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
April
Ethnic China
May
Wild West I
October
Trans- Taklamakan
November
Silk Road Frontier
All Year Long
China Digital Economy
January
Northeast China
Late March
The Tea Route
Late June
Duku Highway
July
Mongol Crusades
August
Wild West II
September
Western Tibet
Bespoke Expeditions
Create your own adventure — from private trips to company retreats, we’ll tailor everything to you.
January
Northeast China
The Frozen Frontiers of Manchuria
Step into China’s snowbound frontier, a journey across its vast northeastern expanse, where Manchurian culture, frozen landscapes, and the northern lights converge.
Follow the legendary Trans-Manchurian rail line, tracing a path from the imperial stillness of Beijing to the crystalline world of Harbin’s Ice & Snow Festival, and onward to Mohe, China’s northernmost village at the edge of the Arctic Circle.
Hot springs steam beneath the stars, trains glide through frost-draped forests, and Russian and Manchu traditions intertwine in a landscape sculpted by ice and silence.
Dont miss this adventure!
Late March
The Tea Route
Teas of the Middle Kingdom
Embark on a pilgrimage through China’s sacred tea mountains, tracing the ancient routes where monks, traders, and farmers perfected the art of the leaf. From the mist-wrapped hills of Hangzhou, through the depths of Fujian, to the terraced peaks of Yunnan, this is a journey into the heart of Chinese tea culture, where each province reveals a new flavour, a new philosophy, and a new rhythm of life.
Walk through bamboo forests, sip from mountain springs, and meet the artisans who keep millennia-old traditions alive. From white and green to oolong, black, and pu’er, discover the full cycle of tea, from bud to brew.
April
Ethnic China
Hidden Villages and Minority Traditions
Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern China, exploring the vibrant cultures of the Miao, Dong, Zhuang, and Yao ethnic minorities. Stay in traditional wooden villages, participate in centuries-old festivals, and learn local crafts, music, and culinary traditions that have been preserved for generations.
Wander through misty karst mountains, cross iconic stone bridges, and explore towns seemingly frozen in time. Cycle or hike through terraced fields, boat along serene rivers, and stroll bustling local markets, all while gaining a rare, intimate perspective on rural southern China.
Finish your expedition in the dynamic cities of Changsha and Chongqing, where neon-lit skylines and cyberpunk-inspired streets create a striking contrast to the region’s traditional villages. This journey is a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of southern China, from timeless cultural heritage to modern urban energy.
May
Wild West I
Monasteries & Glaciers of the Tibetan Frontier
Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern China, exploring the vibrant cultures of the Miao, Dong, Zhuang, and Yao ethnic minorities. Stay in traditional wooden villages, participate in centuries-old festivals, and learn local crafts, music, and culinary traditions that have been preserved for generations.
Wander through misty karst mountains, cross iconic stone bridges, and explore towns seemingly frozen in time. Cycle or hike through terraced fields, boat along serene rivers, and stroll bustling local markets, all while gaining a rare, intimate perspective on rural southern China.
Finish your expedition in the dynamic cities of Changsha and Chongqing, where neon-lit skylines and cyberpunk-inspired streets create a striking contrast to the region’s traditional villages. This journey is a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of southern China, from timeless cultural heritage to modern urban energy.
Late June
Duku Highway
The Most Beautiful Drive in China
Embark on a legendary overland journey across Xinjiang, where deserts, glaciers, and ancient Silk Road towns converge. From Urumqi’s modern skyline to Turpan’s desert oases, and onward through Kuqa’s red canyons and the epic Duku Highway, this route captures the vast contrasts that define China’s wild northwest.
Traverse from the edge of the Taklamakan Desert to the snow peaks of the Tianshan Mountains, meeting Uyghur communities, tasting frontier flavors, and experiencing landscapes that have inspired travelers for centuries.
July
Mongol Crusades
Steppe Under the Great Blue Sky
Embark on an epic journey through Mongolia and northern China, tracing the paths of nomads, warriors, and explorers across endless steppes, desert plains, and forested valleys. From the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar to the remote expanses of the Mini Gobi and the rolling Ulan Butong Grasslands, this expedition immerses you in the landscapes, traditions, and daily rhythms of life under the eternal blue sky.
Sleep in traditional gers and tent camps, ride alongside herders on horseback, and share meals with local families to experience the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Witness wrestling, archery, and horse racing at the Nomad Games Festival, explore ancient capitals like Karakorum, traverse deserts and lakes, and continue into northern China’s grasslands where horseback riding, archery, and traditional cuisine showcase centuries of nomadic heritage.
Travel across borders via the Trans-Mongolian Train, explore Beijing’s imperial landmarks, and immerse yourself in Hulunbuir’s expansive steppes and the Russian-influenced border town of Manzhouli. From golden dunes to scenic rivers and icy mountain peaks, discover lands where every horizon tells a story.
August
Wild West II
Yunnan to Qinghai, Simply the Best
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.
September
Western Tibet
The Roof of the World
Embark on an extraordinary overland and high-altitude journey across Tibet and western China, a once-in-a-lifetime expedition that begins on the legendary Qinghai–Tibet Railway, the highest railway in the world, and continues across the roof of the world through sacred mountains, holy lakes, and remote highlands. From the spiritual heart of Lhasa to the ethereal landscapes surrounding Everest Base Camp, traverse vast plateaus, alpine deserts, and the ancient corridors of the Ali Plateau, culminating in the oasis city of Kashgar, at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert and the Silk Road.
This journey blends cultural immersion, high-altitude adventure, and historical discovery: witness centuries-old Tibetan monasteries, explore ruins of the Guge Kingdom, walk along the sacred shores of Lake Manasarovar, and trek the Kailash Outer Circuit. Travel through sparsely populated highlands, where nomads herd yaks across windswept plains, lakes glint under the thin air, and the spirit of Tibet endures. Every day brings a new horizon, a deeper connection to landscapes and people, and a profound sense of awe at the world’s highest plateaus.
October
Trans- Taklamakan
Oasis of the Ancient Silk Road
Embark on an extraordinary overland journey along the southern Silk Road, tracing the ancient trade corridors that skirt the Taklamakan Desert. From the oasis city of Kashgar to the urban hub of Urumqi, this expedition traverses remote desert landscapes, rugged mountain passes, and historic caravan towns, revealing the rich cultural tapestry of Xinjiang and the enduring legacy of the Silk Road. Wander through Uyghur bazaars, explore ruined Buddhist monasteries, and follow the route once trodden by merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers across Central Asia.
This journey blends cultural immersion, historical discovery, and desert adventure: sample traditional Uyghur cuisine, experience local music and dance, and visit ancient caravanserais that once hosted traders on the Silk Road. Along the way, observe pastoral life in desert towns, marvel at the Karakoram Mountains, and feel the pulse of centuries-old trade routes that connect East and West. Each day offers new horizons, colorful markets, and a deeper connection to the history, people, and landscapes of Xinjiang.
November
Silk Road Frontier
Crystal Lakes and Desert Passes
Venture across western China’s Silk Road frontier, where mountains dissolve into deserts, salt lakes shimmer under vast skies, and ancient trade routes wind through ghost towns and sacred dunes. This overland expedition traces a mesmerizing arc from Xining to Dunhuang, crossing the surreal landscapes of Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, and the barren beauty of Mangya, before following the old caravan trails to Jiayuguan, the western terminus of the Great Wall.
This journey blends frontier exploration, cultural history, and natural wonder: camp beside mirror-like lakes under a canopy of stars, stand before the Buddhist masterpieces of the Mogao Caves, and wander through abandoned outposts that once guarded the edge of empires. Each day unveils a new horizon, from the sapphire calm of Qinghai’s highland waters to the ochre cliffs of Dunhuang’s desert sanctuaries, revealing a side of China that feels both eternal and otherworldly.
All Year Long
China Digital Economy
China Digital Economy
Step inside the engine room of the world’s second-largest economy.
This 8-day business expedition across China’s digital hubs connects you directly with the people, companies, and institutions shaping the future of global commerce.
From Beijing’s e-commerce titans and Shanghai’s FDI gateways to Hangzhou’s innovation ecosystems and Shenzhen’s manufacturing frontier, this journey offers exclusive access, curated meetings, and deep local insight.
You’ll visit the headquarters of JD.com, ByteDance/Douyin, Alibaba, and Tencent, attend official government briefings on investment and company registration, and participate in factory visits and B2B matchmaking with vetted suppliers.
Small group, senior-level participants only — all logistics, interpreters, and on-the-ground coordination included.
FAQ — Your Questions, Answered
Planning an adventure in China can feel overwhelming. We’ve gathered the most common questions from our expat travelers to help you plan with confidence and ease.
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Our routes are designed by experienced local and expat explorers who know China beyond the guidebooks. Each trip combines breathtaking landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and smooth logistics — crafted specifically for the expat community.
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Not at all! All our tours are led by bilingual guides fluent in English and Mandarin. We handle all local communication so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
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Yes — we manage all necessary travel permits, local transport, and accommodation arrangements. You just show up ready to explore.
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Absolutely! Many of our guests are solo expats looking to meet like-minded adventurers. We keep group sizes small to maintain a friendly, community feel.
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We’ll send a detailed packing list before your departure, customized for your route and season. Generally, comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, and a sense of adventure are a must!
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!
