Tea Trail to the Yangtze

Duration: 10 days

Average group size: 5-10

2010 Dates: April 29-May 8

Join us for a first-time exploration of a trail we've had our eye on for a couple of years. This spur of the ancient Tea & Horse Trail starts in Dali, but unlike the main route it bypasses Lijiang and heads straight for the Jinsha River, where it pauses at the old town of Shigu, which sits on the celebrated First Bend in the Yangtze, as the Jinsha becomes known further downstream. We will begin this mini-expedition on market day in the caravan town of Shaxi, about halfway between Dali and the Jinsha. In the old days, caravans rested and resupplied here, and also picked up cargoes of salt from the famous wells around the Shaxi valley. Once beyond Mapingguan on the 2nd day, we will enter unexplored territory, but expect to be trekking through Bai and Yi villages for a couple of days before reaching the predominantly Lisu area on and around Mt Laojun, a little-visited but highly reputed natural beauty spot. After crossing Mt Laojun, the final stretch of this trek leads along the Chongjiang River to the Naxi town of Shigu and the "First Bend". With the spring flowers in full bloom, we anticipate a colourful and adventurous journey.

Highlights

Moderately challenging 6-day trek along unexplored section of the Tea & Horse Trail
Colourful market day in Shaxi
Stay in the lovely Old Horse Inn overlooking China's best-preserved market square
Wildflowers, wildlife and Lisu of towering Mt Laojun, 4,247 meters above sea level
Ancient caravan and market town of Shigu
Stunning views of "First Bend in the Yangtze"

Shaxi-Shigu Route Map

For enquiries and a full trip dossier, please write to ed@redrocktrek.com

TREK DETAILS IN BRIEF

Day 1: Join tour in Dali

Hotel, evening meal

Day 2: Shaxi

Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3: Shaxi - Mapingguan

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 4: Mapingguan - Madeng

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 5: Madeng - Mt Laojun

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 6: Mt Laojun

Camp (B L ,D)

Day 7: Mt Laojun - Chongjiang River

Camp (B, L ,D)

Day 8: Chongjiang River - Shigu

Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 9: Shigu - Lijiang

Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 10: Tour ends

Transfers available to Lijiang Airport

Breakfast only