Tiger Leaping Gorge holiday

country:	China
location:	Yunnan
trip type:	Strenuous trekking holidays
departures:	Departs most Sundays throughout the year
price:	From £320 (11 days) excluding flights, plus local payment US $150. We can arrange flights from the UK. All departure dates are guaranteed

read 1 travellers review

China holidays

Yunnan holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

11 days ex Kunming

Kunming, Lijiang, ethnic minorities, Tiger Leaping Gorge trek, Dali

Be challenged by this active trip through the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge and enchanting Yunnan Province in South West China. Abundant cultural diversity, colourful local markets, dramatic scenery and picturesque villages form the setting for this rewarding adventure. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of Asia's finest geological wonders, and hiking high above the start of the Yangzi River is the best way to experience it. Snow-capped peaks, narrowing winding trails and sublime views await those who make the trek!

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Kunming. Explore the alleyways and backroads of Kunming for a glimpse of the city's old-world character. Sample the delicious food of the 'eternal spring city' in one of the many markets.
Day 2-3:	Lijiang. Peaceful and pretty, Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, descendants of Tibetan nomads. Get to know them as you explore the maze of stone streets in the World Heritage-listed Old Town.
Day 4-5:	Tiger Leaping Gorge. Legend has it that a tiger jumped the 25 metres across the Yangzi in order to escape a hunter, granting the gorge it's 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 because the views along the way are absolutely breathtaking.
Day 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 Gompa Monastery or to hire a bike and cruise out into the surrounding farmlands.
Day 8-9:	Dali. Bounded by spectacular Lake Erhai on one side and snow-capped mountains on the other, spending time in Dali is a real treat. Explore the Old Town's cobblestone lanes and wooden houses or maybe take a boat trip. Along the lake are colourful markets, with Bai people selling an incredible range of goods.
Day 10-11:	Kunming. Discover ancient temples and mosques as the journey comes full circle in Kunming. Perhaps enjoy a final feast to celebrate.

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

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.

Sean, our local trekking guide, is passionate about the preservation of the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the predominantly shamanistic Naxi culture of the villages on route. His assistance to travellers in understanding customs, etiquette, and culturally appropriate ways of interacting, is 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.

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