A SELF DRIVE ADVENTURE IN CHINA

NEW YORK, NY (02/14) If you could only do one trip to China in your lifetime, Steppes Travel has that trip all laid out for you. Spend the first few days in the ancient cities of Beijing and Xian. The second half of the trip is a self-drive in a small convoy in Yunnan, where you will experience the real Shangri-La. Rates range from $6,872 to $9,592 for a 10 to 15 day itinerary.

The first part of the trip takes in iconic China. No trip would be complete without time in Beijing where highlights include the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the famous Peking Opera and more.  From Beijing, take the high speed train to Xian where the highlight is a visit to the amazing Army of Terracotta Warriors.   

The adventure comes on the second half of the itinerary. Fly to Kunming to join the others in your convoy.  Yunnan, in the southwest of China, is largely undiscovered by the outside world, but it has one of the best road networks in China.  Driving is relaxed as you pass through stunning scenery.The Yangtze, the Mekong and the Salween Rivers descend from the Tibetan Plateau into lush valleys.  Wander the cobbled streets of Shaxi.  Drive from Shaxi to Tacheng along the Yangtze.  Tacheng lies between the valley carved by the Yangtze and that carved by the Mekong. At Shigu, the Yangtze makes a 120 degree turn and seems to flow uphill. 

Pass through the Meili Snow Mountain range, a sub-range of the Hengduan Mountains, marking the boundary between Tibet and Yunnan.  End your journey in Shangri-La, home of the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan.

Steppes arranges accommodation along the self-drive adventure in the Songtsam Lodges in Yunnan. Each of these lodges is based on a traditional Tibetan dwelling within Tibetan farming villages and each is loaded with charm and is very comfortable. The lodges have been built with the spectacular views in mind. Delicious dining takes advantage of the local fare, consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits, local ham and rainbow trout. 

Steppes is offering two set departures from Kunming on June 27 and September 18, 2014.  If these dates are inconvenient, Steppes will organize a bespoke driving vacation for you and a small group of friends at another time. The best time to travel in Yunnan is in the spring and in the autumn.

For more information on the Self Drive Adventure in China, visit www.steppestravel.com or call toll free 1 855 203 7885.