Mountains, Myth & Magic
An incredible journey through Kham in Eastern Tibet
Want to experience Tibet as it used to be? Our Beyond The Clouds Mountains Myth and Magic Journey takes you onto the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, to the traditional region of Kham. This area is one of Tibet's best-kept secrets, well guarded by rugged snow-capped mountains and high passes. It offers spectacular scenery, and remains relatively unexplored - you won't find hordes of snap-happy tourists out here. The small towns and villages of Kham are off the beaten track, allowing you to see the authentic Tibetan culture in way that you no longer can in central Tibet. As an added bonus to this captivating region, because most of Kham is now part of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, no special Tibet Travel Permits are required.
Our carefully planned 9-night journey introduces you to Eastern Tibet’s stunning natural environment, ancient monasteries, well preserved unique traditions and friendly & hospitable local people. Let us introduce you to the rich Buddhist culture and magnificent landscapes, and help you have a truly Tibetan experience that you'll never forget.
This tour is designed for people who want to get a taste of Tibet and explore off the beaten track, experiencing the magic of traditional Tibetan culture. To provide the ultimate Tibet experience, we have hand-picked the accommodation. You will be accompanied by an experienced English speaking Tibetan guide who will really look after you throughout your journey, and play a special part in your Tibetan experience.
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9 night journey
DEPARTS: chengdu
Maximum elevation: 4,200m
Availability: Late April/May/June & September to October
Minimum group size: 2 people
Single room supplement available on request.
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
International airfare to Chengdu. (This can be arranged for you. Please contact us for details).
Stopover hotel if needed
China Visa
Comprehensive travel insurance.
Additional activities not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic or soft drinks
Laundry
Tips for guide & driver
Trip Inclusions
All transport including airport pick-up and transfers
Private vehicle and driver
All meals, including complimentary bottled water
All accommodation, based on twin share
All entrance fees and activities as included in itinerary
Excellent english speaking Tibetan guide
Use of a cell phone with local number for duration of the trip
TRIP OVERVIEW
Your journey begins exploring Chengdu. Visit the Giant Panda breeding centre and historical temples. Leaving the city behind you, drive out of the Sichuan basin heading deep into the mountains that lead to the Tibetan plateau. During the five hour journey, everything changes including the landscape, climate, cuisine, language, customs, and the people. We base ourselves in the historic trading town of Kangding for 2 nights. Right on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, at 2500m, Kangding is the perfect place to acclimatise.
From Kangding, we cross the Zheduo Mountain pass at 4200m to the Tibetan Plateau! This really is the roof of the world. The next day, continue to the traditional Tibetan trading town of Tagong where people live a traditional nomadic lifestyle. From the plateau at 3,800 metres, we descend through beautiful, narrow valleys to Danba, known as the Valley of Beauties.
The lush, steep mountains of Danba contrast to the flat grasslands of Tagong. Locals have cultivated the land here for generations and Danba is famous for its ancient ruined towers that date back hundreds of years. From Danba, we travel through a narrow canyon valley for three hours on a gradual climb to Changping, the gateway to the alpine wonderland of Four Sisters Mountain. Changping is a quaint Tibetan village and the last of our mountain locations before heading back to Chengdu for one more night and departure.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Chengdu, Tibet: Arrive in Chengdu and and visit the Wenshu Buddhist temple. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the vegetarian restaurant inside the temple complex. Driving time: 30 minutes
Overnight: Chengdu
Altitude: 485 m
DAY 2
Chengdu: Visit the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Centre. Relax and explore in the afternoon. Optional evening at the Sichuan Opera. Overnight: Chengdu
Altitude: 485 m
DAY 3
Kangding: Depart Chengdu, driving into the mountains. Arrive in Kangding and visit the Lhamo Tse Monastery. Driving time: 5 hrs
Overnight: Kangding
Altitude: 2,600 m
DAY 4
Kangding: Visit Dordrak Monastery before taking a cable car to the Paoma Mountain look-out. Join a community dance in the evening.
Overnight: Kangding
Altitude: 2,600 m
DAY 5
Tagong: Travel over the Zheduo Pass (4,200 m) to the nomadic trading village of Tagong. Explore the village and visit the local monastery. We travel a short distance to our luxury overnight Tibetan accommodation.
Driving time: 3 hrs
Overnight: Xinduqiao
Altitude: 3,700 m
DAY 6
Zhonglu Tibetan Village (Danba): Visit Lhagang Monastery in Tagong before driving to Danba.
Driving time: 3 hrs
Overnight: Zhonglu Tibetan Village
Altitude: 1,900 m
DAY 7
Zhonglu Tibetan Village: Hike around the village, and join your Tibetan host for a historical and cultural tour of his 700 year old home.
Overnight: Zhonglu Tibetan Village
Altitude: 1,900 m
DAY 8
Four Sisters Mountain: Drive to Four Sisters Mountain. Walk through the village and surrounding valley. Optional climb to the adjacent ridge for views of the sunset.
Driving time: 2.5 hrs
Overnight: Changping village
Altitude: 3,160 m
DAY 9
Chengdu: Drive to Chengdu. Optional bamboo bike ride along Chengdu's Funan River. Overnight: Chengdu
Altitude: 485 m
DAY 10
Depart Chengdu
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