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Yunnan - China

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Trails and traditions

11 days, 10 nights
November 24th - December 4th.

Step off the beaten path. This journey climbs from the streets of Chengdu to the Tibetan plateau at 3,300 metres, then walks the high trail above a gorge with two snow mountains on either side and the river 2,000 metres below. It ends on a quiet, crumbling stretch of the Great Wall with no crowds and no railings. 

The trip

This trip is designed for people who want to see China beyond the usual routes. We start gently in Chengdu, fly straight up onto the Tibetan plateau, spend three days at altitude with monasteries and families and alpine lakes, then walk the high trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge and sleep out on it. After that, it softens into yak meadows, hand-made tofu with a Naxi family, and slow days in Lijiang old town before we head north to Beijing.

Led by Gaia together with our local partners on the ground, we combine big landscapes with real-time inside people's homes, hands-on photography guidance, and space to create at your own pace.

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We'll stay in comfortable hotels and guesthouses throughout, on a twin-share basis, including one night in a mountain guesthouse on the gorge trail. Breakfast is included everywhere.

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The altitude is worth taking seriously. Chengdu sits at 500 metres and Shangri-La at 3,300. We've built the route so you climb gradually and rest properly, but come well-slept and talk to your doctor beforehand if you're sensitive to height.

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Who is this trip for?

This trip is for creators, walkers, and people who like being somewhere genuinely different. Whether you're into photography, filmmaking, or you just want to be in places that feel far from home, this journey gives you access and the time to use it. You should be comfortable on your feet for a full day, since the gorge trail is around 6km on cliffside paths.

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Itinerary
Day 1 - November 24th - Arrival in Chengdu

We meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel near Chunxi Road. The rest of the day is yours to rest and shake off the flight. In the evening we gather for a welcome dinner and talk through the days ahead.
Overnight: Shirton Fang Peng Hotel, Chengdu

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Day 2 - November 25th - Panda Base, then up to Shangri-La

An early start at the Giant Panda Breeding Base, when they're actually awake and climbing around. After lunch we fly to Shangri-La at 3,300 metres, check in near Dukezong old town, and take the evening slowly while your body adjusts.
Overnight: Light-Year Hotel, Shangri-La

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Day 3 - November 26th - Songzanlin Monastery & a Tibetan home

The largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, white and gold, stacked up the hillside with the classic reflection across the lake. In the afternoon we sit with a Tibetan family, make butter tea and tsampa, and hear what life is like up here. A gentle day on purpose.
Overnight: Light-Year Hotel, Shangri-La

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Day 4 - November 27th - Pudacuo National Park & the prayer wheel

Early start for Shudu Lake, where mist comes off the water and the larches are still gold at this time of year. A boardwalk takes us right around it at 3,500 metres. We rest in the afternoon, then climb to Guishan Park at sunset to turn the world's largest prayer wheel and stay for the blue hour.
Overnight: Light-Year Hotel, Shangri-La

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Day 5 - November 28th - Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail

We drive two hours to the gorge, then walk the best section of the high trail, around 6km with plenty of stopping. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on one side, Haba on the other, and the Jinsha River 2,000 metres below. We sleep out on the trail.
Overnight: Halfway Guesthouse, Tiger Leaping Gorge

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Day 6 - November 29th - Wenhai Lake & Yuhu Naxi Village

Down out of the gorge to Wenhai, a shallow alpine lake with yaks grazing and almost nobody around. In the afternoon, Yuhu, a village built entirely of stone at the foot of the snow mountain, where a Naxi family shows us how they make tofu by hand. Dinner in Baisha.
Overnight: The Bivou Hotel, Lijiang

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Day 7 - November 30th - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Impression Lijiang

Morning at the mountain, gentle walks around the base or the cable car up to 4,680 metres if you want it. In the afternoon, the Impression Lijiang show, staged outdoors at 3,100 metres with the mountain itself behind it and 500 local performers. Evening free in the old town.
Overnight: The Bivou Hotel, Lijiang

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Day 8 - December 1st - Free day in Lijiang

No guide, no vehicle, no plan. Wander the old town, head out to Shuhe or Baisha, or find a café and stay in it. After the gorge you'll want this day more than you think.
Overnight: The Bivou Hotel, Lijiang

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Day 9 - December 2nd - Lijiang to Beijing

Morning flight north. We spend the afternoon getting lost in the hutongs and eating street food, visit Prince Gong Mansion, then walk the edge of Shichahai Lake as the lanterns come on. We finish in Nanluoguxiang.
Overnight: Scitech Hotel, Beijing

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Day 10 - December 3rd - Jinshanling Great Wall

Two and a half hours out of the city to the wall as it actually is, half-ruined, watchtower after watchtower running along the ridge, no crowds. We stay until the light goes, which is the whole reason we come here instead of somewhere closer. Bring food, there's nothing up there.
Overnight: Scitech Hotel, Beijing

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Day 11 - December 4th - Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & departure

The Forbidden City first thing, then the Temple of Heaven and Taimiao. Afterwards we transfer you to the airport. Add extra nights if you want to stay and explore on your own.

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Photographic equipment

There is no mandatory equipment - what you have is enough! That said, below is a list of equipment and accessories that, if you have them, will make for a better photographic experience. Remember that on trips like this we can always share material and gear so everyone gets an incredible experience.

  • Camera body;

  • Lenses: a 24-70 or equivalent covers most of the trip, but a wide angle helps in the monasteries and old towns, and a tele is worth having for the gorge and the mountains - we recommend bringing what you have;

  • Drone (please note drone rules in China are strict and vary by location, we'll advise before departure);

  • Tripod;

  • Extra batteries (cold at altitude drains them fast);

  • Memory cards;

  • Cables and chargers;

  • Polarizing/ND filter;

  • HD or SSD for storage;

  • Laptop (preferably with Lightroom, Photoshop and DaVinci or Premiere Pro installed);

  • External battery;

  • A comfortable daypack for the gorge, since main luggage travels ahead by vehicle;

  • Warm layers, gloves and a hat. Late November on the plateau is cold, especially at sunrise.

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Investment

The price of the trip is 4195 USD.

Deposit of $1000 to secure your reservation, with the balance paid in installments up to 30 days before departure.

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  • What's included:

    • All accommodations with breakfast, in double rooms (single rooms available for an extra fee, subject to availability);

    • Domestic flights within China: Chengdu to Shangri-La, and Lijiang to Beijing;

    • All ground transport within China, with private vehicle and driver;

    • All tours, activities and entrance fees, unless listed as optional. This includes the Panda Base, Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, the Tibetan family visit, Tiger Leaping Gorge, the Naxi family visit and tofu-making, the Baisha Murals, the full Jade Dragon Snow Mountain package with the Impression Lijiang show, Jinshanling Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven;

    • Airport pickup and drop-off;

    • English-speaking local guides throughout;

    • Photography guidance with Ricardo and Leo;

    • 1:1 travel assistance on the ground for the whole trip.

  • What's not included:

    • International flight tickets;

    • China visa and any associated fees;

    • Lunch and dinner (an all-inclusive meal option can be arranged if you'd prefer);

    • Health insurance;

    • Equipment insurance;

    • Drinks;

    • Tips for guides and drivers (optional, but appreciated);

    • Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, SIM cards, snacks;

    • Optional tours and activities.

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Terms & conditions

Booking and payment
Your place is confirmed once we receive your deposit. The remaining balance can be paid in monthly installments and must be settled in full before the departure date. Places are limited and allocated in order of deposit received.

Cancellation by you
All cancellation requests must be sent to us in writing. The cancellation takes effect from the date we receive your notice.

More than 60 days before departure: a fee of $350 per person applies, and the rest of your deposit is returned.
Less than 60 days before departure, or no-show: the full deposit is non-refundable.

Some parts of the trip, including domestic flights, certain hotels, performances and special activities, become non-refundable once confirmed. Any additional non-recoverable costs will be passed on.

Cancellation by us
In rare cases, such as insufficient participants, force majeure, natural disasters or government restrictions, we reserve the right to cancel or modify the trip. If that happens you'll receive a full refund or an alternative arrangement of equal value.

Force majeure
We're not liable for cancellations, delays or changes caused by events beyond our control, including pandemics, extreme weather, strikes, political unrest, flight disruptions or government travel restrictions. Refunds in these cases depend on supplier policies and recoverable costs.

Itinerary changes
Weather, road conditions, altitude and local circumstances can all affect the plan. We may adjust the order of days or swap activities to keep the trip safe and worthwhile. We'll always aim to keep the spirit of the itinerary intact.

Health, fitness and altitude
This trip reaches 3,500 metres and includes a full day of hiking on cliffside trails. You should be in reasonable health and comfortable walking for several hours. Please tell us about any medical conditions before booking, and speak to your doctor about altitude if you're unsure.

Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is required, including trip cancellation and interruption cover. We strongly recommend medical cover that includes high-altitude trekking, plus separate equipment insurance for your gear.

Visas and documents
You're responsible for your own visa, passport validity and any entry requirements. We can help with supporting documents but cannot guarantee approval.

© 2023 by Gaia Expeditions.

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