Lux* Tea Horse Road: Lijiang & Shangri-La — 1

Lux* Tea Horse Road: Lijiang & Shangri-La — 2

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Lux* Tea Horse Road: Lijiang & Shangri-La

Tours and Cruises4 days

Lijiang, China

Lijiang›Shangri-La City (Zhongdian)

Abstract

The journey is not just about the destination, but also every detail along the way. With LUX, everything is taken care of down to the smallest detail: you will stay in extraordinary retreats and boutique hotels that offer the perfect respite during your adventure. Each stop will allow you to discover the most picturesque places in Yunnan and enjoy guided experiences that will immerse you completely in the local culture. A unique collection of hotels along the mystical Tea Horse Road: the journey itself is the destination.,

Characteristics

Private tour
local english-speaking guides for all destinations
meals included (see “Price includes”)
departures are guaranteed (min 2 participants). Subject to availability,

Itinerary

Day 1 — Lijiang

After immigration formalities, passport control, baggage collection and customs, welcome by the LUX Tea Horse Road team staff and transfer to the hotel., Meet the 'Discovery Host'. (People who come from local Tibetan villages and have in-depth knowledge of the region's cultures, mountains and rivers. They will accompany you on this journey and act as your personal butlers.), the rest of the day is free, Lijiang is a historic city in Yunnan, famous for its ancient centre (Dayan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobbled streets, canals and traditional Naxi architecture. It is known for the culture of the Naxi minority, traditional music and Dongba pictogram writing. Near the city is the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, visible from afar and sacred to the locals. Other attractions include Black Dragon Pool Park, Shuhe Village and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Lijiang combines mountain scenery, ancient culture and a romantic atmosphere: it is an ideal starting point for exploring northern Yunnan., dinner at the hotel,

Day 2 — Lijiang

Breakfast, visit of the city, Zhongyi Market is a lively local market in the heart of Lijiang, where you can experience the daily life of the local population. Here you will find fruit, vegetables, spices, medicinal herbs and typical products. In the surrounding area there are also craft shops where you can buy handmade items from ethnic minorities, such as fabrics, jewellery and traditional souvenirs., The Ancient Town of Dayan is the historic centre of Lijiang, with cobbled streets, stone bridges and picturesque canals. It is a perfect place to stroll, discover Naxi culture and enjoy the atmosphere of times gone by. A short walk away is Black Dragon Pool Park, an oasis of tranquillity with views of Jade Dragon Mountain: one of Yunnan's most iconic landscapes., Lunch at Yunge Restaurant to enjoy Naxi cuisine, rich in local flavours and fresh ingredients from the mountains of Yunnan, The afternoon is dedicated to several activities: making Dongba paper and Dongba calligraphy, an ancient Naxi tradition, handmade using traditional techniques handed down through generations. You will learn how this natural paper is produced and have the opportunity to try Dongba calligraphy, a writing system unique in the world, based on sacred pictograms used by Naxi priests. Afterwards, you will take part in a practical workshop where you can learn how to make tea cakes, the typical compressed forms of Pu'er tea, famous for its long ageing process. You will follow the process from leaf to shape, creating your own small tea 'disc' to take home. Finally, you will experience the Pu'er tea ceremony, a refined ritual that combines flavour, meditation and culture. You will taste different varieties of this prized fermented tea, known for its health benefits and complex flavour, in a tranquil setting guided by a tea master., Mushroom hotpot dinner at the hotel,

Car

Day 3 — Lijiang → Shangri-La City (Zhongdian)

Breakfast, early morning departure to, 185 km – about 2 hours, Brief stop off at, Songzanlin Monastery, also known as "Little Potala", is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. Located near the town of Shangri-La, at an altitude of about 3,300 metres, it is an important spiritual centre that is home to over 700 monks. Built in the 17th century following traditional Tibetan architecture, the monastery is rich in frescoes, golden Buddha statues, thangkas (painted cloths) and carved wooden details. From above, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley. It is a perfect place to learn more about Tibetan culture, watch the monks pray and breathe in an atmosphere of deep spirituality., arrival at, Lunch at the hotel in Tibetan style, afternoon visit of Shangri-La City (Zhongdian), Dukezong, the ancient Tibetan town in the heart of Shangri-La, is one of the highest and most fascinating towns in China. With over 1,300 years of history, Dukezong is famous for its cobbled streets, decorated Tibetan wooden houses, and spiritual atmosphere. Highlights include the world's largest golden prayer wheel and stunning views of the surrounding valley. Next, you will take part in a unique cultural experience dedicated to Thangka painting, the sacred Tibetan art created on fabric or paper. Guided by a local artist, you will discover the symbolic meaning of these works and try your hand at painting one yourself, following traditional methods that combine spirituality, meditation and craftsmanship., dinner at the hotel,

Day 4 — Shangri-La City (Zhongdian)

Breakfast, Start the day with a morning blessing at Baiji Temple, a small but charming Tibetan temple located on a hill overlooking the city of Shangri-La. It is a peaceful place, often frequented only by locals. Participating in a morning ceremony offers a moment of reflection and authentic contact with Tibetan spirituality. This is followed by a tour of Napa Lake, a beautiful natural area near Shangri-La, surrounded by alpine meadows, mountains and Tibetan pastures. In summer, it transforms into a sparkling lake, while in winter it becomes a wetland frequented by migratory birds, including black-necked cranes. The tour includes scenic walks, opportunities to meet local shepherds and moments of pure relaxation in the unspoilt nature of the plateau., Traditional Tibetan lunch at a local farm overlooking Lake Napa. The meal includes authentic dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients: tsampa (barley flour), yak stew, yak milk cheese and seasonal vegetables. A perfect opportunity to experience Tibetan hospitality in a peaceful rural setting., In the afternoon, after lunch, relax with Tibetan-style tea, served with yak butter, spiced milk or Pu'er tea, accompanied by small local sweets. All this while immersed in the alpine landscape, ideal for enjoying the calm of nature. Return to the hotel to take part in a special cultural activity: traditional Tibetan sutra printing. You will use hand-carved wooden blocks to print sacred texts on Tibetan paper, according to ancient monastic techniques. A meditative and meaningful experience, with the opportunity to take home your printed Sutra. You will end the day with an aperitif at sunset, ideal for relaxing, enjoying the golden sky and reflecting on the day surrounded by the beauty of Shangri-La., dinner at the hotel,

Day 5 — Shangri-La City (Zhongdian)

Breakfast, meet your guide at the agreed time for your transfer to the airport, end of services,

Notes

ROOMS: Triple rooms are double rooms plus an extra bed, typically smaller than the other two. Triple rooms are subject to availability at the time of reservation. Special requests for smoking, communicating, adjoining, high floor, low floor rooms etc. are always upon request and the service is never to be intended as guaranteed.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: before the start of the tour, all the participants must make sure they possess the required documents to enter the destination countries, and that such documents are comprehensive and valid.
FINAL HOTEL LIST: as in the travel documents
HOTEL, CHECK-IN: rooms are usually assigned starting from 3pm. Earlier check-in is at the hotel’s discretion. If you request earlier assignation, you must book an extra night at the beginning of your stay.
HOTEL, CHECK-OUT: rooms must be left in the morning (the exact time will be provided by the hotel). Supplements for late check-out amount to 50% of an extra night if you check-out by 6pm, and to a full extra night if you check-out after that
HOTEL / ITINERARY, CHANGES: The Organizing Body reserves the right to substitute the itinerary and/or the hotels to alternative of a similar or superior category in the event of unplanned circumstances, and if the safe and normal proceeding of the tour is threatened. Furthermore, when in the impossibility for all of the travellers to stay at the same hotel, the group will be split amidst several hotels of the same category.
TIMETABLES: departure times are indicative, depending on the number of hotel pick-ups per day. Tourists are kindly asked to be in the lobby at the indicated time. Depending on which hotel you are staying at, you may have to wait 15 minutes or more. The return times are indicative and subject to change depending on a number of factors, including traffic and duration of the visits.
VISIT TIMES: City tours generally take place from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. The final departure time for visits will be confirmed in advance by each local guide and communicated to customers.. PUNCTUALITY: you are advised to be punctual. No refund is issued to passengers failing to meet at designated time.
MEALS: not included when not specified
REFUNDS: If the tour or any part thereof cannot be conducted due to Force Majeure or Vis Majeure, the Company shall not be responsible to give any refund; also, no refund will be given for any portions of the tour unused by the traveler
TRANSFERS: not included when not specified. When included, transfers operate only from/to the hotels included in the tour, and only on the first and last day of the tour. A supplement is charged for transfers from/to different hotels; in the event of a longer stay; and in the event of arrival/departure at/from other airports. A supplement is always charged to individual passengers. Requests for unscheduled transfers from/to different hotels must be issued at least 3 weeks before departure; otherwise, an additional urgency surcharge will be applied.. Security deposit: At the time of check-in, customers will be required to provide a security deposit (with a credit card) as a guarantee for any additional charges. An amount of approximately USD 150 per day per room will be blocked, and the deposit will be released within one month after check-out. Customers can also choose to pay the deposit in cash, which will be refunded at the time of check-out.. Security deposit: At the time of check-in, customers will be required to provide a security deposit (with a credit card) as a guarantee for any additional charges. An amount of approximately USD 150 per day per room will be blocked, and the deposit will be released within one month after check-out. Customers can also choose to pay the deposit in cash, which will be refunded at the time of check-out..

Starts from

4 days / 2 nights – from Lijiang to Shangri-La City (Zhongdian),

Meals

Key: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner,

Price includes

Transfers and visits by private transport as per program, Private Discovery Host (English speaking), admissions, visits and excursions: as scheduled, accommodation at the scheduled hotel (or similar), meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners,

Price does not include

Administration fees and “no-risk” coverage, trip cancellation, medical expense & baggage coverage, meals that have not been specified; beverage; any extra, tips, porterage, air travel and taxes, everything not expressly mentioned in "The fee includes",

Important notes

Planned accommodation: LUX Tea Horse Road, Lijiang LUX Tea Horse Road, Shangri-La Altitude of places visited: Lijiang 2,400 m / Shangri-La 3,300 m., the timetable in the travel plan is indicative. The definite timetable will be confirmed on site by your guides