Tiger Leaping Gorge holiday
| country: | China |
| location: | Yunnan |
| trip type: | Strenuous trekking holidays |
| departures: | Departs 1 - 4 Sundays throughout the year except Jan |
| price: | From £465 (11 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Head off on an adventure through Yunnan province and the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of Asia's finest geological wonders, and hiking high above the Yangzi River is the best way to experience it. Snow-capped peaks, narrow winding trails and sublime views await those who make the trek. Time spent in the chilled-out towns of Lijiang and Dali provide a relaxing contrast and a great chance to meet the local people.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Kunming. Catch glimpses of Kunming's old-world charm by exploring its quaint backstreets or tracking down a bargain at the bustling local markets. |
| Days 2-3: | Lijiang. Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, descendants of Tibetan nomads, recognisable by their traditional blue clothing. Explore the maze of stone streets in this World Heritage-listed town. Stay in the town's atmospheric old quarter and perhaps catch a traditional music performance. |
| Days 4-5: | Tiger Leaping Gorge. Legend has it that a tiger leapt across the Yangzi to escape a hunter, granting the gorge its lyrical name. Arduous but rewarding, this hike along the river traverses the spectacular terrain of one of the world's deepest gorges. Stay in simple guesthouses and eat at local cafes en route. Be sure to bring a camera - the panoramas are breathtaking. |
| Days 6-7: | Zhongdian. Learn about the Tibetan way of life in Zhongdian, joining local residents at night for singing and dancing. There is free time to visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery or hire a bike to explore the surrounding farmlands. |
| Days 8-9: | Dali. Bounded by spectacular Erhai Lake on one side and snow-capped mountains on the other, spending time in Dali is a real treat. Explore the cobblestone lanes and wooden houses of the old town or perhaps take a boat trip. Barter with Bai people at the colourful lakeside markets - a bargain hunter's dream. |
| Days 10-11: | Kunming. Discover ancient temples and mosques as the journey comes full circle in Kunming. Perhaps celebrate the end of the adventure with a final Yunnanese feast. |
travellers' tales
The highlight was hiring bikes in Dali and spending the day cycling through villages by the lake. It was great to get away from the touristy spots for a few hours and get a glimpse of the local lifestyle. (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Yunnan province is home to many of Chinas ethnic minorities. Travelling by local bus, and staying in small guesthouses, travellers come face to face with Han, Tibetan, Naxi, Bai, Yi and Hui people.
Our local trekking guides are passionate about the preservation of the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the predominantly shamanistic Naxi culture of the villages on route. These local guides will ensure all our passengers have an understanding of the customs, etiquette, and culturally appropriate ways of interacting with the local villagers. This is certainly a highlight of this trip. To minimise environmental impacts passengers are encouraged to stay on established paths, reuse plastic bags and water bottles and carry a set of chopsticks (instead of using disposable ones). We have the opportunity to visit an orphanage in the Tibetan town of Zhongdian where we have contributed school supplies and sporting equipment. Since 1999 we have been supporting a local charity in the Yangshou area called Project Hope. Money raised through passenger donations has been used to assist over 30 local children from poor families to continue their schooling through to completion. Without this type of assistance these children would to have drop out of school, severely limiting their future opportunities. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |