Lugu Lake has one of the most stunning scenery that you can see in Lijiang. With the vibrant ethnic culture living in nearby villages, the lake will give you a rewarding travel experience. And this 2-day Lugu Lake tour is designed to explore the most of this site. We’ll first fully enjoy wonderful views of Lugu Lake on a boat ride and experience Buddhist culture at the monastery on Liwubi Island.
Afterwards, Luoshui Village is our next destination, which allows you to immerse yourself in the dream-like sunset moment. In the evening, let’s join the lively Mosuo bonfire party to truly go into their culture. And in the rest of the journey, we’ll go visit the Zhamei Monastery, discover the unique Mosuo culture, and end this exciting trip at the Mosuo Museum.
Travel destinations: Lugu Lake in Lijiang Suitable for: Nature & Culture Lovers Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
Feel the serenity of Lugu Lake with a boat trip
Visit the Lama Temple on Liwubi Island to experience the Buddhist culture.
Enjoy the charming sunset at Luoshui Village.
Join the Mosuo Bonfire Party in Lige Village.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Zhamei Monastery after the stunning sunrise
Visit a local Mosuo family and discover their unique traditions.
Your private driver and guide will take you out of the hotel in Lijiang to Lugu Lake, which is a 4-5 hour drive. Upon arrival at Lugu Lake, the local driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. After having a rest at the hotel, the exciting tour to Lugu Lake begins.
Take a small boat to enjoy the beautiful view of Lugu Lake, which is surrounded by green mountains and crystal clear water. When cruising on the lake, the clean water would allow you to see the rocks and underwater plants beneath the surface, and this can create a stunning visual effect. Gentle breezes flutter across the lake, bringing cool, refreshing air. On calm days, the lake surface will turn into a mirror, and the reflections of surrounding peaks can perfectly land on it and create a scene as beautiful as a watercolour.
Take a boat ride on Lugu Lake
Afterwards the boat will dock at Liwubi Island, which is the largest island in Lugu Lake. Here admire the stunning lake views along the road and see the rocks in various forms. Also you can see lush forests and a variety of rare birds. At the top of the island is Liwubi Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Here visit traditional Tibetan architecture and learn about the rich religious culture.
Lugu Lake
As it gets later in the day, we will arrive at Luoshui Village to enjoy the wonderful sunset. Appreciate the surface of Lugu Lake shimmering with golden light under the setting sun. As the sun slowly sets, the color of the sky turns golden. Marvel at this spectacular view!
At the end of the day, move to Lige Village, which is surrounded by water from east, west and south. Here enjoy the charming night view of Lugu Lake. In addition, Mosuo Bonfire Party will show you the enthusiasm of the local people. Immerse yourself in the traditional customs, dance with others and listen to the locals share their stories.
This morning, start the day by watching the sunrise over Lugu Lake. The magnificent view will bring you a different feeling at this moment. As the sun rises, the lake turns vivid orange and red. You can quietly enjoy the beauty of the lake and take amazing photos.
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will continue the Lugu Lake tour. First visit Zhamei Monastery, built in the Ming Dynasty. Its history dates back to the Ming Dynasty and stands as one of the most historic monasteries around Lugu Lake. The monastery covers a wide area with many impressive halls and courtyards. Its main sanctuary serves as the central site for sacred ceremonies. Throughout the complex, you can admire finely carved Buddha statues and ancient wall paintings, which reflect deep religious devotion. Your guide will share fascinating Buddhist stories to deepen your understanding of this spiritual place.
Sunrise over Lugu Lake
Then discover the romantic Sweetheart Tree, the most famous legend of Lugu Lake. These trees grow in pairs, symbolizing intimate couples. Here enjoy the view of Lugu Lake and take interesting photos with these trees.
Later move to Little Luoshui Village, the last Mosuo tribe in China’s matriarchal society. The village is surrounded by mountains on three sides and Lugu Lake on one side. And the population here is very small, retaining the original Mosuo style. Strolling through the village, you can experience the unique culture.
Sweetheart Tree
Visiting a local Mosuo family will be a highlight of the tour. You can talk to the local people, learn about their lives and listen to them share their stories. Also know more about Mosuo history and customs. And don’t worry about the language. With the help of your guide, you can communicate with the local people well.
Finally, expand your knowledge of the region at the Mosuo Museum. Here admire ancient Mosuo artifacts and books. And visit exhibitions about Mosuo culture, such as the folk exhibition hall and the photo exhibition hall. Your guide will explain stories of this mysterious matriarchal society.
This is the end of the private guided Lugu Lake tour. Your guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel. Or if you want to go to the airport or train station, your guide will also help you.
Visit a local Mosuo family
Vehicle
B,L
Tour Price ($=USD)
From $359 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2 people. The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.
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