Overview
This 10-day route follows the Nujiang Grand Canyon into the high-altitude landscapes of the Hengduan Mountains, tracing the dramatic geography of the Three Parallel Rivers. This UNESCO World Heritage site is defined by the upper reaches of the Yangtze (Jinsha), Mekong (Lancang), and Salween (Nujiang) rivers, which run roughly parallel through deep gorges separated by glaciated peaks exceeding 6,000 meters. In spring, we’ll see blooming peach flowers and sakura along the road, whilst autumn offers golden ginkgo leaves. The journey offers a rare look at Laomudeng, a village perched on the cliffs of the Biluo Snow Mountain. Historically a vital stop for the Nu and Lisu ethnic groups, its name translates to "a place where people like to come," and it remains a cultural crossroads known for its iconic hilltop church and traditional choral singing. Combined with the "frozen-in-time" atmosphere of the former city of Zhiziluo and the Tibetan border city Bingzhongluo, you’ll learn the history of French missionaries and why many in these places still follow Christianity. Then we will journey North to the Kawagarbo Mountain (or the Meili Snow Mountain range), the most sacred mountain in Tibetan Buddhism. During winter, we will also stop by Napa Lake to view wintering birds, including the rare black-necked crane and the extraordinary bar-headed goose that flies over the Himalayas to winter here. We’ll also visit the Baimai conservation reserve to see the black and white snub-nosed monkey, which is endemic to the region, and learn about its conservation success story. This trip combines deep river valleys, wildlife viewing, and Yunnan’s highest peak (6,740m) and will pass through six different ethnic minority regions, each with its own cuisine, customs, culture, and language. The detailed itinerary is subject to change by season, and hiking in the famous Yubeng village can also be included.
This itinerary is customisable. Let us know at checkout if and how you'd like to personalise the itinerary.
What you will be doing
Free day in Kunming
Travel from the provincial capital to Dali. Spend the afternoon exploring the architecture of the Old Town or the shores of Erhai Lake.
Begin the driving expedition into the Nujiang Grand Canyon. We will stop at various scenic points along the way. Optional to visit the Librairie Avant-Garde book store on top of the cliff, a book store chain famous for their unique locations and cultural impact. Arriving at Laomudeng in the late afternoon. Free evening to explore Laomudeng and its famous church.
After breakfast in Laomudeng, we'll head to explore Zhiziluo, a former administrative seat abandoned in the 1980s due to landslide fears, leaving many of its 1970s architecture intact. Today, it has become a thriving town again. Continue north to the remote enclave of Bingzhongluo.
A day to explore the 'Eden of the East,' including the First Bend of the Nujiang River and the stone-slab-roofed houses of Wuli Village, accessible only by a narrow cliffside path, which is part of the old Tea and Horse Road.
Drive the Degong Highway, a high-mountain passage connecting the Nujiang and Lancang river valleys. Cross the Kongque Mountain Pass to reach the Tibetan region of Deqin.
If you are lucky, you may see the 'Rizhao Jinshan' - a rare sunrise phenomenon where the sun illuminates the snow-capped peaks of Kawagarbo in gold. The likihood is higher in Spring and Winter. Spend the day exploring the glacier-fed valleys below.
Depart the high peaks for the temperate forests of Tacheng, passing through the Napa alpine wetland (winter) along the way. We will stop at various points for bird watching
Visit the Snub-nosed Monkey National Park during morning feeding hours, and learn about its conservation story. Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest river canyons on earth, before ending the day in Lijiang.
Free day to explore Lijiang, incl. the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town or the quieter Naxi cultural hubs of Baisha and Shuhe.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Your hotel in Kunming or Dali
🗺️ Instructions: This tour can start in Kunming or Dali. We will pick you up from your hotel.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children should be over 10 years old
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
Chinese
License requirement
None
Additional information:
The itinerary is intended as a guide, and can be customised. Some details may be subject to change based on the season. This tour involves going to some high altitude places (maximum around 3,700m)
A tour guide is optional for Mandarin speakers, and you can choose to include accommodation or book your own
This trip will involve a lot of mountain driving, so if you are prone to motion sickness, please have your medication ready.
Inclusion ✅
Pick up and drop off transport
Entrance ticket
Air-conditioned vehicle
Water
Exclusion ❌
Gratuities
Meals
About your host
YunduFor every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.