Our Land – Mountains of the Mind

Lijiang - Shangri-La - Lhasa - Nyingchi - Yamdrok Lake

11days/ 10nights

$ 2,050 USD

A longer, comprehensive journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La, then to Linzhi and Lhasa, focusing on natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual sites.

From the terraced rooftops of Lijiang to the gilded peaks of the Meili Snow Mountains, and onward to the spiritual roof of the world — this journey traces a path through the mystical highlands of Yunnan and Tibet. Along the way, you’ll press tofu in a quiet village, glimpse rare golden monkeys in ancient forests, sip tea beneath fluttering prayer flags, and stand before sacred lakes that shimmer like mirrors to the sky.
“Mountains of the Mind” is not just a journey through landscape — it’s a calling from the far hills, from stories older than stone and wind, where every bend reveals another face of devotion, nature, and silence.

Highlights

Start: Lijiang

End: Lhasa

Airports & Travel details

Complete the Pilgrimage

Walk beneath Potala Palace’s towering walls, bow in Jokhang Temple’s ancient halls, and wander Barkhor Street, where past and present spiral together. Pay homage at the only wealth temple in Tibet, then take in the turquoise dream of Yamdrok Lake one last time before your departure.

Itinerary Summary

11days/ 10nights

Activity Level 4

Boutique Hotels

Private trip

Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang – Dayan Old Town

Arrive in Lijiang, where mountains cradle the historic Dayan Old Town. Spend the afternoon wandering through stone alleyways and ancient bridges as soft Naxi music floats from doorways.
Most Attractive Moment: Catch the sun setting behind rooftops at Lion Hill — gold light glancing off tiles, casting long shadows on cobbled streets.
Altitude: ~2,400m | Activity: Light walk, rest

Day 2: Lijiang – Tacheng – Tofu Making in QiBie Village

Leave Lijiang’s bustle for the forested calm of Tacheng. In QiBie Village, step into a farmhouse kitchen and learn to make tofu from scratch — soak, grind, press, and taste the warmth of this humble, handmade craft.
Most Attractive Moment: Steam rises, laughter flows — you press tradition into shape with your own hands, surrounded by alpine serenity.
Drive: ~4 hours | Tofu making: 1.5–2 hours

Day 3: Tacheng – Deqin – Golden Monkeys & Dongzhulin Monastery

Enter the protected realm of the Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park and walk among ancient forests to search for this elusive, expressive species. Later, drive to Deqin, stopping at Dongzhulin Monastery — a sacred site of peace, perched above a dramatic gorge.
Most Attractive Moment: Eyes meet through branches — a rare monkey stares back with quiet curiosity, framed by Himalayan firs.
Drive: ~5 hours | Park visit: 2–3 hours

Day 4: Deqin – Shangri-La – Meili Snow Mountain Sunrise & Benzilan

Rise before dawn to witness the golden sun ignite the Meili Snow Mountain. After breakfast, descend to Benzilan, a peaceful Tibetan town tucked along the Yangtze River, where you’ll enjoy a slow afternoon tea surrounded by sacred stillness.
Most Attractive Moment: Kawagebo turns gold — a silent marvel few get to see, fleeting and unforgettable.
Drive: ~4–5 hours | Altitude: ~3,300m

Day 6: Lhasa – Ganden Monastery or Sijinlacuo – Drive to Nyingchi

Choose your morning path: either visit Ganden Monastery, a major seat of Tibetan learning, or make the sacred drive to Sijinlacuo, the shimmering God of Wealth Lake. Then continue east to Nyingchi, where the air is fresh with forest breath.
Most Attractive Moment: Reflections ripple in a lake of myths, where devotion and legend converge.
Drive to Nyingchi: ~7–8 hours with scenic stops

Day 7: Nyingchi – Yani Wetlands – Sejila Pass – Lulang Forest

Begin with the Yani Wetlands, then cross the Sejila Mountain Pass, where you’ll hang golden prayer flags in the wind. In spring and autumn, wait for sunset to catch a rare view — Mount Namcha Barwa aglow with golden light.
Most Attractive Moment: The forest glows, the sky turns fire, and the faraway peak reveals itself like a whisper from the gods.
Scenic stops all day | Peak altitude ~4,700m

Day 8: Nyingchi – Basum Tso – Optional Sail – Return to Lhasa

Visit the turquoise sanctuary of Basum Tso, a glacial lake ringed by snowy mountains and sacred islands. Optionally, board a wind-powered sailboat and glide across its surface. Return to Lhasa in the afternoon.
Most Attractive Moment: Wind in your hair, mountains in every direction — you sail on a lake of sky and silence.
Basum Tso: 2–3 hours | Drive: ~6 hours

Day 9: Potala Palace – Jokhang Temple – Barkhor Street

Step into Tibet’s spiritual crown — the Potala Palace — then visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred shrine. Finish with a clockwise kora along Barkhor Street, where pilgrims, traders, and incense swirl together.
Most Attractive Moment: In the temple’s dim glow, a golden Buddha gleams as thousands pass, bowing low, their eyes filled with tears and faith.
Walking + cultural visits: 3–4 hours

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High Altitude Reaction:

1. the average altitude in Yunnan is 1894 meters. Kunming: 1890 meters. Dali: 2050 meters. Lijiang: 2400 meters, Jade Dragon Mountain: 4506 meters. Shangri-La: 3280 meters. We strongly suggest our consumers thoroughly prepare for high-altitude reactions and intense ultraviolet rays. By preparing these, you can take high-altitude reaction medicines or bring some Oxygen Can before you depart.

2. If you suffer any diseases, please advise your doctor before you depart.

There are various kinds of heart disease, high blood pressure, blood diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diseases of the respiratory system, and so on.

3. We don’t suggest our guests take showers in the first two days in a high-altitude area. If they get cold, it may easily lead to pulmonary edema and encephaloma.

4. Please don’t drink any alcohol, especially any strong liquids, since alcohol will lead to a high severe altitude reaction.

The price excludes：

1. Other personal expenses during the journey.

2. Our accommodation prices are for twin rooms (two people live in one room, with a separate bed/one bed). There will be an extra cost if consumers require a separate room for each person.

3. Chinese Visa Fees.

4. The extra expense is due to transportation delays, cancellations, wars, natural accidents, and strikes.

5. Meals (lunch and dinner)

Accommodations

We pick suitable and tasteful hotels for your requirements.

Transfer

We provide your own private and comfortable vehicle.

Guide/Driver service

Professional driver and Chinese/ English speaking guide.

Activities

All the activities listed in this program.

Local Knowledge

Our staff are locals with true love and knowledge of our hometown.

Entrance tickets for the sightseeing places listed in this program.

Tickets

Personalized Consultant Service

we provide one-on-one professional consultant service to all travelers to meet your demands.

Insurance

Travel accident insurance and Travel Agency’s Responsibility insurance.

How’s the weather? What should we wear?

Yunnan is dominated by the subtropical monsoon climate. Integrating low latitude, highland, and monsoon, the climate in Yunnan has four characteristics: first, there is a slight difference in annual temperature but a significant difference in daily temperature. Second, there is a big contrast between the rainy and dry seasons. Third, the climate alters according to the change in altitude. Fourth, the frost-free period is extended.
When you travel to Yunnan, the best advice for your wardrobe is to bring all kinds of clothes. A jacket, scarf, raincoat for the rainy season, and sunglasses are essential.

How’s the accommodation?

We believe that staying in a beautiful boutique hotel is one of the most essential parts of the journey. We strongly advise guests to choose hotels with comfortable service and tasteful design. Due to the diversity of ethnic culture, Yunnan has some extraordinary hotels that can bring you the most unforgettable memories. We offer various accommodation choices, from famous international brands to local boutique resorts.

How’s the road?

Because the significant landscape in Yunnan is mountainous, the mountain area has bumpy roads and steep slopes. Even on the expressway, there are always sharp turns. So we strongly suggest our guests fasten their seat belts before they depart.

How’s the meal?

Most hotels will provide breakfast in both American and Chinese. During the travel, we will recommend featured local dishes and street food for our consumers. We also encourage our consumers to explore the local food they like since eating is essential for a journey. Our guide will suggest a suitable restaurant to our consumers.

Design my trip

Quality Guide Of KiKi

Accommodations

Being in a beautiful boutique hotel is one of the most essential parts of a journey. We strongly advise guests to choose hotels with comfortable service and tasteful design. Due to the diversity of ethnic cultures, Yunnan has some extraordinary hotels that can bring you unforgettable memories. We offer various accommodation choices, from famous international brands to local boutique resorts.