Yunnan Family Holiday Tour: Very Best Of Yunnan2024-07-28T16:41:07+02:00

Yunnan Family Holiday Tour

Experience The Very Best Of Yunnan, Family And Kids Friendly

On this Yunnan family tour, you experience firsthand the country life of Tibetan families and feel the magic of offbeat locales in this unique escapade to Yunnan. We’ll team up to cook traditional Yunnan dishes, stop by a monkey colony, and adventure into the ancient tea trade route while exploring the cultural milieu of Yunnan, a stronghold of southern China’s cultural wealth. A fascinating hike takes us through the depths of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world, after which we are warmly welcomed by a Tibetan family and taken for a visit to the legendary Shangri-La.

On Request

On Request

10 days / 9 nights

Overnight stays in hotels and guest houses.

You want to change the tour a little bit?
No Problem!

Contact us

This Tibetmoto Tour…

was one of my favorite. I am glad, that I chose this one. I had a lot of fun and the view was incredible!

Bernd F.

Yunnan Family Holiday Tour: Very Best Of Yunnan – Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dali

Pick up from the train station or airport, and transfer to the hotel, is done. The first night is spent in a child-friendly hotel near the old town. Depending on the time of arrival, a short orientation walk is arranged in the old town.

Day 2: Dali visiting day:

In the morning, a visit to the Zongsheng Si 3 pagodas is made. Breathtaking views of the lake can be witnessed from the peak of the temple complex. It was during the era of the Nanzhao Kingdom—1200 years back—that the pagodas were built. Come late morning, children are invited to take part in a child-friendly cooking course, which begins by escorting the children by foot to an open-air meat and vegetable market to buy fresh ingredients. Afterward, a variety of dishes are explained, prepared, and then eaten together. Wase, a quaint fishing village on the lake’s opposite shore, is reached during the afternoon via a boat trip on the Erhai Lake. Bai-fishing can be witnessed here in its full glory. The narrow streets and alleys provide a good feel of old-world country living.

Day 3: Dali – Shaxi

A drive to Shaxi via Shi Bao Shan is undertaken. Stone chisel work from the time of the Nanzhao Kingdom (dating back 1200 years) adorns the mountain and is considered to be amongst the most stunning in the entire Southwest China area. Many tiny temples, partly constructed into the cliff, can be seen on the mountain. One of the favorite attractions for children is the visit to the wild monkey colony. If desired, the monkeys may be cautiously fed by the children. A trip to the ancient town of Shaxi is next on the agenda. Situated on the tea trade route, Shaxi is dotted with lots of historic buildings, an open theatre, and a tea trade bridge as well. The atmosphere of this old town makes you feel like you have been transported to the past. A leisurely walk is taken through the ancient town.

Day 4: Shaxi – Lijiang (Shuhe):

Transfer to Shuhe 10 kilometers north of Lijiang. The walking tour of the UNESCO world heritage site of Lijiang begins with a visit to the White Horse Dragon Pool, where market vegetables are still washed by the local Naxi minority. Many of the women are still wearing their traditional costumes. The next stop is the Zhongyi Market where locally manufactured metal products are sold. The old market square is also paid a visit. In between, we have enough time for photo stops in the fantastic cobblestone old town with its many little alleys and traditional houses.

After the old town is covered, the Black Dragon Pool (one of the landmarks of Southwest China) is explored. After this, we return to the hotel for a short break. The afternoon is spent relaxing.

Day 5: Lijiang

A bike ride is scheduled in the morning. The old town of Baisha (6 km north of Shuhe) is visited. Baisha, a genuine old town situated amongst vast cornfields, is the non-tourist equivalent of the old town of Lijiang. The recently established weaving institute is visited, where many masters of the craft—a craft nearly destroyed during the Cultural Revolution—display the nuances of this almost vanished art that carries themes relating to the world of Naxi gods. After this, a trip is made to the Tibetan Jade Mountain Monastery (established in 1756), which houses the Tree of Camellia that has 1,000 flowers. From there, the journey proceeds on to the little village of Yuhu, situated right below the 5,500 meters high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain chain. Yuhu is a tiny and un-touristy Naxi village, where a local Naxi family welcomes us and invites us to have lunch with them.

We return by car to Shuhe. As we drive back, we make a quick stop at the Temple of the Naxi, where we gain perspective about the Naxi Dongba culture and religion. Within the temple, revered historical figures are used to recount the intriguing history of the Naxi.

Day 6: Lijiang – Shigu – Tiger Leaping Gorge

Drive to Shigu after breakfast. This is the place where the Yangtze River turns an amazing 170 degrees as it snakes its way from the Tibetan plateau to the East China Sea. Shigu is considered to be significant because it is where we have crossed the Yangtze, the Mongols, and the People’s Liberation Army. A narrow path on a bordering hill is selected to walk further to a place from where the vast vista can be admired. Next, we travel by car to Qiaotou, a quaint village on the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Post lunch, the hike takes us into the gorge to the Tiger Leaping Rock. Mountain trails take us across cultivated fields, affording us breathtaking scenes of the deep canyon and the flowing Yangtze River. The Tiger Leaping Rock, located in the middle of the Yangtze River, is accessible through a wooden suspension bridge. Via a steep iron ladder (child-friendly) the trail leads up to the main road. We stay overnight in a guest house in a small Naxi village that is located in the gorge.

Day 7: Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-la

We proceed to Shangri-La by car, stopping to visit the biggest prayer wheel in the world, which is 21-meter-high, as well as Turtles mountain. After visiting the old town, we travel by car to Napa Lake where small excursions on horseback can be undertaken. We also stop to visit Songtsenling Monastery, the largest monastery in Southern China. Nowadays, 700 monks live and pray inside the vast compounds.

Day 8: Shangri-la – Deqin Jiabe Homestay

During the descent on the way to the homestay near the Tibetan border, we stop for lunch in Benzilan at a height of 1,900 meters. This route leads us to the Yangtze River, from where the road ascends to Deqin. After crossing the Baima Pass (4300 M), we stop for a short respite at Feilai Si, the flying temple. At a height of 3,300 meters above sea level, the viewing platform affords a spectacular view of the Kawa Karpo. Serpentine roads lead us down from Deqin to the banks of one of Asia’s greatest rivers: the Mekong. En route, we stop by the stalagmite rocks that are revered by Tibetans and which they surround in a clockwise manner. A cave exists within the rock, where a multitude of butter candles add luminescence to the temple housed therein. The final part of the journey takes us to a Tibetan homestay on the Mekong River, which affords stunning views of the lunar landscape. We are welcomed for a Tibetan dinner in the kitchen of our host family in Jiabe (a green oasis). An open fire is also arranged, if the season permits. After dinner, home-distilled vodka and homemade wine are offered. An excellent view of the nearby Kawa Karpo’s peak (6.700 M) can be seen from the flat roof. At night, the starry sky can be observed. A number of farm animals (such as goats, chickens, and cows) are owned by the host family as well.

Day 9: Deqin Jiabe Homestay – Shangri-la

The first activity of the morning is to drive up cattle with a family member to a hill close by, where kids can observe goats and also watch how cows are milked. After climbing a short distance up the mountain, panoramic views of the region are visible.

In the early afternoon, a return to Shangri-La by car is arranged. Visiting the hot springs in the evening is a good idea.

Day 10: End of the journey to Shangri-La

Transfer to the airport is completed.

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Book your Tour now! Yunnan Family Holiday Tour: Very Best Of Yunnan

Since our tours get filled up fast, please book the Yunnan Family Holiday Tour: Very Best Of Yunnan Tour now to avoid disappointment.

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Included Services

  • Overnight stays in mid range hotels and guest houses, one overnight stay in a Tibetan homestay (without attached bathroom)
  • Tibetmoto guide
  • Vehicle
  • Meals, snacks, mineral water
  • Help for applying a Chinese visa
  • Flight booking service

Questions & Answers

Will every tour take place exactly as described in the tour itinerary?2021-01-08T23:13:47+01:00

All our itineraries give you a good overview what you will experience and discover when booking with tibetmoto. The itineraries are nevertheless best understood if they are seen as a suggestion rather than as a 100% planned and a thousand times done way of traveling. We like to keep every tour, every adventure, every trip unique and special. We are proud to say that we have never done a trip two times exactly the same way. Our team does not like to offer mainstream tourism tours, and we believe that people enjoy their time best when they have freedom and possibilities to choose from. Freedom and flexibility are very good ingredients to cook an exceptional discovery or adventure, to meet unusual people and visit off-the-beaten-track places.

How does camp life look like on expeditions?2020-11-12T18:02:03+01:00

After arriving at the camp ground we pitch up the tents, our team will set up the mobile kitchen, the electricity generator is being started and we can think of having a cold beer. All supplies and the luggage is carried by our supply truck. We do not have always pre-chosen camp grounds which are always frequented by us, since every expedition is different. Depending on the time in the afternoon we start looking for “the perfect spot”. Perfect spots have a water source such as a river or a lake and a flat piece of land for the tents. Some spots we use more frequently since they are so perfect that the location is hard to beat. Camping together with nomads offers an opportunity to experience their way of live, culture and habits. Sitting in the evening together in a nomad tent somewhere on the Tibetan grassland and listening to Tibetan nomads` songs is a truly genuine experience.

Dinner is being served in a large dining tent where we have tables and chairs to comfortably sit together, eat and drink. The separate, smaller, sleeping tents are designed to accommodate each two people, but if you choose the “single room” option (you will find that option below each expedition itinerary) you will have your own tent. Our tents are army tents where you can almost stand upright. The sleeping “hard wear” is a foldable army field bed, which puts your body about knee height away from the ground. We provide you with the entire hard wear, plus blankets and insulation mats. The only item you should bring along is your personal sleeping bag. If you don´t want to bring your sleeping bag all the way to China we can provide you with a new sleeping bag for a reasonable price.

How is the climate in Tibet?2020-11-11T22:27:20+01:00

The temperature differences between day and night are around 10 degrees or more. Especially in the Himalayan areas it can often get very cool, especially when the sun is not shining. During the travel times of the Tibet motorcycle tour, rain can only occur in exceptional cases. However, you should be prepared for everything and have warm and water-repellent clothing in your luggage.

How are the hotel in Tibet?2020-11-11T22:25:06+01:00

The hotels in which you stay have a decent, but typical three to four star standard. All rooms have a private bathroom, with the exception of the Rongbuk Monastery.

Do I need vaccinations?2020-11-11T22:24:05+01:00

Vaccinations are not required for the Tibet Motorcycle Tour.

Altitude Sickness and Oxygen Supply2020-11-11T22:22:16+01:00

Oxygen:
Starting
from Lhasa we will provide medical oxygen. This can support a person with oxygen for up to 24 hours. Before starting the Tibet Motorcycle Tour, you should also contact a doctor who will prescribe a Diamox. Diamox is a drug that can be taken prophylactically against altitude problems. As a result, groups that take Diamox hardly or not at all experience altitude-related symptoms. For a smooth running of the Tibet Motorcycle Tour, the personal health and well-being of each participant is important. We therefore strongly recommend that you consider taking Diamox.

Which documents do I need?2020-11-11T22:35:03+01:00

You will need your passport, a pass picture, national driving license, international driving license and flight ticket. Please be sure to make photocopies of all of your important travel documents and carry them separately. They can be invaluable in an emergency.

We also need a scan of the Chinese visa six weeks before the tour starts.

All scanned documents should be sent to us on an A4 sheet of original size

What can I expect from an overnight stay with a tibetan host family?2020-11-12T18:01:15+01:00

A home stay is an opportunity to get access into another culture by joining the host family for dinner and breakfast and sleep under their roof, as their guest. Most families live together in a several generation house, from children to old grandparents. A lot of home stays are semi-farms with at least a few cattle such as chicken and cows around the house. Often are fields attached where family member go to work after breakfast. Here, local family and work life can be experienced as it is instead of “only” observing it from the outside.
We believe that joining a home stay is on of the best ways to get in touch which what surrounds you in a foreign country.

How well do I have to be able to ride a motorcycle?2020-11-11T21:59:51+01:00

You should be able to ride a motorcycle safely, especially on winding mountain roads. An uncertainty is common, but you quickly get used to the local traffic. Our tour guide will give the group useful and good tips on riding in China. Before the start of the Tibet and China Motorcycle Tour, there will be an introduction to road traffic behavior.


Do I need a driving license?2020-11-11T21:57:31+01:00

For the Tibet and China motorcycle tour you need a valid national and international driver’s license.

What is the currency in China?2020-11-11T21:56:01+01:00

In China, the currency is the CNY (Chinese Renminbi). The exchange rate is around 1€ to 7.56 CNY (as of 05/2020). The CNY is not a freely convertible currency, so you cannot get it at every bank in Europe. The exchange rate, which is determined by the Bank of China, can be observed under the following link: http://www.boc.cn/sourcedb/whpj/enindex.html

However, we recommend withdrawing a larger amount of CNY from an ATM with all major credit cards or debit cards after arriving in China. Our on-site tour guide is happy to help. Due to the often very poor exchange rate for the CNY in Europe, it is not worthwhile to exchange significant amounts of CNY in Europe. There are also many ATMs in Lhasa where you can withdraw money. Our experience shows that the majority of our participants spend around 20€ a day.

What about my luggage? Where can I transport it?2020-11-11T21:51:45+01:00

The luggage will be transported in the support vehicle. Don’t forget that on domestic flights, the pastries usually cannot exceed 20 kg!

What clothes should I pack?2020-11-11T22:26:29+01:00

For a motorcycle tour you should bring motorcycle clothing including a helmet. Of course you also should pack warm clothing (as layers or as undersuit). It can get cold! You should also bring gloves and a rain suit.

How is the Road Condition?2020-11-11T21:45:13+01:00

The roads on the motorcycle tour are mostly paved (with a few exceptions). Due to the new asphalting of road sections, it can temporarily lead to a poor condition of the road. The paved roads are mostly in good condition. However, there may be isolated potholes or gravel lying on the ground. The route on the motorcycle tour also includes sections with new asphalt, on which you can enjoy European standards or even better. These routes are wonderful to ride! Due to moisture and the difficult to see oil or diesel traces, however, extreme caution is always required!

What is the deposit for renting a motorcycle?2020-11-11T21:42:45+01:00

Deposit for a rental motorcycle (partial cover):

The following cash deposits are required:

Shineray X5 400: EUR 500
BMW G 310 GS: EUR 1,000
BMW F 800 GS: EUR 1,500

If the participant/motorcyclist causes damage during the Tibet motorcycle tour, the deposit is the maximum amount.

Do I need a chinese visa?2024-09-15T11:54:27+02:00

Entry/Visa:

Many nationalities can enter China visa free for up to 15 days. Those include:
Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Some other nationalities need a visa to enter China.

Should the duration of the stay exceed 15 days, you must apply for the visa yourself or hire an agency to do so. Due to frequent changes in the application procedure, we recommend using an agency. Although you can apply for the visa yourself, it is only slightly more expensive to hire an agency and often saves a lot of work. The visa for China costs approximately EUR 300. More detailed information on the visa can be found in a specific appendix after booking upon request.

Tour Concept by RC Hendrik

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