Private Travel
China, Tibet
Private
Private Tour
Xining to Chengdu – 17 Days
Join us on an extraordinary journey through the Tibetan Highlands, where remote landscapes, spiritual heritage, and vibrant horse festivals come together. Beginning in Xining and moving through Yushu, Serxu, Derge, Garzê, and Litang, this 17-day tour offers rare access to nomadic life, ancient monasteries, and sacred mountains. Highlights include the colourful horse racing festivals of Yushu and Litang, where local communities gather to celebrate with music, dance, and thrilling equestrian competitions.
Along the way, visit revered sites like Kumbum Monastery and Dzogchen Monastery, admire Qinghai Lake’s beauty, and explore villages with ancient watchtowers in Danba. Enjoy meaningful encounters with monks, traditional healers, and nomads in remote regions. Travel in comfort with carefully selected accommodations, local guides, and private transport throughout. Designed for those seeking authentic cultural insight and highland adventure, this is a journey that unveils the spirit of Tibet far beyond the typical tourist trail.
EXPERIENCE TIBETAN HORSE FESTIVALS: Witness the thrilling horse racing festivals of Yushu and Litang, where nomads showcase riding skills and celebrate with music, dancing, and traditional food. These vibrant events offer an authentic insight into Tibetan highland culture and are among the region’s most exciting and meaningful local celebrations.
EXPLORE MONASTERIES OF THE TIBETAN HIGHLANDS: Visit sacred monasteries such as Kumbum, Dzogchen, and Serxu. Learn about Yellow Hat and Nyingma traditions while admiring golden rooftops, ancient murals, and prayer halls. These spiritual sites reflect the deep Buddhist heritage of the Tibetan Highlands and offer moments of peace, learning, and cultural immersion.
SCENIC DRIVES THROUGH THE TIBETAN PLATEAU: Travel through remote valleys, grasslands, and high passes surrounded by snow-capped peaks and open skies. Highlights include Qinghai Lake, Riyue Mountain, Tagong Grasslands, and the journey to Danba. These landscapes reflect the wild beauty and dramatic geography of Tibet’s remote highlands.
CONNECT WITH TIBETAN NOMADIC LIFE: eet nomadic families, witness traditional crafts, and experience daily life on the Tibetan plateau. From shared meals during festivals to overnight stays in remote villages, this journey offers meaningful connections with local people and insights into a way of life shaped by mountains, faith, and tradition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Private Travel
Moderate
Premium
Discover the cultural heart of the Tibetan Highlands on this 17-day journey through monasteries, nomadic villages, and mountain landscapes. Attend vibrant horse festivals in Yushu and Litang, explore sacred sites, and connect with local traditions — all with expert guidance and carefully selected accommodations throughout remote western China.
Arrive in Xining, capital of Qinghai Province. A guide will meet you and take you to the Sofitel Xining for three nights. This highland city is a key centre for Tibetan culture and trade. After settling in, enjoy a homemade lunch and dinner prepared by skilled chefs, your first taste of Tibetan cuisine. Unwind and get comfortable. Xining blends Tibetan tradition with Chinese influence and is a great starting point for your journey into Western China’s cultural heartland.
Start the day with a visit to Kumbum Monastery, also called Ta’er Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. Explore its peaceful grounds, golden rooftops and intricate prayer halls. Learn about the Yellow Hat sect and admire the religious art and architecture. After lunch, head to the Great Mosque of Xining, a symbol of the city’s diverse faiths. This day combines two very different yet deeply rooted spiritual traditions, giving you a broad perspective on the region’s unique cultural mix.
Today’s excursion takes you into the countryside. Drive 2.5 hours to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China. On the way, stop at Riyue Mountain, known as the Sun and Moon Mountain, which marks the boundary between farming and nomadic regions. From the top, enjoy the views of grasslands, valleys and Qinghai Lake. This route was once part of an important trading corridor. The area’s wide open space and peaceful atmosphere is a perfect contrast to the city and a deeper connection to Tibetan landscapes.
Fly to Yushu, a small city surrounded by mountains and home to several ethnic groups, mostly Tibetan. Upon arrival, head to the Gesar Palace Hotel, a traditional Tibetan tea house style hotel. Enjoy the warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere. The town is a great place to learn about Tibetan life and culture. In the evening, settle in and get ready for the festival. The hotel is comfortable, characterful and close to local sights and events.
Join in the celebrations at a local festival. Meet friendly nomads, watch children dance and see locals participate in horse races and cultural performances. Enjoy Tibetan wine and home-cooked food as part of the festivities. This is a rare chance to experience a community event that’s lively, authentic and not touristy. Music, dancing and trading fills the air with energy. After a fun and meaningful day, head back to your hotel to relax and reflect.
After breakfast, head back to the festival grounds to watch the main event — the horse races. Riders show off their speed and skill in thrilling contests. The local crowd cheers them on while enjoying shared meals and traditional music. There’s time to chat with families and enjoy more food and local drinks. With so much going on and celebrating, today feels like being part of the community. Return to your hotel in the evening with memories of this joyful gathering and a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture.
Leave Yushu and drive for about 3.5 hours to Serxu, a high altitude town surrounded by mountains. Visit Serxu Monastery, home to one of the largest Maitreya Buddha statues in Tibet. The landscape is dotted with colourful prayer flags and is peaceful and spiritual. This remote area feels sacred and untouched. You’ll stay in a local guesthouse in Shiqu County, a simple but comfortable base to experience village life and the tranquility of the Tibetan plateau.
Early start to Derge, passing stunning mountain scenery. Travel through Manigange and stop at Xinluhai Lake, surrounded by snow mountains and forests. Visit Dzogchen Monastery, an important centre for the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1685, it’s a hub of spiritual study and teaching. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere is deep tradition. End your day at Chaola Mountain Hotel and enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner, full of flavour and local character.
Morning visit to the Derge Printing House, Parkhang, where centuries old woodblocks are still used to print Buddhist scriptures. Learn about the skill and patience involved in this sacred craft. After lunch, travel to Garzê, stopping en route at a traditional Tibetan medical centre to see how ancient healing practices are preserved. Arrive in Garzê and check into a Tibetan-style hotel. Group dinner tonight under the stars.
Travel through the Yajiang Valley to Litang, a nomadic town surrounded by high grasslands. The altitude here is over 4,000 metres so take it easy and drink plenty of water. Litang is known for its deep spiritual roots and as the birthplace of important Buddhist teachers. Check into the Litang Chongcao Hotel and enjoy the views of open plains and distant mountains. Meet local nomads and see how they live in harmony with the land. The town is filling up with excitement as the horse festival approaches.
Join locals at the Litang Horse Racing Festival, one of the biggest cultural events in the region. The day starts with a grand opening ceremony featuring colourful costumes and parades. Visit the local market where handmade goods and food are sold. Chat with families who’ve travelled from far across the plateau to attend. Music, dancing and friendly gatherings fills the air with energy. Back to the Genie Hotel tonight to rest before tomorrow’s big race.
Today is the main event. Watch horseback riders compete in high speed races and traditional target shooting events. The crowd cheers as bets are placed and riders show off their skills. Everyone joins in the fun, sharing snacks and stories. It’s a thrilling and festive day full of local pride and cultural spirit. As the sun sets, winners are celebrated and the festival winds down. Back to your hotel tonight with memories of the warmth, courage and excitement of this unique event.
After breakfast, drive to Danba. The 8 hour journey goes through Tagong and Bamei, passing rivers, grasslands and mountains. Stop at Yak Canyon and Tagong Monastery, a key spiritual site in Kham. Explore the wide Tagong Grasslands before reaching Danba. This area is famous for its watchtowers and traditional Tibetan villages. Arrive in the evening and settle in for the night surrounded by mountains and village life.
Spend the day exploring Danba’s historic Tibetan villages — Jiaju, Suopo and Zhonglu. Walk through lanes lined with stone houses and admire the tall watchtowers once used for defence and communication. Meet local families and learn about their traditions from farming to cooking and crafts. Your guide will share stories about the region’s history and unique buildings. For those interested, climb a watchtower for stunning views of the valley. Today is a peaceful and personal connection to Tibet’s past and present.
Leave Danba after breakfast and drive to Dujiangyan, passing by the Four Sisters Mountain. Along the way your guide will share the legend of this famous peak. Arrive at the Six Senses resort in Dujiangyan by late afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities. Choose to dine at the resort or try a nearby restaurant serving Sichuan cuisine. After days on the road, today is a perfect break to unwind in comfort.
Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base in the morning and see giant pandas in a natural environment. Learn about conservation efforts and see pandas of all ages, from playful cubs to sleepy adults. After lunch, drive to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Check into your hotel, then take time to explore old Chengdu, where narrow alleys and teahouses preserve the charm of the old city. This final stop blends history and modern life, ending your journey on a relaxing note.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Tibet and Western China adventure ends today.
This tour is designed to plunge adventurers into Tibet's cultural heartbeat, focusing on the renowned horse festivals of Yushu and Litang. It aims to showcase the vibrant traditions and nomadic life, offering an authentic glimpse into Tibetan culture against a stunning natural backdrop.
Perfect for enthusiasts of culture, nature, and heritage, it promises an unforgettable experience of communal joy and traditional festivities.
Our expedition ensures a deep dive into Tibetan traditions with visits to horse festivals, cultural interactions, and scenic explorations.
Our expedition's flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.
Accommodation: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.
Transportation: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.
Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
