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Private Journey / 8 Days

Yunnan Highlands & Old Towns

Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La

An altitude-aware eight-day private route through Stone Forest, Erhai Lake, old towns, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Tibetan-influenced landscapes of Shangri-La.

Customize This Journey

The shape of this journey.

Scenery lovers, couples and families who prefer private transfers and a measured rise in altitude rather than compressing Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La into seven rushed days.

01

Stone Forest

02

Dali and Erhai Lake

03

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

04

Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La

Day By Day

A clear route, made flexible.

This is a starting framework rather than a fixed group schedule. Hotels, pacing, experiences and transport can be adjusted around your arrival city and travel style.

  1. Day 01

    Arrive in Kunming

    Private airport pickup and hotel transfer. The first day remains easy, with an optional old-street walk and time to prepare for the changing altitude and climate ahead.

    Overnight · Kunming
  2. Day 02

    Stone Forest to Dali

    Travel privately to the Stone Forest for a guided route through its limestone formations. Return to Kunming for the high-speed train to Dali, where a local driver meets the family and transfers to the hotel.

    Overnight · Dali
  3. Day 03

    Dali, Erhai and Bai culture

    Explore Dali old town, Xizhou and selected lakeside villages around Erhai. Cycling can be included on a gentle ecological section, while a private vehicle remains available for guests preferring a lower-effort day.

    Overnight · Dali
  4. Day 04

    Dali to Lijiang

    Travel north by private vehicle through Yunnan countryside, stopping where useful rather than following a rigid coach schedule. Arrive in Lijiang for an afternoon introduction to the old town and a quieter evening exploration.

    Overnight · Lijiang
  5. Day 05

    Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

    Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with the cableway level selected according to weather, ticket availability and health considerations. Continue to Blue Moon Valley and Baisha village, with oxygen and cold-weather arrangements confirmed before departure.

    Overnight · Lijiang
  6. Day 06

    Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La

    Drive toward Shangri-La with a guided stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge. The plan uses the accessible viewing route rather than committing every guest to a demanding trek, then continues gradually into the higher plateau.

    Overnight · Shangri-La
  7. Day 07

    Monastery, old town and plateau nature

    Visit Songzanlin Monastery, Dukezong Ancient Town and selected landscapes in or around Potatso National Park. Timing remains deliberately flexible for altitude, weather and the family's energy level.

    Overnight · Shangri-La
  8. Day 08

    Departure

    Private transfer to Diqing Shangri-La Airport. A return connection through Kunming or an extended overland plan can be arranged separately around the international flight schedule.

    Overnight · Departure

Stay Standards

Comfort in the right location.

Named hotels are confirmed only after dates and room configuration are known. We prioritize properties that accept international guests and make the daily route work smoothly.

1 night

Kunming

High-end 4-diamond hotelCentral location with practical access to Stone Forest and the railway station.

2 nights

Dali

Premium 4-diamond or Wyndham-brand equivalentErhai or Cangshan setting preferred; sea-view room subject to selected package and availability.

2 nights

Lijiang

Premium 4- or 5-diamond hotelVehicle-accessible location near, rather than deep inside, pedestrian old-town lanes.

2 nights

Shangri-La

Best-available high-end plateau hotelHeating, oxygen support options and foreign-passport acceptance prioritized.

Private By Design

Clear inclusions. No shared strangers.

This route is planned for one booking and one private party. The final quotation confirms exact hotels, room types, attraction reservations and date-specific supplements before payment.

Included

  • Seven nights of confirmed accommodation with daily hotel breakfast
  • Private airport and railway-station transfers throughout the route
  • Private vehicle and licensed driver for scheduled road touring in each region
  • Private English-speaking guides for the scheduled sightseeing days
  • Second-class high-speed rail ticket from Kunming to Dali
  • Standard admission for Stone Forest, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin and Potatso under the confirmed package
  • Scheduled cableway and compulsory scenic transport listed in the final quotation
  • Erhai cycling or a private-vehicle alternative under the selected plan
  • No compulsory shopping, plus local coordination and 24-hour trip support

Not included

  • Flights into Kunming and out of Shangri-La, including international connections
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks unless specifically included
  • Optional shows, ethnic-costume photography, horse riding and craft workshops
  • Personal oxygen, cold-weather clothing and medical services unless quoted
  • Guide and driver gratuities
  • Visa fees, travel insurance and altitude-related medical expenses
  • Room-view upgrades, extra beds and seasonal hotel supplements
  • Personal purchases and services not listed as included

Private Price

To be confirmed for your party.

Private price to be confirmed. Final routing depends on mountain tickets, altitude suitability, hotel rooming and arrival/departure flights.

Request This Journey