Hidden Tibet

Our 9-night Hidden Tibet Journey takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Kham, Eastern Tibet, where the three parallel rivers of the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween flow. This is an extraordinary corner of the world, a paradise on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, where the culture and scenery remain a well kept secret. 

This tour is designed for travellers who want to explore off the beaten track, whilst having the comfort of luxury boutique Tibetan lodges each night. It's ideal for a romantic getaway, or couple's vacation. Our hand-picked hotels are Tibetan owned and managed, totally unique, and reflect the community around them.  All the hotels give back to the local Tibetan and other minority communities and provide employment and training opportunities for young Tibetans. Beyond The Clouds is delighted to work with these Tibetan businesses. You will be accompanied by an experienced English speaking Tibetan guide who will really look after you throughout your journey, and play a special part in your Shangri-La Tibetan experience. 

Northern Yunnan is an area rich in Tibetan culture, but conveniently outside the Tibet Autonomous Region, meaning no Tibet Travel Permits are required. Here the valleys are deep, the gorges are spectacular with rivers rushing through them, and the snow-capped peaks tower imposingly over the forested hills. The region around Shangri-La is dotted with small Tibetan villages, monasteries, and holy sites all hidden behind mountain folds and dense forest. 

Lost Horizon first told the tale of an incredible utopia in the Himalayas, where man and nature co-exist and peace flourishes. So where can you find this so-called paradise of 'Shangri-La'? Hidden Tibet is waiting for you. 

TRIP OVERVIEW

Your journey begins in the city of Lijang which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The people here belong to the Nashi ethnic minority, famed as traders on the Tea and Horse Caravans. Lijiang is the perfect place to acclimatise before traveling to the Tibetan plateau. Explore Lijang’s fascinating old town before travelling to the fabled town of Shangri-La, where James Hilton is reputed to have based his novel Lost Horizons. Explore the old town of Shangri La and Songzanlin Monastery built by the 5th Dalai Lama, modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Continue to ascend to Meile which looks out on the Holy mountain, one of eight sacred mountains in Tibet. An important pilgrimage site for Tibetans, the Meili peaks tower at over 6,000 metres. Wake up to sunrise over one of the world’s most beautiful mountain views.

From Meile, we head to lower altitudes again at Cizhong, where you can visit a historic church built by French missionaries. Continue to the thriving farming community of Tacheng which is home to the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. The serene atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and wandering in the friendly village. You end your journey back in Lijhang for a final night before departure.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Lijang:   Arrive in Lijang and meet your guide. Transfer to your hotel.
Driving time: 45 mins
Overnight: Lijang
Altitude: 2,400 m

DAY 2

Lijang:  Explore Lijang’s old town and Jade Mountain.
Overnight: Lijang
Altitude: 2,400 m

DAY 3

Shangri-La: Drive to Shangrila visiting Tiger Leaping gorge on the way. Located in a wide valley, Shangri- La is located in a wide valley surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. Hidden in the city’s peaceful and green valleys between Tibetan villages and Himalayan barley fields, our hotel is located a short distance away from the Songzanlin Monastery. Take time to rest in the afternoon to acclimatize to the altitude.
Driving time: 4 hours
Overnight: Shangri-La
Altitude: 3,300 m

DAY 4 

Shangri-La:  Visit Songzalin monastery and explore the old town in the afternoon. Later join a community dance in the old town of Shangri-La.
Overnight: Shangri-La
Altitude: 3,300 m

DAY 5 

Meile:  Heading out of Shangril-la, we stop at Napa Lake and the Moon Bay of the Yangtze River. Stop for lunch at Benzalin, which was once one of the most important stops on the ancient Tea and Horse Road. Visit Dongzhulin Monastery, a significant destination for local Tibetans, before continuing to Meila via the Baima Snow Mountain pass (or tunnel depending on weather conditions). Your comfortable lodge combines rustic charm with modern comforts and cozy fireplaces. After lunch and a rest to acclimatize to the increase in elevation, explore the village and visit a family home to print Tibetan prayer flags.
Driving time: 4.5 hours
Overnight: Meile
Altitude: 3,600 m

DAY 6

Meile: Experience the sunrise at Meile and after breakfast, take part in a small ceremony paying homage to Kawagebo Mountain with the prayer flags you printed yesterday. Do a day hike with a picnic lunch, follow in the footsteps of plant hunters or go on a bike ride or leisurely walk to the viewing platform facing Kawagebo Mountain.
Overnight: Meile
Altitude: 3,600 m

DAY 7

Cizhong: Glimpse the sunrise from Meile one last time before departing for Cizhong. Visit the Dharma Cave and follow a pilgrimage walk ( 2 hours). After lunch drive along the Upper Mekong river to Cizhong, where a hundred years ago, French missionaries constructed a catholic church combining Gothic and Chinese architecture. Here Christians and Buddhists live peacefully together. Your hotel is situated in this lovely Tibetan village surrounded by grapevines.
Driving time: 2 hours
Overnight: Cizhong
Altitude: 1,800 m

DAY 8

Tacheng: Pass the first bend on the Yangtze river stopping at Shi Gu Village before continuing to the delightful village of Tacheng, surrounded by rice and flower fields.
Driving time: 4.5 hours
Overnight: Tacheng
Altitude: 1,900 m

DAY 9 

Tacheng: Visit the Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park and hike in the reserve ( 1-2 hours). After lunch visit Hada village and learn to make soya milk and tofu with a local family in their courtyard.
Driving time: 4.5 hours
Overnight: Tacheng
Altitude: 1,900 m

DAY 10 

Lijhang: Drive back to Lijhang for a final night.

DAY 11 

Depart: