Trekking Through Shangri-la
A trek in eastern Tibet in this beautiful and magical place called The Xanadu.
Overview
Kham area which lies in the east of Tibet, is a magical and beautiful place, we called it The Xanadu. In the Xanadu, there are Tibetan Holly Mountains – Gongga Mountain, Haizi Mountain, the magic Muli Kingdom, a well-preserved ancient matrilineal society – Women’s Country. We trek into Shangri-La to unveil her mysterious yashmak…
The Gongga Holly Mountain, its full name is Holly Nyenchhen Gongga Risong Gongbu Mountain, in Tibetan, it means the Nival Mountain. Gongga Holly Mountain lies in the south of Daocheng that situated at the east of Tibet. The main part of Gongga Holly Mountain is actually three mountains; they are independent but not too far from each other. The north peak is Xian Nai Ri (6032 m), the south peak is Jampeyang (5958 m), and the east peak is Chakna Dorje (5958 m). There are many lakes that vary in size, and the most famous one is the Five Color Sea, it is the Holly Lake in Tibetan People’s eyes. It’s said that, many great events can emerge whilst visiting the lake, valley and the three peaks, so the Tibetan People have taken it as the Holly Lake, which can tell the past and the future.
The Women’s Country is in the northwest of Muli Kingdom, there is a beautiful alpine lake – Lugu Lake. The Mosuo People, who are a branch of the Tibetan People, live around Lugu Lake. So far, the Mosuo People are still keeping the ancient matrilineal society traditions, the most typical factor is their Walking Marriage custom.
In 1920, Joseph F. Rock ventured into Muli, and Gongga Holly Mountain. Later he put out his amazing discovery in the American publication, National Geographic Magazine, and Shangri-la was known to the world.
----Through out the whole world, where and how beautiful the landscape will be waiting for the photographers and pathfinders to explore! -- Joseph F. Rock US.
Duration: 14 Days
Grade: 3
When to Visit: May to October
Start: Chengdu
Finish: Kun Ming
Itinerary
Day 1.
Chengdu Hotel****
Arrive at Chengdu in the morning by air. Chengdu is an important city in west China; it is the gate from hinterland to Tibet. There are many interesting places worthy of a visit. And there is the Giant Panda Reserve Base. We will have a city sightseeing tour, and then we will have a tour introduction, and prepare for the journey.
Day 2.
Chengdu / Kang Ding Hotel****
We set off in the morning, driving along Cheng-Ya Highway (built in 1999) for 120 km and 1.5 hours. During this journey we can appreciate the beautiful scenery of rural landscape known as, the rain city – Ya’an, Qingyi River, Erlang Mountain and Luding County (beside the Dadu River).
Day 3.
Kangding / Litang Hotel**
We will visit the famous hometown of Kangding Love song – Kanding County, Zheduo River, Tibetan nomadic grasslands, the Tibetan watchtower with eight angles, Yalong River Valley and Jianziwan Mountain. Driving along the mountain ridge, we can see the mountains, great grasslands, and the resplendent and magnificent Lama temples, we then arrive at Litang County, which is called the highest city in the world. Stay night in hotel.
Day 4.
Litang / Daocheng / Riwa Village Hotel***
Driving over Rabbit Mountain (there are two natural stones on the mountain that have the appearance of rabbit ears), there are many small fresh light lakes in the mountain. We stay beside Riwa Village government camp.
Day 5.
Riwa Village / Gongga Chonggu Temple / Luorong Pasture Camping
Trekking into Yading Nature Reserve, we can admire the natural landscape of Echu Mountain. In Tibetan, Echu Mountain means the shinning mountain. There is the Lamu Forest Sea at the foot of Echu Mountain, every autumn; the mountain is covered by the red leaves. Chonggu Temple (3080m) situated at the foot of Xiannairi Mountain, is now just ruins. We walk or ride horses to Luorong Pasture to visit Xiannairi Mountain (6032m), Jampeyang (5958m) and Chakna Duojie (5958m).
Day 6.
LuoRong Pasture / Zha Lang Camping
We will trek around Jampaeyang on arrival at ZhaLang.
Days 7 & 8.
ZhaLang / ShuiLuo (new Tibet) Camping
Passing by Moyu, Dongla, along the Shuiluo River, we arrive at new Tibet.
Day9.
ShuiLuo (new Tibet) / MuLi Camping
Drive to Muli County by air-conditioned bus. During the journey, we can admire the famous Tibetan Buddhist Muli Great Monastery and the village where Miao people are living.
Day 10.
MuLi / Lugu lake Hotel***
Visit villages where Mongolian and Yi people live, we arrive at Lugu Lake where Mosuo people live. Their traditional marriage is a form of the ----Walking Marriage this is a very interesting ceremony and should not be missed if you get the opportunity.
Day 11.
Lugu Lake / Lijiang Hotel
Driving to Lijiang, passing by Ninglang, during the journey, we can admire the scenery of the Jinsha River and its Valley.
Day 12.
Li Jiang Hotel****
We will go to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Level Ground and Yufeng Temple. And we can have a city tour in Sifang Street.
Day 13.
Li Jiang / Kun Ming Hotel****
We take a morning flight to Kunming, from Lijiang, and visit, the World Plant Exhibition, and Folk-custom Village.
Day 14.
Leave Kun Ming
You will be transferred to the airport by car for either morning or afternoon onward flights as we leave Kun Ming behind.
Included:
- Provide air-conditioned buses;
- Provide camping equipment, including tent, sleeping bag, anti-damp mattress;
- Hire of porters for the group, one horse for every two clients;
- Provide food, including the camping food during trekking;
- Supply experienced English speaking guide for tours;
- Supply a cook and logistic staff;
- Responsible for all the accommodation and tour programs during the journey;
- Provide Special Tour Personal Injury Insurance for all clients;
- Supply other services according to the contract.
- The best time for this tour is from May to October.