11-Day Shangri-La Wild Journey: Wildlife and Tibetan culture

land with unique flora and fauna discovered over a century ago. Transfer to the Lisu village of Lizhu at the foot of the Laojun Mountain. Search for bird species rare elsewhere, such as the White-speckled Laughingthrush and Mrs. Hume's Pheasant. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner followed by a briefing session about the "Hidden Realm of Shangri-La."

Also look for other birds including Black-faced Laughingthrush, Spectacled Laughingthrush, Grey-winged Laughingthrush, Brown-headed Parrotbill, Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Spotted Laughingthrush, White-browed Bush Robin, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Gould's Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Buff-barred Warbler, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Brown Bullfinch, Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, and the White-bellied Woodpecker.

Check into our exclusive forest lodge within the habitat of the mysterious Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey. With guides, search for the monkeys and listen to local conservationists' stories about their discovery and protection.

endangered and endemic Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey, notable for its black-and-white coat, large round eyes, red lips, and distinctive "punk" hairstyle.

Enjoy a characteristic Tibetan dinner featuring Tibetan fragrant pork and butter tea at a restaurant overlooking meadows, villages, and monasteries.

Ascend its long stairs, explore its astounding religious atmosphere and Tibetan artworks, and learn about the local culture and worldview.

It's a key site for observing the plateau-endemic Black-necked Crane, along with other birds like Black Stork, Bar-headed Goose, White-tailed Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Common Crane, Ring-necked Pheasant, Tufted Duck, Eurasian Bittern, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Wallcreeper, White-throated Dipper, Alpine Accentor, and Greylag Goose.

Learn about the craft's materials, process, and cultural significance, and savor the local specialty, Nixi chicken.

At dusk, visit the Feilai Temple platform for a Sang ritual facing the snow mountains, hoping for a glimpse of the "Golden Mountain" sunset glow.

s known as "Yunnan's Last Secret." Immerse in its quiet, mist-shrouded primeval forests, a haven for rare and unique wildlife and plants.

Meet elderly women with traditional facial tattoos to learn about this fading custom. Led by experts, search for the valley's avian treasure, the rare and range-restricted Sclater's Monal. Also look for other rare endemic species like the endangered Phayre's Langur, Gaoligong Mountains Takin, and the Fire-tailed Myzornis.

onwards), including numerous orchid species like various Gastrochilus and Bulbophyllum, Pleione, and Pholidota, as well as rhododendrons. Transfer to Gongshan.

View and learn about the centuries-old Yunnan rice terraces carved into the mountainous landscape.

Join a local "Dabiya" dance, listen to love ballads, and enjoy a Nu-style hand-eating rice meal.

ith a complete vegetation spectrum from tropical to temperate forest. Search for its astounding birdlife (over 430 species recorded), which may include: Scarlet Finch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-throated Hill Partridge, Streaked Spiderhunter, Pygmy Cupwing, Pale-footed Bush Warbler, Whiskered Yuhina, David's Fulvetta, Grey-cheeked Fulvetta, White-bellied Erpornis, Black-headed Sibia, Long-tailed Sibia, Beautiful Sibia, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Chestnut-throated Shrike-babbler, Red-winged Shrike-babbler, White-bellied Redstart, Rufous-capped Babbler, Black-headed Babbler, Golden Babbler, Flavescent Bulbul, Striated Bulbul, Brown-breasted Bulbul, Collared Finchbill, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Greater Yellownape...

Explore this city on a tectonic boundary, known for its dormant volcanoes and hot springs. Walk ancient ginkgo-lined streets, sample local dishes like Steam Pot Chicken, and relax in a hot spring.