The Whispering Winds of the Tibetan Plateau
Customizable
Small Group Journeys
Suggested Length
7 days
€165per person per day
Price From
Maximum group size - 6 people
What we love?
Embark on a 7-day, 6-night journey through Western Sichuan, where you’ll trace a perfect highland route, encircled by snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes, with vast horizons that feel as if mountains and seas have gathered into your embrace. Here, natural grandeur is inseparable from the living soul of Tibetan culture.
You’ll stand before Mount Gongga, the “King of Sichuan Peaks,” rising with majestic power; capture the shifting light of Xinduqiao, a paradise for photographers; and glimpse the unfolding rhythm of daily life in Zhonglu Tibetan Village, where morning smoke drifts above the rooftops. On the Tagong Grassland, the golden roof of Muya Monastery faces the sacred Yala Snow Mountain as chants carry into the wind, while in Litang—the “World’s High City”—the bustle of streets blends seamlessly with the boundless snow plateau.
Along the way, you’ll take part in rare encounters: learn meditation from monks in serene mountain settings, pause to hear the quiet beat of wings as birds cross the highland sky, and spend time with nomads live in the tent. Hear the low chants of monks echo through ancient halls, where faith reverberates through valleys and stone walls alike.
Delve deep into the Sacred Highlands of Sichuan.
Dancing Guozhuang with locals in Litang Ancient Town by the bonfire
Learn ancient Nyingma meditation techniques with monk in Tagong Monastery
Reflect on Tibetan views of life and death at a sky burial site
Step into the life of nomads for a day and learn how to make tsampa and butter tea
Take in the breathtaking views of Gongga and Yala Snow Mountains
Enjoy a hearty yak meat hotpot by the farmlands, as a khata is offered to you and a traditional toast is sung in your honor
Highlights of the Journey
Reflect on Tibetan beliefs at Tagong’s sky burial site, a sacred place where life, death, and rebirth are deeply intertwined.
Learn from nomads how to make tsampa and butter tea, and taste the most traditional foods of Tibetan life.
Get close to lambs and calves while learning the art of herding from nomads.
Learn ancient Nyingma Dzogchen meditation with a monk at Tagong Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s oldest schools.
In Zhonglu Tibetan Village, every household has century-old pear trees, and you’ll savor a yak meat hotpot beneath their blossoms in a village courtyard.
Dance hand in hand with locals in Litang’s main square, moving to the rhythm of the Guozhuang as the plateau night comes alive
Map & Itinerary
DAY 1:
Seeing Pandas and a Warm Tibetan Welcome in the Beauty Valley
Departing from Chengdu.
Join locals for a joyful welcome celebration with singing, dancing, and traditional Tibetan toasts. Enjoy an authentic yak hot pot dinner prepared especially for you.
Explore the ancient Tibetan village of Zhonglu, known as the “Beauty Valley,” where you’ll stroll past thousand-year-old stone watchtowers and discover the unique lifestyle and architecture of the Jiarong Tibetans.
Visit the famous Wolong Panda Base to see China’s national treasure, the giant panda.
DAY 2:
Tibetan Buddhist Culture Day of your journey
Enjoy the stillness of a village morning, where mist drifts through the valleys and smoke curls gently from rooftops.
The full name of Tagong Monastery is “The Monastery of Instant Liberation upon Seeing.” In Tibetan, “Tagong” means “the place loved by the Bodhisattva,” which highlights its religious significance and influence. According to legend, when a life-sized statue of Buddha Shakyamuni arrived at the Tagong Grassland, it expressed great fondness for the place, and thus Tagong Monastery was built here
Visit Muya Monastery, a sacred temple beneath the snow-capped mountains, known for rescuing and protecting countless animals.
A local English-speaking guide will take you to visit monasteries and help you understand the concept of the Six Realms of Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism
DAY 3:
Litang, the Sky City that captures the hearts of all who are drawn to it
Start your day with a morning meditation led by local Tibetan lamas, learning the ancient Nyingma practices to clear and calm your mind.
Head to Litang, a lively yet secluded town, where faith and daily life intertwine, offering a glimpse into the truly authentic Tibetan way of living.
Head to the Thousand-House Tibetan Village, where thousands of homes are built together, showcasing an unparalleled masterpiece of Tibetan architecture and communal living.
In the evening, take a stroll through Thousand-Lamp Alley to experience the glow of butter lamps, then join the locals dancing in the highland square. On your way back to the hotel, don’t forget to look up and admire the starry sky.
DAY 4:
A journey to the mountain lakes, the emeralds left behind by God on earth.
Wake up to the serene morning in Litang, then head to Changqingchunke’er Monastery to listen to the monks chanting and take part in their morning practice.
Passing by the Sisters Lakes, two sparkling blue gems.
Snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes, the true treasures of the highlands. Enjoy a gentle hike along the lakeshore
DAY 5:
Where nomads live, and the mountains wake in gold.
Discover Xinduqiao, a timeless haven for photographers, where golden light, rolling hills, and changing seasons paint the landscape anew each day.
Step into the heart of Tibetan grassland life with a day alongside local herders. Learn how to make tsampa and butter tea inside a traditional black yak-hair tent, try your hand at milking, or simply sit by the fire listening to stories passed down through generations.
As the sun begins its slow descent, the snow-capped peaks transform into a canvas of fire and gold. The fading daylight casts a warm glow over the mountains, painting their icy ridges in brilliant shades of crimson and amber. This fleeting moment, known as “Golden Mountain at Sunset,” is nature’s most breathtaking farewell — a spectacle that rewards the patient traveler who waits in silence beneath the towering peaks.
DAY 6:
From the vast Tibetan highlands to the timeless charm of a Ming–Qing ancient town.
The villages remain quiet, smoke rising slowly from chimneys as herders begin their day. In this stillness, time seems to pause — allowing you to simply breathe, listen, and feel the peaceful rhythm of life on the plateau.
Soak in a natural hot spring and wash away your fatigue.
Journey to Shangli Ancient Town, a hidden gem where cobblestone lanes, wooden bridges, and centuries-old houses whisper stories of the past. Wander along the riverside, sip tea in a rustic courtyard, and immerse yourself in the slow rhythm of life that has remained unchanged for generations. Here, history is not staged, it’s simply lived.
DAY 7:
After savoring the tranquil life of the ancient town, return to Chengdu.
Wake up to the bustling morning market of the ancient town, and embrace a century-old sense of serenity in the gentle morning mist.
Back to Chengdu.
Recommend visiting Heming Teahouse to enjoy a cup of Chengdu’s traditional gaiwan tea, or experiencing a classic Sichuan Opera performance.
Featured Stays
We’ve hand-selected a range of accommodations to suit different preferences, each offering a distinctive experience deeply connected to the local land and culture.
Yongzongling, Tagong
Right next to Tagong Monastery, this guesthouse preserves the traditional architecture of the Kham Tibetan style. The family who runs it is incredibly warm, hospitable, and deeply devout. Every day, they go to the monastery to chant scriptures. Their eldest son is a monk studying in Dege.
What’s Included:
Accommodation
Private driver and vehicle for the duration of the trip
All activities, experiences, and necessary equipment as outlined in the itinerary
12/7 online concierge service for assistance during your journey
Emergency rescue team on standby for safety and security
Virtual guided sightseeing explanations to enhance your cultural experience
Daily medication and oxygen supply to ensure your well-being at high altitudes
Entrance fees for all attractions listed in the itinerary
What’s Excluded:
Daily meals (We will recommend the best local restaurants based on your preferences)
On-site translator (Our 12/7 online guide service is available if language assistance is needed)
Additional emergency rescue expenses caused by personal circumstances
Trip Costs:
Starting from €165 per person per day
Based on boutique accommodation and a group of 4 travelers.
Room upgrades
Add €40 per room, per night for each upgrade level.
Send us an inquiry
Begin Your Unique Journey Through China.
