11-Day Yunnan Adventure: Mountains, Gorges & Ancient Towns
Explore Yunnan in 11 days! Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, visit Dali & Lijiang, and experience Tibetan culture in Shangri-La. Plan your adventure now!
ASIAADVENTUREMIDDLE
About
This 10-day journey through Yunnan offers the perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion. From ancient towns and towering mountains to deep gorges and pristine lakes, this trip is designed for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in China. You’ll explore the unique karst formations of Shilin, wander through the ancient streets of Dali and Lijiang, hike along the epic Tiger Leaping Gorge, and embrace the Tibetan culture of Shangri-La. With manageable travel distances and a focus on nature, local traditions, and relaxation, this itinerary balances thrilling outdoor experiences with tranquil moments in some of China’s most stunning landscapes.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Arrive in Kunming, visit Green Lake Park, and explore the city's vibrant food scene.
DAY 2 - Stone Forest
Day trip to the Stone Forest (Shilin), a UNESCO site with towering limestone formations.
DAY 3 - Dali & Erhai Lake
Travel to Dali, explore the ancient town, and enjoy a sunset by Erhai Lake.
DAY 4 - Cangshan Mountains
Hike in the Cangshan Mountains, visit traditional Bai minority villages.
DAY 5 - Lijiang Old Town
Explore Lijiang’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, wander through Naxi-style alleyways.
DAY 6 - Jade Dragon Snow Mountains
Take a cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for stunning alpine views.
DAY 7 - Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
Begin the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek, hiking through dramatic canyon landscapes.
DAY 8 - Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
Complete the trek, then transfer to Shangri-La, a Tibetan-influenced town.
DAY 9 - Pudacuo National Park
Visit Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery, and the old town of Shangri-La.
DAY 10 - Departure from Shangri-La
Fly to Kunming for international connections back home.
DAY 11 - Flight
Based on your schedule, Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$600
$1350
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $15-40 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
Buses or Taxi
Experiences
Entrance fees, trekking permits, ...
$150-400
$150-250
$100-300
$200-400
How are prices calculated?
GALLERY
When To Go
December to February
Winter in Yunnan brings cold temperatures, especially in high-altitude areas like Shangri-La, where it can drop below 0°C at night. Snowfall is rare in Kunming and Dali, but in Shangri-La, Pudacuo National Park and Meili Snow Mountain are blanketed in white, creating a stunning winter wonderland. While some mountain trails may be inaccessible, this is a peaceful season to experience monasteries, hot springs, and cultural festivals with fewer tourists.
March to May
Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, making this one of the best times to explore Yunnan’s stunning landscapes. Wildflowers bloom across the valleys, and rice terraces in Yuanyang start turning lush green. The weather is mild and dry, perfect for trekking in Tiger Leaping Gorge, cycling around Erhai Lake, and wandering through the cobblestone streets of Lijiang and Dali.
June to September
The monsoon season brings higher humidity and occasional downpours, especially in the afternoons. Temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C, and while landscapes are at their greenest, expect some fog in mountainous areas like Shangri-La. Trekking is still possible, but trails may be slippery. This is an excellent time to visit Pudacuo National Park, where the forests are vibrant, and the rain enhances the mystical beauty of the region.
October to November
Considered the best time to visit Yunnan, with crisp air, clear blue skies, and mild temperatures (8°C to 20°C). Autumn colors transform Shangri-La’s meadows into golden fields, and the rice terraces are at their most photogenic before harvest. This season is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring ancient towns, offering the perfect balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Summary Recommendations
Best Overall Period: October to November
Crisp autumn air, fewer tourists, and stunning foliage.
Alternative: March to May
Comfortable weather, colorful flowers, and clear skies.
Avoid if Possible: June to September
Lush landscapes but rainy; best for experienced trekkers.
Our Proposal
DAY 1
Arrive in Kunming, the “City of Eternal Spring.” Take a walk around Green Lake Park, where locals gather for tai chi and traditional music. Explore Jingxing Flower & Bird Market, then enjoy your first taste of Yunnan cuisine—try “Crossing the Bridge Noodles.” Overnight in Kunming Old Town.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
DAY 2
Take a day trip to Shilin (Stone Forest), a surreal landscape of towering limestone formations. Walk along scenic trails through dramatic rock formations. Return to Kunming, explore the vibrant Yunnan Nationalities Village, and end the day with a relaxed evening in Wenhua Alley, known for its cafés and bars.
STONE FOREST
DAY 3
Take a morning train (2h) or bus (4h) to Dali, a picturesque town by Erhai Lake. Wander through the Old Town, filled with white-walled Bai-style houses. Visit the Three Pagodas, then take a boat ride or cycle along the lake. Overnight in a guesthouse with mountain views.
DALI & ERHAI LAKE
DAY 4
Take a cable car or hike into the Cangshan Mountains, offering spectacular views over Erhai Lake. In the afternoon, visit Xizhou Village, known for its Bai minority culture and traditional tea houses. Try the local “rushan” cheese snack before returning to Dali Old Town for a relaxed evening.
CANGSHAN MOUNTAINS & BAI VILLAGE
DAY 5
Morning bus (2.5h) to Lijiang, a UNESCO-listed town famous for its Naxi minority culture. Get lost in the maze-like alleys of the Old Town, visit Black Dragon Pool Park, and enjoy live traditional Naxi music in the evening. Overnight in a heritage-style guesthouse.
LIJIANG
DAY 6
Take a trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of the most stunning peaks in China. Ride a cable car up to Glacier Park (4,500m) for panoramic views. Explore Blue Moon Valley, a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by alpine scenery. Return to Lijiang for a relaxed evening.
NARA DAY TRIP
DAY 7
Early transfer to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Begin the two-day trek, passing dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and guesthouses perched on the mountain. Spend the night in a mountain lodge with epic views.
Day 1: Qiaotou → Naxi Family Guesthouse → 28 Bends → Tea Horse Guesthouse
Distance: ~9 km (~5.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: ~900m (steep climb at 28 Bends)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Itinerary:
Morning:
Take a bus or taxi from Lijiang (2 hrs) to Qiaotou.
Pay the Tiger Leaping Gorge entrance fee (~65 RMB).
Stock up on snacks & water in Qiaotou (cheaper than buying along the trail).
Start the hike by following signs toward Naxi Family Guesthouse (2-hour easy climb).
Midday:
Lunch at Naxi Family Guesthouse.
After lunch, continue the climb towards the 28 Bends, the hardest section of the trek (~1.5 hrs of steep switchbacks).
Afternoon:
Reach the top of 28 Bends, enjoy panoramic views of the gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Descend to Tea Horse Guesthouse (~1.5 hrs), a great place to sleep with amazing views.
Where to stay:
🏡 Tea Horse Guesthouse – Comfortable rooms, great food (~100-200 RMB per night).
🏡 Alternative: Halfway Guesthouse (another 1.5 hrs further, better for those doing a 2-day trek).
TIGER LEAPING GORGE TREK
DAY 8
Complete the trek, reaching Walnut Garden Village. Have a local lunch before transferring (3h) to Shangri-La (3,200m), a Tibetan-influenced town with prayer flags and yak-filled grasslands. Rest and explore the old town’s traditional houses.
Day 2: Tea Horse Guesthouse → Halfway Guesthouse → Tina’s Guesthouse
Distance: ~12 km (~7.5 miles)
Elevation Loss: ~800m (descent towards Tina’s)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Itinerary:
Morning:
Breakfast with stunning sunrise views.
Hike 1.5 hrs to Halfway Guesthouse. Stop here for tea and enjoy the famous "Toilet with a View".
Continue downhill towards Tina’s Guesthouse (3-4 hrs). This section offers breathtaking cliffside views and waterfalls.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Tina’s Guesthouse.
From here, choose one of the following:
Option 1: Finish the trek & take a van back to Lijiang (~3 hrs, 60 RMB).
Option 2: Continue to Middle Tiger Leaping Stone (1.5 hrs round-trip, steep descent & climb).
Where to Stay (Optional Extra Night)
🏡 Tina’s Guesthouse – Clean rooms, great food, and transport options.
🏡 Alternative: Sean’s Guesthouse (Walnut Garden) – Quieter, family-run guesthouse.
TIGER LEAPING GORGE TREK
DAY 9
Explore Pudacuo National Park, home to pristine alpine lakes and grasslands. Visit Songzanlin Monastery, a stunning Tibetan Buddhist complex. In the afternoon, wander through the Shangri-La Old Town, enjoying a local butter tea experience.
SHANGRI-LA
DAY 10
Fly to Kunming, then take your international flight home. If time allows, enjoy a final meal in Kunming’s night markets.
KUNMING & BACK
DAY 11
Based on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back