Yunnan Lugu Lake Tour (5N6D standard)
Kunming -Lijiang-Lugu Lake
The unique geographical location and the complex ethnic situation created by 26 nationalities and their interaction have made Yunnan an exotic place to visit. The beautiful natural landscape, the colorful ethnic diversity, the long history and splendid cultures contribute to more than 60 scenery sites in Yunnan. Kunming is historically and culturally renowned throughout the country. With an annual average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, it is well known as the City of Eternal Spring without bitter cold in winter and intense heat in summer. A gathering place of rugged mountain people with the Naxi forming the majority, Lijiang is a small mountain town of stone and tile, laced with swift canals, which has been recently listed as an UNESCO world monument. Lugu Lake is the unique place where Mosuo people are living. They are still keep their matriarchal society system, which is called the fossil for the study of the development of the human being society. The beautiful, mysterious and romantic place is well known as ‘Oriental Women-governed kingdom’.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Kunming-Arrival
After airport formalities, meet the local guide in Kunming and proceed to visit the Western Hills including the Dragon Gate and the Hua Ting Temple. The Western Hill is a range of 4 mountains stretching over 40 kilometers by the western shore of the Dianchi Lake.
Day 2 Kunming---Lijiang
After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to the Stone Forest. An extremely rare geological phenomenon dating back to 270 million years ago, the Stone Forest is 80 hectares of Karst limestone pillars in fantastic shapes that resemble a forest viewed from a distance some 85 kilometers, southeast of Kunming. The Stone Forest is also home to the Sani tribe, a branch of the diverse and scattered Yi minority renowned for their diligence, embroidery and dancing. On the way back to Kunming, visit also a Sani tribe village Qi Xin. Time permitting, visit also of the lovely flower and bird market in the afternoon. Then transfer to airport for flight to Lijiang in the evening.
Day 3 Lijiang-260km-Lugu Lake
In the morning, depart Lijiang and start an overland drive of 260 kilometers, or 5 hour and an half, along mountainous and winding road to the Lugu Lake. In the afternoon, cruise on the lake to visit the Li Wu Bi Island and the Snake Island. This evening, participate in a local bonfire party with local Mosuo people.
Day 4 Lugu Lake-260km-Lijiang
After breakfast, take a home visit of the local Mosuo people and the Zha Mei Monastery in Yongning. In the afternoon, drive back to Lijiang..
Day 5 Lijiang
In the morning, visit the Black Dragon Pond with the Wufeng Temple and Dongba Research Institute. Then, drive out to the Yak Meadow of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. Take chairlift (roundtrip) ride up with superb views over the mountains and valleys. In the afternoon, visit Yuhu, a simple village of Naxi minority with the former residence of Dr. Joseph Rock. Dr. Rock, an Austro-American botanist and explorer who lived here off and on from 1922-1949, is best remembered for the introduction of innumerable plant species to the West and his rigorous works on Naxi ethnology. Visit also the Naxi village Baisha. North of Lijiang Country finds the Liulidian Temple and Daobaoji Temple at Baisha village. Rest of afternoon is at leisure for your own discovery of the old town of Lijiang.
Day 6 Lijiang---Kunming-Departure
Rest of day at leisure before transfer to Lijiang Airport for flight Lijiang-Kunming. Upon arrival at Kunming Airport, connect by yourselves to departure flight. Trip ends.