Pudacuo National Park, White Water Terrace, Tiger Leaping Gorge Private Tour

Tibetan dance in Dukezong Starlight Square

Shangri-La Tibetan civil engineering architecture

Discover the beauty of Pudacuo National Park on a day trip from Lijiang. Explore Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and Militang Pasture, and choose between a hike or a boat ride on the lakes.

Discover the natural beauty of the Pudacuo National Park and White Water Terrace on a full-day tour from Lijiang.

Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel in Lijiang. Head to Pudacuo National Park, a stunning natural reserve that includes Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and Militang Pasture.

Explore the park's diverse landscapes, from plateau lakes and swamped meadows to primitive dark coniferous forests. Keep an eye out for rare animals and plants as you wander through this ecological wonderland.

At Shudu Lake, choose to hike the 3.3 km plank road, which takes about 2 hours, or take a boat ride across the lake, which takes only 10-15 minutes. See herds of cattle and flocks of sheep grazing leisurely around the lake.

Next, visit Bita Lake, an emerald and glamorous lake surrounded by luxuriant trees and green mountains. Choose to hike the 4.2 km trail, which takes around 3 hours, or take a boat ride across the lake, which takes 15 minutes.

Continue to Militang Grassland, located between Shudu Lake and Bita Lake at an elevation of 3700 meters. Admire the lush grass, meandering brooks, and grazing cattle and sheep. In the blooming season, the meadows are covered in colourful flowers, creating a breath-taking spectacle.

If you have time, choose to visit the White Water Terrace and drive along the Tiger Leaping Gorge before returning to Lijiang or choose to stay overnight in Shangri-La and visit the Songzalin Monastery and Dukezong Ancient City.

WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE TOUR?

Personalized Experience - customized your itinerary based on your interest and pace.
Local Expertise - learn about Lijiang and Shangri-La history, culture and local life from a knowledgeable guide.
Language Support - your English or other foreign-language speaking guide will make communications and navigation effortless.
Flexibility - adjust the schedule based on your interest.
Comfort: private transfers saves time and avoids crowded buses.
Custom Extension: option to stay overnight in Shangri-La for deeper Tibetan cultural immersion.

This tour is perfect for travellers seeking a customized, immersive experience in Lijiang and Shangri-La, offering a mix of history, culture and breath-taking scenery.

Let your guide handle the details while you relax and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

ご注意ください

This full-day private tour takes you deep into northern Yunnan's natural and cultural wonders. From high-altitude alpine lakes and vast grasslands to sacred Tibetan terraces and dramatic gorges, the journey is fully customizable. You'll travel in a private vehicle with flexible options for hiking, sightseeing, or cultural stops - and you can add an English-speaking guide for deeper insights.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ACCESSIBILITY

Pudacuo National Park

Altitude: 3,500-3,700m. Some visitors may feel mild altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, shortness of breath). If you have heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions, consult your doctor before booking.
Hiking Options:
- Shudu Lake - 3.3km boardwalk or 10-15min boat ride.
- Bita Lake - 4.2 km trail or 15min boat ride.
Terrain: mostly flat boardwalks, but walking feels harder at high altitude.
Accessibility: well-maintained paths but not fully wheelchair accessible.

White Water Terrace

Altitude: 3,000m, easier than Pudacuo.
Walking: gentle paths with some steps.
Cultural Etiquette: this is a sacred Tibetan site - avoid stepping onto terraces or disturbing prayer flags.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Altitude: 1,800-2,000m at viewing platforms.
Walking: short paths and steps to viewpoints. Not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Safety Note: rain may cause slippery paths or road restrictions; hikes are optional and limited to accessible sections.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Spring (Apr-Jun) - wildflowers in bloom across meadows.
Summer (Jul-Aug) - lush grasslands; occasional afternoon rain.
Autumn (Sep-Oct) - crisp skies, golden forest, colourful scenery - best season.
Winter (Nov-Mar) - cold with snow possible; Pudacuo may close in heavy snow.

TRAVEL TIPS & RESTRICTIONS

Book accommodations early, especially during peak seasons.
Plan extra travel time in case of road delays or weather changes.
Start early. Mornings offer clear skies and fewer visitors - ideal for photography.
Inside Pudacuo: Eco-buses shuttle between scenic areas; private cars not permitted inside.
- Eco-bus strategy - consider getting off one stop early for quieter, less crowded walks.
Meals not included. Bring snacks, or stop at local Tibetan eateries along the way.
Take it easy at altitude - rest often and enjoy the scenery. Walk slowly, hydrate often, avoid alcohol. Carry portable oxygen if prone to altitude sickness
Do not swim in lakes or approach grazing animals. Trails can be slippery after rain.
Respect Tibetan customs, especially at White Water Terrace (no climbing on terraces, no loud noise near prayer flags).

This private journey balances alpine beauty, sacred Tibetan culture, and dramatic landscapes. From shimmering highland lakes in Pudacuo to the holy terraces of Baishuitai and the roaring depths of Tiger Leaping Gorge, each stop offers its own unique perspective. With a freedom of a private tour, you can set your own pace - whether that's tranquil boardwalk strolls, cultural discovery, or simply soaking in some of Yunnan's most breath-taking views.

持参するもの

Since this route involves altitude changes and diverse weather, here’s a seasonal packing guide to keep travelers comfortable and prepared.

ESSENTIALS

Cash & Small change - some remote areas have limited mobile payment access.
Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated, especially at high altitude.
Snacks or Light lunch - limited food options inside the park; energy bars, nuts, or fruit recommended.
Passport & Entry tickets - required for park entry and ID verification at ticket counters.

CLOTHING & COMFORT

Layered clothing - weather shifts quickly - bring a light down jacket, fleece, and rainproof jacket.
Comfortable walking shoes - waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers are best for boardwalks and uneven trails.
Hat, gloves, & scarf - even in summer, mornings and lake areas can be chilly.
Sunscreen & sunglasses - high UV exposure at altitude - apply SPF frequently.
Cap or sunhat - for open grassland and terrace walks.
Light raincoat or poncho - sudden showers are common, especially in summer.

HEALTH & ALTITUDE READINESS

Altitude sickness pills- if you're prone to altitude sickness, bring Diamox or doctor-recommended tablets.
Motion sickness pills – For winding roads (especially Tiger Leaping Gorge).
Pain relievers & first aid kit – Headaches can be common at high altitudes.
Electrolyte powder – Prevent dehydration. Helpful for long walks and altitude recovery.
Portable oxygen canister- can be purchased locally in Lijiang or Shangri-La.

PRO TIP: Chewing gum or ginger candy can help reduce nausea from high-altitude roads.

PERSONAL & HYGIENE ITEMS

Tissues or pocket toilet paper - public restrooms may have limited supplies.
Moisturizer & lip balm - dry mountain air can chap skin quickly.
Insect repellent - especially useful around Militang Grassland on warmer months.
Mask or buff - protects from dust and strong winds during dry seasons.