TOUR OVERVIEW
Yunnan boasts some of China's most jaw-dropping scenery, diverse ethnic cultures and fascinating history. For active families with a sense of adventure, it's the perfect destination to cycle, hike and explore. Snow-capped mountains, the rural farmland and villages of the Naxi, Bai, Hui and Yi nationalities are the landscapes we cycle and hike through. We follow an ancient Tea Horse route that traders and merchants once travelled - laden with supplies of tea on horseback from China's east to the Tibetan highlands to the west - returning with Buddhist religion that left it's mark with the countless monasteries, temples and sacred shrines that dot the route today. Charming trading towns with cobblestone streets and old-world architecture are our daily destinations, leaving plenty of time to meet locals going about their daily lives and an opportunity to sample the delicious local cuisine.
Using the High Speed train we unite the two ancient kingdoms the pace of life in Laos is much slower than in China, we will see the stark contrast between the two countries and enjoy the shared history and culture. The Laos portion of the tour takes us from serene Luang Prabang is the end of this epic multi-cultural adventure. Our expert local guide and drivers are always with you to make sure you have the flexibility to pace the trip as you wish and to help you make the experience one of the memories of a lifetime!
PRICE PER PERSON
2 $3635
3-4 $2875
5-6 $2685
7-8 $2445
9+ $2275
FULL ITINERARY
Meals provided are list by each day - Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D)
DAY 01 | Arrival in Kunming China (D)
Today you arrive in the Kunming airport. You'll be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Your guide will take you to have a local feast as a welcome dinner in the evening and go through the itinerary with you.
Kunming, known as the “Sping City” due to its pleasant climate all year around, is the capital city of Yunnan Province in China. The city is famous for its beautiful scenery, rich culture heritage, and diverse ethnic groups. If you arrive a couple of days earlier, there are some of the top attractions that you shouldn’t miss, such as Western Hills scenic area, Haigeng Park located on the banks of Dianchi Lake, Guangdu Ancient town…
DAY 02 | Li Jiang and ride around Baisha (B, D)
After breakfast in the hotel, we will take a fast train to Lijiang (around 3.5 hours). After check in at a hotel in Suhe old town, we head out on the bikes ride to the ancient village of Baisha, famed for its preserved frescoes. We will cycle off road through Naxi and Yi villages and farmland. There is one hill to climb before reaching the Yufeng temple. In the evening we have the opportunity to soak up Lijiang's nightlife.
Cycling 30km Altitude 2400m
DAy 3 | Lijiang - Shaxi (B,L,D)
Today we'll start with a transfer to Tai'an village ( about 20-30km) to cycle on quiet backroads to our destination in Shaxi Old Town. A big descent brings us back onto a main road for a section into Jiannchuan. We’ll stop near Jianchuan for lunch before continuing along the main road for a shorter section before making our way over a series of short climbs before a final long descent into Shaxi. A perfect place to get lost in the narrow, cobblestone alleyways, get a close look at intricately carved wooden entrances and hopefully catch glimpses of the well‐fenced and attractive courtyards of many of the homes in Shaxi. Sideng Square forms the centre of the old town, which was formed as part of Tea Horse route during the Tang dynasty in 618. Sahxi is UNESCO listed as it is one of the most intact tea horse trading towns left remaining in China.
Cycling 80km Altitude 2100m
DAY 4 | VShaxi to Eryuan Hot Springs (B, L, D)
We hit the road with a smooth run through an intimate valley, passing by quaint villages, forest and farmland. The views get progressively more expansive as we climb to the top of a pass, all the way cycling through a heavily wooded forest of pine trees. The view is spectacular but it’s a testing climb so the support vehicle will be ready for those that need it. The road down is endless hairpins on a smooth sealed road. Finally, we cycle down through a ravine into Eryuan, the location of our hotel for the night and their relaxing hot springs. We’ll soothe our muscles in the naturally occurring spring water.
Cycle 100km Altitude 2060
DAY 5 | Cycle to Dali Old Town (B, L, D)
Today is our last day ride in Yunnan! We share our cycling with bell‐laden horses and carts as we continue travelling on toward Dali. We follow a circuitous route that takes us between the huge Er Hai Lake and the towering Cangshan Mountain, skirting the shores of this inland sea, and passing through fishing villages, farming communities and ancient temples. This is a spectacular finale as we head up the hill toward the ancient walled capital, Dali. Home to the Bai people, the architecture in the old town and surrounding villages shows off these people’s fine woodworking and artistry, with some of the more aesthetically pleasing craftsmanship you’ll find in China.
The old town is a haven for tourists these days as there is a lot to explore in the area; and the fine weather and beautiful landscapes make it tempting to linger in Dali longer. We’ll feast and celebrate the completion of our ride with a beer or two.
Dali and its surrounds are home to over 1.5 million Bai minority people whose culture, crafts and warm hospitality create its renowned laid-back atmosphere. Having lived in the region from the 3rd Century BC, they were one of the main tribes that established the powerful Nanzhao Kingdom (649-902). The Bai also established the Dali Kingdom (937-1253) before being toppled by the Mongols and incorporated into greater China.
Cycle 60km Altitude 1960 M
DAY 6 | Explore Dali Old and the Bullet train to Kunming (B, L, D)
After breakfast today, you are free to move around. You can stroll around Dali old street, buy some souvenirs, or choose to climb the famous Cangshan mountain. Late afternoon, we’ll head out to Dali train station and about 2 hours journey back to Kunming. The hotel we stay at tonight is right next to Kunming South Station.
DAY 7 | Kunming - Oudomxay (B, D)
The high-speed international train leaves at 8 am we will meet you on the Laos side around 2 pm bring a packed lunch. Be ready to cycle the 30km from the station to our hotel resort on the banks of the Kat River.
DAY 8 | Oudomxay - Muang Khua (B, L, D)
Gentle gradients and descents all the way today are an easy 100km. before arriving at Muang Khua, the gateway to the remote and diverse Phongsaly Province.
We’ll be cycling in very rural Laos, an area inhabited by hill tribe villagers who eke a meagre existence from the land. Along the way, you will pass villages of Phu Thai, Thai Lu, Hmong, Thai Dam, Lao and Khamu. The people are very friendly and not yet tired of seeing tourists.
Muang Khua is a border town bustling with trade, you can hear a mixture of languages, Lao, Hmong, Vietnamese and Mandarin at the bustling restaurants and markets.
DAY 9 | Muang Khua - Nong Khiaw (B, L)
After breakfast, we head to the dock for a relaxing day spent aboard a traditional long-tail boat as we cruise down the Nam Ou River to the backpacker hideaway Nong Khiaw. we will stop at local rural communities on the way
Lunch is Maung Ngoi we will take some time to visit the cave complex before getting back on the river,
It is a beautiful trip and the wildlife will stay in your memory for many years to come.
DAY 10 | Nong Khiaw 100 waterfalls Trek (B, L)
Nam Ou River Cruise, 100 Waterfall Trek.
Start the day with a peaceful boat ride on the Nam Ou River. Along the way, you'll be able to explore a small Lao village along the river. Then we'll hike through small streams and rice paddies to reach the base of the 100 waterfalls.
For the following few hours, you'll see only water and jungle and hear the sound of clear waterfall cascades. Your guide will lead you through the cascades and prepare a local-style lunch on the falls in the middle of it all.
A small villagers’ trail on the top of the 100 waterfalls will lead us back down into the valley, offering wide views over the landscapes of the Nam Ou valley along the way. Hiking back to the village we will have more time to see daily life.
Accommodation: Mandala Ou Bungalows
DAY 11 | Nong Khiaw - Pak Ou (B, L, D)
Today start with a beautiful ride through the valley to Pakmong (30km) Then transfer for 1 hour to Hadpang before continuing to the Buddha caves of Pak Ou. Here we can swim in the river and enjoy the beach before staying in our floating Guesthouse
Cycling: 80km
DAY 12 | Pak Ou - Luang Prabang (B)
A short morning ride of 35 km to the city, we will call at some handicraft villages and see local artisans produce a traditional parchment called Saa Paper. before entering the city. you are free in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the traditional Hmong night market.
DAY 13 | Kuang Si Waterfalls (B, L, D) Trek and Cycle
Start with a short transfer to the village of Long Lao, a thriving Hmong community of around 80 families. The community manages an excellent 8km trail that finishes at the top of Kuang Si Falls. we can enjoy lunch and a swim in the crystal waters before
We stop at the Laos Water Buffalo Dairy on the way back from the city for a Tour of this rare and interesting community project which educates locals in animal husbandry and welfare and also helps provide valuable income and diversification to remote rural villages, and makes some truly amazing Ice Cream!
A Farewell will be held at Khaiphean restaurant a local NGO that offers free vocational training to marginalized youth.
Cycle 30km
DAY 14 | Luang Prabang and Departure (B)
We will escort you to the airport depending on your departure time