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Day 1 - Arrive Kunming
On arrival into Kunming, you will be met by your China Holidays guide and will be transferred to your hotel for two nights. (D)
Day 2 - Kunming
After breakfast at your hotel you will be met by your guide and depart to visit to the Stone Forest, a natural wonder of grey limestone pillars formed in earlier geological time by the sea, rain and wind. There will be a performance of singing and dancing by the Sani people, one of China’s fascinating ethnic minority people. On returning to the city there will be time for a city tour taking in the sights and sounds of Kunming. (B/L/D)
Day 3 - Kunming / Dali
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Dali; where on arrival you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide and depart for a tour of Dali, home to the Bai minority. You will visit the Three Pagodas of the Chongshen Temple and view snow capped Cangshan Mountain. Dali is famous for its marble, clothes shops, jewellery and batik and there will be time to stop and browse for mementos before arriving at your hotel where you will stay two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 4 - Dali
Today a full day touring in and around Dali. There will be a cruise on Erhai Lake, a 250sq. km. ear-shaped lake with unique fishing styles and magnificent scenery. There will also be a visit to Xizhou Township, 18km. north of Dali, where you will view some of the Bai architecture. (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Dali / Lijiang
After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Lijiang, set high amongst dramatic mountain scenery near the border with Tibet. Here you will visit the ancient Lijiang town and experience the Naxi minority culture. The town is a delightful maze of cobbled streets, wooden buildings, canals and ‘hurly-burly’ of market life. On completion of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend three nights. (B/L/D)
Day 6 - Lijiang
Lijiang’s inhabitants, the Naxi people are descendants of Tibetan nomads. You will continue touring in and around Lijiang today with sightseeing that includes the Black Dragon Pool Park; the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; the Long Quan Naxi ethnic village and the Museum of Naxi Culture. (B/L/D)
Day 7 - Lijiang
Today you have the opportunity to relax with a free day or maybe explore further this enchanting town and walk the winding cobbled streets. (B)
Day 8 – Lijiang / Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
After breakfast at your hotel you will embark on a 198km coach journey, through forest reserves that follow the extreme upper reaches of the Yangtze River, taking you eventually to Zhongdian, a quiet and peaceful location close to the Tibetan border. Then proceed on with a visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge and the First Bend of the Yangtze River. The entire 16km gorge rises 3900m from its base to the elevated snow-capped mountains. Late afternoon transfer to your hotel where you will stay three nights. (B/L/D)
Day 9 - Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
Your sightseeing today will take you on a full day excursion around Zhongdian, which marks the start of the Tibetan world. Take in the wonders of the Shangri-La National Park including Pu Da Cuo, Bita Lake, the Shu Du Lake and the village of Tibetan Culture. (B/L/D)
Day 10 - Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
We continue our sightseeing today with a visit to the beautiful Valley of Blue Moon, with its towering snowy peaks, forsaken Buddhist monasteries and lush vegetation. Situated 103km north-east of Zhongdian, on the way to Xiangcheng, a roaring stream winds its way through the mountain ranges, with its skyline dotted by lofty, ancient trees. (B/L/D)
Day 11 - Shangri-La (Zhongdian) / Kunming
On your final day in Shangri-La, experience the Tibetan Minority Culture at the ancient Shangri-La town of Dukezong, and the Guihua Temple. After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Kunming. Upon arrival, your friendly China Holidays Guide will be waiting for you and will transfer you to your hotel for overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 12 - Departure Kunming
Today you farewell Kunming as your guide meets you and transfers you to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
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