Yunnan Photo Research Tour
Photo tour in China | 15 days Ex Kunming | US$3,500
Once-off research tour to explore the tribes and trails in Yunnan province, starting in Kunming and journeying through Dali, Lijiang and Zhongdian.
The photography research tours are a unique travel experience designed for exceptional photographic opportunities. They are unlike our regular tours. You wont get five star hotels, the itinerary can change on short notice and you'll be on a journey that may never be repeated with Grasshopper Adventures.
The trip is open to just 3 passengers. You will join photographer Ewen Bell on his first exploration of Yunnan province. We'll meet in the city of Kunming and take an overnight train to Dali. For the next two weeks we have our own private driver, heading north to Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Zhongdian.
Our small group size allows us flexibile opportunities to stop on the way as we desire, to drive into small villages and benefit from the local knowledge of our guides. Accommodation along the way is limited to guest houses, but all the way we'll have twin rooms and private bathrooms.
Being in a small group also provides us with a little companionship and some practical benefits, especially at meal times when we share a typical chinese banquet.
Itinerary
Day 1-2 | Kunming
We meet in Kunming on the evening of day one. The next day is free to explore the city and it's attractions, and the evening of day 2 we board the overnight train to Dali.
Days 3-4 | Dali
We have all of day 3 to explore Dali and then on day 4 we have a local guide to help us explore the surrounding areas, including the market at Xizhou, Bai villages and Ming Architecture.
Days 5-6 | Shaxi
We drive to the Shaxi valley and have two nights to explore the very quiet region and make a study of the Bai and Yi people.
Days 7-10 | Lijiang
We have four days based in Lijiang, with a whole day to explore the quiet streets away from tourists, another day to visit Naxi villages with the help of a local guide, and the best part of two more days to explore optional highlights such as Shigu, Baishui and Haba. This is also where we can visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Days 11-12 | Tiger Leaping Gorge
We leave Lijiang for an overnight trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge. We will have a porter to carry our overnight essentials, leaving us free to carry the cameras. The climb is steep, rising through 900m in the space of a few hours. Overnight is at a remote guest house and the next day we hike down through the gorge and see the tiger leaping stone. Photography may not be wonderful here, but it would be a shame to miss the gorge having travelled so far.
Days 13-14 | Zhongdian
This town is now known by its new name of "Shangri La". Here we touch on the Tibetan culture, a town high in the hills and surrounded by vast mountains, meadows and Tibetan influences. We have time to photograph the monastary and visit the Trinye village.
Day 15 | Departure
We will be on a flight out of Zhongdian to Kunming, ready to catch our international connections to fly home.
Facts and Information
Style
photographic research exploration
Inclusions
accompanying photographer who will also be your leader, transfers from airport to hotel at Kunming, train to Dali, driver and van for private touring, porters, guides, accommodation, most meals and the domestic flight back to Kunming.
Group Size
maximum 3
Accommodation
1 night in 3-star hotel, 13 nights local guesthouse, 1 night sleeper train
Meals Included
14 breakfasts, and most lunches and dinners
Instructing Photographer
Ewen Bell
Click here to see Ewen Bell's website
Camera Requirements
Digital SLR or Compact Digital
Difficulty Rating
moderate/challenging
