How strenuous is this trip?

This journey is considered moderate touring with easy hiking. Our itinerary includes full days of activities, which start early in the morning and end in the evening, including a number of hikes of up to 3 hours and a village homestay. Our longest drive is 4-5 hours long on paved roads.

While in Shangri-La, we reach heights of up to 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level. We spend an afternoon and evening resting in Lijiang at 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) before driving to Shangri-La, which will help some in acclimatizing to the increase in altitude.

Each person can respond to a change in altitude differently, with symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, limited capacity for physical exertion, and loss of appetite. In the event of altitude sickness, we would move to a lower altitude. After plenty of rest, symptoms usually subside. For more information, please consult your doctor.

What kind of hotels are we staying in?

Throughout our journey, we stay in boutique hotels and a homestay that offer a chance to experience the unique flavor and character of the places we visit:

Yourantai (Xishuangbanna): Overlooking the Mekong River, Yourantai is a boutique guesthouse built in typical Dai ethnic minority style and filled with antique Chinese furniture. Yourantai was founded by and is managed by a Swiss couple who have made Xishuangbanna their home.

Hani Village Homestay (Xishuangbanna): Conditions are basic. To make your stay more comfortable, WildChina will provide clean sheets, a small basin, hot water, and a basic toilet tent, which will be placed a short walk from the home.

Laomadian (Shaxi): Laomadian is a local guesthouse housed in a complex of traditional courtyard homes and horse stables that have been transformed into simple and comfortable accommodations reminiscent of the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road. Provides free wireless internet access in the courtyards.

Banyan Tree Lijiang (Lijiang): The Banyan Tree Lijiang is a 5-star resort blending elements of the local traditional Naxi ethnic minority culture and modern amenities. The resort offers a calm respite from the busy, heavily touristed streets of Lijiang Old Town just a 15 minute drive away; at the same time, however, this means early morning strolls are limited to the resort grounds. Provides free wired internet access.

Songtsam Retreat (Shangri-La): The Songtsam Retreat is a Tibetan-style boutique located a short 5-minute drive from Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan province’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Guestrooms feature a blend of authentic Tibetan furniture built by local Tibetan craftsmen, with modern amenities and comforts. Coupled with attentive, English-speaking service, the Songtsam Retreat is one of the best accommodations available in Shangri-La. Provides free wired internet access.

Please note that service may vary and facilities in some places may be more geared to local preferences (i.e. firm beds). Hotels are subject to availability when booking this trip.