Self Drive Tour from South Xinjiang to Tibet and Yunnan

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Irkeshtam - Kashgar

Welcome to China

Today, after going through customs Irkeshtam in Kyrgyzstan,you will reach China with driving your own vehicle. Complete the relevant formalities for entry. Further drive to Kashgar.

234 km
3 hours 33 minutes
Overnight in Kashgar

Way to Kashgar

DAY
2

Kashgar

Handle relevant formalities for self drive in China

Complete relevant formalities for self-drive in China today.

Overnight in Kashgar

Kashgar

DAY
3

Kashgar

Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar, Id Gagh Mosque, the Akba Khojia Mausoleum

In the morning, stroll in Old Town and visit the Sunday-bazaar where many Uyghurs do business. The Sunday bazaar of the Uyghurs living here, is one of the largest and most colorful in Central Asia, and is also one of the highlights of the trip. In the afternoon visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Tomb of Abakh Hoja where the "Nice smelling concubine", a Uygur national heroine, is buried.

Overnight in Kashgar

Id Kah Mosque

DAY
4

Kashgar - Yecheng - Mazar

The Kudi and Mazar passes, knife city Yecheng

there is a varied journey on the southern silk road. Crossing the two passes Kudi and Mazar, you will reach the small town Mazar. On the Mazar Pass, you can admire the magnificent view from the Qogir mountain. The route over the Kudi Pass is the most difficult on all journeys, and will you drive on the mountain road in the form of "S". Yecheng is an important station for climbing Qogir Mountain with 8611 meters. From Yecheng you walk 6 days to the 3924 m base camp.

513 km
10 hours 53 minutes
Overnight in Mazar

Heika Daban (Heika Pass)

DAY
5

Mazar – Dahongliutan

Heika pass, city of Mazar, view from Qogir mountain

Via the Heika Pass you will arrive in Mazar, in the Karakorum area. While on the Heika Pass you can admire the magnificent view from the Qogir mountain.

245 km
4 hours 42 minutes
Overnight in Dahongliutan

Karakoram Highway

DAY
6

Dahongliuta – Dorma

Crossing from the 5406 m Jieshan Pass

Cross the 5406m Jieshan Pass to Dahongliutan.

342 km
5 hours 43 minutes
Overnight in Dorma

Jieshan Daban (Jieshan Pass)

DAY
7

Domar - Bangong Tso - Shiquanhe

Bangong Tso Lake

Drive to Shiquanhe (4300 m), capital of the Ngari district. The Ngari area is known as the "roof on the roof of the world". With such a high altitude, you could suffer from serious illness. On the way hike at Bangong Tso Lake. In the middle of the lake, there is a bird island. In summer many gulls come from the Mediterranean, which is fantastic. In Bangong Tso, there is fresh water in the Tibetan part, but salt water in the part of Kashmir.

228 km
3 hours 43 minutes
Overnight in Shiquanhe

West Tibet

DAY
8

Shiquanhe – Tsada

Tsaparang, the monastery Toling, earth forest in Tsada

Shiquanhe is the capital of the Ngari district with 20 years of history. The area Ngari is called as "roof on the roof of the world". Drive to Tsaparang, the oldest center of the kingdom of Guge. On the way admiring Tsada Earth Forest. Walking in the quiet valley of the Tsada forest, you feel like you are in the ruins of a huge old city, and you can see a wild and imposing picture. Four temples around the lower fortress walls, the fifth is located above the city, in the remains of the former summer palace of the kings. Various motifs adorn the coffered lattice ceilings and carved beams of the temples. Partly well-preserved murals with numerous details decorate the walls. Lama Anagarika Govinda calls these works of art "prayers and meditations in color and form, every stroke is carefully completed". Then visit the Toling Monastery.

192 km
3 hours 42 minutes
Overnight in Tsada

Ruins of Guge Kingdom

DAY
9

Tsada–Tirthapuri - Darchen / Kailash - Manasarovar Lake

Tirthapuri Meditation Cave Padmasambhavas, Kailash mountain, Manasarovar Lake

Drive to Darchen (4,800 m, starting point of the Kailash Circumnavigation). The village of Darchen only consists of a few stone houses, which are located about 6 km north of the main road. Easily hike at the foot of holy mountain Kailash. Finally, go to Manasarovar Lake that is 330 square kilometers, 81.8 meters deep. The lake is nestled between two snow-capped mountain ranges. The area is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Tibet. For Hindus, Manasarovar is a sacred lake. Therefore, walking around the lake and washing and purifying themselves with the lake became the most important goal of the pilgrims. Short hike and visit at Manasarovar Lake. Enjoy the views of the eight monasteries on the shores of the northern Kailash and Manasarovar Lake.

272 km
5 hours 22 minutes
Overnight by Manasarovar Lake

Holy Mountain Kailash

DAY
10

Manasarovar Lake – Paryang – Saga

Kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes

Continue along the south route and enjoy beautiful views while visibility is clear. During the south route the Himalayas rising gradually in the north, and the mountains stand side by side. Sometimes, especially on the last stretch of road, kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes can be seen. Via Paryang, you will reach Saga.

450 km
7 hours
Overnight in Saga

Manasarovar Lake

DAY
11

Saga - Paiku Tso - Oldt Tingri – Rongbuk / Everest

Paiku Tso Lake, Xixiabangma, Rongbuk Monastery, Sunset over Everest

Then drive via Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain to Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m). Covering an area of 300 square kilometers, Paiku-Tso Lake is the largest lake in Shigatse. Located between three mountains, Paiku-Tso is rich in fish. There are various wild animals such as wild horses, wild donkeys and yellow ducks, etc. The Qomolangma from Rongbuk Monastery impresses with its steep north side. Rongbuk is the largest monastery in this region and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. You can also admire the spectacular sunset on Everest (Qomolangma) in good weather.

473 km
11 hours
Overnight at Rongbuk Monastery

Rongbuk Monastery and Mt. Everest

DAY
12

Rongbuk – Shegar – Shigatse

Sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse

Today you will wake up early to have a clear view of the unforgettable sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Drive to Shegar (90 km, 2 hours), o the way at Pang La (5150 m), the view is magnificent: from left to right are Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Cho Oyu. Keep driving to Shigatse (3,880 m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. In the afternoon visit Tashilunpo monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha.

237 km
3 hours 57 minutes
Overnight in Shigatse

Everest (Qomolangma), Himalaya

DAY
13

Shigatse - Gyantse - Yamdrok - Lhasa

Pelkor Monastery, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake

In the morning after the first 2 hours drive you will arrive in Gyantse and visit its Pelkor Chode Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. Afterwards leave Gyantse along the lake Yamdrok to Lhasa (3650m), the capital of Tibet. The holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. Enjoy amazing views at the Kamba La pass both to the lake Yamdrok and snowy Peaks Nojin Gangzang and Jangzang Lhomo.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight in Lhasa

Yamdrok Lake

DAY
14

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

Visit Potala in the morning and visit Jokhang in the afternoon. Potala was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later was expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. Built in 647 and as the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet, Jokhang Monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers, attracts thousands of pilgrims coming for worship everyday. Have a walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight in Lhasa (3650 m)

Potala Palace

DAY
15

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning, you will visit the Parla Lupu Grotto Monastery. Located on the slope of the Yaowang Mountain and built in the 7th century, it is 22 meters high and offers a wonderful view of Potala Palace. Then visit Norbulingka, a 40-hectare jewel park, was built in the mid-18th century and considered as the summer residence for the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, you drive to the Sera Monastery. Sera Monastery, a wild rose courtyard, is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelug Sect. You have the opportunity to experience the lama debates. Public religious debates are part of the education for the monks.

Overnight in Lhasa (3650 m)

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
16

Lhasa - Gandan - Basum Tso

Gandan Monastery, Mi La Pass, Basum Tso

Drive over the Mi La Pass (4865 m) to Basum Tso Lake, a holy lake of Nyingma school. On the way visit Gandan Monastery. It was built in 1409 by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa of Tibetan Buddhism. Gandan, Drepung and Sera are the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. And Gandan is the place where Tsongkapa passed away. Therefore, it has the highest reputation of all the monasteries of the Gelugpa. If you are interested, you can walk along the pilgrimage way to the left and right hillsides of Gandan Monastery to visit Tsongkhapa’s meditation cave and enjoy the panorama of Gandan Monastery and magnificent scenery of Lhasa River valley. With more than 6000 meters above sea level, Snow-covered mountains around Basum Tso make Basum Tso very cinematic. It is no doubt that the main actor is Tsodzong Monastery on the Tashi Island. Hike on the island to visit Tsodzong Monastery. If you are interested, you can continue to walk by Basum Tso, enjoy the snow mountain and thick forest, and enter the Jieba Village that maintains pure Gongbo style. Basum Tso is located in Gongbo’gyamda County. The Tibetans who live in Gongbo’gyamda County are called “Gongbo people” by other Tibetan people. They have their own costume, special buildings, different festivals, and even different dialect. Visiting a family at Jieba Village, you will be treated warmly by them.

363 km
6 hours 30 minutes
Overnight by Basum Tso (3500 m)

Gandan Monastery

DAY
17

Basum Tso - Linzhi - Lulang

Niyang River, Ancient Giant Cypress Forest, Buchu Monastery, Lamaling Temple, Overlook Gyala Pelri and Namjabarwa

Drive to Linzhi along the Niyang River and visit the ancient giant cypress trees. Then you will visit the two monasteries, the Buchu Monastery of the Gelug Sect and the Lamaling Monastery that are only a few kilometers away from the runway. During uphill to Serkhyem La Pass, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Niyang River valley and the panorama of Lingzhi. When crossing Serkhyem La Pass (Seji La, 4,515 m) you will have spectacular views of Mount Gyala Pelri (7,150 m) and Mount Namchak Barwa (Namjabarwa, 7,782 m), when the weather is so fine. Late in the afternoon reach Lulang Town. Leisurely walking in the natural oxygen bar - Lulang.

222 km
3 hours 29 minutes
Overnight in Lulang (3700 m)

Mt. Namjabarwa

DAY
18

Lulang - Bome - Midui - Ranwu

Guxiang Lake, Parlung Tsangpo River, Midui Glacier, Ranwu Lake

After breakfast go through the Tongmai tunnel and over the Tongmai bridge, then you will reach the Guxiang lake (2600 m). Then drive into the most beautiful section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway: from Bomi to Ranwu, about 100 km, is the most beautiful part of this overland tour and you can drive along the Parlung Tsangpo River and enjoy the beautiful primitive landscape of snow mountains, forests and rivers. On the way, visit Midui Glacier which is consisted of beautiful Tibetan village, farm fields, snow mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes, etc. Midui Glacier is on the upstream of Midui River and melting glacier flows into Midui River and then into Parlung Tsangpo River. Midui Glacier is the most important marine glacier in Tibet and the lowest elevation glacier in China. The main peak of the glacier is 6800 meters above sea level and its snow line is only 4600 meters above sea level. Departure to the spectacular Ranwu Lake (Ngan Tso), a spectacularly crystal blue lake surrounded by snow peaks.

305 km
5 hours 36 minutes
Overnight in Ranwu (3200 m)

Parlung Tsangpo

DAY
19

Ranwu - Baxoi - Bangda - Zuogong

The greatest natural hazard in the Henduan Mountains, 72 curves, Yela Pass

As a part of Parlung Tsangpo River, Ranwu Lake is composed of Upper Ranwu Lake and Lower Ranwu Lake. And there is a large meadow between Upper Ranwu Lake and Lower Ranwu Lake. Parlung Tsangpo River originates from Laigu Glacier that is 40 km away from Ranwu Town. Walking along the Upper Ranwu Lake and Lower Ranwu Lake, you can enjoy the scenery of beautiful snow mountain and meadow, as well as village by the lake. Then departure from Ranwu to Zuogong. You will go through the beautiful gorges in Southeast Tibet and alpine meadow and have a view of the snow mountains and glaciers. You will drive on zigzag road - the famous 72 curve which is the most tortuous road in Tibet. Continue to go over the Yela Pass (4839 m) that is considered as the greatest natural hazard in Hengduan Mountains by all drivers and go through the Bangda City (4000 m) to Zuogong.

292 km
5 hours 32 minutes
Overnight in Zuogong (3000 m)

Winding Mountain Road

DAY
20

Zuogong - Markam - Yanjing - Dechen - Feilai Si

Farewell to Tibet and greetings from Yunnan. Drive through the three rivers area, main part of the Hengduan Mountains. Sunset of Meili Xueshan

Departure from Zuogong in the morning. Firstly, you will go through the three passes Lawu (4358 m), Jueba (3880 m) and Dongda (5008 m). Crossing the Jiangshajiang Bridge at Markam that is always considered as the Yunnan-Tibet border, you enter Yunnan Province. In Yanjing, you can see the traditional salt extraction site in the distance. Then you drive through the three rivers area where the three major rivers - the Jingshajiang River, the Nujiang River (Salween in Myanmar) and the Lancang Jiang River (Mekong) that originate from the Tanggula Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau - flow parallel to the south. In the evening you will reach your destination today, Feilai Si. However, if the weather is well, you can have a panoramic view of sunset of the Meili Snow Mountain (main summit Kawakarpo 6740 m). The word "Meili" is transliteration of Dechen Tibetan “mainri”, meaning “herbal medicine mountain”, which is named for its rich variety of valuable medicinal materials. With an altitude of 6740 m, Kawakarpo is the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, and the highest peak in Yunnan Province. “Kawakarpo” is in Tibetan “the white snow mountain”. The Lancang River and the Nujiang River flow from the foot of the mountain to the east and west sides. The warm and humid air on the river valley meets the cold air, which makes the climate unpredictable. Local Tibetans call it "the god of snow mountains".

378 km
8 hours
Overnight at Feilai Si (3400 m)

Meili Snow Mountain (Meili Xueshan)

DAY
21

Feilai Si - Shangri-La

Sunrise of Meili Xueshan. The first bend of Jinshajiang River. Sumzanlin Monastery, Old Town Dukezong

Get up early. If the weather is well, you can enjoy the glorious panoramic view of sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain. At this time, Kawakarpo Peak looks like covered in gold when the sun rises in the east, just like the British writer James Hilton wrote in "Lost Horizon". Go through the Hengduan Mountains along the Jinsha Jiang (the upper reaches of the Yangtze River) and then take a break in the beautiful small town Benzilan and enjoy the panoramic view of the "first bend of Jinsha Jiang (Golden Sand River)". Afterwards you head for Shangri-La (former Zhongdian, 3280 m), a Tibetan region in Yunnan province, the southern gateway to Kham and Tibet. “Lost Horizon”, a novel wrote by British writer James Hilton and published in April 1933, describes a xanadu paradise in the southwest of China, a peaceful, quiet, eternal and mysterious living place for Tibetan, and there is a beautiful Lamasery, the center of “Shangri-La”. Lamasery leads the entire valley, forming a "Shangri-La" society. The author was inspired by the series of articles and photos published in “National Geographic Magazine” by Josef Rock during his expedition in northwestern Yunnan from 1924 to 1935. The word "Shangri-La" means in Tibetan “the sun and moon in heart” and "the land of sanctuaries and peace". Located on the old trade route to Tibet and literally called "Tea Horse Trail", the region around Shangri-La is set in an enchanting landscape of snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, high mountain lakes, grassy steppes and primeval forests. Here, several nationalities, including Tibetans live in the northeast of Yunnan Province. The main attraction of Shangri-La is the famous Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtseling Monastery), built by the fifth Dalai Lama in 1679. Its appearance is strongly influenced by the Potala Palace in Lhasa, hence the nickname "little Potala". It is the main monastery of the Gelukpa school in Yunnan province. After visiting Songzanlin Monastery, you will discover the old village Dukezong.

183 km
3 hours 36 minutes
Overnight in Shangri-La (3280 m)

Sumzanlin Monastery

DAY
22

Shangri-La - Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shigu - Lijiang

Soft hike in the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The first bend of Yangtze river

Today, you can enjoy the spectacular spectacle of nature in the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiaoxia), on Jinsha Jiang (Golden Sand River) - the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (the longest river of China, 6380 km). The Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hu Tiao Xia), one of the deepest and longest canyons in the world and about 15 km long, was formed by a cliff of about 4000 meters high and was named from a legend that a tiger can jump over a canyon of 30 meters wide with one jump. After a short hike in the Tiger Leaping Gorge, departure to Shigu (stone drum) Village to admire the first bend of Yangtze River. In the evening, arrive in Lijiang (2416 m). Located at the foot of Jade Dragon Mountain (Yulong Xueshan, 5596 m), the Old Town Lijiang is famous for its old wooden houses and the layout of the town’s streets. It has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1997.

238 km
5 hours 12 minutes
Overnight in Lijiang (2416 m)

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiaoxia)

DAY
23

Lijiang

Old town Lijiang, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Culture Museum, mural at Baisha Village and residence of Josef Rock at Yuhu Village

In the morning stroll in the old town of Lijiang. With its narrow streets, canals, bridges and wooden houses, the old town creates a cozy atmosphere. Climbing the Lion Hill, you have a wonderful panoramic view of the old town Lijiang from the Wangu Pavilion. Then visit the beautiful park Hei Long Tan (Black Dragon Pond) at the foot of the Elephant Mountain (Xiang Shan), located north of the old town Lijiang. The peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan, 5596 m) are clearly reflected in the water of the pond. Then visit the Dongba Culture Museum. The Dongba culture is considered as the basis of the Naxi people. “Dongba” means “wisdom” and is a polite salutation for their religious priesthood. The Dongbas are highly respected, as the culture carriers and culture disseminators in terms of pictograms, music, dance of the Naxi people. With 1000-year history, the Dongba culture originated at the latest in the Tang and Song dynasties. After that drive to Baisha Village to admire these religiously-inspired murals that were painted in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Compared to other religious murals, the mural boasts an important feature that figures of Buddhism, Taoism, Lamaism, as well as the artistic styles of different nationalities, e.g. Naxi, Tibetans, Bai and Han Chinese can be found in a single image. Continue driving to Yuhu village to visit the small museum at the former residence of the famous Austrian-American explorer, geographer and botanist Josef Rock. Finally, drive back to Lijiang Ancient Town.

Overnight in Lijiang

Old Town Lijiang

DAY
24

Lijiang – Shaxi - Dali

Visit the Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, stroll in the old town of Dali

Drive to Dali (2090 m) at the foot of Cangshan Mountain (4295 m), a city of Bai Minority. On the way visit the old town Shaxi, most of its residents are Bai People. Shaxi was an important caravan station on the ancient tea horse trade road between Yunnan and Tibet. Salt, tea and horses were exchanged on this route and the trade brought prosperity to the region. Upon arrival in Dali have a walk by the picturesque Erhai Lake, the shape of which resembles a huge ear, so gave "Ear Lake" as its name. The lake with an area of 249 square kilometers, is 40 km long and surrounded by high mountains such as Cang Shan. Then visit Dali's landmarks - the three white pagodas of Chong Sheng Temple. Especially when the ensemble is reflected in the small pond, a wonderful photo motive appears for you! At last stroll in the alleys of the ancient small town. The well-preserved ancient city gates and the historic buildings have shown the city’s long history.

227 km
4 hours
Overnight in Dali (2090 m)

Three Pagodas of Chong Sheng Temple

DAY
25

Dali - Kunming

Dianchi Lake, Dragon Gate in West Mountain

Drive to Kunming (1891 m), capital of Yunnan province in southwest China, also called “Spring City” due to its fine climate all year round. Yunnan in Chinese means "to the south of the clouds". Take a rest in Kunming, or drive to the western suburb to visit Dianchi Lake and the Dragon Gate in the West Mountain.

339 km
4 hours 32 minutes
Overnight in Kunming (1891 m)

Old Town Dali

DAY
26

Kunming – Shilin – Jianshui

Bizarre Stone Forest. Double Dragon Bridge at sunset

After breakfast drive to Shilin, a county of Sani people of the Yi minority, to visit the Stone Forest. The bizarre karst stone rocks feature in various formation and some of them tower above to 30 m high. The Stone Forest is just a natural museum that was shaped by 270 million years of erosion. Walking in the forest, you’ll feel the magic power of the nature. Then keep driving to Jianshui City, an earthy city built at the earliest in Nanzhao Period (around 810 AD) and was extended as brick city in 1387 of Ming Dynasty. Visit the Double Dragon Bridge, five kilometers in western suburb of Jianshui Old Town. The bridge at the sunset has unique charm! Recorded in the history of bridge building in China, the Double Dragon Bridge was built with 3 arches during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty and 14 arches were built to connect it during the reign of Daoguang in Qing Dynasty, so it was also called Seventeen-Arch Bridge. There are three-storey pavilions in the bridge and one pavilion at each end. The bridge body is made of rock, and it has a total length of 148.26 meters and a width of 3 meters. Today, you can try roasted tofu (doufu), the special dishes in Jianshui. With long history, it has earned a very good reputation as early as since the middle and late of Qing Dynasty (1636-1912).

316 km
4 hours
Overnight in Jianshui

Stone Forest (Shilin)

DAY
27

Jianshui – Yuanyang

Ancient city Jianshui, Chaoyang Tower, Garden of Family Zhu, Confucian Temple. Sunset of Bada Terrace in Yuanyang

In the morning, take a pleasant stroll in the ancient city of Jianshui and visit Chaoyang Tower. Built in 1389 of Ming Dynasty and preserved completely, Chaoyang Tower is the symbol of the important border town in Chinas old time. Then visit the Garden of Family Zhu that was built in Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) and keeps glorious till now. Then visit Jianshui Confucian Temple. Built in Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), it is the third biggest Confucian temple next to the Qufu Confucian Temple in Shandong and the Confucian Temple in Beijing. Many ancient music programs with large scale are performed here every weekend. The programs are divided two fields in the morning and in the afternoon and performance time are 9:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:00. Then drive to Yuanyang Terraces. The Hani terraced fields in Honghe Hani Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province has been listed in the world culture heritage list by UNESCO in 2013. Located in the south of Ailaoshan Mountain in south Yunnan, Yuanyang Terraces are the core area of Honghe Hani Terraces. Hani Terraces are agriculture civilization wonder that are cultivated by Hani people and all other ethnic groups from generation to generation, through taking advantage of the special geographical environment and climate. Walking and sightseeing at Bada Terraces, famous scenery for enjoying sunset, terrace, sea of clouds and Hani village. If the weather is well, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset of Bada Terraces in the late afternoon and evening (usually at 18: 00-19: 30 o’clock). Attention: the best season for photographing Hani Terraces is winter and spring, namely, from November to April of the following year. There is no rice in it and Hani Terraces are horizontal and bright, which produce terrific light and shade effects.

134 km
3 hours 39 minutes
Overnight in Yuanyang

Rice Terrace of Yuanyang

DAY
28

Yuanyang

Sunrise at Duoyishu Terraces, Blue Terraces, Colorful Terraces at Eagle’s Beak, Tiger Mouth Terraces

Get up early, don’t miss the wonderful sunrise at Duoyishu Terraces in the morning (usually at 06:30 – 07:30 o’clock). Duoyishu Terraces are the best place for enjoying the beautiful sunrise. And then visit Blue Terraces in Aichun Village. Only at 9:00-10:00 AM you can enjoy the “blue” and every January to February is the most beautiful period of Blue Terraces. The combination of clear water in the fields, the angle of the terraces, and the clear blue sky formed the beautiful Blue Terraces. Besides, the beautiful Blue Terraces, golden ridges, distant Hani villages, scattered trees, and Hani women carrying baskets make up a magic grand spectacle. Afterwards, go to Colorful Terraces at Eagle’s Beak (Laoyingzui) that is near Mali Village. The beauty of Colorful Terraces is due to its rich color. Especially the blood-red terraces are very attractive, the blood-red of which is red algae floating on the surface of the fields. Finally, walking along the Tiger Mouth (Laohuzui) Terraces. If the weather is well, you will enjoy the beautiful sunset at Tiger Mouth Terraces in the late afternoon and evening (usually at 18:00-19:30 o’clock). Tiger Mouth is the best place for enjoying the beautiful sunset of Yuanyang Terraces.

Rice Terrace of Yuanyang

DAY
29

Yuanyang – Pu’er

Sunrise of Duoyishu Terraces

If you are interested in the sunrise, you can get up early to enjoy the beautiful sunrise of Duoshuyi Terraces again. Drive to Pu’er.

348 km
5 hours 49 minutes
Overnight in Pu’er

Mohan

DAY
30

Pu’er - Mengla - Mohan

Drive to border. Farewell to China

Drive to the customs at Mohan, assistance for the exit formalities.

277 km
3 hours 47 minutes

National Gate at Mohan

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