A gentler itinerary through the ethnic minority villages of the Yangtze's "First Bend" — from matriarchal Mosuo territory on Lake Lugu, across Pumi and Naxi valleys, down to the river itself, and up again to the panoramic Stone Village. Nights alternate between homestays with families we've known for years and simple village guesthouses.
Trip Highlights
Lake Lugu, home of the Mosuo
One of China's last matriarchal societies lives around this high-altitude lake — your starting point before the trail climbs into the hills.
A homestay in Zhuangzi
Night one on the trail is spent with a Pumi family we've hosted with for years, in the village of Zhuangzi — real beds, a shower, and dinner together.
Down to the Yangtze by trail, up again by boat
Day four starts with a 30-minute boat crossing of the Yangtze itself, a rare way to experience China's longest river.
The Stone Village at sunset
Shitoucheng, the "Stone Village," sits on a promontory over the river — arrive mid-afternoon in time for the view at sunset from the village lookout.
A guesthouse with a view in Wumu
Opened in 2013 by a Naxi local married to a European, this guesthouse's terrace looks straight down the gorge — a well-earned bit of comfort after a week on the trail.
Terraced fields and small temples
The route threads through valleys of terraced farmland and passes a small Tibetan temple, far from the tour-bus circuit around Lijiang.
Route Overview
Lijiang → Lake Lugu
Drive to Lugu Lake, stroll and dinner in Lige.Lake Lugu → Zhuangzi
Cross a 3,600m pass, homestay with a Pumi family.Zhuangzi → Labo
Terraced valleys down to the Yangtze riverbank.Labo → Liuqing
Boat crossing, then forest trail to a farm homestay.Liuqing → Shitoucheng
Prince's Pass and high ledge trails to the Stone Village.Shitoucheng → Wumu
River crossing by boat, climb to a guesthouse with a view.Wumu → Lijiang
Drive back, arriving in time for lunch.Full Itinerary
Lijiang → Lake Lugu
Upon your arrival at Lijiang airport in the early afternoon, you will embark on a 3.5-hour drive to Lugu Lake. Depending on the time, you may take a stroll along the lake before enjoying dinner at a local barbecue. Overnight in Lige.
Lake Lugu → Zhuangzi
After a quick breakfast, a 30-minute minivan ride to Alawa village, the starting point. The first hour is relatively easy and includes a visit to a Yi-Nuosu ethnic village. The climb then becomes steeper, and after about 3.5 hours you reach the pass (3,600m). The descent follows a comfortable path through dense forest, leading in about two hours to the Pumi village of Zhuangzi, where you spend the night with a local family we have known for years.
Zhuangzi → Labo
After breakfast and farewells to your hosts, you leave Zhuangzi and begin today's hike. The morning trail is pleasant and passes near a small Tibetan temple, then follows a small road through two valleys, each home to charming villages surrounded by terraced fields. By midday you reach the village of Bajiahe for lunch. The afternoon walk takes you down to the banks of the Yangtze — the trail is aerial, and after rounding a spur you'll see the valley and the river below, though it still takes about 3 hours to reach it. You arrive early afternoon at the village of Labo (1,500m), staying in a small guesthouse.
Labo → Liuqing
This morning begins uniquely with a boat ride on the Yangtze River. A 30-minute trip takes you to the pier, from where you start the day's hike. You first ascend a track to the lower village of Liuqing, then continue on pleasant forested paths, enjoying several 360° panoramic views during the 3-hour hike to the upper village of Liuqing, where you stay in a peaceful farm nestled in a roadless valley.
Liuqing → Shitoucheng
The day begins with a shaded hike, reaching the day's highest point, the "Prince's Pass," in under an hour — overlooking the Yangtze from nearly 1,000 metres above. The descent follows high trails (including several ledges), with stunning views of the river and surrounding valleys. Despite the mostly downhill path, the dry environment and potential heat can make this day demanding. You arrive at Shitoucheng, the "Stone Village," in the mid-afternoon and enjoy sunset views from the village's viewpoint.
Shitoucheng → Wumu
The morning starts with a descent to the riverbank, where a small local boat awaits for a 45-minute crossing. After disembarking you tackle a 700-metre ascent leading to the beautiful village of Wumu, arriving mid-afternoon. You stay in a very comfortable guesthouse, opened in 2013 by a Naxi local married to a European — the terrace offers breathtaking views after a week of effort.
Wumu → Lijiang
In the morning, you depart by vehicle for Lijiang, arriving in time for lunch.
What's Included
Booking Terms
- Cancellation terms depend on how close to departure you cancel, and are confirmed in writing when your trip is booked.
- If a visa application is refused, we ask for the official refusal letter from the consulate and refund what we can once any costs already committed on your behalf are deducted.
- A confirmed place can usually be transferred to another eligible traveller.
- If safety conditions or government restrictions force a change, we'll adapt or refund the unused portion of the trip.
Get in Touch
We don't take bookings online — this site is here to show you the treks. Reach out and let's talk through dates, group size and what you're looking for.
