category:hard Duration: 14 days
On trek:10 days Style: camp, homestay
Trekking area: Yunnan, Sichuan
This trek is a combination of beautiful scenery and abundant cultures
of different minorities such as Naxi, Mosuo, Yi, Pumi, and Tibetan. The startpoint of the trek: Lugu Lake, inhabited by the Mosuo minority; a branch of Naxi, in Yunnan. Finishpoint: Yading Nature Reserve in western Sichuang. There is a trinity of lofty snow-capped peaks standing in a triangular way; Mt Jampelyang(5958), Mt Chenrezig(6032m), and Mt Chanadorje(5958m). Revered as abode of the bodihssatvas' deities by the Tibetan, the three peaks were sanctified by the 5th Dalai Lama as manisfestations of the Bodhissatavas Jampelyang,Chenrezig, and Chanadorje. Therefore, it is a very sacred pilgrimage site.
Meet in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province of China, also known as
the "Spring City" because of the mild weather all year round. Dinner in a typical local restaurant situated in the remaining part of the old Kunming.
DAY 2
Morning flight(40min) to Lijiang(2400m),the capital of ex-Naxi kingdom, which
is located in the nothwest of Yunnan and bordering the old Kham Tibet. Stay in the Lijiang Old Town which has become one of the Unesco world cultural heritages. It is going to be the first chance for your body to get used to the
high altitude.
DAY 3
Today we'll drive for 7 hrs to Lugu Lake which is the home of Mosuo
minority, famous for the Matriarchal families and its marriage system
"Walking Marriage". During the day we'll have a chance to enjoy spectacular
views of Yangtze river and visit some remote minority villages such
as Lisu, Yi, Pumi etc. And also there is a Yi minority town on our way, we
can visit some Yi minority fortune tellers in their traditional costume. Try to ask some questions about yourself just for fun.
DAY 4
After one night in the simple guest house by the Lugu Lake(2600m),then 1
hrs morning driving to the startpoint of the trek, via another interesting
countryside big market and a temple to visit. Today we will trek for
4hrs, together with the horses loaded with our camping equipment and food.
Today's destination is a traditonal Mosuo village, famous for its big
matriarchal families. Stay with the matriarchal families, everything will be
simple but very interesting to see.
DAY 5
Trek 7-8 hrs. We"ll leave Mosuo village to climb over a ridge of
mountain(3200m) which is covered by pine tree forests, through Yi minority
villages where we have chance to visit their families. The old Yi ladies
there still believe that their souls would be taken away if you take photos
of them. The campsite will be in the forest where a big campfire can be
made. Dance around the fire accompanied by our horsemen's songs.
DAY 6
Today is a tough day, a 9-hour-trek day. But what an incredible day.
We"ll walk through a big woods of Fir trees, Spruce, and other many
non-name big trees. This a sanctuary of wild animals and birds.
Then we need to climb over a mountain pass(4200m) covered by big
woods of diffirent species of rhododendrons. They start blooming from March to
August in batchs. And also some beautiful ponds where Yaks are walking around. Our tents will be set up in a great long valley with so much
blossoms and a crystal clear river passing through.
DAY 7, trek 5 hrs,
Today we'll step into the area of Sichuan province from Yunnan province. An exciting exploration day in the big forest, with a big diversity of plants and
flowers. Our tent camp will be on a nice grassland situated at the foot of a
couple of lofty mountains.
DAY 8, trek 6 hrs,
Following the trail of Yaks and shepherds, frequently, we can meet herds of
sheep or yaks in the woods. Our destination is a Pumi village. Pumi
minority, used to be warriors of Mongolian Kublai Khan, they settled
here after the Mongolians defeated and conquered whole China. Camp by the
village. Alternatively homestay with Pumi to explore their story.
DAY 9, trek 8 hrs,
Climb over a 3900m high ridge, through forest and bamboo woods, then
drop down to our campsite by a tributary of the Yangtze river. A beautiful Tibetan village is lying here with a view of the ridge and the spectacular river valley.
DAY 10, Trek 5 hrs,
Following a trail by the river for the whole day, with a view of the river
valley and great tibetan villages on the way, and many mini water-power
millers - so interesting to see. Plus some beautiful ruins of Tibetan
bunkers. Sleep in the tents on the rooftop of Tibetan family.
DAY 11, Trek 5 hrs,
Today we will climb from 2000m high to 3500m to camp by a big Tibetan
village. A great view of steep cliff and deep and steep valley on the way.
DAY 12, Trek 8 hrs,
Today is a very tough day but you will step into a picturesque world, you
will realize that you are very close to the Yading Nature Reserve. And locals
believe that if you speak loudly here you may cause a big storm, so just
be quiet here. We set up our tents on a grassland with an altitude 4500m.
DAY 13, Trek 6 hrs,
Today you need to walk slowly from 4500m to the pass 4880m high, then drop down to 3000m, it will be a big challenge! From the top pass the three
spectacular snow-capped holy peaks will be in front of you. A moment hard to describe – this is the very peak of your excitement in the trek! We will sleep in the sheds beside a temple in the Yading Nature Reserve, run by monks here. With a view of the three Yading snow peaks.
DAY 14, Trek 2 hrs
Morning walking for 2 hrs to the finish-point of our trek, you will feel so happy. Then board our vehicle to Daocheng town where we will clean off all our dirty things which we got from our trek and just to be clean, clean!!! From here we can drive back to Zhongdian of Yunnan or Chengdu to catch a flight.
-- EXTENSIONS: alternatively, we can arrange a 4-5-days extension to the trip; a relaxed drive through western Sichuang to Chengdu. This is a good idea for people who want to have a few more relaxed days after a long trek!!
We can also arrange the Kora Trek, for a few days more, where we follow the sacred pilgrimage trail that circles the holy peaks of Yading.
--TIPS FOR THE TREK
Time for the trek:
- March to the beginning of July is the best time. But with the exception of December to the beginning of February, this trek can actually be done year round.
-The whole trek is mostly camp but by 3 - 5 can be arranged for homestay.
All the equipment will be carried by horses, so we will be a kind of "caravan".
14days/13nights
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MIN 3 / MAX 14 participants
Price Per Person by 3-6 participants: upon request
Price Per Person by 7-14 participants: upon request
CNY China Yuan Renminbi please convert here: www.xe.com
Domestic flights to Lijiang/from Zhongdian are NOT included.
Shepherd Treks can assist booking domestic flights!