China’s Wild West II: Yunnan to Qinghai
Difficulty: ★★★★★
Duration: 1 to 2 weeks
Group size: 8 to12 travelers
Theme: Simply the Best
Route 1: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La – Yading
Route 2: Yading – Litang – Ganzi – Yushu – Maduo County – Xining
Routes Overview
Embark on an epic highland adventure through the Tibetan Plateau, Yunnan, and Sichuan, tracing the paths of ancient traders, pilgrims, and nomads through snow-dusted mountains, verdant valleys, and endless grasslands. From the bustling streets of Lijiang to the sacred lakes of Daocheng and the spiritual heartlands of Amdo and Kham Tibet, this expedition immerses you in breathtaking landscapes, local traditions, and the rhythms of life in China’s remote highlands.
Sleep in boutique hotels perched in dramatic natural settings, Tibetan guesthouses, and lodges in ancient towns. Trek through spectacular gorges, explore Tibetan monasteries, and share meals with local families to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of these regions. Witness yaks grazing on highland meadows, black-necked cranes in flight, and rituals at centuries-old temples. Traverse rivers, alpine forests, and terraced hillsides, and explore towns where architecture, cuisine, and daily life reflect centuries of Tibetan and Naxi heritage.
From the turquoise waters of Blue Moon Valley to the sacred peaks of Milk Lake, this journey offers a rare chance to connect with the people, landscapes, and spiritual traditions of China’s western frontiers.
Route 1
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La – Yading
Discover the magic of China’s frozen north on a journey through imperial history, snow-covered mountains, and the dazzling Ice & Snow Festival of Harbin. From Beijing’s ancient wonders to the volcanic peaks of Changbai Mountain, this immersive expedition blends culture, adventure, and breathtaking winter scenery.
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Day 1 – Arrival in Lijiang
Arrive in Lijiang, the ancient town of cobbled streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and timeless charm.
Spend the afternoon wandering through the Old Town, breathing in the history, browsing artisanal shops, and watching the mountains glow in the sunset.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with local Naxi specialties, meet your travel companions, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight in Lijiang
Day 2 – Blue Moon Valley & Lijiang Ancient Town
Morning excursion to Blue Moon Valley, where turquoise waters wind through verdant hills, framed by majestic snow-capped peaks. Continue onward to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, ascending to its scenic viewpoints to marvel at glaciers, alpine meadows, and panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys.
Return to Lijiang Old Town for lunch and further exploration of its narrow lanes, traditional architecture, and vibrant market life. Capture the golden hour over the canals and bridges.
Evening: sample local cuisine in a cozy restaurant, or stroll the lantern-lit streets at your leisure.
Overnight in Lijiang
Day 3 – Shangri-La: Tiger Leaping Gorge & Baishuitai Terraces
Drive along winding mountain roads, following rivers that carve through dramatic valleys, until you arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest and most spectacular canyons.
Take a trek along the gorge’s trails, with the roaring Jinsha River far below, and marvel at the sheer cliffs and panoramic vistas.
Check in to our Tiger Leaping Gorge View Hotel, perfectly perched for sweeping views of the gorge and surrounding peaks.
Evening: relax in this unique highland setting, savor Tibetan-influenced cuisine, and let the serene mountain atmosphere settle in as the sun sets over the dramatic landscape.
Overnight at Tiger Leaping Gorge View Hotel
Day 4 – Shangri-La: Baishuitai Terraces, Songzanlin Monastery & Dukezong Ancient Town
Drive toward Shangri-La, stopping at Baishuitai, famed for its shimmering limestone terraces that glisten in the alpine light. Take in the surreal patterns of the terraces and snap photos of this natural wonder.
Morning visit to Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Experience the hypnotic rhythm of chanting monks, the curl of incense, and the golden halls filled with devotion and artistry.
After lunch, explore Dukezong Ancient Town, wandering narrow lanes lined with traditional Tibetan homes. Climb its watchtower for sweeping views over the old town and surrounding valleys, and soak in the layers of history and culture.
Evening: delight in a traditional Tibetan dinner, and if time permits, enjoy local folk songs or storytelling for an immersive cultural experience.
Overnight in Shangri-La
Day 5 – Pudacuo National Park
Free day in Shangri-La.
Optional activity: Day drive to Pudacuo National Park, a pristine expanse of alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and dense conifer forests. Walk trails where yaks graze and black-necked cranes glide overhead. Pause by serene lakes and take in the panoramic vistas framed by distant peaks.
Evening: stay in Shangri-La for a warm meal and explore the town’s nightlive.
Overnight in Shangri-La
Day 6 – Daocheng Arrival
Embark on one of the most breathtaking routes in all of China, traveling across high-altitude valleys, snow-dusted mountains, and rivers that mirror the sky.
Along the way, we’ll stop in charming Tibetan towns and border villages at the intersection of Yunnan and Sichuan, sampling local cuisine and wandering narrow streets that reveal centuries of culture and tradition.
In the afternoon we will arrive at Daocheng, a jewel of the highlands. From here, we’ll enter the park by bus, winding along alpine roads until we reach our hotel inside the park, perfectly positioned to soak in the surrounding grandeur.
Evening: settle in and enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel, reflecting on the stunning scenery and the adventure that awaits in this magical highland paradise.
Overnight in Daocheng Park Hotel
Day 7 – Daocheng: Chonggu Temple
Begin the morning with a serene visit to Chonggu Temple, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary set against the dramatic highland mountains. Take in the incense-filled halls, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the calm rhythms of monastic life.
From the temple, we travel to the base of the mountain, where our highland adventure truly begins. Embark on a 2.5-hour trek, ascending approximately 600 meters, from 4,000 meters to 4,600 meters above sea level, to reach the dazzling Milk Lake.
For those who prefer some support, oxygen and horses are available, but we dare you to make the climb on your own, testing your stamina against the thin highland air.
At the lake, enjoy a picnic lunch together, soak in the surreal turquoise waters, and capture unforgettable photos against the backdrop of towering peaks. After savoring the scenery, we begin our descent back to the hotel, reflecting on the majesty of Daocheng’s highlands.
Evening: dinner and rest at the hotel.
Overnight in Daocheng Park Hotel
Day 8 – Daocheng: Yanmaiyong Mountain
For travelers joining only the first week, this marks the end of their journey. After the morning, there will be a transfer to Daocheng Airport for flights back to Chengdu and onward departures from China.
New group of travelers arriving from Chengdu will make it to Daocheng Airport and be transfered to our hotel. The afternoon is free to relax, explore a nearby village, giving time to acclimate to the high-altitude environment.
In the evening, we’ll gather for an induction briefing and welcome dinner, preparing for the next leg of the adventure north. Rest early to recharge for the highland journey ahead.
Overnight in Daocheng.
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Arrive in Lijiang, explore the ancient Old Town, and enjoy Naxi cuisine and culture.
Visit Blue Moon Valley and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, taking in turquoise waters, glaciers, and panoramic alpine vistas.
Trek along Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons, and savor Tibetan-influenced cuisine with mountain views.
Explore Baishuitai Terraces, Songzanlin Monastery, and Dukezong Ancient Town, immersing in Tibetan architecture, chanting monks, and local culture.
Optional day in Pudacuo National Park, wandering alpine meadows, lakes, and forests while observing yaks and black-necked cranes.
Scenic drive to Daocheng, passing high-altitude valleys, rivers, and Tibetan border towns, before settling in a park hotel surrounded by dramatic peaks.
Visit Chonggu Temple and trek to the stunning Milk Lake, experiencing highland landscapes, turquoise waters, and Himalayan air.
Acclimate at Daocheng with village exploration, preparing for the next stage of the highland adventure.
Route 2
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Destinations: Yading – Litang – Ganzi – Yushu – Maduo County – Xining
Continue your journey into China’s remote northeast — from Harbin’s glittering ice world to the Arctic wilderness of Mohe, the northernmost point of China. This second leg of the adventure offers snowbound villages, vast frozen wetlands, and a rare chance to chase the Northern Lights beneath the polar night sky.
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Day 9 – Litang Grasslands
Rise early for a scenic drive to Litang, crossing vast high-altitude grasslands dotted with grazing yaks, Tibetan tents, and endless horizons.
Upon arrival in Litang Old Town, we’ll settle into accommodations in the heart of the historic center, surrounded by traditional Tibetan architecture.
Enjoy a local Tibetan lunch at a cozy tibettan lodge, where guides will demonstrate how to make Tibetan Zanba, and tibetan butter tea.
After lunch, visit the birthplace of one of the Dalai Lamas, exploring the old town streets and historic house, learning about Litang’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Evening: savor a traditional Tibetan dinner, soaking in the rhythms of highland life as the sun sets over the surrounding grasslands.
Overnight in Litang Old Town
Day 10 – Ganzi County: Tibetan Highlands Immersion
Depart in the morning for Ganzi County, winding through dramatic mountain passes, high plateaus, and rivers that carve through rugged valleys. The scenery along the way showcases the raw, untamed beauty of Tibet, with grazing yaks, fluttering prayer flags, and distant snow-capped peaks.
Afternoon: arrive in Ganzi, and explore the city downtown. Walk through narrow streets, engage with local residents, and visit cultural sites and small monasteries, absorbing the rhythm and traditions of highland Kham Tibetan culture.
Evening: enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner.
Overnight in Ganzi
Day 11 – Scenic Yushu Drive
Today is a full day on the road, traveling from Ganzi to Yushu, one of Amdo Tibet’s most spiritual and breathtaking regions.
The drive takes you across high plains, winding rivers, and valleys framed by soaring snow-dusted peaks. Tibetan villages punctuate the landscape, offering glimpses into centuries-old ways of life.
Evening: arrival in Yushu, where we settle into our accommodations and enjoy a hearty Tibetan dinner. Optional: Yushu downtown night walking tour.
Overnight in Yushu
Day 12 – Yushu & Wenchang Princess
Begin the day with a visit to the Wenchang Princess Temple, a historic site celebrating the legendary princess known for her spiritual influence in the region. Marvel at the intricate Tibetan architecture, colorful murals, and the devotion still evident among local worshippers.
Afternoon: continue exploring Yushu town surroundings, by visiting additional temples in its nearby hills, and do a day tour around the city.
Evening: gather for a traditional Tibetan dinner.
Overnight in Yushu
Day 13 – Source of the Yellow River
Depart Yushu in the morning for Maduo County, a high-altitude small town on the Tibetan Plateau. The drive is a feast for the senses: expansive grasslands, winding rivers, and distant peaks stretch as far as the eye can see.
Midday stop in Maduo County: visit the source of the Yellow River, the “Mother River” of China. Enjoy a short trek to experience this natural wonder up close.
Evening: return to Maduo County, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of this remote town.
Overnight in Maduo.
Day 14 – Xining Rest & Cultural Day
Continue the journey to our final stop: Xining. We will arrive in Xining in the afternoon, there you can wind down exploring its vibrant markets, sampling local cuisine, and discovering the unique blend of Chinese Muslim culture.
Evening: we will gather for a farewell dinner with your travel companions, sharing stories, photographs, and reflections on the unforgettable journey across Tibet’s highlands and China’s western landscapes.
Overnight in Xining
Day 15 – Xining Departure & Farewell
Morning: enjoy a local breakfast in Xining and take some free time to explore the city at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, stroll through local parks, or visit the local mosques.
Check out from the hotel and prepare for onward travel. Transfer to the airport or train station for your departure.
As you leave, reflect on the unforgettable journey across Tibet’s highlands, and bid farewell to the new family you have made along the way.
End of the expedition.
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Drive across high-altitude Tibetan grasslands dotted with yaks and traditional gers, arriving in Litang Old Town to explore its historic streets and the birthplace of a Dalai Lama.
Experience Tibetan culture firsthand with Zanba-making, butter tea, and traditional meals.
Travel through Ganzi County, visiting small monasteries, engaging with local residents, and witnessing the rhythms of Kham Tibetan life.
Scenic drives to Yushu, Amdo Tibet, passing villages, rivers, and snow-capped peaks, with cultural exploration including the Wenchang Princess Temple and nearby temples.
Visit the source of the Yellow River in Maduo County, experiencing one of China’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Conclude in Xining, enjoying a mix of local markets, Chinese Muslim culture, and a farewell dinner reflecting on the journey across Tibet’s highlands and western landscapes.
Highlights
Sleep in boutique hotels, Tibetan guesthouses, and highland lodges with panoramic mountain views
Trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge and ascend to Milk Lake.
Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, and Baishuitai Terraces
Visit Tibetan monasteries including Songzanlin and Chonggu Temples
Immerse in local life: experience Tibetan meals, butter tea, Zanba, and storytelling in villages and ancient towns
Witness wildlife and alpine scenery: yaks grazing, black-necked cranes, pristine lakes, and alpine meadows
Discover cultural history in Dukezong, Litang Old Town, and Amdo Tibetan Culture
Experience spiritual and natural wonders: highland rivers, sacred lakes, limestone terraces, and mountain panoramas
Why Join
This expedition is for travellers who seek more than sightseeing, those who are drawn to remote landscapes, high-altitude adventure, and authentic cultural immersion.
If you are curious, open-minded, and energised by exploration; you value experiences over comfort, connection over convenience, and the quiet majesty of mountains, grasslands, and sacred lakes over crowds and tourist hotspots, this is your adventure.
If you embrace challenge, adaptability, and the unknown, and you wish to engage deeply with local traditions, and get to know the real heart of West China.
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
Route 1: US$3,750
Route 2: US$3,750
Get 15% discount if you book both routes.
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.
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What to bring: Sturdy hiking shoes for trails, layered clothing for alpine temperatures, windbreaker for mountain winds, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Optional: trekking poles for high-altitude walks.
⚠️ Health & safety (high altitude): Some areas reach over 4,000 meters above sea level. At these elevations, travelers may experience altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. To minimise this risk, our team will provide oxygen bottles, medications, and an induction briefing on acclimatisation.
Additional precautions include: avoid alcohol and smoking, eat light meals rich in easily digestible carbohydrates rather than heavy fats or proteins, limit intense physical exertion in the first 24–48 hours, avoid hot showers immediately after arrival, stay hydrated and rest frequently.
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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.
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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.