Overnight: Chengdu (500m)

Day 2. Chengdu-Bipenggou-Maerkang. 332km 5.5h Meals: BLD
In the morning, we drive 3-4 hours to Bipenggou Valley. As the "starter" of our trip, Bipenggou Valley has a fine view of crystal lakes and distant genuine snow-covered mountains. Especially in the late autumn, Bipenggou would turn itself into a fairyland with bright colors. Broad leaves become bright red and golden yellow and there is a good chance of seeing snow falling on them. We will be taking shuttle buses to transfer from one scenic site to another and it will be easier for us since it is the first day of climbing the plateau. Then continue for a 2-hour drive to Maerkang (Barkam), which is the provincial capital of Aba Autonomous Prefecture. Maerkang, literally means "place with vigorous fire" in the Tibetan language, has always been showing its liveliness and hospitality. Maerkang is located in the heart of the Jiarong Tibetans’ area and influenced by the neighboring Qiang and Han cultures, so it has a long history of ethnic integration, resulting in unique local customs.

Overnight: Maerkang (2,700m)

Day 3. Maerkang-Danba. 207km 6h Meals: BLD
After breakfast, we’ll leave Maerkang and head south towards Danba. En route, we will see the many villages of Jiarong Tibetans before we arrive at our destination, the Danba Tibetan Village. It was said one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of China. Seen from a distance, it is a perfect idyllic picture with smoke puffing up occasionally from the houses' chimneys and emerald fields standing in contrast to the white snowy peaks. While approaching the village, we will see ornate houses scattering on the mountain slopes with white walls and distinctive red wooden structures. They are like devout Tibetan Buddhists silently sitting with their legs crossed and praying. We have a lot of chance to photograph this hidden Xunadu as we will be resting here tonight. 

                                                                          Overnight: Danba (2,000m)  

Day 4. Danba-Yajiang. 210km 5h Meals: BLD
As we continue to head towards the southwest, the highlights of today will be the beautiful nature and culture by the side of the roads. We will pass through Bamei Town, a peaceful place with extraordinary natural scenery and the amazing charm of Tagong Grassland, which is the most beautiful and famous grassland in this autonomous region. In the deep autumn, Tagong will be turning into yellowish-brown and snow white. The golden-topped stupas in Tibetan monasteries are very well matched with the distant Yala Snow Mountain, reminding us how sacred this land is. Legend said this is a land favored by Bodhisattvas and is protected by the lotus-shaped Yala Snow Mountian. As the scared mountain vanishes, our next stop is Xinduqiao, a place known as "the Paradise of Photographers" and "the Light and Shadow World". Its elegant grasslands, stylish Tibetan houses, herds-covered hills, murmuring streams, and flourishing trees make it a great location for nature and photography lovers. After fully understand the beauty of Xinduqiao, Yajiang is our final stop of this day.

                                                                             Overnight: Yajiang (2,650m)

Day 5. Yajiang-Litang—Shangri-La Town (Riwa). 350km 7h  Meals: BLD
Today we will drive a long distance to the "Shangri-La" (Riwa) on the side of Sichuan Province with rewarding alpine scenery on the way. Depart from Yajiang, the elevation starts to climb up from 2,600m to around 4,000m at Litang. Sitting at an elevation of 4,014m, Litang was among the highest cities on earth. We will have a short stop here and have a glimpse of this special highland city. Before we arrive at Daocheng County, we will visit the Daocheng White Stupa. With 37 meters high, it is among the biggest stupas in the whole Tibetan area. Then we will arrive at Shangri-La Town near the Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve.

Overnight: Shangri-La Town (3,000m)

Day 6. Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve. Meals: BLD
Today we will spend a whole day in this reserve. Described as the "the last pure land of this blue planet". The first highlight of this wonderland is the Three Holy Mountains. Xiannairi (Chianrezig) stands for the Bodhisattva of Mercy. When the weather is good, this beautiful mountain will change to sparkling golden by reflecting sunlight and seems more sacred. Mt. Yangmaiyong (Jampelyang) symbolizes Manjusri Bodhisattva who is regarded as the embodiment of wisdom in Buddhist culture. Deeply touched by its magnificence, Joseph Rock described it as the most beautiful mountain he had ever seen in this world. He also had shown the western people peaceful fairyland scenery of the deep valley, leafy forest, nutritious grassland, streams like what you see today. While enjoying the alpine breathtaking scenery and feel the excitement, we will do a light hike around the Nuorong Pasture (4,180m) that will increase our heartbeats more. For those who want more challenging and rewarding routes, they can continue hiking till the Milky Lake (4,500m) and Five-colored Lake (4,700m).

Overnight: Shangri-La Town (3,000m)

Day 7. Shangri-La Town—Deqen 319km 8h (BLD)
This morning we’ll continue to Deqen. We will cross the boundary of Sichuan and Yunnan. It is an off-beaten path and we can enjoy untouristed nature with ease. After passing the famous Baima Snow Mountain, we will arrive at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain to rest. We can spend some night time taking a look around the colorful bazaar and labyrinth of streets that make up the famous ‘blue quarter’ of this historical city. Dinner tonight will be at a good local restaurant. 

Overnight: Deqen (3,200m)

Day 8. Deqen—Shangri-La City. 170km 3.5h (BLD)
Today we will expect the stunning view of sunrise at Meili Snow Mountain. While the golden sunlight slowly appearing on the range of snow-topped mountains, we can view from the hotel balcony or the observation deck where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea. After a spectacular half-hour sunrise show, the snowy mountains will transform into a range of golden peaks. The experience is simply magical if it is a good day when the weather is favorable. After saying goodbye to this sacred mountain, we will pack ourselves and drive to Shangri-La City. En route, we will visit the "First Great Bend of Jinsha River". Jinsha River, which is the name of the upper Yangtze River, comes through huge mountains and valleys, seems to have a rest after running a long distance from the Tibetan Plateau. So it slows down its pace and gracefully draws a U-shaped curve around a pyramid-shaped mountain. Today we will rest in the Shangri-La City (Zhongdian County).

Overnight: Shangri-La City (3,300m)

Day 9. Shangri-La City. Meals: BLD
In the morning, we will drive to Pudacuo National Park, which is the first officially recognized national park in China. Drive 22km east from Shangri-La County, we will arrive at the gate of Pudacuo. Pudacuo covers a large area of 300 km² and its opening area is mainly consists of three scenic sites, Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and Militang Meadow. We tour around the park with eco-friendly shuttle buses. In an early morning by the side of Shudu Lake, we may find a picture of surreal white fog concealing the herds of cattle and sheep casually feeding around the lake. The nearby pasture sheds, clouds, mountains, meadows, the soaring eagles, and the dancing cranes together depict a pure and harmonious world as if it is realizing the tale of Shangri-La. While the Bita Lake is a very important wetland and housing many kinds of plants, migrant birds. Taking a short walk on the wooden planks around the lake, enjoying the fresh air, and beautiful scenery around this idyllic land, Pudacuo gives us a chance to rest and refresh our minds. After visiting Pudacuo, we will go back to Shangri-La city to explore the local life there.

         Overnight: Shangri-La City (3,300m)

Day 10. Shangri-La City—Lijiang 225km 5h Meals: BLD
Today we will be joining Yellow-Hat Buddhist monks at prayer at the Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery), the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan Province. Known as the "Little Potala Palace", the splendid structures and mysterious Buddhism articles, combined with the chanting voice and Tibetan incense bring the "Shangri-La" as described by James Hilton’s Lost Horizon to life. As our trip continues, we will be going back to the real world by hearing the water roars of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest gorges with 3,790m maximum vertical elevation difference, has its massive cliff sides plummeting downwards onto the upper Yangtze River. The scenic is nothing short of stunning. As we keep heading south, Lijiang will be our last destination of this trip. It is a city with no walls but has great ancient architecture and living infrastructures. Narrow cobblestone streets are lined by running canals of crystal clear water that is freshly melted from snow, and decorative arched bridges link alleys of a thousand years old. Lijiang is a perfect last stop to conclude the story of the journey to Shangri-La.

Overnight: Lijiang (2,200m)

Day 11. Lijiang Departure. Meals: B
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Notes:
1. If you need help in arranging a flight to Chengdu from other major cities of China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, or a departure flight from Lijiang, please feel free to contact us, we are more than happy to provide any support we can to facilitate your trip planning.
2. This trip ventures into an area that features high altitude. Follow the advice from your doctor on altitude sickness before deciding to join this trip. In some events, high elevation can cause severe health complications for those with cardiovascular diseases or other poor cardiopulmonary function.
3. The overnight altitudes and driving hours listed in the itinerary are just for your rough reference.