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Tibet & Yunnan Hiking

Tibet & Yunnan Hiking

On this journey, you'll discover landscapes of contrasting beauty, from the architecturally rich ancient Chinese town of Lijiang to the lush lake-dotted hills of China's Yunnan Province with its small Tibetan and hilltribe communities, to the arid rugged Tibetan Plateau and the splendor of Lhasa. As Tibetans continue to press for cultural autonomy from China, Tibet has slowly undergone a renaissance of sorts, with the restoration of monasteries, palaces and artwork. Enjoy the hospitality of warm and gracious Tibetan and Chinese hosts who are proud to share their native culture, traditions and homeland.

Days 1-2 lijiang

Meet in Kunming Fly to Lijiang, set on a high plateau amid stunning mountain peaks in China's Yunnan Province Walk through the ancient city's atmospheric Old Town, a World Heritage site laced with canals and filled with unique architecture.

Days 3-5 gyalthang

Embark on a vigorous hike through one of the world's deepest river canyons, Tiger Leaping Gorge Shuttle to Gyalthang, a city set amid snowcapped peaks and virgin forests Walk through the Gyalthang Dzong and into the countryside, where ethnic Tibetans keep ancient traditions alive Hike to the village of Ringha and hang a prayer flag at its monastery.

Days 6-9 lhasa

Take a spectacular flight above the Tibetan Plateau to the holy city of Lhasa, one of the world's highest cities at over 11,800 feet Follow a trail up to the Tashi Chöling hermitage for fantastic views of the Lhasa Valley Receive a warm welcome and a taste of yak butter tea at the Chupsang Nunnery Walk the kora (a devotional route around a sacred object) of the Sera Monastery Tour the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, with its grand murals, mandalas and gem-encrusted coffins Pass rock paintings, prayer flags and statues on the Drepung Monastery kora Hike from the Ganden Monastery, at 13,700 feet, to the valley floor Catch a morning flight to Chengdu.

big map Tibet & Yunnan Hiking

Tibetan Style & Authentic Charm : Casual Inns

Jian Nan Cun (2 nights): This traditionally styled simple hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a superb location in the heart of Old Town.

Gyalthang Dzong Hotel (3 nights): In an idyllic setting, this impressive hotel was built in the Tibetan dzong (fortress) style and features guest rooms with authentic Tibetan décor.

Thangka Hotel (3 nights): Located next to the Jokhang Temple's Barkhor Square in the heart of old Lhasa, the Thangka Hotel offers comfortable and charming rooms in traditional Tibetan décor.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

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Day 4
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Day 9
Tibet & Yunnan Hiking
Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

For years I've wanted to travel through Tibet, although I never quite understood where my desire was coming from... The guides were able to guide me through an amazingly foreign land while removing all doubt and hesitation I may have had about immersing myself into Tibetan culture... In fact, as I witnessed the passion with which the guides led us through the cities, hills, and villages, I began to envy their globe trotting lifestyle and picture myself in their shoes one day. This trip proved to be all that it promised and more... The most memorable thing that I'll take from this trip is the friendship that I found with our Tibetan Nomad local tour guides, with whom I hope to visit again soon in the future.
Michael Conti - New York, NY
Does Shangri La exist? I think we've come close to it with our new hiking Tibet trip. Gorgeous mountain views, remote Buddhist monasteries, ancient Chinese towns - and an opportunity to see them all as travelers have for centuries...on foot. What's unique about our trip is that we start it in the remote Chinese province of Yunnan-which offers an incredible mixture of two ancient cultures - Chinese and Tibetan - without the crowds. And we top off our journey of discovery hiking to some of the world's most famous religious icons - like the Potola Palace and Drepung Monastery. Accommodations are simple, but our regional experience and logistical expertise make for a fascinating and comfortable journey.
Christian Chumbley - Regional Manager, Asia & Africa