Discover Northwestern Yunnan through UNSECO Three Parallel Rivers region and the sacred Mt. Kawagarbo

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.