[Star Shines on Sun and Moon · Miraculous Golden Radiance] 6-Day Yunnan Lijiang + Shangri-La + Deqin Snow Mountain Pilgrimage
This 6-day Yunnan journey takes you through the majestic landscapes of Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Deqin, combining cultural immersion with natural wonders. Upon arrival in Lijiang, guests are welcomed with a yak hot pot feast and a professional stargazing experience at Yulong Snow Mountain. The adventure continues with a hike through the essence section of Tiger Leaping Gorge and a leisurely exploration of Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La. In Deqin, travelers visit Pudacuo National Park, cruise on Shudu Lake, and admire the breathtaking Meili Snow Mountain and Mingyong Glacier. The itinerary includes sunrise views of the golden peaks, Tibetan cultural encounters at Dongzhulin Monastery, and horseback riding at Napahai Lake. Guests stay in carefully selected luxury hotels offering panoramic mountain views, oxygen support, and VIP privileges. The journey concludes with a Tibetan costume photography experience at Songzanlin Monastery before airport transfer, capturing lasting memories of northwest Yunnan’s snow-capped peaks, rivers, and rich cultural heritage.
Our accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience, with options to suit every budget. Whether you prefer luxurious hotels or cozy homestays, we have something for everyone. At every step of the journey, we prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism. We work with local communities to ensure that our tours have a positive impact on the environment and the people we meet along the way. Join us on a journey of discovery and exploration, and discover the world's most incredible destinations with us.
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Train tickets and Bus transportation
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation at hotel
- Train tickets and Bus transportation
- Professional tour guide
- Transfers between destinations
- Entrance fees to museums
- Custom itinerary
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Upon arrival at Lijiang Airport, VIP guests are greeted by a dedicated car and guide in a 7-seater luxury business vehicle. Guests are transferred to a hotel at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain (about 1.5 hours’ drive) and enjoy a warm welcome dinner featuring a Yak Hot Pot Feast. Early arrivals may explore Baisha Ancient Town or Yu Lake Village to experience authentic Naxi culture. In the evening, a special guided stargazing session with professional equipment allows guests to observe the Milky Way above Yulong Snow Peak. Lijiang’s high altitude, clear skies, and low light pollution make it one of China’s best winter stargazing destinations, with December 13–14 offering a prime view of the Geminid meteor shower. Guests are advised to rest and acclimate to the 2,000–2,500-meter altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
Hotel: Lijiang Jinmao Puxiu Snow Mountain Hotel, Yulong Snow Mountain Resort – Pu Xiu Snow Mountain Suite (86㎡)
VIP Privileges: Welcome fruit, daily minibar, two oxygen cans per room per day.
Highlights: Situated at 3,100 meters in Ganhaizi Meadow, the hotel blends luxury with ethnic design, offering panoramic mountain views, underfloor heating, and temperature-controlled air conditioning for comfort year-round.
Start the day by catching the breathtaking sunrise over the ★Sunlit Golden Mountains, experiencing the winter magic of Meili Snow Mountain from the hotel. After a short rest, visit ★Mingyong Glacier, the most accessible of the four major glaciers of Meili Snow Mountain. Guests with sufficient energy can trek to Lotus Temple for close-up views of Kawagebo Peak, the main summit, framed perfectly with prayer flags.
Scenic Spots:
Mingyong Glacier: 11 km long, altitude 3,200 meters, with a glacier viewing platform and optional high-altitude trekking to Lotus Temple (2–3 hours).
Meili Snow Mountain National Park: Famous for its “Sunlight Shining on Golden Mountains,” it encompasses thirteen peaks over 6,000 meters and is one of the eight sacred Tibetan mountains.
Hotel: Deqin Jixiaoshan Meili SUNYATA Hotel – Bedroom (30–55㎡)
VIP Privileges: Limited rooms available; welcome fruit/snacks on check-in.
Notes: Climbing to Lotus Temple requires good physical strength; weather may affect Kawagebo Peak visibility.
Start the day with an optional early-morning view of the “Sunshine on Golden Mountains.” After breakfast, journey past the Baima Snow Mountain Viewing Platform, explore Tibetan legends at Dongzhulin Monastery with its rare three-dimensional mandalas, and marvel at the magnificent Jinsha River Big Bend. Continue to Shangri-La (180 km / 3–4 hours) and arrive at Napahai Lake, a seasonal wetland where the golden sunset shimmers across the grasslands. Enjoy a ★special horseback riding experience around the lake (about 1 hour), soaking in the serene alpine scenery.
Scenic Spots:
Baima Snow Mountain: Alpine flora and fauna with distant views of the main peak.
Dongzhulin Monastery: Historic Tibetan monastery with rare mandalas and Thangka displays.
Jiangda Big Bend: Spectacular first bend of the Yangtze River, a natural wonder on G214 Highway.
Napa Lake: Seasonal wetland offering a unique ecosystem and golden sunset views.
Hotel: Alpine Villa · Shangri-La Hotel – Napa Sea Villa (76–78㎡)
VIP Privileges: Welcome fruit/snacks, oxygen generators in all rooms, unobstructed panoramic views of Napahai from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a ★special Tibetan costume travel photography session. Transform into Tibetan children and visit ★Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist complex in Yunnan, known as the “Little Potala Palace,” to feel the sacred aura and capture memorable moments. In the afternoon, your dedicated driver-guide will arrange airport transfer according to your flight schedule (about 2 hours from Lijiang Sanyi Hotel or 30 minutes from Shangri-La Airport), as you depart with the blessings of this holy land.
Scenic Spot:
Gadan Songzanlin Monastery: Largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, revered for its spiritual significance and stunning architecture.
Event:
Tibetan Costume Photography: Professional photographer captures at least 40 negatives, with 9 retouched photos and one full set of Tibetan costume and makeup provided.
