China’s Wild West I: Sichuan & Gansu
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Duration: 10 days
Group size: 8 to12 travelers
Theme: Monasteries and Glaciers of the Tibetan Frontier
Route: Chengdu – Siguniangshan – Dagu Glacier – Aba – Langmusi – Labrang – Lanzhou
Route Overview
Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
Destinations: Chengdu – Siguniangshan – Dagu Glacier – Aba – Langmusi – Labrang – Lanzhou
Experience the wonders of Guangxi and Guizhou, cruising the Li River past dramatic karst peaks, wandering centuries-old villages, and hiking the iconic Longji Terraces. Meet the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong communities, immersing yourself in their music, crafts, festivals, and everyday traditions, and witness a way of life deeply connected to the land.
Then embark on a journey across the Tibetan highlands of western Sichuan into the monastic valleys of southern Gansu. Trek across high-altitude grasslands dotted with yak herds and nomad tents, marvel at snow-capped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes, and explore ancient monasteries alive with chanting monks and centuries of spiritual practice.
This expedition blends landscape, culture, and spirituality, offering encounters with remote communities, breathtaking natural scenery, and the vast silence of a plateau shaped by mountains, myth, and faith.
-
Day 1 – Chengdu Arrival
Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan and gateway to the Tibetan plateau.
Settle into your hotel and take the evening to unwind with a Sichuan local cuisine restaurant or explore the lively city centre.
Overnight in Chengdu
Day 2 – Chengdu to Siguniangshan (Four Sisters Mountain)
Depart by private vehicle toward Siguniangshan National Park (approx. 3h).
On the way, we’ll visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base, home to the world’s most successful panda breeding program.
We will drive cross through Ya’an and Wolong, scenic valleys that mark the rise into the Tibetan highlands. In the afternoon, arrive at Rilong, the gateway town to the mountains.
Enjoy a short acclimatisation walk and soak in the view of the Four Sisters peaks, four majestic summits often shrouded in clouds and legend.
Evening: Group dinner featuring Tibetan style food.
Overnight in Siguniangshan
Day 3 – Siguniangshan Exploration
A full day dedicated to exploring Siguniangshan National Park, known as the “Alps of the East.”
Morning: hike or take a local shuttle into Shuangqiao Valley, known for alpine meadows, glaciers, and turquoise rivers.
Afternoon options include light trekking in Changping Valley or horseback riding with local Tibetan guides.
Evening: return to Rilong for dinner rest.
Overnight in Siguniangshan
Day 4 – To Aba via Ma’erkang
Today we continue our ascent deeper into the highlands, driving toward Ma’erkang (Barkam), capital of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.
Stop en route at Zhuokeji Tusi Fortress, a centuries-old stone castle blending Tibetan and Han architecture.
Continue toward Aba, surrounded by snow peaks and monasteries, and settle in your mountain lodge.
Evening: explore local restaurants to try Yak smoked stews and barley pancakes.
Overnight in Ma’erkang (Aba)
Day 5 – Dagu Glacier National Park
Morning drive to Dagu Glacier, one of the highest-elevation glaciers accessible by cable car in China.
Take the world’s highest-altitude cableway (4,843 m) and walk along the scenic platforms to view dazzling ice cliffs and turquoise glacial lakes.
Afternoon descent and drive through the Heishui Colored Forest Reserve, known for its rainbow-hued trees and rivers.
Evening at leisure in your mountain lodge.
Overnight in Heishui (near Dagu Glacier)
Day 6 – Zoigê Grasslands & The First Bend of the Yellow River
Continue north toward the Zoigê Grasslands, a vast, golden expanse dotted with nomad tents and grazing yaks.
Stop at the First Bend of the Yellow River, a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the river’s sweeping curves through the plateau.
Optional: short horseback ride or visit to a Tibetan herder family for yak-butter tea and tsampa.
Overnight in Zoigê (Yellow River area)
Day 7 – Langmusi Monastery Village
Drive through rolling grasslands to Langmusi, a small border village between Sichuan and Gansu.
Nestled between two monasteries, Sertri (Sichuan side) and Kirti (Gansu side), Langmusi offers an intimate glimpse into monastic life and nomad culture.
Afternoon: visit the monastery complex and walk through the valley gorge with fluttering prayer flags.
Evening: Tibetan dinner and optional visit to a local teahouse.
Overnight in Langmusi
Day 8 – Labrang Monastery
Morning departure for Labrang Monastery (approx. 3h), one of the six great monasteries of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat)sect.
Join the monks’ afternoon debate session, visit the prayer halls, and walk the kora (pilgrimage circuit) alongside pilgrims spinning prayer wheels.
Absorb the spiritual rhythm of this living monastery, a cornerstone of Tibetan education and devotion.
Overnight in Labrang Town (Xiahe)
Day 9 – Drive to Lanzhou
Travel east across the grasslands into Lanzhou, the cultural heart of Gansu and gateway between the Tibetan plateau and China’s heartland. As the landscape softens from alpine valleys to the banks of the Yellow River, feel the journey’s transition from wild nature to urban history.
Enjoy an optional visit to the Yellow River Iron Bridge or the Lanzhou Mosque Complex, tracing the legacy of Silk Road travellers who once crossed these same lands.
Conclude the expedition with a farewell dinner overlooking the Yellow River, celebrating our passage from glaciers to monasteries — a voyage through the spiritual and geographic heights of western China.
Overnight in Lanzhou
Day 10 – Departure
Enjoy the most famous Chinese noodles for breakfast: Lanzhou Lamian.
Transfer to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport for your onward flight.
Reflect on your expedition across China’s highlands — from the snow peaks of Sichuan to the sacred valleys of Gansu — a route of mountains, faith, and timeless horizons.
End of Expedition.
Conditions & Pricing
Conditions
What is included:
✅ Accommodation with breakfast
✅ Dinners featuring local cuisine
✅ All local transportation
✅ Expert local guides
✅ Drivers, fuel
✅ Complimentary drinks and snacks
✅ Visa support and assistance
✅ Travel insurance coverage
✅ Dedicated media team
What is NOT included:
❌ International flights
❌ Personal extra meals and expenses
❌ Optional activities
❌ Visa costs (when applicable)
Pricing
US$3,850 per person
Highlights
Trek beneath the towering peaks of Siguniang Mountain (“Four Sisters Mountain”), the “Alps of the East”
Ride the scenic cable car and hike across the icy wonderland of Dagu Glacier National Park
Experience Tibetan nomad life on the high plateau — yak herders, prayer wheels, and endless grasslands
Visit the sacred Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism
Witness monastic debates between monks in the monastery courtyards
Savor yak-butter tea and traditional Tibetan meals in local homes
Explore the border town of Langmusi, nestled between Sichuan and Gansu, home to two monasteries and dramatic mountain scenery
End in Lanzhou, gateway to the Hexi Corridor, where Tibetan and Muslim cultures meet along the ancient Silk Road
Why Join
his journey is made for travellers drawn to frontier landscapes and spiritual horizons — those who crave the silence of high plateaus, the smell of yak-butter lamps, and the steady rhythm of life shaped by mountains and faith.
You’ll trek beneath the soaring peaks of Siguniang, step onto the icy expanse of Dagu Glacier, and experience the warmth of Tibetan nomad life across vast grasslands. Wander through the sacred halls of Labrang Monastery, witness spirited monastic debates, and explore the border town of Langmusi, where dramatic valleys and ancient temples share the same sky.
From Chengdu’s panda forests to the monastic heartlands of Gansu, this expedition captures the essence of China’s wild west — vast, sacred, and timeless.
Get in Touch
Got a question about one of our expeditions, or just want to say hi?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, our team is here to help with routes, dates, and details.
Drop us a message below — we’ll get back to you soon!
Things to Know
Every expedition is designed to balance comfort, discovery, and a spirit of adventure. Before you join us, here are a few key details to help you prepare and make the most of your journey — from what to expect on the road to how we travel, stay, and experience each destination.
-
Expect crisp mountain air, cool nights, and mild spring days.
Chengdu & Siguniangshan: 8–18°C — misty mornings, light rain, fresh alpine air.
Dagu Glacier: Below freezing at the summit — icy, windy, very bright sun.
Aba, Langmusi & Labrang: 5–15°C — dry plateau winds, sunny days, cold evenings.
Lanzhou: 10–20°C — mild, dry, and comfortable for city exploration.
Pack layers, a warm jacket, and a light rain shell — spring in the highlands is beautiful but unpredictable.
-
We use a mix of high-speed trains, private vans, and one overnight Arctic train, offering a true overland experience through China’s winter heartland. It’s a comfortable and scenic way to witness the country’s vast diversity.
-
You’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, cozy mountain lodges, and warm wooden guesthouses — all handpicked for charm, comfort, and atmosphere. Expect heated rooms, local character, and authentic northern hospitality.
From remote mountain trails to cultural hidden gems, we design seamless, small-group adventures that combine exploration, and authentic local experiences.
Explore 11 Expeditions in China with Shambhala
January
Northeast China
Late March
The Tea Route
April
Ethnic China
May
Wild West I
Late June
Duku Highway
July
Mongol Crusades
August
Wild West II
September
Western Tibet
October
Trans- Taklamakan
November
Silk Road Frontier
All Year Long
China Digital Economy
Bespoke Expeditions
Create your own adventure — from private trips to company retreats, we’ll tailor everything to you.