Yunnan Cycle and Tiger Leaping Gorge

14 days (Kunming)

Destinations visited: China, Kūnmíng, World

Grading:

Moderate level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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An in-depth exploration of Yunnan's stunning natural beauty by bike

Yunnan, home to many minorities, is arguably one of China's most breathtaking and fascinating regions. To enable you to get up close to its colourful ethnic minorities and stunning natural environment, we have designed an adventure like no other. From the provincial capital of Kunming we head to Dali to experience a rural Xizhou village and start our cycling. A day discovering the beautiful Er Lake and then cycling out on rural roads, crossing ancient bridges to Shaxi. Traveling out to small Naxi villages where we take a break from a cycles but not the adventure as we hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge staying in small local guesthouses along the trail. After our hike we will jump back on our cycles to the tiny town of Da Ju on the banks of the Yangtze River. Taking the backroads out we cross the snow capped peaks of Jade Dragon mountain to the World Heritage town of Lijiang. Exploring the Lashi Lake and learning about the Naxi people before this adventure ends back in Kunming.

Highlights

Wander the cobble stone street of Dali
Step back in time in the ancient city of Shaxi
Get up close to Yunnan’s colourful ethnic minorities and rare natural environments
Cycle through remote rural landscapes and villages of China
Hike through the dramatic beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge
Discover the World Heritage town of Lijiang

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

On arrival you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. If you would like to arrange an arrival transfer World Expeditions can arrange this for you, please ask your reservations consultant for details. Your tour leader will meet you in the hotel lobby where a trip briefing will be held at around 5.00pm. This evening we head out for a welcome dinner at a delicious local restaurant.

Day 2 Kunming to Dali

This morning we drive by private bus to the colourful town of Dali (approx 3 hours). Dali is well known for its colourful people, embroidery, rich agriculture, famous marble, and excellent breed of horses. The historic home of the Bai people, this stunning town is the capital of the region. Dali was also the capital of the Nanzhao kingdom during the 8th and 9th centuries and at its height conquered much of Burma, parts of Vietnam, Thailand, and parts of the Sichuan province. Later Kublai Khan conquered this stone city of Pagodas. We spend the afternoon getting fitted for our bikes, before a warm up ride to visit the 3 Pagodas. Tonight we enjoy a Tibetan feast in amongst the cobble stoned streets.

Day 3 Dali, cycle around Er Lake

Today we start with a leisurely ride around Er Lake. Er Lake lies at the eastern foot of the snow-covered Cangshan Mountains and is considered an important food source for the local people. Famously, fishmongers have trained cormorants to catch fish and return these to them. The birds are prevented from swallowing their fish by rings fixed around their neck. En-route we visit a local minority village and the Dali Ethnic Museum. Cycling Distance 40km-50km

Day 4 Transfer to Er Yuan, cycle to Shaxi

Transfer by bus to Er Yuan. We enjoy a pleasant ride on some rough roads, as we get off the beaten track cycling through pine forests on our way to the ancient city of Shaxi (pronounced 'Shah Shee'). Shaxi is relatively off the tourist map, and as such we are able to experiences its beautiful ancient bridges, local markets squares and traditional architecture without the tourist hordes! Cycling Distance 61km

Day 5 In Shaxi

Today we will acquaint ourselves with this wonderful town and its people, with a full day of sightseeing. The Sideng market square of Shaxi was added to the World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites in 2001. Shaxi started as a trading point for tea and horses during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) and the town was at its height during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368 – 1912). It is probably the most intact horse caravan town on the Ancient tea route leading from Yunnan into Burma and Tibet. We visit the old town before hiking (optional) to the ancient Shibao Shan Grotto. The most well known sight at Shibao Shan is the Stone Bell Temple with its 139 well preserved stone carvings. These magnificent stone carvings date back 1300 years, and are testimony to a time when Mahayana Buddhism from Tibet started to spread in the Yunnan area. Another fascinating sight is the Baoxiang Temple which was built on the ledge of a nearly vertical cliff and can only be reached by a long flight of stairs. On a clear day the views from the Temple over the valley are magnificent.

Day 6 Cycle to Shigu

One of the toughest cycling days of the tour, the ride from Shaxi to Shigu takes us through spectacular mountainous terrain. The people of this area are minority people who are bound to give us a wave as we cycle by. Our destination is Shigu, a popular place for Chinese day trippers who come to see the "First bend in the Yangtze River". While Shigu it popular by day it is virtually free of visitors by night- just us and the local residents! Cycling Distance 90km

Day 7 Cycle to Qiao Tou, hike to Naxi Village

The ride today is undulating and passes through beautiful rural villages. On arrival in the small village of Qiao Tou we leave our bikes behind and commence our trek into the famous Tiger Leaping gorge. This stunning gorge is one of the deepest in the world. It is 16km long and 3900m high from the waters of Jinsha River to the snow capped mountain tops of Haba Mountain. It is no wonder, with its jaw dropping views, that the Chinese consider this gorge amongst the most treasured natural wonders in all of China. We spend the evening star gazing from our small guesthouse, owned by people from the Naxi minority group. Cycling distance 70km

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Day 8 Hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge

A spectacular day of hiking as we continue on the high trail, following dirt tracks to our overnight guesthouse. Today we pass through small villages and criss cross the ’24 bends’ that make up this upper trail. Tonight we relax in a lovely simple guest house, nestled into the hillside.

Day 9 Complete trek, ferry from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Da Ju

Today we are reunited with our bikes and continue our adventure. After a relaxing morning ride we make an exhilarating crossing on a local barge to the tiny river side town of Da Ju. Set on the banks of the Yangtze River we enjoy a wonderful nights stay in a small guest house. Cycling distance 20km

Day 10 Da Ju to Lijiang

Get set for a challenging days ride with rewards to match! We cycle up and up on paved roads to the highest point of the trip at 3300m. The support vehicle will be there carry you and your bike if you wish to cruise along at any stage. From the top we are treated to stunning views that look down into a valley dotted with traditional courtyard farm houses. Our final destination of Lijang is a fascinating town famous for its cobblestone alley ways, canals, and intriguing Naxi minority culture. We check into our traditional courtyard hotel in the old town of Lijiang before heading out to explore the labyrinth of alleyways that give Lijiang its character. Cycling Distance 90km

Day 11 Lijiang, cycle around Lashi Lake

An easier day of cycling,we head out of town toward the beautiful Lashi Lake. The terrain is undulating as we cycle off road through villages and farmland belonging to the Naxi and Yi minority people. We will spend time at the Zhi Yun temple (a working Buddhist monastery) and enjoy a picnic on the banks of this lovely lake. In harvest season farmers lay their grain out on the road for the odd passing car, bike, people or horse to thresh as they travel over it! This evening we enjoy a meal in the old town sampling some of the local delicacies. Cycling Distance approx 40km

Day 12 Lijiang to Wen Hai loop ride

Today's ride is very pretty as we cycle amongst evergreen pine forest with the snowy peaks of Jade Snow Mountain as our backdrop. After a short ride off road to view the Buddhist fresco paintings of Baisha, we embark on a gradual ascent to Yu Feng Temple, then loop back to town. This evening you can enjoy an evening meal and local drinks! Cycling Distance approx 50km

Day 13 Fly to Kunming

This morning you are free to explore the World Heritage listed town of Lijang at your own leisure. In the afternoon we will be transferred to the airport for our fight to Kunming. Tonight we celebrate our fantastic cycling efforts with a farewell dinner!

Day 14 Trip concludes

Following breakfast our trip concludes. Should you require assistance with any further arrangements please ask your reservations consultant.

Additional Information

Inclusions

13 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 9 dinners
Internal flight from Lijiang/Kunming valued at US$90
Comfortable well located hotels and guesthouses
Expert English speaking local guide
Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
21 speed touring bikes
Support vehicle on cycling days
Private air-conditioned vehicles
Group medical kit
Water on cycling and hiking days

Summary

8 day cycle
2 day hike
13 nights hotel/guesthouse

Trip Main Activities

Adventure Touring
Cycling
Trekking

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

You are required to supply your own bike helmet on this trip (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

A support vehicle is available on all cycling days to carry your luggage and you when your legs get tired. On touring and hiking days you will be required to carry a day pack with your water bottle, camera, sunscreen and other personal items.

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Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site

from
USD$2,690

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