China14 days
Yunnan by Bike: Mountain Passes, River Gorges & Minority Villages — 14 Days
Cycle through high-altitude grasslands, river gorges, and traditional villages from Lijiang to Dali via Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shaxi.
This 14-day cycling journey through Yunnan's northwestern plateau connects a sequence of minor roads, farm trails, and mountain passes that link the old towns of Lijiang, Shaxi, and Dali. The route passes through Naxi, Bai, and other minority villages, follows the Jinsha River (the upper Yangtze) for two days, traverses the Tiger Leaping Gorge on foot, and includes a pair of rest days for hiking and town exploration. Accommodation alternates between guest houses in remote areas and mid-range hotels in town centers. Support vehicles carry luggage and manage technical climbs. Day 4, around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, presents sustained climbing and altitude exposure.
Highlights
- Cycling around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain through high alpine meadows and yak pasture.
- Traverse of Tiger Leaping Gorge on foot and bike, following the Jinsha River.
- Remote sections along the Jinsha River's right bank on twisting mountain trails with views of waterfalls and minority settlements
- Overnight stays in traditional Naxi and Bai villages with opportunities to meet local families
- Cycling around Erhai Lake to the Three Pagodas near Dali, with views across Cangshan Mountain
- Shibao Grotto on the ridgeline above Shaxi, a hilltop temple complex with Tibetan Buddhist carvings
- Cycling to the First Bend of the Yangtze River near Shigu, a geographical landmark where the river changes direction sharply
Day by day
1Arrival in KunmingKunming · U Choice Hotel
Arrive in Kunming at any time. Evening group meeting at the hotel lobby, followed by an orientation walk. Overnight at U Choice Hotel, a 3-star property in the city center.
2Lijiang Arrival & First Ride to Yu Feng TempleLijiang · Yu Feng Temple · old town · Wangfu Hotel
Morning flight to Lijiang, arriving mid-afternoon. Transfer by private vehicle to the old town. Time to walk cobbled streets and visit shops. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rises to the north. Group safety briefing and bike fitting precedes a warm-up ride to Yu Feng Temple. Overnight at Wangfu Hotel, a 4-star property in the old town.
3Cycling Backcountry Routes to Lashi LakeLashi Lake · farmland and hillside villages · Zhi Yun Temple
Cycle through farmland and hillside villages tucked away from main traffic routes. Picnic lunch at Zhi Yun Temple, a Tibetan Lama temple. Continue cycling through afternoon to Lashi Lake: terrain transitions from hillside to meadow and water. Support vehicle accompanies the group. Approximately 4–5 hours riding total. Overnight in local accommodation.
4Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Circuit: High-Altitude CyclingJade Dragon Snow Mountain · Da Ju
This day involves the tour's longest distance and greatest climbing. Cycle around lower slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain through high alpine meadows and grassland. Yaks graze across the plateau; snowfields visible on the distant north face. Bike ride on a mixture of paved minor roads and rough track. Support vehicle present. Overnight in basic guest house in Da Ju.
5Jinsha River Gorge: Ferry Crossing, Mountain Trails & WaterfallsJinsha River · Walnut Grove guest house · mountain trails above Jinsha River · Naxi and Tibetan settlements
Cycle to a ferry crossing over the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze River course). Ferry crossing. Immediately after crossing, bike onto twisting mountain trails that traverse steeply above the water. Route passes through settlements occupied by Naxi and Tibetan communities scattered across steep hillsides. Waterfalls cascade down rock faces alongside the route. Road surface is rough with constant winding, climbing, and descending as it tracks the river's course. Total riding on mountain trails. All meals included. Overnight in Walnut Grove guest house.
6Tiger Leaping Gorge: Transition to Hiking & Naxi Village VisitTiger Leaping Gorge · a Naxi village · guest house
Transition from bikes to hiking. Hike uphill through mountains, passing rivers and waterfalls en route. Snowy peaks remain visible across the valley. Hiking among the mountains on mountain trails. Enter a Naxi village; spend time with local residents learning about daily practices and settlement patterns in this minority community. All meals included. Overnight in guest house.
7Cycling to the First Bend of the Yangtze RiverNaxi village to cycling starting point · First Bend of the Yangtze River near Shigu · Shigu guest house
Walk from Naxi village to cycling starting point (approximately 2 km, 30 minutes). Bike along quiet mountain roads to the First Bend of the Yangtze River near Shigu, a geographical marker where the river curves sharply. Pass through rice fields and small villages. Ride on paved minor roads. All meals included. Overnight in Shigu guest house.
8Country Roads into Shaxi Old TownShaxi old town · country roads through green fields
Ride country roads through green fields with twisting rivers and small villages visible throughout. Riding on paved and unpaved minor roads. Arrive in Shaxi old town. Walk cobbled streets and courtyards; visit local market. The town retains Ming and Qing-era architecture and functions as a working community, not a reconstructed site. All meals included. Overnight in guest house.
9Shaxi Rest Day: Shibao Grotto HikeShaxi · Shaxi to Shibao Grotto
No cycling. Spend the morning hiking from Shaxi to Shibao Grotto, a hilltop temple complex with carved Buddhist figures and Tibetan religious artwork. Walking up the mountain. The walk offers views across the valley. Afternoon free to walk and visit Shaxi at your own pace. All meals included. Overnight in guest house.
10Shaxi to Er Yuan: Mountain Bike Across Back RoadsShaxi to Er Yuan · back roads
Transfer from Shaxi to Er Yuan starting point by private vehicle. Pick up mountain bikes. Ride through back roads on mixture of paved and unpaved surfaces, passing through mountain terrain, water features, meadows, and traditional villages. Riding through the back road. Support vehicle accompanies the group with drinking water provided throughout the day. All three meals included. Hotel overnight.
11Bus Transit to Dali & Three Pagodas CircuitDali · Three Pagodas · Three Pagodas area · old town
Bus ride to Dali in the morning. Pick up bikes and cycle through the Three Pagodas area, viewing Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Cycle through the Three Pagodas. Walk through old town's traditional Bai folk houses, which feature upturned eaves, intricately carved windows, and grey-green roof tiles. Streams run through the streets. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in hotel.
12Dali: Full Loop Around Erhai LakeErhai Lake · a Bai village settlement · an islet on the lake
Cycle a complete circuit around Erhai Lake with sustained views of Cangshan Mountain across the water. Visit a Bai village settlement en route, then bike to an islet on the lake. Full day bike around Er Lake. Support vehicle accompanies the ride with drinking water provided. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in hotel.
13Return to KunmingKunming · hotel
Bus transfer back to Kunming. Check in to hotel. Afternoon free for independent exploration of the city. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in hotel.
14Kunming Departure
After breakfast, you are free to depart Kunming at any time that suits you.
Where you go
- 1Kunming
- 2Lijiang
- 3Shaxi Old Town
- 4Dali
- 5Kunming
Included
- Accommodation: Hotels（7 nights）Guest house (6 nights)
- Transport: flight and private van
- Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 7 Dinners
- Guide: Tour leader throughout
- Included activities:
- Lijiang Old Town, Lashi Lake, Lama Temple, Mt. Jade Dragon Snow, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shaxi Old Town, Shibao Grotto, Dali Old Town and 3 Pagodas
- Bike ride Day 2 – Day 13
- Included gear:
- 27 speed mountain bike and bike helmet.
- E-bike is available for an extra charge of @US$180.00
- Support vehicle for passengers and luggage
- Drinking water in 19 liter jar is provided daily
Not included
- Excluded:
- International flight
- Expenses of personal nature
- Gratuity
- Things not expressly mentioned inclusive above