|
Trips 
China
Western Sichuan & Yading Hike
Much of western Sichuan was
once part of the Tibetan Empire and still remains very much culturally
Tibetan. This overland adventure will appeal to those who love all things
Tibetan as the journey brings one through the southern part of Kham
( or East Tibet ).
This is a beautiful mountainous region with numerous
snow-capped peaks, jade-green lakes, a strong Tibetan influence and
great ethnic diversity. The western Sichuan hinterland’s thundering
rapids, snowy peaks, and yaks signal the cultural as well as the geographical
border with Tibet. Indeed, this region’s remarkable mix of culture,
nature, and adventure is one of China’s best kept secrets.
On this adventure, we will travel from Chengdu through the heartands of the
Tibetans on wheels & foot. For trekking lovers, the Hell Valley Hike at Yading will be a challenging and exciting trek over a high mountain pass surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural lands in western China.
This adventure is a tough journey as much of
the travel are on high altitude grounds over high mountain passes and remote
mountain areas. It's an overland
taken by very few travellers to this part of China but a very exciting journey for the few who had.
We end our adventure back in Chengdu. This is an overlander that is packed
with enough sights and adventure that you'll remember long after the
journey is over.
Highlights
- Activities: Overland drive, nature sightseeing, trekking and / or horse-trekking, visit to alpine lakes, hotspring visits.
- Hiking at Yading Nature Reserve - the 'Lost Shangri-la'
- The vast high altitude Tibetan grasslands at Tagong Grasslands
- Visits to some splendid Tibetan monasteries
- click to see our last trip's
| Included |
| * |
Full accommodation arrangement |
| * |
Full transport arrangement & airport transfers in both mini-bus / van with driver |
| * |
Horse / porter fees for baggages ( not personal rides ) at Yading Nature Reserve |
| * |
Either Chinese or English speaking guide service |
| Excluded |
| * |
International airfares between Singapore & Chengdu |
| * |
All airport taxes |
| * |
All meals during tour |
| * |
Horse / porter fees for personal rides at Yading Nature Reserve |
| * |
Tipping & gratuities to guide & local staff |
| * |
Personal travel insurance & pre-trip medical immunizations |
| * |
All expenses of a personal nature |
|
  
Duration: 12 days
Group Size : minimum 2 persons
Maximum Altitude
4,600-m alpine lake ( trek )
4,900-m mountain pass ( drive )
Grading:
| Group Size |
Land Price (2006) |
| 10 persons or more |
$ 1250 |
| 06 - 09 persons |
$ 1350 |
| 04 - 05 persons |
$ 1450 |
| 02 - 03 persons |
$ 1800 |
| * Price above is land cost only and does not includes international return air fares |
|
Day 1
|
Singapore - Chengdu |
| Day 2 - 11 |
From Chengdu, we drive to Kangding which historically
was an important trading post between Tibet and China. Then we continue on to
the high grasslands of Litang on the high Qinghai-Tibet plateau
and passing several high mountains over 4000-m and visiting some
famous monasteries along the way. Great views of high snow-capped
peaks and interesting monastery visits along the way.
At the county of Daocheng, you'll find some of the most beautiful scenery
in China. The next few days will be spent at the stunning Yading
Nature Reserve ( the 'Lost Shangri-La' ) where we'll do the Death Valley Hike. Here in Yading, the scenery
easily rivals that of national parks of the west such as Yellowstone
and Yosemite in terms of spectacular, pristine mountain scenery.
After Yading, we travel via the Tagong grasslands to the Siguiniang ( 4 Young Ladies ) mountains for a short valley hike before returning to Chengdu where we end our adventure.
|
| Day 12 |
Chengdu - Singapore |
|
|
Some parts of Sichuan we are travelling
through are very remote and road conditions in the mountains can be
bumpy which demand better quality vehicles and experienced drivers,
all of which add to the cost. Many of the places ( such as Yading Nature Reserve
) we're passing through only see a handful of foreigners each year so the amenities in some of these places can be pretty basic. Accommodation for the most part will be in local Tibetan guesthouses with shared rooms taking 3-4 or more persons per room and built-in private washrooms. Most meals are included but on certain days, such as the hiking days, may be more bland in taste and in packed form due to the contraints of time.
Beware that this trip may be tough and cannot be done by
unprepared people looking for a comfortable holiday. The drives
will be long and over rugged mountain terrain and remote regions so
all participants must travel with an open mind and positive attitude.
For the trekking part of the trip, the Yading kora trek will be physically
taxing as the hiking will be done at high altitude of 4000-m and above.
All participants are strongly advised to join our weekly GCS
to tune up their fitness for this trip.
|
