The Whispering Winds of the Tibetan Plateau

Small Group Journeys

Customizable

Suggested Length

4-6 days

Price From

€133 per person per day

Maximum group size - 6 people

What we love?

Embark on a 4-day, 3-night journey through Western Sichuan, where you'll immerse yourself in the living heart of Tibetan culture and take in some of the most stunning snow-capped mountain scenery in China.

Guided by our local Tibetan guides and monks, you’ll explore traditional villages, join locals in singing and dancing, and gain rare insights into centuries-old spiritual practices. Learn ancient Nyingma meditation techniques, reflect on Tibetan views of life and death at a sky burial site, and carve your own mani stone with a personal prayer.

You’ll also discover the beauty of Tibetan architecture and mural art, observe lively monastic debates, and take part in hands-on experiences such as making tsampa and butter tea—an authentic taste of everyday Tibetan life.

Delve deep into the Spiritual Heart of China.

Explore ancient Tibetan villages, sing and dance with the locals

Learn ancient Nyingma meditation techniques with monk in Tagong Monastery

Reflect on Tibetan views of life and death at a sky burial site

Experience Tibetan architecture at its finest, handcrafted homes built over generations.

Take in the breathtaking views of Gongga and Yala Snow Mountains

Carve your own mani stone for blessing

Highlights of the Journey

Explore the ancient Tibetan villages of Danba’s Beauty Valley, and join locals in traditional singing and dancing.

Take in the dramatic alpine scenery of Mt. Gongga and Mt. Yala. China’s sacred land for snow mountain views and trekking.

Reflect on Tibetan beliefs at Tagong’s sky burial site, a sacred place where life, death, and rebirth are deeply intertwined.

Learn ancient Nyingma Dzogchen meditation with a monk at Tagong Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s oldest schools.

Carve your own mani stone beside sacred stone piles, adding your prayer to centuries of devotion.

Admire the pinnacle of Tibetan architecture in Daofu, where families spent decades building their own homes, a vanishing craft today.

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:

Across Forests, Snow Mountains, Grasslands: Discover the Peak of Tibetan Architecture in Daofu

  • Journey through the hidden trails of Danba to Daofu, where the diverse landscapes of Western Sichuan—forests, glaciers, rivers, and grasslands—unfold before your eyes.

  • Admire some of the finest examples of traditional Tibetan architecture in Daofu. Step inside an ancient home and hear the stories behind its handcrafted structure—an art that once took decades to complete and is now nearly lost.

  • Wander through the untouched Yuke Grasslands, a fairy-tale paradise that feels like something out of The Wizard of Oz—a hidden gem nestled deep in the highlands.

  • Visit the secluded village of Yinke and explore the ancient Yinka Monastery, a sacred site with over a thousand years of history.

DAY 3:

Step into Tibetan Faith: Meditation, Mani Stones, and Sky Burial at Tagong

  • Learn the foundational Dzogchen meditation practices of the Nyingma school with local Tibetan guide and monk—a rare and meaningful introduction to one of Tibetan Buddhism’s oldest practice.

  • Visit a traditional sky burial site to reflect on Tibetan views of life, death, and the cycle of rebirth.

  • Carve your own mani stone beside sacred stone piles, leaving behind a personal blessing in this land of devotion.

  • Explore two of the region’s most important monasteries—Tagong Monastery and the grand Muya Monastery. If lucky, you may witness monks engaged in ritual debate.

DAY 4:

From Sacred Summits to Ancient Town: Mt. Gongga, Mt. Yala & Shangli Old Town

  • From Gediram, take in breathtaking views of Mt. Gongga and Mt. Yala—two sacred peaks deeply revered in Tibetan culture.

  • Stroll through Shangli Ancient Town, a peaceful water town that has preserved its authentic old-world charm—far from the crowds and commercial reconstructions.

  • Return to Chengdu, bringing your journey through Western Sichuan to a close.

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.

@FabioNodari

  • The Shenshuping Base at Wolong China Giant Panda Base is one of the best places to see them—fewer people, more pandas, especially many adorable cubs!

    Admire clusters of Tibetan houses, stroll through the village, visit temples and ancient watchtowers you can admire one of the most beautiful towns in Western Sichuan, also known as "Beauty Valley." This village is famous for its architecture and vibrant surroundings. There aren’t any must-see attractions, but wandering through the village is a wonderful experience. Admire the sacred Mount Moerduo, explore ancient watchtowers and castles, and enjoy the laid-back daily life of the locals. You can also join a bonfire night with the locals, singing and dancing to experience their warm hospitality.

  • Driving through the stunning Dangling area, we arrive at the serene Yuke Grassland.

    Yuke Grassland, this fairy-tale paradise feels like a scene from The Wizard of Oz, a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of western Sichuan.

    Yinke Village (银克村) is a beautiful Tibetan village nestled in the heart of the Siguniangshan area. Unlike the Zhonglu Village, the houses in this area are built with wood. There is a big temple to explore and a nice viewing platform overlooking the whole village. Don’t forget to check it out. The village offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Tibetan culture and hospitality. In summer, it is not uncommon to witness some local festivals. Yinke Village captures the essence of life in this remote and beautiful part of China.

    In Daofu, explore the "First Tibetan House of Kham" and feel the artistic pinnacle of Tibetan architecture. Visit one of the most traditional homes in the village, where the owner will share stories about the history and artistic details of this unique architectural style.

  • Longdeng Grassland is home to a rich Tibetan cultural heritage, as the area is inhabited by local Tibetan communities that maintain their traditional way of life. The grassland becomes particularly lively during summer horse-racing events when locals gather to enjoy the festivals. If you are lucky, you might also see some wild Tibetan Macaques on your way to the grassland.

    Visit Gerima Village, a small Tibetan village filled with devout faith, nestled at the foot of Yala Snow Mountain. You may not see many people, but you will find faith everywhere you look.

    Muya Monastery (木雅寺) is a beautiful place that doesn’t even feel real. The location is perfect, and the mountains surrounding the grassland make this place look like it came straight out of a movie. You can feel that there is something special about this location.

    Lhagang Monastery (塔公寺, Tǎgōng Sì) is a revered Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the small town of Tagong. This monastery is a key site for the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and it is famous for its striking golden roof and centuries-old connections to Tibetan spiritual heritage.

    Our local guide in Tagong, a lovely Tibetan lady, will take you to hidden sacred sites known only to monks and locals, offering you the rare opportunity to witness traditional Buddhist debates (monastic debating). You’ll also get the chance to learn how to make tsampa by hand.

  • In Gediramu , marvel at the vast expanse of snow-capped mountains, including Yala Snow Mountain and Gongga Snow Mountain.

    Visit Zhonggu Village to soak in a natural hot spring, enjoying the warmth while gazing at the distant snow-covered landscape in winter.

  • You can add an extra day in Siguniangshan Town, where you can enjoy a bonfire party in the evening and go hiking in Siguniang Mountain the next morning.

  • You can spend an extra day in Shangli Ancient Town. Unlike many reconstructed old towns, this one has preserved the authentic charm of traditional ancient Chinese places. In my opinion, it's worth taking the time to explore. It’s also relatively unknown among foreigners, so you won’t encounter large crowds of tourists.

@FabioNodari

  • Wolong Panda Base

  • Siguniang Mountain

  • Zhonglu Tibetan Village

  • Dangling

  • Yuke Grassland

  • Daofu

  • Longdeng Grassland

  • Gerima Village

  • Muya Monastery

  • Tagong

  • Gediramu

  • Shangli Ancient Town

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 €99 per person per day
Based on homestay accommodation and a group of 4 travelers.

Room upgrades
Add €40 per room, per night for each upgrade level.

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Begin Your Unique Journey Through China.