Shangri-La Private Scenic Drive Tour from Lijiang

A stone lion statue on a cliff with a bridge in the background. 1

A calm lake surrounded by dense forest and a clear blue sky. 2

By Aether Tours

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
4d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Between Lijiang and Shangri-La, there is a scenic road between the mountains and rivers - the Huxiang Road. It is like a dynamic ribbon, connecting countless enchanting scenery, if you like road trips, you must not miss it.

Choose from 2 to 4 days tour options.

See the famous powerful Tiger Leaping Gorge

Check out the magnificent Haba Snow Mountain

Visit the White Water Terrace

Stay over in Shangri-La and experience Tibetan culture at Dukezong Ancient City

Visit Songzanlin Monastery

Visit Pudacuo National Park

Visit Napahai

Visit Balagezong Scenic Area

Visit Benzilan Village

Stay over in Meili Snow Mountain to catch Golden Sunrise

Visit Feilai Temple

Activity location

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
- 100 km NW of Lijiang, Hutiaoxia Town
- 674402, Shangri-La County, Yunnan, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
- 100 km NW of Lijiang, Hutiaoxia Town
- 674402, Shangri-La County, Yunnan, China

Check availability

Dates

Travellers

2 Day Balagezong (No Guide)

4d
English

Balagezong Scenic Area: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace or Napahai, Dukezong Ancient City, Balagezong, Songzanlin Monastery
No Tour Guide
Duration: 2 days
Tour ends in Shangri-La
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿12,474.85 x 1 Adult฿12,474.85

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

2 Day Shangri-La (No Guide)

4d
English

Shangri-La Scenic Area: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace or Napahai, Dukezong Ancient City, Pudacuo, Songzanlin Monastery
No Tour Guide
Duration: 2 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿12,474.85 x 1 Adult฿12,474.85

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

2 Day Balagezong

4d
English

Balagezong Scenic Area: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace or Napahai, Dukezong Ancient City, Balagezong, Songzanlin Monastery
Private Guide
Duration: 2 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿19,232.05 x 1 Adult฿19,232.05

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

2 Day Shangri-La

4d
English

Shangri-La Scenic Area: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace or Napahai, Dukezong Ancient City, Pudacuo, Songzanlin Monastery
Private Guide
Duration: 2 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿19,232.05 x 1 Adult฿19,232.05

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

3 Day Balagezong (No Guide)

4d
English

Balagezong Scenic Area: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace, Dukezong Ancient City, Balagezong, Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo, Napahai
No Tour Guide
Duration: 3 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿18,972.16 x 1 Adult฿18,972.16

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

3 Day Meili Sunrise (No Guide)

4d
English

Meili Golden Sunrise : Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace or Napahai, Dukezong, Balagezong, Meili Snow Mountain, Feilai Temple, Songzanlin
No Guide
Duration: 3 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿19,621.89 x 1 Adult฿19,621.89

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

4 Day Grand Tour (No Guide)

4d
English

Grand Tour: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace, Dukezong, Balagezong, Meili, Feilai Temple, Songzanlin, Pudacuo, Napahai
No Tour Guide
Duration: 4 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿25,079.64 x 1 Adult฿25,079.64

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

3 Day Balagezong

4d
English

Balagezong Scenic Area: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace, Dukezong Ancient City, Balagezong, Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo, Napahai
Private Guide
Duration: 3 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿29,237.92 x 1 Adult฿29,237.92

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

3 Day Meili Sunrise

4d
English

Meili Golden Sunrise: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace or Napahai, Dukezong, Balagezong, Meili Snow Mountain, Feilai Temple, Songzanlin
Private Guide
Duration: 3 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿29,887.65 x 1 Adult฿29,887.65

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

4 Day Grand Tour

4d
English

Grand Tour: Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terrace, Dukezong, Balagezong, Meili, Feilai Temple, Songzanlin, Pudacuo, Napahai
Private Guide
Duration: 4 days
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00

Price details

฿38,853.95 x 1 Adult฿38,853.95

Paid at activity฿1,500.88

Total

Until Sun, 6 Sep

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View the translated text (Thai)

What's included, what's not

Private Guide (option)
Return Private Vehicle from Lijiang
Customised Itinerary for 2 to 4 Day Tour
Hotel Accommodation, Meals and Drinks, Tips and Personal Expenses
Tiger Leaping Gorge Admission Ticket
White Water Terrace Admission Ticket
Songzanlin Monastery Admission Ticket
Balagezong Admission Ticket
Pudacuo Admission Ticket

Know before you book

- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Drive

5 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)

1h
Admission ticket not included

As we slowly drive into Huxiang Road, the first station along the highway, you will reach the upper section of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Enjoy a drive along the entire stretch of Tiger Leaping Gorge where there are many observation decks to stop for pictures. Here, the Jinsha River, like a surging dragon, roars through the canyon. Standing on the observation deck, you can see the towering peaks on both sides of the canyon reaching high into the clouds, steep and precipitous. The river surges in the narrow canyon, stirring up huge waves. White spray splashes up, glinting dazzlingly in the sunlight. The majestic momentum cannot help but evoke awe for nature's marvellous craftsmanship and boundless power.

Haba Village (Pass by)

Continuing deeper into the Huxiang Road, we arrive into Haba Village, is home to ethnic minorities, mainly the Naxi people. Their unique culture is deeply ingrained in every aspect of village life. Traditional Naxi architecture can be seen in the houses, which are characterised by wooden structures, sloping roofs, and intricate carvings. These buildings not only provide shelter but also serve as a showcase of the Naxi's exquisite craftsmanship. The villagers preserve their ancient customs and traditions. For example, during the traditional festivals, people dress up in their finest ethnic costumes, performing lively dances and singing folk songs that have been passed down through generations. The music and dance movements tell stories of their ancestors, beliefs, and daily lives, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi people.

Haba Snow Mountain

30m

With Haba Snow Mountain on one side and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the other, driving through the Tiger Leaping Gorge with the rush Jinsha River below is truly one of the most speculator drive routes in the world. You will also go through the Haba Snow Mountain Pass. As the altitude increases, Haba Snow Mountain appears. The main peak of Haba Snow Mountain is 5,396 metres above sea level, with a relative height difference of 3,846 metres. It is one of the extremely high mountains with typical modern marine mountain glaciers in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River in northwest Yunnan. It is the fourth highest peak in Yunnan Province. The top of the mountain is covered with snow all year round.

White-Water Terraces (Baishuitai)

1h
Admission ticket not included

Next we passed Baishui Terrace, Dubbed "China’s Cotton Castle," this natural limestone terrace resembles a frozen waterfall. The turquoise pools, formed by calcium-rich springs, glow under sunlight—perfect for photography.

Dukezong Ancient Town

1h

Then we entered the Shangri-La, the first thing it saw was the vast and boundless grassland. Finally, we can reach the Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La is a place of captivating beauty and we could take a good rest after a long road trip. Nestled amidst majestic mountains, the town features traditional Tibetan architecture with stone houses and sloping roofs. As you wander through its cobblestone streets, you'll be greeted by prayer flags fluttering gently in the breeze, filling the air with a sense of spirituality. The warm glow of butter lamps inside the ancient temples adds a touch of mystery. At night, the town takes on a magical charm, with soft lights twinkling.

Day 2: Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai and Pudacuo National Park

3 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Sumtsaling Monastery

1h
Admission ticket not included

Being the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Guihua Monastery, is one of the famous monasteries in the Kang region. It is located near Shangri -La County, at the foot of Foping Mountain. Construction of the monastery began in 1679 and was completed two years later. The monastery seems like a group of ancient castles and is composed of two lamaseries, Zhacang and Jikang. The monastery is full of treasures. There are a lot of golden figures of Buddha josses, golden lamps, Tibetan lections, silver censers and so on. All of these are wonderful collections accumulated from each dynasty. They are precious productions made by people of both Tibet nationality and Han nationality.

Napahai Scenic Area

2h

Napahai is a nature reserve and a seasonal wetland in Shangri-La. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, with villages scattered around it, this attraction mainly features a highland lake landscape and rich ecological resources. Napahai also serves as a winter habitat for migratory birds like the black-necked crane. Napahai and Yila Grassland, the largest and most beautiful grassland in Diqing Shangri-La, are coupled with each other. When the rainy season comes, the grassland is covered with water due to abundant rainfall, forming the lake. During the dry season, there is less water and more grass, hence the lake recedes, turning into a vast grassland, that is Yila Grassland.

Potatso National Park

4h
Admission ticket not included

Pudacuo National Park is famous for its primitive landscape and features scenic hills, meadows, and lakes. It is also home to more than 100 endangered species, including leopards, cranes, macaques, lynxes, and more. Potatso National Park has three main scenic areas, Shudu Lake, Militang Alpine Pasture and Bitahai Lake Shudu Lake is the park’s crown jewel, known for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and alpine meadows, creating a serene and picturesque setting Bitahai is another stunning alpine lake. It’s surrounded by ancient oak forests and is a vital habitat for migratory birds. The lake’s unique ecosystem includes submerged aquatic plants that create a vibrant underwater landscape. Militang Grassland is a vast expanse of rolling meadows dotted with yaks, Tibetan villages, and traditional grazing lands. This area offers a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the local Tibetan people.

Day 3: Balagegong Scenic Area

3 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Shangri-la Grand Canyon. Balagezong

4h
Admission ticket not included

Balagezong Scenic area is located in the northwest of Shangri-la county, it is one of the core scenic area of "three parallel rivers" with various geological landscape, sacred mountain culture, Shambhala Stupa, Holy Banyan Tree of Thousands of Years, Kangba tribe legend, the ancient village of Bala village, the Plateau Lake, Palm Gorge, rare animals and plants, and the original ecological environment is in well preserved.

Benzilanzhen

1h

Perched on the banks of the Yangtze river, the small village of Benzilan was an important stop on the ancient tea horse road. The village of Benzilan enjoys a pleasant climate and cultivates many vegetables and cereals. You can visit a small local nunnery whose donations from visitors are highly useful and appreciated. The view of the Yangtze River from the village is superb, you can see the silhouette of the Balgezong gorges, as well as the massif of the white horse mountain, Baima.

Dongzhulin Temple

30m

Dongzhulin monastery built in 1667 is very popular with pilgrims and local inhabitants, which offers incredible artefacts. The assembly hall is made of 82 columns of carved wood and 4 floors. There are statues of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the school of yellow caps of Tibetan Buddhism, surrounded by two of his disciples, then those Sakyaluni, Avalokiteshvara, Manjusri, among others.

Day 4: Golden Sunrise at Meili Snow Mountain

2 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Meili Snow Mountain

2h

The "Golden Sunrise" at Meili Snow Mountain refers to the breathtaking phenomenon where the morning sunlight illuminates the snow-capped peaks with a golden glow, a spectacular sight best witnessed from the Feilai Temple Viewing Platform. This natural phenomenon, known as Rizhao Jinshan (Golden Light on the Mountain), is most stunning in clear weather and requires an early start, typically around sunrise time between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM. The best time to visit for clear views is from October to May, with the period after late October offering the most stable weather.

Feilai Temple No.1 Viewing Platform

3m

Directly facing the Kawakarpo Peak, Feilai Temple is famous for its viewing deck for amazing scenes of the magnificent Meili Snow Mountain. Feilai Temple was originally built in 1614 during Ming Dynasty with a history of 385 years. Covering 1500 square metres, it was built according to the mountain terrain with architecture at random discretion. The temple is a combination of three religions- Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Visitors are free to tour the scenic area of Feilai Temple, visit the temple architecture and learn about its history and religious culture. The murals and Buddha statues in the temple have high artistic value allowing visitors to have an in-depth understanding of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Take a stroll on some of the observation trails in the scenic area to enjoy the beauty of Meili Snow Mountain from different angles.

Location

Activity location

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
- 100 km NW of Lijiang, Hutiaoxia Town
- 674402, Shangri-La County, Yunnan, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
- 100 km NW of Lijiang, Hutiaoxia Town
- 674402, Shangri-La County, Yunnan, China

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