties. Tour an artisanal cellar with an introduction to traditional winemaking.
Day 11: Explore Pianma Village and meet Nu communities growing grapes on terraces. Workshop on making dried grapes and homemade brandy. Farm-to-table lunch. Afternoon: create a local food-and-wine pairing meal. Return to Liuku each evening with free time to enjoy hotel amenities.
Overnight at Clouds Taihe Hotel.
Day 12: Liuku → Baoshan (Border Route) (B) | 4h (200 km)
Depart at 8:00 AM for a final spectacular drive through the Gaoligong Mountains. Stop at Gaoligong Pass viewpoint with a panorama of three major rivers. Visit an ancient Southern Silk Road military outpost with views of Myanmar. Lunch at a Dai restaurant featuring lime and wild ginger specialties. Arrival in Baoshan around 1:00 PM, a historic town on the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. Check-in at a renovated merchant-era hotel. Afternoon: visit Baoshan Museum with Silk Road artifacts and ethnic minority exhibits. Walk through the old quarter’s teakwood houses. Dinner at a historic caravan-style restaurant.
Overnight at Beaton Coffee Industrial Culture Park.
