Valley to Summit
Twelve days in north-west Yunnan, from the lakes of Dali to the Tibetan plateau
Climbing slowly
You start in Kunming, at about 1,900 metres, with your first Qi Gong practice by Green Lake. Every few days we sleep a little higher, first in Eryuan by the lakes of Dali, then in Shuhe and finally in Shangri-La, at 3,300. Your body has time to adjust, and on the tenth day you’re on top of Shika Mountain, at about 4,450 metres.
Along the way there are hot springs for tired legs, a morning with a guest master, tea with a Bai family in Shaxi and a Tibetan dinner to celebrate the summit.
If you practise Qi Gong or Tai Chi, this is a chance to do it in the country where both were born. It also suits anyone in good shape who wants a proper challenge without being a mountaineer.
Climb high, sleep low
There are six challenges up to the summit, each with two levels. Every morning you choose yours, depending on how you feel. Tap any of them to see it.
All the challenges, with both levels
1. Find your pace · Day 3 · Shore of Lake Cibi
Level A: About 8 km along the shore of Lake Cibi, to find your pace.
Level B: About 4 km along the shore, unhurried.
2. Be still · Day 4 · With a guest master
Level A: Tree posture or silent meditation, 30 minutes, with a guest master.
Level B: The same practice, 15 minutes.
3. The first climb · Day 5 · Cangshan Mountain
Level A: On foot up to the Jade Belt path: about 600 m of climb, at your own pace.
Level B: Cable car and a flat walk along the Jade Belt path.
4. Time alone · Day 6 · Shibaoshan
Level A: Two hours alone by the Shibaoshan grottoes.
Level B: An hour, close to the group.
5. The long day · Day 8 · Tiger Leaping Gorge
Level A: The high trail and the “28 bends”. It’s the long day, announced in advance, with a stop every 30–60 minutes.
Level B: The low path, down to the river viewpoint.
6. The summit · Day 10 · Shika Mountain
Level A: Cable car and the last stretch on foot, slowly, up to the top at 4,450 m, with silent practice at the summit. There and back in a day.
Level B: The meadow at the bottom, where we also celebrate the summit.
Day by day
Days 1–2Flight and Kunming
Day 3Dali and Eryuan
Day 4With a master
Day 5Cangshan and Lake Erhai
Day 6Shibaoshan and Shaxi
Day 7Shuhe
Day 8The gorge
Day 9Songzanlin
Day 10The summit
Days 11–12Heading home
Is it for you?
Who it’s for
Level A (4 of 5): for people in good shape who want a challenge at altitude. Level B (2 of 5): for people who walk now and then. It’s a natural choice for Qi Gong and Tai Chi practitioners.
Who it’s not for
People who want to see lots of cities in a few days. If you have heart or breathing problems, please only come with your doctor’s go-ahead, because of the altitude.
What the trip includes
Included
- International flights and an internal flight
- Train and private coach
- 9 nights in hotels
- Full board and two banquets
- Entrance fees, cable cars and workshops
- Guest masters and meetings
- Qi Gong teacher and a team with you the whole trip
- Tips and donations
- Adventure insurance valid up to 5,000 m: medical expenses, evacuation, repatriation and cancellation
- Eight weeks of preparation, expedition notebook and follow-up
Not included
- Getting to the departure airport, which the agency confirms, and home again
- Visa, if your passport needs one in 2027
- Single room (supplement)
- Drinks outside meals
- Personal expenses
Small groups
There’s one member of our team for every eight travellers. We stick to the programme and only change it for reasons beyond our control. If that ever happens, you’ll hear from us in writing, with another option.
Getting used to the altitude. We go up in stages (1,890, 2,060, 2,400 and 3,300 m) and follow the protocol in the standard medical guidance. That means three nights in Shangri-La, an easy first 48 hours and a check every morning.
The essentials
You’ll get the full list, including clothes and a first-aid kit, once your place is confirmed.
Private groups
We can run it on another date in the season, just for your team. The trip is booked through your own travel agency or a registered agency we suggest, and we run the programme. Write to df@dragonflyhubagency.com and we’ll put together a proposal.
- A private nine-day version for teams, with meetings with masters and a cross-cultural leadership programme.
- Dates to suit you in spring or autumn.
- A big trip to reward a team or to mark a turning point.
What people ask us
Do I need a visa?
It depends on your passport. At the moment Spanish citizens can enter without a visa until 31 December 2026, and we’ll confirm the 2027 requirements when places open. Before you go, also check with a travel clinic about vaccinations.
What about the altitude?
We never sleep higher than 3,300 m, and the summit is there and back in a day. Anyone with symptoms doesn’t go up, and comes down with a guide.
Do I need to know Qi Gong?
No. Every morning there’s a 30 to 40 minute session for all levels.
The trip will be organised by a registered travel agency, which we’ll name when places open.
Interest list
Shall we let you know?
We’re finalising the dates, price and conditions. Leave us your email and you’ll get them before anyone else, along with how to sign up.
There’s nothing to pay and no commitment. We’ll only write to you about Dragonfly Expeditions, and you can unsubscribe whenever you like. The trip will be organised by a registered travel agency, which we’ll name when places open.