Pudacuo White Water Terrace and Tiger Leaping Gorge Private Tour
Description
Explore the stunning landscapes of Pudacuo National Park, the mesmerizing White Water Terrace, and the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge on this private tour. Tailor your itinerary to your interests while accompanied by a professional guide in a private vehicle. This tour allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of the region at your own pace, ensuring a personalized experience. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking an authentic local adventure. Choose to return to Lijiang and drive along the scenic route to see the Tiger Leaping Gorge or proceed to Shangri-La to visit the Songzanling Monastary and Dukezong Ancient City.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pudacuo National Park, at an altitude of 3500m to 4159m, is a 1300-square-kilometer national park in Shangri-La County. It is notable as the first national park in China to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards. It consists of Bita Lake Nature Reserve and Shudu Lake Scenic Area which are part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pudacuo National Park is mainly comprised of Shudu Lake, Bita Lake and Militang Pasture. Travelers should visit the national park by clockwise: Entrance – Shudu Lake – Militang Pasture – Bita Lake - Exit. The whole visiting route is 69 km. Sightseeing buses are served at each place, from entrance gate, scenic areas to exit. It takes about 4 to 6 hours for visiting the whole area of Pudacuo National Park.
The White Water Terraces are located in the foothills of Haba Snow Mountain, just over 100km away from Shangri-La County, and 2,380 metres above sea level. They are a natural wonder formed by the dissolution of calcium carbonate in spring water. The spring water, containing calcium bicarbonate, slowly flows down and the carbonate gradually precipitates, year after year, it has formed a shape like terraces. They are referred to as “legacy fields left by fairies” and cover an area of around three square kilometres, making them the largest spring terraces in China. Backed by green hills and trees and surrounded by blue waves, you can enjoy the mountain scenery in the distance and the water view nearby, in a tranquil environment.
Midway between Lijiang and Shangri-la, Tiger Leaping Gorge in China's Yunnan Province has carved its way between snow-capped peaks and formed one of the deepest gorges in the world. The roaring Jinsha River (part of the Yangtze River) shows the power of nature there. Known as one of the world's great treks, the rugged Tiger Leaping Gorge trail refreshes souls with sheer natural beauty and majestic snow mountain views. And Naxi culture is another pearl shining on the Gorge.
Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Ganden Sumtseling Monastery or Guihua Monastery. It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province which belongs to Yellow Hat Sect of Gelug. It is also the most important monastery in southwest China. Built at the foot of Foping Mountain with a magnificent facade, Songzanlin Monastery is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Hence, it is reputed as the “Little Potala Palace”. Being a collection of Tibetan culture, Songzanlin Monastery is also reputed as “Tibetan Art Museum”.
This 1,300 year old town features traditional Tibetan homes, ancient temples and pagodas, and narrow, winding alleyways, all adorned with iconic Tibetan prayer flags of various colors. In all, Dukezong Ancient Town provides visitors with an authentic view of Tibetan culture and is a welcome reprieve from the busy goings-on of the big city. Simply walking around Dukezong’s winding, maze-like lanes is a great way to enjoy the enchanting historical charm of the town. This will allow you to observe the traditional dwellings and other interesting architecture up close. You will also find a number of shops and outdoor markets selling jewelry, thangka paintings, incense, and more, where you can find some beautiful souvenirs. Dukezong is also home to a number of teahouses and authentic restaurants, as well as a few more cosmopolitan bars that come alive at night. The Hazelnut Bar is a popular venue where you can watch and listen to Tibetan dance and music performances.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will meet you at your hotel or nearest location to your hotel with a signboard bearing the lead traveler name.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(1)
Pudacuo National Park is one of the easiest ways to experience Shangri-La’s highland landscape without difficult hiking. The park is well organized, with shuttle buses and wooden walking paths that allow you to move comfortably through forests, lakes, and open scenery. Start your day around 8:30–9:00 AM from Shangri-La city. The park is about 30 to 40 minutes by car, and the most convenient way to get there is by taxi or a pre-arranged vehicle. Arriving in the morning helps you avoid crowds and gives you more time to explore at a relaxed pace. After entering the park, take the internal shuttle bus to the main scenic areas. The visit usually focuses on two key spots: Shudu Lake and Bitahai Lake. Begin with Shudu Lake. Walk along the wooden boardwalk that runs close to the water, passing through forested sections and open lake views. The path is flat and easy, making it suitable for most visitors. Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here, depending on your pace. Continue by shuttle to Bitahai Lake. This area feels more expansive, with a mix of forest trails and lake viewpoints. The atmosphere is quiet, and the scenery changes subtly as you walk. You can choose a shorter walk or extend your time depending on how you feel. Plan another 1 to 1.5 hours here. Around midday, take a break. There are simple rest areas inside the park where you can have a light meal or snacks. It’s a good idea to bring some water and food with you, as options inside are limited. In the early afternoon, you can either revisit a section you enjoyed or begin heading back toward the entrance. Most visitors finish their visit in about 4 to 5 hours in total. Leave the park around 2:00–3:00 PM and return to Shangri-La city, where you can continue your day at a slower pace or rest.
