Botanical Explorer Expedition: Western China

June 9 to 25, 2018 |USD 4750 pp
** Please note that this trip is now finished. A Brief blog/photo essay of the completed trip can be found in our Adventure Diary. While this trip is not currently scheduled for 2019 - it may be possible to run a similar trip for a pre-arranged private group of at least 5 people - so please do get in touch if you are interested **
This will be our third pioneering botanical adventure into the most prolific temperate biosphere on the planet. Once again, our plan will be to traverse the northern Gaoligong mountains that straddle the borders of Tibet, Burma and Yunnan and divide the upper reaches of the mighty Nujiang and Dulong River Valleys. Covered in large swaths of rhododendron and old-growth forest, the jagged peaks and lush glacial valleys are a treasure trove of biodiversity and the epicentre for plant endemism in the region with over 300 plant species found nowhere else on earth. And so, every year, this pristine wilderness holds out the enticing prospect of new and rare botanical discoveries.
The terrain, while spectacular, is challenging and very difficult in parts. En route, particularly before we break out at higher altitudes into sub-alpine forests and meadows, we will follow seldom-used Lisu hunting tracks through thick forest covered in greybeard lichen. We will also need to scramble over the sprawling root systems of giant evergreens, wade through small rivers and cross a number of slippery log bridges and snow fields. To be clear, this is an intrepid expedition into remote territory and is not a trek for armchair enthusiasts. You need to be physically and emotionally prepared for a formidable adventure in the spirit of George Forrest and Frank Kingdon Ward.
Please note that you can also view additional images from our previous 2015 & 2017 botanical expeditions in our Adventure Diary.
Why Join Our Team?

Expedition Plan
This is a proprietary and exploratory route so flexibility and spontaneity will be required. The following is only an outline daily plan.
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Expedition Location
Practical Information
Rest assured we will be here to advise you on all aspects of preparing for, and participating in, this trip. Here are a few obvious places to start.
Accomodation
Altitude
Communication
Difficulty
Equipment
First Aid
Food
Flights
Insurance
Self-reliance
Support
Temperatures
Toilets & Washing
Visas
A Word From A Fellow Enthusiast
I joined Whistling Arrow's first Rhododendron Explorer trek in 2015 and found it be be extremely well organised and managed. We discovered very remote parts not explored since the great plant explorers were in this area in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
The pristine plants were just fantastic! Whistling Arrow prepared an exceptionally well laid plan for this adventure with everything you could think of - good tents, good food, good people and good times.