Welcome to
Kunming
10-Day Epic Yunnan SUV Road Trip
- Duration240 hours
- Max Travelers15 people
- Category4WD Tours, Adventure Tours
Overview
Hop in our off-road SUV and explore Yunnan over 10 days, driving through Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. Unlike ordinary bus tours, our trip pairs epic cross-region drives with handpicked sightseeing. Enjoy the freedom of the open road while we take care of airport transfers, permit paperwork, safety training and all local support.
Your drive leads you through plateau farmlands, mountain valleys and ethnic villages. Stop off to see Lijiang Ancient Town (a UNESCO site), Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Shangri-La’s Tibetan temples, Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain. We schedule days without long driving stretches, letting you fully absorb local scenery and culture at a relaxed pace.
Built for guests with driving experience, this immersive tour brings together highland adventure, spectacular mountain views, ancient towns and rich multicultural heritage all in one unforgettable trip.
Gallery
What's included
Driving license processing (Only adults aged 18 & above with valid driving licenses may drive)
Lunch
Professional tour leader
Dinner
Breakfast
8u2011night accommodation
Use of Tank 300 vehicle and onu2011board equipment
Entrance tickets for scenic spots on the itinerary
Englishu2011speaking local site guide
What's Not included
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Security Deposit: CNY 10,000 per vehicle (Fully refundable after trip); pay on-site
International flights to and from Kunming
Chinese visa processing fees
Other personal expenses
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Kunming, our pickup service will bring you to downtown Kunming. After checking into your hotel, take a short rest to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment; our team will assist you with setting up internet access and downloading essential apps such as WeChat. Depending on your arrival time, take a walk through central pedestrian areas and experience the city's local atmosphere. Suggested places include Nanping Street and the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways.
The tour team will assist travelers with purchasing travel accident insurance and completing the procedures for a temporary driving permit. Travelers should bring their passports, driving licenses and other required documents.nA tour leader will then provide road-safety training covering traffic regulations, convoy rules, precautions for driving at high altitude and emergency procedures. After the training, vehicles will be assigned and travelers will take a test drive to become familiar with vehicle performance and controls.nIf time permits, travelers may also visit Dianchi Lake Park for a lakeside walk and views of Yunnanu2019s largest freshwater lake.
Leave Kunming and drive northbound for around 300 km to Lijiang along the Hangrui and Huashang Expressways. This winding route cuts through highland mountain ranges and deep valleys with steadily climbing elevation. The landscape shifts from vast flat plateaus and farmlands to rolling foothills, mountain basins and quaint ethnic minority hamlets. In the evening, youu2019ll have free time to wander UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient Town. Stroll its cobblestone lanes and iconic sites including Sifang Street and the Giant Waterwheel. Soak in the glow of lit ancient alleyways and immerse yourself in authentic Naxi ethnic culture.
Visit one of Yunnanu2019s most famous snow mountains and take the major cableway to an elevation of approximately 4,506 meters. Subject to weather and physical condition, travelers may continue on foot to the viewing platform at approximately 4,680 meters for panoramic mountain views.
Walk beside the vivid blue lakes formed by snowmelt from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Enjoy views of the turquoise water, surrounding forests and snow-covered peaks, with time for photography.
Return to Lijiang Old Town in the evening to explore its streets, local shops and nightlife. Travelers may also try local snacks during their free time.
Visit one of the worldu2019s deepest river gorges and see the Jinsha River rushing between steep mountain slopes. Travelers can walk through the scenic area, view the dramatic gorge landscape and take photographs from designated viewpoints.
Stop at a roadside viewpoint near Tiger Leaping Gorge for distant views of Haba Snow Mountain, which rises to approximately 5,396 meters.
Explore the Tibetan-style streets and traditional architecture of Dukezong Ancient Town. Travelers can walk through the old town, visit Guishan Park and enjoy panoramic views, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
See the approximately 21-meter-high Giant Prayer Wheel and join other visitors in turning it clockwise as part of a traditional blessing ritual.
Visit Yunnanu2019s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known for its golden rooftops, traditional religious architecture and highland setting. Travelers will walk through the monastery complex while learning about Tibetan Buddhist culture and local customs.
Pudacuo NaExplore a high-altitude national park featuring alpine lakes, primeval forests, wetlands and open meadows. Depending on the operating route, travelers may walk along the Shudu Lake boardwalk and visit areas near Bita Lake and Militang alpine pasture.tional Park
Enjoy lakeside views of Erhai Lake, Yunnanu2019s second-largest highland freshwater lake. Depending on the final route, travelers may visit Longkan Wharf, Caicun Wharf or part of the ecological corridor for sightseeing and photography.
Walk through Dali Ancient City and experience Bai culture and the townu2019s relaxed atmosphere. Travelers can see landmarks such as Wenxian Tower, Wuhua Tower, the South Gate and Foreigner Street and try local snacks during their free time.
Take cable cars both up and down Cangshan Mountain. Admire layered mountain vistas and sweeping panoramic outlooks of Erhai Lake throughout your trip.
Following lunch, explore Tianlong Babu Film City, a filming complex themed after the classic Chinese novel and hit TV series Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Wander reconstructed palaces, royal mansions and authentic architectural backdrops recreating the ancient Dali Kingdom, Liao Dynasty and Western Xia realm.
Return to Dali Ancient City in the evening to explore the illuminated streets, local shops and nightlife and sample local snacks.
After returning to Kunming and checking in, travelers will have free time to rest, shop or explore the city center. In the evening, they will attend a farewell dinner and may experience Kunmingu2019s nightlife.
Enjoy breakfast according to your flight schedule. A private transfer will take you from your hotel in downtown Kunming to Kunming Changshui International Airport. International travelers are advised to arrive at the airport approximately three hours before departure.
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.