Jade Dragon's Hidden Trails: Authentic & Off-The-Beaten-Path

We joined the Lijiang Cloud Mountain Ecotour three times this summer. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly welcoming to both us and our kids. We would definitely return to explore more of Yunnan’s rich local culture.

Having a non-touristy, wild tour in Jade Dragon is truly an unique experience. Tour guide has a deep knowledge on the local ecology and culture. If you are interested in knowing the local minority cultures and local ecology, this tour is for you.

I spent a fantastic day with Lukasz and his local friends Mr Lu and Mr He - Following a scenic drive, with a lakeside stop to hang out with some yaks, and a delicious home cooked meal at Mr Lu’s house, we set out on a trek into the hills that didn’t disappoint, with the jewel in the crown being the end point of an open pasture with just brilliant views out over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Not a single person in sight and feeling at one with nature, this was exactly the experience I was hoping for and Lukasz helped deliver, with good humour, and excellent company. An experience I won’t be forgetting and a top highlight of my three week trip to China.

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Walking the hidden trail makes me realize how beauty connects with the local spirit. The trees are what I love most. Thank you Lynne.

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We had the great pleasure of experiencing this tour with Lukasz and Lynne in early Spring. It was rather cold but very worth while. Amazing views of the countryside villages and neatly tilled fields. We did some birdwatching from the lakeside and viewed yaks and goats grazing on the slopes above. We had a delicious lunch at one of the villages. (All food in Yunnan was delicious) It was exciting to have this opportunity to explore this unique 'off the beaten track' area with such helpful and knowledgeable guides.

Really awesome and memorable day out in some magical landscapes around the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow mountain. It was a great opportunity to take my parents and a friend visiting from NZ to see some of the natural beauty of Yunnan, as well as some ethnic diversity. I absolutely love the aesthetic and charm of the villages. It was a rather cold day in March, but that seemed to add to the mystique of the landscape. I can only imagine it would have a unique beauty every season. Lukas and Lynne are great hosts, with an intimate knowledge of the places, people and biodiversity. Highly recommended! The meals with the locals were also incredible. Food in Yunnan countryside is always amazing.

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My wife and I had the pleasure of being guided by Lynne and Lukas in the best of authentic Lijiang. Local, genuine culture meeting local villagers, walk in natural hills, guided walk through Lijiang's amazing streets and markets with everything covered and no hidden (negative) surprises or cost. All this while having meaningful and informed discussions. Thoroughly recommend this for anybody who want to experience the real Lijiang while making a positive impact as eco tourist. It's well worth the little extra cost.

Wow what an incredible experience that Lukas and his team provided! The hike took us to non congested tourist areas and I was able to learn so much about the culture and region. Views were epic!! Hike was manageable and not intense at all. The lunch and dinner was so delicious and the hospitality that the village chief and his wife provided was world class. Thank you Lukas for the great moments and hiking experience.

I had the pleasure of participating on a trip with Lukas as part of a student group. We had an unforgettable experience getting up close to the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, hiking through pristine forests, and eating home-cooked meals with local families. Lukas and Lynne are wonderful guides with extensive knowledge about the region’s culture, history and wildlife, often offering fun tidbits about flowers, insects, birds and wildlife that we would encounter. I highly recommend Cloud Mountain, especially if you like traveling at your own pace, going off the beaten path, and getting an authentic, personalized experience.

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It's an experience on a completely different level than anything that you'd be able to put together on your own, and so worth it! The views are simply breathtaking, the trail is totally manageable and the best part is the company. Lukas has so much knowledge about Yunnan, it's people and nature, he feels at home there and makes you feel the same too. If you have a chance to make this trip, do it. We've been all around Yunnan and this trip is on top of our list!