From the Salween to the… (trip)

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From the Salween to the Mekong: Hiking the 19th Century French Explorers' Route

  • Kunming airport, China
  • Culture & Nature
China, Asia

To check availability or book,
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Period offered: Year-round. The provider (view their profile) can provide you with specific departure dates, final prices, and other information.


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Contact provider for price10 DaysYear-round
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 6
Operator: WildChina 16 people max
A hundred years ago, French missionaries traveled over land to Sichuan into the capital city of Chengdu. Further in front of them was a gateway to the vast heartland of Tibetan Buddhism. Unfazed by the awaiting challenges and eager to spread the gospel, they ventured into landlocked valleys in western Sichuan and Yunnan province, spreading their religion. A century since, the churches in these regions are still thriving.


This hike, the original route taken by 19th century French missionaries, will take you to meet the Catholic Tibetan communities along the Salween and Mekong Rivers--two of Asia's mightiest rivers. The hike starts from the Salween River valley, close to the Yunnan / Myanmar (Burma) border and winds up and down the mountains that separate the Salween and Mekong. Eventually, after days of hiking and camping, the journey ends in Shangri-La, the Tibetan town named after the mythical paradise in James Hilton's Lost Horizon. The roads are long and the hikes can at times be demanding, but this trip provides the rare chance of exploring the unknown face of China.

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Locations visited/nearby

China, Asia

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kunming:
Arrive in Kunming. Airport meet and greet.Evening: Opportunity to visit tea houses, cafes and shops in the area.Optional: Foot massage near Green Lake.

                                                        Green Lake Hotel (D)

Day 2 – Kunming - Baoshan - Gongshan:
Early morning: Flight to Baoshan, Morning: Drive to Liuku (3 hours) for lunch, Afternoon: Continue to Gongshan (5 hours) for night.

                                                        Tongbao Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Gongshan - Demalo - Baihanluo Village:
Early morning: Drive from Gongshan to Demalo (Short drive to trailhead), Morning: Hike to Baihanluo Village (2 hours), Visit village’s Catholic Church, Lunch and basketball with Baihanluo women’s team. Afternoon: Hike to campsite (2 hours), Recommended: Quick acclimization hike up to 3,200 meters/10, 499 feet).

                                                    Village campsite (B, L, D)

Day 4– Hike to Biluo Mountain:
Morning: Hike in Biluo Mountain to small valley, Afternoon: Cross over Biluo Mountain pass (3,900 meters / 10, 499 feet).

                                                       Campsite (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Hike through Biluo Mountain:
Strenuous hike in exposed terrain to above 4,200 meters (13,800 feet).

                                                        Campsite by stream (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Descent - Cizhong:
Morning: Descend to 8,200 feet/2, 500 meters, re-ascend to small pass, Afternoon: Steep descent (3 hours)  reach trailhead, Late afternoon: Transfer to Cizhong by private minibus for the night, Evening: Opportunity to visit village church or relax.

                                                         Guesthouse in Cizhong (basic condition) (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Cizhong - Deqin:
Late morning: Back to village church for mass and free time to walk around village and speak with locals, Afternoon: Drive to Deqin (4 hours), Early evening: Explore Deqin before dinner. Opportunity to shop and sample local wine.

                                                       Songstam Meili Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Deqin - Zhongdian:
Morning: Drive to Zhongdian (3-4 hours), visit Nixi Village, Lunch at Songstam Benzilan Lodge, Mid-afternoon: Relax and explore.

                                                        Songstam Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 9 – Zhongdian:
Morning: Visit Songzanlin monastery, Lunch in Zhongdian, Afternoon: Napa Lake Nature Reserve (Optional horseback riding) visit Trinyi Village & Community Center.

                                                       Songstam Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 10 – Return to Kunming:
Early morning: Flight back to Kunming.

                                                        N/A (B)
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

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