Adventure Collective
Yunnan Tibetan Wine & Culture with Lost Plate Food Tours - Lijiang

Yunnan Tibetan Wine & Culture with Lost Plate Food Tours

Shangrila•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

6 days, 5 nights

Fitness Level

Participants should be comfortable with daily moderate walks and occasional uphill climbs at altitude.

Overview

Discover Yunnan’s Tibetan region with Lost Plate Food Tours on a 6-day journey that combines local wine tasting, authentic Tibetan meals, and visits to sacred sites. Step beyond tourist routes into remote villages and alpine landscapes rarely seen by travelers.

Portland, Oregon

Go Beyond Shangrila for Wine & Tibetan Culture of Yunnan

Deposit per person

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on a 6-day adventure in Yunnan’s Tibetan region, savoring exquisite local cuisine and fine wines while exploring remote ethnic villages. Experience the culture firsthand by meeting local families, spinning the world's largest Tibetan prayer wheel, and visiting ancient monasteries, all amidst breathtaking high-altitude landscapes.

Trip Cost:

You will be charged a deposit of $500 USD per person to secure your spot. To see the total price for your specific trip, select the date in the calendar. Balances (total price - deposit) will be collected 14 days prior to trip start.

Prices are based on two guests per room. Single travelers will be charged an additional single occupancy fee when your balance is due.

Trip Details:

Spend 6 days traveling throughout Yunnan’s Tibetan region wine tasting, feasting on incredible Tibetan and local minority cuisine, visiting small ethnic minority villages, and enjoying the incredible high-altitude landscape.

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights Group Size: Small groups of 4-10 guests per trip Inclusions:

  • 5 nights accommodations.
  • All meals, including beer (and wine when available) for dinner. Food will be plentiful and varied!
  • Ticket/entrance fees at attractions.
  • Our own private ground transportation, provided each day, stocked with mineral water.
  • English-speaking Lost Plate trip leader.
  • Airport pick-up in Lijiang on day 1.
  • Airport drop-off in Shangrila on day 6.
  • Shopping is available during your free time, but this is a no-shopping tour and is not part of our itinerary.
  • Online pre-trip briefing and Q&A by Lost Plate one week prior to departure.

Highlights

  • The local cuisine throughout Yunnan is just as varied and special as the minorities that make it. Try a huge variety of homemade dishes in small villages and homes, like this cured pork and bean stew.
  • Visit villages far off the tourist track filled with local minority groups that live as they have for generations.
  • Explore stunning local wineries to taste a variety of locally produced red and white wines and learn about the history behind the winemakers.
  • Spin the world's largest Tibetan prayer wheel three times for a lifetime of good luck, and explore Shangrila old-town's cobblestone streets and pagoda-filled squares.
  • Climb up to see the largest Tibetan Monastery in Yunnan at the top of a pedestrian-only village outside of Shangrila that dates back to 1679.
  • Meet a local Tibetan family in the grasslands outside Shangrila to try Tibetan butter tea, homemade yogurt, and highland barley bread.

This itinerary is subject to changes and adjustments based on seasonality and local operations.

Adventure Tips

Acclimate to High Altitude

Take time to adjust gradually to elevations above 3,000 meters to avoid altitude sickness.

Bring Cash for Small Purchases

Many villages operate on cash only—carry local currency for souvenirs or snacks during free time.

Dress in Layers

Temperatures vary greatly from day to night—layered clothing keeps you comfortable throughout.

Respect Religious Sites

When visiting monasteries and prayer wheels, follow local customs such as removing hats and speaking softly.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Tibetan macaques
  • Golden snub-nosed monkeys

History

Shangrila’s Tibetan monastery dates back to 1679 and remains a key spiritual site with ancient murals and artifacts.

Conservation

Local communities are actively engaged in sustainable tourism to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and preserve cultural heritage.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Lijiang

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Insulating Layers

Essential

Crucial for managing temperature swings in high-altitude environments.

all specific

Sturdy Walking Shoes

Essential

Necessary for uneven village paths and monastery hikes.

all specific

Sun Protection

Essential

High altitude means stronger UV rays; sunscreen and hats are vital.

spring|summer|fall specific

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated is key when adjusting to altitude and during daily activities.

all specific