Private journeys · 24–30 October
Yunnan motorcycle journey
A circular route through Dali, Erhai Lake, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, and Shaxi — for riders who value the road as much as the destination.
- 7
- days
- 6
- nights
- 5
- stays
- 1
- circular route
The road is part of the journey
High country, old towns, and the roads of north-west Yunnan.
The journey begins beside Erhai Lake, moves through old Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and high-altitude Shangri-La, then returns to Dali through the intimate old town of Shaxi.
Mountain riding, cultural stops, and considered accommodation form one itinerary. Daily sequencing may change with weather, road conditions, altitude, and current access requirements.
Explore YunnanTour presentation
The complete programme in one file.
Download the updated presentation with the day-by-day route, accommodation, and key journey conditions.
PowerPoint · 12 slides · updated 4 September 2026Route diagram
The circular journey, shown in six clear stages.
Dali and Erhai → Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La → Shaxi → Dali. Arrows show the travel sequence; exact roads are confirmed before departure against current conditions.
Arrows show the direction of travel
- 0124–25Dali · Erhai
- 0226Lijiang
- 0327Tiger Leaping Gorge
- 0427Shangri-La
- 0528Shaxi
- 0629–30Dali · route complete
Day by day
Seven days in motion.
- 01–0224–25 October
Dali and Erhai
Arrival · preparation · Erhai LakeMeet-and-greet and transfer, medical check, support with the required driving documents, and an unhurried start beside the lake.
- 0326 October
Erhai → Lijiang
Dali · Shuanglang · G348 · BaishaRide the eastern shore of Erhai, continue toward Lijiang, and pause in the historic town of Baisha.
- 0427 October
Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La
Lijiang · gorge · Pudacuo · Shangri-LaA high-country transition through one of the route’s most dramatic sections, ending in Shangri-La.
- 0528 October
Shangri-La → Shaxi
Songzanlin · Napa Lake · G214 · ShaxiA cultural morning, followed by the mountain road G214 and an evening in Shaxi’s old town.
- 0629 October
Shaxi → Dali
Western Erhai · Xizhou · Yunxiang MountainReturn to Dali along the western shore with stops in Xizhou and around Yunxiang Mountain.
- 0730 October
Dali: route complete
Dali · airport transferA final morning by the water, completion of the circular route, and an arranged transfer for departure.
Accommodation
Five stops, five distinct moods.
The route uses high-standard hotels or villas selected to match the pace of each stage.
See Mountains & Sea
Nanwood River Estate
Banyan Tree Ringha
Senxi Aesthetics Art Boutique Inn
Jingyue Meiji Seaview
Named properties are confirmed at booking and may be replaced without reducing the stated service level.
Journey organisation
Route, motorcycles, and crew operate as one system.
Comfort
High-standard accommodation, programme meals, transfers, and a carefully paced daily plan.
Motorcycle and route
Motorcycle rental, support with temporary driving documents, admission tickets, and a support vehicle.
Crew
Two Russian-speaking coordinators, a local motorcycle guide, an English-speaking guide, a doctor, and a technician.
Support
Insurance support, route checks, and operational adjustments when weather or road conditions change.
Yunnan in motion
Documentary views from the road and the air.
Practical questions
What to know before the journey.
Do I need motorcycle riding experience?
Yes. This is a mountain-road itinerary for confident riders. Before confirming participation, the team asks about experience, preferred motorcycle type, and relevant health constraints.
How are driving documents handled in China?
The programme includes support with temporary driving documentation. Final eligibility depends on current requirements, the documents supplied, and the medical check.
Can the motorcycle model or route be adjusted?
Motorcycle preferences and selected programme elements are discussed before confirmation. The route may change because of weather, road conditions, altitude, or current access rules.
What happens to luggage during riding days?
Main luggage can travel in the support vehicle so riders carry only the essentials required on the road.
Can a non-riding companion join?
A companion format is considered individually, subject to vehicle capacity, daily transfer times, and the group’s overall logistics.
Discuss participation
Tell us about your riding experience and preferred pace.
We will clarify participant details, documents, motorcycle preferences, and constraints, then propose a clear next step.
Send an enquiryThe programme, accommodation, locations, and day sequence may change without reducing the stated service level. Final conditions are confirmed after availability and document checks.