The Whispering Winds of

the Tibetan Plateau

Suggested Length

9 days

€1975 / $2320 per person

Price From

LIMITED TO 8 GUESTS

Group Size

Whole year

Season

    Western Sichuan is part of the Kham Tibetan region, a land of some of China's most spectacular snow mountains. In certain areas, the sense of faith and tradition is even more deeply woven into daily life than in Central Tibet. Here, you're not just observing Tibetan culture; you are truly stepping into the lives and beliefs of Tibetan people.

    This journey brings you into the very heart of Western Sichuan. You’ll meditate in a centuries-old forest of white stupas alongside monks studying traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices, dance and sing with locals in Litang, wander through mountain Tibetan villages, and listen to nuns debating Buddhist philosophy during their daily lessons. You’ll hike beside snow-fed alpine lakes and spend a full day living the nomadic life with Tibetan herders high in the mountains.

    Beyond Tibetan culture, the journey also reveals the diversity of Sichuan. You’ll stand before the world’s largest seated Buddha, soak in natural hot springs in Zhonggu Village, and visit a panda base to observe giant pandas up close in their mountain environment without the mirror.

    Combining Sichuan's cultural depth with its dramatic landscapes, this is an exceptionally varied journey, offering a rare and intimate insight into Western China, from profound spiritual encounters to breathtaking natural scenery.

HIGHLIGHTS of the Journey

Practise Tibetan Buddhist meditation

Meditate with a monk from Tagong Monastery, learning authentic techniques in the thousand-year-old stupa forest.

Living with Tibetan Nomads

Spend a day with Tibetan nomads on the grasslands, joining local herders in their daily routines, learning to make tsampa, herding yaks, and sharing authentic Tibetan meals together.

Dance with Locals

Dance Traditional Tibetan dance Guozhuang with locals in Litang, the highest Tibet city in the world, explore its thousand-house Tibetan village and monasteries.

Face-to-Face with Pandas

Observe giant pandas up close, with unobstructed views and no glass barriers, in a carefully designed panda base that reflects how pandas live in the wild. Panda will be as close as 5m.

Lakeside Walk in Cuopu

Stroll beside the lakeshore in Cuopu Valley, beneath snow-capped mountains, where crystal-clear waters reflect the peaks and surrounding forests.

Leshan Buddha from the Water

Enjoy a VIP boat experience at the Leshan Giant Buddha, viewing the world’s largest stone-carved seated Buddha from a unique perspective on the river.

*All pictures are taken by our photographer.

  • Begin in Chengdu, where your guide welcomes you at the hotel and each guest enjoys a dedicated airport pick-up. If you arrive early, you can choose to enjoy a Sichuan Opera performance on your own. In the evening, gather near the hotel for a warm welcome dinner to start your journey.

    Dinner Included

  • We begin at Wolong Panda Base, the world’s largest natural-habitat sanctuary, where you can quietly watch giant pandas and their adorable cubs roaming just steps away—no glass, no crowds. After that, Maobiliang Viewpoint offers your first enchanting look at the four sacred peaks of Siguniang, often glowing gold under the afternoon sun. Afterwards, you’ll arrive at Zhonglu Tibetan Village, called the most beautiful Tibetan village in China. As the sun sets over the old village, warm light spills across the rooftops and fields, offering a peaceful and timeless moment.

    Breakfast included
    Elevation: 2300 m

  • After the sunrise, continue your journey to the Tagong Grassland, a sacred place said to be beloved by Bodhisattvas. Guided by our local English-speaking guide, you’ll touch the rescued deer at Muya Monastery, which is under the snow mountains. At Tagong Monastery, listen to a teaching from the monks and offer a touch of light to a butter lamp. In a secluded nunnery, learn the art of Tibetan debate and feel the dynamic exchange of Buddhist philosophy. Then we will take you to Gerima Village, where devotees from across the plateau live and practice their faith.

    Breakfast included
    Elevation: 3730m

  • Guided by a monk from Tagong Monastery, you'll learn one of the oldest meditation practices in Tibetan Buddhism. Travel to Litang, the Sky City hidden deep within the Tibetan region beneath towering snow mountains, a highland settlement said to be closest to the sun. Here, you'll see thousands of traditional Tibetan homes, and in the evening, join the locals for a lively Guozhuang dance.

    Breakfast included
    Elevation: 4000m

  • Passing the Sisters Lakes, two deep-blue lakes resting side by side beneath snow-covered peaks, the scenery feels almost unreal. Then enter Cuopu Valley, a place often described as a microcosm of Sichuan’s natural wonders. Here, snowy mountains, steep gorges, alpine forests, and crystal-clear lakes all converge within a single valley. A gentle hike along the wooden boardwalk leads you slowly through this ever-changing landscape, The walk ends at Cuopu Monastery. On clear days, blue sheep are often seen moving across the rocky slopes near the monastery.

    Breakfast included
    Elevation: 3500m

  • In the early morning, you will visit Changqingchunker Monastery, the oldest and largest Gelug monastery in the Kham region. From its hilltop location, you can also enjoy a panoramic view over Litang. In the afternoon, your local English-speaking guide will take you to a Tibetan herder’s home. Here, you will spend time herding yaks on the grasslands, learn to make tsampa and butter tea inside a traditional black tent, and experience a herder’s daily life firsthand. In the evening, you will enjoy a home-cooked Tibetan dinner with the family.

    Breakfast and Dinner included
    Elevation: 3480m

  • From Xinduqiao, enjoy distant views of Mount Gongga, continue to Zhonggu Village to unwind in a natural outdoor hot spring beneath snow-capped mountains, letting the warm mineral waters ease away the fatigue. Later, we will bid a warm farewell to the Tibetan highlands and make our way to Shangli Ancient Water Town, a tranquil thousand-year-old riverside settlement. Unlike other ancient towns, it has preserved its most authentic and untouched beauty.

    Breakfast included
    Elevation: 800m

  • Starting your day with an early-morning stroll through the quiet, crowd-free streets of Shangli Ancient Town, where historic wooden houses stand peacefully in the dawn light. Afterwards, we will drive to the Leshan Giant Buddha for a VIP boat experience, offering the best panoramic view of the world’s largest cliff-carved Buddha and allowing you to admire this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site up close.

    Breakfast included
    Elevation: 380m

  • Start your morning with one last cup of tea in the gentle Chengdu sunshine, watching the city slowly come alive around you. As locals stroll through nearby parks, practising tai chi, take a quiet moment to soak in the laid-back spirit that makes Chengdu so unforgettable. An airport drop-off will be arranged according to your flight time, bringing your memorable journey to a smooth and pleasant close.

    Breakfast included

Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?

Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailor-made holiday.

Book Consultation

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.

We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Han’e Mansion

Boutique

Dejieling Hotel

Boutique

Muzhe

Boutique

Gallery

Giving Back

Responsible travel at our hearts

We give back by supporting bird conservation efforts across China. Through monthly donations to the "Protect Habitats, Free Flying Wings" Charity program, we contribute directly to the protection of bird habitats. We also commit to reinvesting a portion of the revenue from this journey into ongoing conservation initiatives, helping safeguard birdlife and ensuring that every pair of wings can continue to soar freely.

What’s Included:

  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary

  • All transportation during the trip, including vehicle, fuel, tolls, parking fees, and driver costs

  • All meals as listed in the itinerary

  • Dedicated service team throughout the journey

  • Guide arrangement:

    • For groups of up to 3 guests, the trip is led by a driver-guide

    • For groups of 4 guests or more, services include a Chinese-speaking driver and a professional English-speaking guide

  • Private airport pick-up and drop-off service

  • All experiences and activities listed in the itinerary

  • Entrance tickets to all scheduled attractions

  • One bottle of oxygen per person per day (high-altitude support)

  • Travel insurance during the trip

What’s Excluded:

  • International or domestic flights to Chengdu and onward flights departing from Chengdu

  • Entrance fees to attractions or sites not explicitly listed in the itinerary, including any optional or minor admission tickets

  • All personal expenses incurred during free time or independent activities

  • Any items, services, or expenses not specifically listed under “What’s Included”

Group departure date:

    2026.4.15 - 2026.4.23 1975 euros per person Single Room Supplement 963 euros per room

    2026.5.15 - 2026.5.23 1975 euros per person Single Room Supplement 963 euros per room

    2026.6.15 - 2026.6.23 1975 euros per person Single Room Supplement 963 euros per room

    2026.7.15 - 2026.7.23 2256 euros per person Single Room Supplement 1368 euros per room

    2026.8.15 - 2026.8.23 2256 euros per person Single Room Supplement 1368 euros per room

    2026.9.15 - 2026.9.23 2256 euros per person Single Room Supplement 1368 euros per room

    2026.10.15 - 2026.10.23 1975 euros per person Single Room Supplement 963 euros per room

    2026.12.15 - 2026.12.23 1975 euros per person Single Room Supplement 963 euros per room

    2027.2.15 - 2027.2.23 1975 euros per person Single Room Supplement 963 euros per room

Group tour with fewer than 8 people. Private tour available upon request.

Send us an inquiry

Begin Your Unique Journey Through China.

FAQ

  • There’s never a 100% guarantee when observing wildlife. Animals live freely in vast natural habitats and follow their own movement patterns. To increase the chances of sightings, we adjust our route based on real-time information from our local network and head to areas where target species are more likely to appear. For particularly elusive bird species, we also make use of birding hides that offer quiet observation points to improve the likelihood of encounters.

    • Mammals: Around 50 meters

    • Birds: Varies by species — as close as 3 meters, and generally within 100 meters.

    • Use a camera model you are comfortable with. Bring extra batteries. A 500mm lens or longer is recommended, as it works well for most mammal and bird photography situations.

    • Binoculars (8x to 10x) are also very useful for your birding.

  • April to June and October are the most suitable months for observation. The spring window (April–June) is the only time to see the local flora in full bloom. During the autumn and winter months, please note that the elevation ranges and encounter rates for key target species may shift.

    • The difficulty level for our itinerary is largely Level 1 (Easiest), with most days requiring less than 3 hours of walking. At Laba River and Wawu Mountain, full-day birdwatching may involve up to 8 hours of walking on paved/stone paths. However, the walking duration is flexible and dependent on your stamina; you are free to stop and rest in designated areas at any time.

    • From: U.S. National Park Service (NPS) Extended Trail Rating System

    • https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/how-to-determine-hiking-difficulty.htm

    • Our lowest point is Chengdu (approx. 500 m) and the highest is the Kangding mountain area (approx. 3,900 m).

    • Most of the itinerary takes place at lower elevations (1,200–2,000 m). We only enter high-altitude areas for 1–2 days, and the ascent is gradual, so the likelihood of altitude sickness is relatively low.

    • Our team is experienced in handling altitude-related issues. Please inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell—your safety is our top priority. If serious symptoms occur, we may adjust the route or shorten the trip.

  • Drones are not allowed inside the reserves. Please follow your guide’s instructions.

  • Please bring shoes that are comfortable for walking outdoors and also waterproof. We’re always happy to provide further advice and recommendations.

  • For safety and comfort considerations at high altitude and long distance drving, the recommended age range is 10 to 70 years old. Participants outside this range may still join, but a doctor’s certificate of good health and prior approval from the organizer are required.

  • Please check your country's visa requirements for travelling to China. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will have a 30-day visa-free stay. Our trip lasts for 13 days, leaving plenty of time for departure. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, please apply for a visa in advance.

Similar Trips

SIGNATURE TRIP

Group Tour

China Ultimate Snow Leopard Expedition

Guided by our local wildlife experts featured in National Geographic and Frozen Planet.

This 12-day snow leopard expedition maximises your chances of seeing wild snow leopards in China, while also giving you the opportunity to encounter nearly all the key species of the Tibetan Plateau and immerse yourself in one of the best-preserved Tibetan cultural regions in the country.

12 days from €4288 euros

View Details

SIGNATURE TRIP

Group Tour

9-Day Essence of Tibet

This 9-day journey brings you to the very essence of Tibet, from the majestic Mount Everest to the sacred Namtso Lake, and from the spiritual heart of the Potala Palace to Tashilhunpo Monastery, as well as Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. This is not just travel. It’s a pilgrimage across sacred cities, glittering lakes, and the world’s highest peaks. Is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the very soul of Tibet

9 days from €833 euros

View Details

SIGNATURE TRIP

Group Tour

7-Day China Snow Leopard Expedition

Guided by our local specialists featured in National Geographic and Frozen Planet, you will find snow leopards, Pallas’s cats, blue sheep, white-lipped deer, wild yaks, Tibetan foxes, Tibetan antelopes, wolves, and bearded vultures.

Beyond the wildlife, the region is also rich in Tibetan culture, immerse yourself in one of the best-preserved Tibetan cultural regions in the country.

7 days from €23332199 euros (On Sale)

View Details