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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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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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: From US$2,900
Route 2: From US$2,600
Full quote sent once the group is assembled.
Get 10% discount if you book both routes..
No worries! Feel free to contact us to get tailor made support to select your next adventure to China with Shambhala.
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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 12 Expeditions in China with Shambhala
Ethnic China
Wild West I
Trans- Taklamakan
Silk Road Frontier
Northeast China
The Tea Route
Duku Highway
Mongol Crusades
Wild West II
Western Tibet
China Digital Economy
Bespoke Expeditions
Create your own adventure here.