Exploring Shangri-la and the Ancient Tibetan Tea Trail

Revive the tradition of caravan travel! Join our exploration of this beautiful and historic region. Follow forgotten trails and learn about the history and culture from experts.

TREKS FOR 2009

Shangri-la Caravan Trail Expedition

A unique attempt to re-establish a caravan trail between Lijiang and the Tibetan town of Zhongdian, now better known as Shangri-la. Our caravan starts from the ancient town of Shuhe, five kilometres outside Lijiang, then treks east of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain before descending into the Jinsha River valley and crossing the water via the astonishing Zili Bridge. From there, we begin the long climb onto the Tibetan Plateau, passing to the east of Haba Snow Mountain, then to the lovely White Water Terrace, on to Dabao Temple and finally over Mt Wufeng to the old town of Zhongdian itself.  

Dates: September 12-25

Duration: 14 days

Price: US$1,700

Dali-Shaxi-Lijiang Caravan Trail COMPLETED

We completed this bid to revive the Dali-Lijiang caravan trail on schedule. It was a fascinating and (mostly) beautiful trek Check out the latest blogs for photos and stories from the road.

Dates: April 25-May 9

Three Rivers Expedition

Our second attempt to find a viable route across the three great rivers of the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween along the Tea & Horse Caravan Trail toward Burma.

For adventurers only. We haven't covered all this ground before, so conditions are unpredictable and could be uncomfortable!

Dates: June 3-17

Duration: 15 days approx - timings are not guaranteed, so insurance for flight changes is a must!

Price: US$1,800

Three Rivers Trek

Explore the ancient trading route that connected Tibet and Burma with southwest China, crossing the three great river valleys of the Salween, Mekong and Yangtze. This is among the most remote parts of China, a tapestry of peoples and cultures, mainly Lisu, Nu and rare congregations of Roman Catholic Tibetans.

Dates: October 18-28

Duration: 11 days

Price: US$3,000

Balagezong Pilgrimage Trail

This year's toughest trek, a unique experience with truly spectacular scenery. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted or the unfit. The trail hardly dips below 4,000 meters above sea level; we measured the highest pass at 5,153 meters. The path is so steep in places that, for once, we can't take a mule team. Instead, gear will be carried by local porters.

Dates: September 28-October 6

Duration: 9 days

Price: US$1,500