11D SOUTH OF THE CLOUDS! Yunnan, China
Gyalthang (Zhongdian or Shangri-La as it is known today) represents one of the most intriguing cultural variants of the Tibetan world. Here you will find customs and dialects that no longer exist in other Tibetan regions--influenced by the surrounding multi-ethnic potpourri even as they influence those other cultures in turn. Situated in the southeastern fringe of the great Tibetan plateau, where the Himalayas squeeze into the Hengduan Range, and where some of Asia's mightiest rivers flow in close proximity, the region presents some incredibly breathtaking and dramatic landscapes.
In this journey, through a combination of wilderness trekking and cultural activities, we will explore the breathtaking landscapes and the unique lifestyles of Tibetans in this frontier region.
First you will visit Lijiang and pass through the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge on our way to Gyalthang. In the Gyalthang area, we will immerse ourselves in the cultural and religious life of the Tibetans--highlighted by talks at the Sumtsanling Monastery (founded in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama).
Finally, we will take an excursion on the Gyalthang-Lhasa highway to Deqin (200 km from Gyalthang) where we can view the Khawakarpo Range towering above the Mekong River. The drive will take us through ever-changing terrain as we dip into the Yangtze Valley and then climb over the Baima Snow Mountain passes at approximately 12,000 feet. Enroute, we will explore picturesque villages with strong traditions in pottery and woodcarving.
Arrive in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. Kunming is known throughout China as the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its fine weather. After checking into our hotel, we may have a chance to stroll down narrow streets lined with half-timber houses and visit the markets of old Kunming. Charming Green Lake Park hums from dawn to dusk with tai ji quan, street theater, and young families at play. This evening we’ll enjoy Kunming’s famous Cross-the- Bridge noodles for dinner. Stay at Green Lake Hotel (-/-D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer back to the airport and fly to Lijiang. Lijiang is a fascinating city in the shadow of the towering Yulong Shan (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain), where minority groups such as the Naxi still cling to their traditions. The Naxi are descendants of Tibetan nomads and were a highly evolved matriarchal society until the 1950s, possessing a distinct language and writing system, and practicing a hybrid form of Tibetan Buddhism. Our sightseeing tour may include the old stone villages and temple ruins in and around Lijiang, where we can trace their vanishing culture, and an evening of ancient Naxi music. Overnight at Jiannan Chun in old town Lijiang (this requires a 10-minute walk through the town upon arrival and departure—buses are not allowed on the narrow streets of Lijiang’s old town). Stay at the Jiannan Chun (B/L/D)
In the morning, we’ll visit Nguluko, the former adopted home of noted botanist, author and explorer Dr. Joseph Rock. According to writer Bruce Chatwin, Dr. Rock “traveled ‘en prince,’ (at the expense of his American backers), ate off gold plates, played records of Caruso to mountain villagers, and liked to glance back, across a hillside, at his cavalcade ‘half a mile long.’” Afternoon free to explore the town on your own. Stay at the Jiannan Chun (B/L/D)
After breakfast we drive three to four hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hu Tiao Xia), where the Yangtze River makes its great bend through the mountains in a deep and narrow canyon. We’ll enjoy lunch at Samkha (Qiaotou) before beginning our trek to Bendiwang. Below us, the impassable rapids of the Yangtze tumble through the gorge with a deafening thunder, while the 18,360-foot mass of snow-capped Yulong Shan forms the gorge’s incredible southern wall. Overnight at Halfway House, a small Naxi family-run inn halfway between Samkha and Walnut Grove on the trekking trail. It’s perched way above the Yangtze Gorge and offers a breathtaking view and sounds of the river below as well as Jade Dragon peak towering directly above. It was named by a traveler from the Nature Conservancy who trekked along this path many years ago (2-3 hours hiking). Stay at Halfway House (B/L/D)
Continue trekking to Walnut Grove, where we glimpse a spectacular view of the gorge and the Jade Dragon Range. After lunch, we drive four to five hours to Gyalthang (Zhongdian), ascending through changing vegetation and along the Shudu River to about 10,000 feet. Gyalthang (“land of limitless bounty”) is the capital of the Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. For centuries it was a major point on the trade route between Tibet, South China, Burma, and India. Overnight at the Gyalthang Hotel, a building with Dzong-style architecture (4-5 hours hiking). Stay at the Gyalthang Dzong Hotel (B/L/D)
Today we take a cultural tour of Gyalthang, including Sumtsenling Monastery, founded in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama. Here we’ll witness a prayer at the Main Assembly Hall and get an overall picture of monastic life and culture by visiting the various chapels and monks’ quarters. In the afternoon we will take a trip to Lake Shudugang, an alpine lake surrounded by beautiful forests, and go for some short walks from the lake. Return to Gyalthang for dinner and overnight. Stay at Gyalthang Dzong Hotel (B/L/D)
Today we will take a short drive (12 miles) to holy Ringa Temple, located on a small hill surrounded by pine forests and fluttering prayer flags. Ringa is one of the oldest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Eastern Tibet, and is believed to hold the sacred key to the famous Buddhist pilgrimage around Mount Chicken Foot and Erhai Lake near Dali (Yunnan). In the evening we’ll enjoy a traditional hotpot dinner, made from delicious local ingredients, followed by traditional dancing by the villagers of Trinyi. Stay at the Gyalthang Dzong Hotel (B/L/D)
Drive 120 miles to Jol (Deqin) on an old caravan route to Tibet through the Yangtze Gorges, stopping at Dhondrupling Gompa en route. The drive will take us through ever-changing terrain as we dip into the Yangtze Valley and then climb over the Baima Snow Mountain passes at approximately 12,000 feet. En route, we will explore picturesque villages with strong local traditions. Stay at Rainbow Hotel (B/L/D)
Today we take a scenic side trip in the Mekong River watershed to visit Nyithong villages, have lunch at a Tibetan home, and enjoy fabulous views of sacred Mount Khawakarpo and Metsomo, the tranquil yet divine consort of Mount Khawakarpo. We’ll have the option to take a short one-hour hike. Return to Jol for dinner and overnight (4- 6 hours total driving). Stay at Rainbow Hotel (B/L/D)
Return drive to Gyalthang (6-7 hours), stopping at the pottery village of Thangtoe, where traditional household items such as teapots and hot pots and religious objects such as alms bowls and butter lamp holders are made. Farewell dinner and overnight at Gyalthang Hotel in Gyalthang. Stay at Gyalthang Dzong Hotel Hotel (B/L/D)
Morning flight to Kunming and connect with homeward-bound flight. (B)
