Luxury Expedition Caravan: Yunnan & Sichuan
Best time to go: mid-May to Mid-June and mid-September to mid-October
Price from USD 5900 PP
Journey, in comfort, through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in eastern Tibet, on a timeless, mule-supported expedition that recreates the exploratory expeditions of old, with warm cots under canvas, thick wool rugs, and the best local charcuterie and wines.
Old gramophones apart (Joseph Rock famously played Caruso to local Tibetans on his pioneering expeditions in the 1920's), our sturdy mule-trains, replete with fine victuals, spacious bell-tents, and a silver candelabra, carry a kit list that covers pretty much everything else!
Winding your way up through pristine pine-forested trails, you will discover a beautiful, hidden mountain sanctuary, still rich in Tibetan culture, and embellished with three stunning 6000m peaks, sanctified by the fifth (and most pre-eminent) Dalai Lama. In short this old corner of Kham truly deserves the moniker of the original 'Shangri-La'.
So, wy not get an intrepid group together, perhaps even your own family, and set out on a singular adventure that combines comfortable, expeditionary glamping, cozy creature comforts, and an exploration of one of our all-time favourite destinations (indeed we first ventured into these spectacular sacred mountains over 15 years ago now). Yes China has changed during that time, but (thankfully) some things have stayed the same!
The terrain in this part of the Hengduan Mountains is relatively challenging, as are the altitudes. The route, although flexible, is nearly always wild and remote, and so this adventure works best for adventurous families, or a group of more intrepid friends.
The following is only the outline of a provisional daily plan. Each trip can be individually customised to suit your private group, with additional add-ons to some of our other favourite spots (such as Dzongsar).
Fly to Kunming (IATA: KMG). Transfer to your comfortable boutique hotel, and enjoy some sightseeing, followed by dinner and drinks.
After breakfast, transfer to nearby Kunming North station to catch the high speed train (business class is fabulous) to Shangri-La. Arrive in Shangri-La, and transfer to your luxury farmhouse accommodation to settle in and have dinner.
Today you will have time to explore the Ringha Valley, visit the local monastery, and set off on a 3 to 4 hours acclimatisation hike through the rhododendon-covered hills nearby. Dinner at the luxury farmstay.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive northwards through mountains and grasslands into Sichuan province, to arrive at the farmhouse of our lead muleteer. Settle in, and enjoy a hearty local dinner.
Today you start trekking, first up through beautiful pine and rhododendron forest, before arriving at your first wonderful campite, a stunning spot by a small river surrounded by soaring peaks. Camp in your luxury canvas bell-tents.
Today you will leave your camp to explore the surrounding area, and head up to a nearby waterfall. In the afternoon you will have time to stop, smell the flowers, relax, and have an aperitif. The evening will be spent at the same campsite, under canvas.
Today you will push higher, towards Mt Jempalyang, a spectacular 6000m+ peak that towers over Wisdom Lake. Your campsite is stunning, overlooking the lake and mountain, and will be your home for the next two nights.
After breakfast, you will explore the surrounding area, either by circumambulating the sacred lake, or trekking up to a viewpoint with stupendous views over the peaks of Yading. Return to camp, and enjoy a glass of wine.
After breakfast, you will nead north, traversing a ridge up onto a plateau with more stunning views, this time over Mt Chenrezig, and Milk Lake, before a spectacular descent down to your next camp. This will be your final night glamping.
Today you will descend further, following a river down through a beautiful valley to rendezvous with your vehicle, and then embark on your drive back to Shangri-La (or perhaps continue east towards Chengdu). Tonight you will stay at my friend's boutique hotel, and enjoy Tibetan hot pot.
Transfer to the airport, fly to Kunming (the flight arrives in the morning), and transfer to your homeward bound flight.
