Tea and Horse Caravan Road Tour

Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-La

7 days / 6 nights

$ 960 USD

Ethnic Minorities
Tea and Horse Caravan Road

Inhabited by 55 ethnic groups, Yunnan is ranked number one in China in terms of ethnic diversity. As early as clan society, Yunnan was occupied by three clans. After long-term migration, separation, development, and integration, the distribution of ethnic groups became relatively stable in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The ethnic population accounts for approximately 1/3 of the total in Yunnan, among which 25 nationalities have a population of more than 5,000. Fifteen ethnic groups are indigenous and unique to Yunnan. They are Bai, Hani, Dai, Lisu, Wa, etc.

This tour will take you to the ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road station. From this road, you can view the most remote minority cultures.

Highlights

Start: KunMing

End: LiJiang

Airports & Travel details

Immerse in Bai and Naxi Heritage

Create vibrant Bai tie-dye in Xizhou, sip the Bai Three Course Tea in Dali, and learn Naxi traditions at Jade Water Village, connecting deeply with Yunnan’s ethnic tapestry.

Itinerary Summary

7 days / 6 nights

Activity Level 4

Boutique Hotels

Private trip

Day 1: Kunming — Dali

Three Pagodas and Dali Old Town

Your adventure begins with a high-speed train Or Private Van from Kunming to Dali, the rails humming with promise. Step into Dali Old Town, where Bai houses glow under Cangshan’s watchful peaks. Marvel at the Three Pagodas, ancient sentinels of Buddhist lore, their reflections dancing in the morning light. Stroll cobbled streets, tasting rose cakes and sipping local tea, as the Bai’s warmth wraps you like a storybook. Sleep in Dali, dreaming of tomorrow’s tales.
High-speed train (2 hours Kunming-Dali); Three Pagodas (1 hour); Dali Old Town (evening exploration).

Day 2: Dali — Xizhou — Shaxi

Bai Tie-Dyeing and Erhai Cycling

Awake in Dali and journey to Xizhou Old Town, where Bai courtyards whisper history. Join a Bai tie-dyeing workshop, weaving vibrant patterns under an artisan’s guidance. Pedal along Erhai Lake’s shores, the breeze carrying scents of wildflowers and fish-filled waters. As evening nears, arrive in Shaxi, a quiet haven where ancient trails once carried tea and horses. Stay in Shaxi, lulled by its timeless charm.
Xizhou (30 minutes from Dali); Bai tie-dyeing (1 hour); Erhai cycling (1–2 hours); Shaxi (2-hour drive).

Day 3: Shaxi — Lijiang

Shaxi Old Town and Market

In Shaxi Old Town, the morning market bursts with life—vendors hawk fresh produce and handmade crafts, their voices a melody of local lore. Wander stone bridges and wooden theaters, feeling the pulse of a bygone caravan era. Your journey continues to Lijiang, where Naxi culture awaits. Arrive with time to soak in the city’s vibrant energy, a prelude to its ancient wonders. Sleep in Lijiang, eager for what lies ahead.
Shaxi market (~1–2 hours); ~3-hour drive to Lijiang.

Day 4: Lijiang

Jade Water Village, Yu Hu Village, and Shuhe Old Town

Today, Lijiang’s Naxi heart unfolds. At Jade Water Village, sacred springs and Dongba shrines reveal Naxi spirituality, framed by Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In Yu Hu Old Village, explore traditional Naxi homes, their wooden beams etched with stories. End in Shuhe Old Town, a UNESCO gem quieter than Lijiang’s bustle, where canals and teahouses invite you to linger. Stay in Lijiang, your heart full of Naxi tales.
Jade Water Village and Yu Hu (30 minutes from Lijiang); Shu He (15 minutes); activities ~1–2 hours each

Day 5: Lijiang — Shangri-La

Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La Old Town

Venture to Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River roars through cliffs, its power a legend of a leaping tiger. Hike a gentle trail, the wind carrying ancient songs. Continue to Shangri-La, where Old Town’s wooden houses and prayer wheels hum with Tibetan spirit. Savor yak butter tea as lanterns light the evening sky. Sleep in Shangri-La, wrapped in its mystical embrace.
Tiger Leaping Gorge (~2-hour drive, 1–2-hour light hike); ~2 hours to Shangri-La.

Day 6: Shangri-La

Songzanlin Lamasery and Pudacuo National Park

Awake to Shangri-La’s crisp air and visit Songzanlin Lamasery, a “Little Potala” where monks chant amidst golden roofs. Journey to Pudacuo National Park, where emerald lakes and alpine meadows unfold like a painting. Wander trails, spotting rare wildlife under vast skies. As the sun sets, feel Shangri-La’s serenity seep into your soul. Stay in Shangri-La, cherishing the day’s peace.
Songzanlin (30 minutes from town, ~1.5 hours); Pudacuo (1 hour drive, 2–3 hours)

Day 7: Shangri-La Departure

Ni Xi Black Pottery or Napa Sea Wetland

Your final chapter dawns in Shangri-La with a choice to seal your Yunnan story. Most Attractive Moment: Craft a black pottery masterpiece in Ni Xi Village, shaping smooth clay with a local artisan, a tangible memory of Yunnan’s ancient craft. Alternatively, wander Napa Sea Wetland, where migratory birds dance over golden grasslands, framed by distant peaks. Depart by private car to Lijiang Train Station, then board a high-speed train to Kunming (or your next destination), carrying Yunnan’s vibrant tales in your heart.
Ni Xi or Napa Sea (~30 minutes, ~1–2 hours); ~3-hour drive to Lijiang; ~4-hour train to Kunming (or departure).

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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.