Grand Shangri - La Photo Tour

Package Overview

In 2016, join expert photographer and Tibetan guide Philip He on an adventure designed to reveal mysterious and most beautiful part of China---Grand Shangri-La, from the holy mountain surrounded by grassland, glaciers, hot springs to sacred temples, folk house and Chinese minorities. This photography expedition offers a total immersion into the world of wild nature and Tibetan culture. You will follow the local guides who know the best location and best time of shooting in the nature and discover the life of Chinese minorities living in the snow mountains. You will be treated with the divine beauty of nature which could not only satisfy your demand of photography but make you subjugated by the magic of nature.

Highlights:

1.Mount Gongga
Located at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Mount Gongga is the highest mountain in Sichuan, with the highest peak of 7,556 meters (about 24,790 feet) above sea level, enjoying the fame as ‘King of the Mountains in Sichuan Province’.As one of the places where maritime glaciers originate, Mount Gongga is best well-known for its 159 glaciers which cover more than 390 square kilometers (about 151 square miles). The largest is Hailuogou Glacier No.1 at 6 kilometers (about 4 miles) long and 0.4 to 0.7 kilometers (0.25 to 0.43 miles) wide, which is believed to have formed 1,600 years ago. Glaciers in Hailuogou are typical modern marine glaciers, which are rarely found either in low-latitude places or at low altitude. The ice-clad waterfall in Mount Gongga is active all year round, and you will not feel cold walking on the glaciers in summer or autumn.

In the scenic area, there are more than ten plateau lakes some of which are at the foot of glaciers and some are surrounded by forests and all keep their original natural features. Covered by thick forest, it supports 4,880 species of plants and over 400 species of plateau and forest animals, most of which are under special state protection. It is also a wonderful place for wildlife safari.

Except for the glaciers and wildlife, in the east slope of Gongga, there is another phenomenal wonder called “Red Stone Stream” in the Swallow Valley which stretches two hundred meters flowing down from the snow cap. The red color of the stones is dyed by a kind of alga called “Trentepohlia”. The climate is very humid in the area and there is much manganese in the earth which provide a wonderful growing environment for the alga. According to the local, when it rains in the mountain, the stream will be as red as blood.

2.Xinduqiao
Due to the wonderful natural lights and stunning landscape, Xinduqiao is known as the paradise of photographer. It is a picturesque small Tibetan town and famous for its plateau pasture scenery, with vivid green grassland, streams, mountains, and Tibetan counting houses surrounding it.

The best time to do photography during the year is autumn. The first wisp of the dawn's sunshine, or the twilight's last gleam, accompanied with some slow-flying clouds will undoubtedly burnish all the amazing photos you take here. There are no obvious bounds among different attractions which made a “gallery for photographers” lasting 10 kilometers.

Besides the picturesque scenery, the folk houses also make good photos. The small-sized blockhouse, home to local Tibetans, is the most ethnic and typical architecture in Xinduqiao. Usually a blockhouse is built into 2 or 3 floors, in a simple and unsophisticated style. In our photography tour, we can also visit some local family with our local guides to discover the inner design and talk to the local.

3. Litang

Which is the highest city on the earth? I am afraid Lhasa, on the roof of the world---the Tibet plateau, is not the right answer. At an elevation of 4000 meters, Litang is about the highest city in the world, while Lhasa is only 3700m. Litang County is in the high mountains of the Tibetan Plateau with only about 70,000 residents. it is a great place to find great scenery and exotic traditions. Though the elevation is very high, the glassy area is suitable long-distance horse races and tent camping. Every August, there will hold a Litang Horse Racing Festival which was a part of the functions of the Litang monastery---the oldest and largest monastery of the Gelukpa sect (yellow sect) of Tibetan Buddhists in Kham Area. Destroyed in 1956 by the red guards, most buildings of the Litang Monastery have only recently been rebuilt. The festival was canceled in 2008 and 2009. In 2010, a small festival was organized, but it wasn’t widely announced. Situated high on a grassy plateau, Litang has the feel of a rough and tumble 'Wild West' town. It would be very fun to watch the horse racing and camp in the warm weather on the grassland. It will be a original experience to shoot this less organized and less commercialized horse racing event in this kind of stunning nature beauty.

4. Mount Meili

A good photography tour in western China can never exclude Yunnan Province. Meili Snow Mountain, also known as Prince Snow Mountain, is located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northeast of Deqin County of Yunnan Province. It sits on the border of Yunnan Province and Tibet, where the three famous rivers, namely the Jinsha, Mekong (Nu) and Salwen (Lancang) flow.
Known for the grandest view in Yunnan Province, Meili Snow Mountain boasts numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks, thirteen of which exceed 6,000 meters (19.685 feet) above the sea level. The most splendid view is of the Kawagebo Peak, the highest in Yunnan Province rising about 6,740 meters (22,112.86 feet). It is still a 'virgin peak' for no one has ever reached the top. Visitors are treated to spectacular view from all vantage points. The continuous mountain ridges feature snowy peaks and the sun throws golden lights on the low-floating clouds which form various extraordinary shapes, affording yet another splendid view! But mostly, the mountain presents itself as mystery when dense fog and clouds made it a gleaming sight to see and you could hardly resist the temptation to unveil it. You can have a panoramical view of the thirteen towering peaks from the Feilai Temple which is in the west of Deqin County.

Owing to its high altitude, the mountain owns several climatic zones with a diversity of plants, vast expanse of grassland and rich fungi species that are vertically distributed. The types of vegetation here range from the Torrid Zone to Frigid Zone vertically. From the altitude of 2,000 meters (6562 feet) to 4,000 (13123 feet) meters, forests flourish with varieties of spruce. The depth of the forest is an exotic world of rare birds and animals. The meadows surrounding the forests are embellished by countless flowers which add more vitality and charm. Moreover, Meili Snow Mountain is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. 'Kang Karpo Peak' means the God of Snow Mountain in Tibetan, and is a holy land for worshiping. Pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province and Gansu Province come here at the beginning of each winter to worship. Thousands of devout pilgrims worship together and encircle the holy mountain, adding even more mystery and loftiness to it. Though the accessibility to Meili is not good, it is truly wonderland for shooting snow-mountain, various forest flora and fauna and Tibetan culture.

5. Lijiang
Lijiang is considered a fairyland blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snowy mountains and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by friendly people. This is the main region inhabited by the Naxi People, one of China's 55 minority ethnic groups. The Old Town District has the well preserved Lijiang Old Town, listed a World Cultural Heritages site by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of the city and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical local architecture and the profound cultural heritage of the region.

Graced by well-preserved ancient buildings, Lijiang is so enchanting due to the 1,000-year small bridges, swift canals, cobbled streets and grey tiled roofs as well as the ancient legacy of the Naxi ethnic group. While trying to reserve the authenticity, the town is turning very touristy with hundred thousand of tourists visiting every year after announced as the UNESCO site. But it can never veil the charm of Lijiang to photographers who are interested in the architecture and minority culture shooting.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Chengdu

  Upon your arrival in Chengdu, our local guide will meet you at the airport and help you with hotel check-in. If you arrive before 2 pm, we will show you some old parts of Chengdu. There are so many options of the sightseeing in Chengdu. We could visit the historical streets and sites of Chengdu---the capital of Ancient Shu for thousands of years. Sichuan cuisine is among the top four Chinese cuisines, so a food tour will be definitely a highlight. Sichuan opera and the face changing show is also a must see that you don’t want to miss. The itinerary of the city tour will be arranged according to your arriving time and interest. In the evening, we will prepare a welcoming dinner in the local popular typical Sichuan restaurant.
  Overnight: Chengdu (or same grade)
  Meal: D

• Day 2 : Chengdu Panda Base / Hailuogou

  Leaving Chengdu, we are visiting the Chengdu Panda base. It is the best time to see panda early in the morning when they are very active. Chengdu panda base is the breeding center that has the most giant panda in the world. In 2015, there are 13 panda cubs born including 6 pairs of twins. Here you can see panda in different ages. Our panda expert will tell you many stories of panda you may not know. You will definitely have an absolute panda experience! After the panda base, we will drive all the way south towards Gongga Mountain and visit Hailuogou glacier next day. We will stay in a beautiful old town down the hill called Moxi.
  Overnight: Moxi
  Meal: BLD

• Day 3 : Hailuogou/ Kangding

  The golden roof of Mount Gangga at sunrise is spectacular. We will get up early to capture this moment if the weather condition permits. As one of the places where maritime glaciers originate, Mount Gongga is best well-known for its 159 glaciers. We are visiting the largest glacier Hailuogou No.1 which is the only glacier found at the lowest latitude in the world. Another wonder in Gongga we won’t miss is the Red Stone Stream at Yajiageng in Swallow Valley. The rocks are red because of the parasitic alga on them. In the evening we will drive to Kangding---the city of love song for the overnight stay.
  Overnight: Kangding
  Meal: BLD

• Day 4 : Kangding/ Xinduqiao

  Leaving Kangding in the morning, we are going to the paradise of photography---Xinduqiao. We will spend a day here taking photos of landscapes and architectures in the different sunlight during the day.
  Overnight: Xinduqiao
  Meal: BLD

• Day 5 : Xinduqiao/ Litang

  After a lot of photographic shooting in Xinduqiao, we are driving up to Litang---one of the highest cities on the earth. The bright sunlight on the high elevation dresses every farm, folk house or the wildlife on the high grassland glorious color. The idyllic pastoral landscape and lifestyle will definitely refresh your body and soul.
  Overnight: Litang
  Meal: BLD

• Day 6 : Litang/ Xiangcheng

  On the way to Xiangcheng, we will spot the beautiful villages scattered amongst wheat-field-paddies in the valley ground. The large, cubicle houses look like little castles and with their white-chalked exterior walls they give the whole valley a very exotic air. Xiangcheng belongs to the ancient Tibetan province of Kham. Being a necessary overnight-stop on the 'Backdoor'-route to Yunnan, the town is a pleasant place to linger or to serve as starting point for excursions into the surrounding mountain areas. After the overnight in Xiangcheng, we continue venturing south to Yunnan Province.
  Overnight: Xiangcheng
  Meal: BLD

• Day 7 : Xiangcheng/ Deqin

  We are heading Deqin to meet Meili. It will be a long driving day with twisty mountain roads and mount climbing up and down. Our local guides will schedule many terrific stories and explanations to any of the question came up to you to provide you a better understanding of China.
  Overnight: Deqin
  Meal: BLD

• Day 8 : Deqin

  After the long day on the road, the Mount Meili will definitely treat you grandly with her indescribable grace. We will drive up some of the best spots for photographic shooting. After all the tremendous work, we treat ourselves in some fine local restaurant to change the channel of our stomach from Sichuan cuisine to Yunnan cuisine.
  Overnight: Deqin
  Meal: BLD

• Day 9 : Deqin/ Lijiang

  After the first magnificent glance of Yunnan, we continue heading to our final destination---Lijaing, a land of minority people and culture. Lijiang is a well developed tourist destination. It owns some of the finest lodging and dining of unique Yunnan minority style. Some people call it the “Shangri-La in the dreamland”. Life slows down here and flow with the rhythm of the stream in front of every house. We are going to record all these with our camera and all the senses we got. A total immersion in this song of Shangri-La makes it never easy to step away. And we leave you here with the delightful nature and lovely people and finish the journey of your Grand Shangri-La.
  Overnight: Deqin
  Meal: BLD

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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