China
"A mesmerizing juxtaposition of ancient imperial dynasties, world-wonder architecture, and hyper-futuristic mega-cities glowing in neon."
The Imperial Triangle: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai
A spectacular 7-day immersion into the very best of the Middle Kingdom. Walk the ancient Great Wall, stand before the legendary Terracotta Army, and cruise past the blazing neon skyline of Shanghai.
The Emperor's Domain: Arrival in Beijing
"Welcome to Beijing, the massive, beating heart of China! You step into a city where ancient imperial history meets modern superpower energy. Your journey begins at the absolute center of the universe for the Ming and Qing dynasties: The Forbidden City. You will walk through the colossal red gates into a labyrinth of 9,999 rooms, feeling the profound weight of centuries of emperors. Tonight, you celebrate your arrival by eating the city's most legendary dish—perfectly carved, crispy-skinned Peking Roast Duck at a world-famous, centuries-old restaurant."
Forbidden City Exploration
Wander through the largest and most beautifully preserved wooden palace complex in the world, once entirely off-limits to commoners.
Jingshan Park Sunset Panorama
Climb a small, artificial hill directly behind the palace to watch the sun set over the sprawling, endless golden roofs of the Forbidden City.
Quanjude Peking Duck Feast
Watch a master chef expertly carve a whole, glistening roasted duck at your table, wrapping the crispy skin in thin pancakes with sweet plum sauce.
The Great Dragon: Scaling the Wall
"Today, you conquer a Wonder of the World. We drive out of the city to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. As you take a cable car up the lush, green mountains, the sheer scale of this ancient stone dragon winding endlessly across the jagged peaks will leave you completely speechless. You will walk the ancient watchtowers, and for a massive rush of adrenaline, you will ride a metal toboggan slide all the way back down the mountain! In the afternoon, relax at the stunning Summer Palace, the lavish lakeside retreat of the empresses."
Mutianyu Great Wall & Toboggan
Hike the beautifully restored stone ramparts of the Great Wall, then zoom down the mountainside on a thrilling, winding metal toboggan track.
Summer Palace Imperial Gardens
Walk the incredibly ornate Long Corridor and take a traditional wooden dragon boat across Kunming Lake at this lavish royal retreat.
Chaoyang Acrobatic Show
Sit on the edge of your seat as incredibly skilled Chinese acrobats perform mind-bending feats of balance, strength, and daring choreography.
The Silk Road Gateway: Bullet Train to Xi'an
"Start your morning mingling with the locals at the Temple of Heaven, joining massive groups of elders practicing graceful Tai Chi under ancient cypress trees. Then, it is time to experience China's hyper-modern infrastructure. You will board a sleek, high-speed bullet train, blasting across the Chinese countryside at 300 km/h to reach Xi'an. This city is the ancient starting point of the Silk Road. Tonight, you dive into the Muslim Quarter, a chaotic, incredibly vibrant maze of alleys where you will eat sizzling lamb skewers coated in cumin and watch chefs pound fresh peanut candy with massive wooden mallets."
Temple of Heaven Tai Chi
Wander a sprawling, peaceful park to watch hundreds of locals practicing Tai Chi, sword dancing, and calligraphy right beneath a stunning circular altar.
High-Speed Bullet Train to Xi'an
Sit back in a plush seat as you rocket across the vast Chinese landscape on one of the fastest and most efficient train networks on Earth.
Muslim Quarter Street Food Safari
Navigate wildly energetic, smoky, neon-lit alleyways eating spicy cumin lamb, cold sesame noodles, and sweet persimmon cakes.
The Clay Army and the Ancient Wall
"Today, you come face-to-face with one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. You will stand in a massive, airplane-hangar-sized excavation pit looking down at the Terracotta Army. Over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in perfect military formation, buried for over 2,000 years to protect the First Emperor in the afterlife. Every single face is unique! Returning to the city, you will rent a bicycle to ride entirely around the top of the massive, completely intact, 14-kilometer-long Ancient City Wall as the lanterns begin to glow."
Terracotta Warriors Excavation
Stare in absolute awe at an underground army of thousands of unique, life-sized clay soldiers standing guard in their ancient earthen trenches.
Cycling the Ancient City Wall
Rent a bike and pedal along the wide, flat top of the most complete, massive ancient city wall in China, enjoying sweeping views of the old city.
Tang Dynasty Show & Dumpling Banquet
Eat a massive feast of dozens of differently shaped, colorful dumplings while watching a vibrant, theatrical dance performance from the Golden Age of China.
The Cyberpunk Skyline: Flying to Shanghai
"We leave the ancient past behind and fly into the absolute future. Welcome to Shanghai, a city that feels like it was ripped straight from a sci-fi movie. The sheer vertical scale of the skyscrapers is staggering. You will drop your bags at a luxury historic hotel right on The Bund, Shanghai's famous colonial waterfront. As the sun sets, you board a luxury glass-roofed yacht to cruise down the Huangpu River. On one side, 1920s European banking houses; on the other, the blindingly bright, neon-drenched, towering mega-skyscrapers of Pudong. It is a visual masterpiece."
Flight to the Mega-City
Leave the dusty plains of the Silk Road behind and fly east into the humid, hyper-modern, cosmopolitan pulse of China's financial capital.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Walk down one of the world's longest and busiest shopping streets, completely enveloped by massive crowds and towering, flashing neon signs.
Huangpu River VIP Night Cruise
Sip champagne on the open deck of a luxury riverboat, watching the incredible laser shows and LED screens illuminate the massive skyscrapers of Lujiazui.
Classical Gardens and Reaching the Clouds
"Shanghai is a city of extreme contrasts. You will start the day in the Old City at Yu Garden, a breathtaking classical Chinese garden filled with koi ponds, zigzag bridges (designed to stop evil spirits!), and ornate wooden pavilions. You will sip traditional tea in the Huxinting Tea House sitting right in the middle of a lake. In the afternoon, you shoot straight up into the clouds. You will ride the world's fastest elevator up the Shanghai Tower—the second tallest building on Earth—to look down at the sprawling mega-city from 118 stories high."
Yu Garden & Old City Walk
Wander through a 400-year-old classical garden of jagged rockeries and peaceful bamboo groves right in the middle of the bustling old town.
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Rocket into the sky at 45 mph in a high-speed elevator to look down at the entire sprawling metropolis from a dizzying 546 meters high.
Soup Dumpling (Xiaolongbao) Feast
Bite carefully into incredibly delicate, steaming hot soup dumplings at a legendary local spot, dipping them in dark black vinegar and ginger.
The Venice of the East: Zhujiajiao and Farewells
"For your final day in China, we escape the skyscrapers and drive to the outskirts of Shanghai to visit Zhujiajiao Water Town. Often called the 'Venice of Shanghai', this incredibly charming 1,700-year-old town is built entirely on canals. You will ride a small wooden gondola steered by a local boatsman under ancient stone arch bridges, passing willow trees and old women washing clothes in the water. To cap off your high-tech adventure, you will ride the magnetic levitation (Maglev) train at 430 km/h directly to the airport for your flight home!"
Zhujiajiao Water Town & Gondola
Escape the city to wander ancient cobblestone alleys and ride a small wooden boat down peaceful, willow-draped historic canals.
Former French Concession Walk
Take a final, relaxing stroll through beautiful, tree-lined avenues filled with chic cafes, 1920s European villas, and hidden art galleries.
Maglev Airport Transfer
Hover literally above the tracks on a magnetic levitation train, rocketing to the international airport at a mind-bending 430 kilometers per hour.
Pandas, Peaks & Karst Rivers Expedition
An epic two-week journey venturing into the heart of China's natural beauty. Drink green tea in Hangzhou, meet the pandas of Chengdu, hike the floating mountains of Zhangjiajie, and drift down the Li River.
The Cyberpunk Skyline: Arrival in Shanghai
"Welcome to Shanghai! You step into a city that feels like it was ripped straight from a sci-fi movie. The sheer vertical scale of the skyscrapers is staggering. You will drop your bags at a luxury historic hotel right on The Bund, Shanghai's famous colonial waterfront. As the sun sets, you board a luxury glass-roofed yacht to cruise down the Huangpu River. On one side, 1920s European banking houses; on the other, the blindingly bright, neon-drenched, towering mega-skyscrapers of Pudong. It is a visual masterpiece."
The Bund Heritage Walk
Stroll along the historic waterfront promenade, marveling at the beautifully preserved 1920s European architecture contrasting with the futuristic skyline across the river.
Soup Dumpling (Xiaolongbao) Feast
Bite carefully into incredibly delicate, steaming hot soup dumplings at a legendary local spot, dipping them in dark black vinegar and ginger.
Huangpu River VIP Night Cruise
Sip champagne on the open deck of a luxury riverboat, watching incredible laser shows and LED screens illuminate the massive skyscrapers.
Poetry and Green Tea: Bullet Train to Hangzhou
"Today, you experience China's hyper-modern infrastructure. You will board a sleek bullet train, blasting across the countryside at 300 km/h to reach Hangzhou. Marco Polo once called this the most beautiful city in the world. The centerpiece is West Lake, an absolutely stunning, mist-shrouded body of water surrounded by weeping willows, ancient pagodas, and lotus ponds. In the afternoon, you will journey into the lush, rolling hills surrounding the city to visit a Longjing (Dragon Well) tea plantation, sipping arguably the most famous green tea in all of China right where it is grown."
High-Speed Train to Hangzhou
Rocket out of the mega-city on a smooth, blindingly fast bullet train, watching the urban sprawl turn into lush green hills.
West Lake Wooden Boat Cruise
Board a traditional wooden sculling boat to drift silently through the poetic, mist-covered waters and lotus patches of this UNESCO World Heritage lake.
Longjing Tea Village Tasting
Wander the emerald-green, terraced tea hills and sit with a local farmer to taste freshly roasted, premium Dragon Well green tea.
The Fiery Basin: Flying to Chengdu
"We leave the elegant coastal region and fly deep into the Sichuan basin to Chengdu. This city is famously laid-back, known for its teahouse culture, misty weather, and absolutely face-meltingly spicy food! You will spend the afternoon walking down Jinli Ancient Street, a bustling, lantern-lit alleyway that feels like stepping into a kung fu movie. Tonight, brace yourself. You will sit around a bubbling, boiling cauldron of bright red, chili-oil-filled Sichuan Hot Pot, dipping in fresh meats and vegetables while your lips go completely numb from the famous Sichuan peppercorns."
Flight to the Sichuan Province
Fly west into the cloudy, deeply mountainous basin of Sichuan, the undisputed culinary heart of southwestern China.
Jinli Ancient Street Walk
Navigate a wildly atmospheric, bustling pedestrian street lined with Qing Dynasty architecture, glowing red lanterns, and exotic street food stalls.
Authentic Sichuan Hot Pot
Experience the fiery, numbing thrill of authentic Sichuan hot pot, cooking incredibly thin slices of wagyu beef in a cauldron of chili oil.
The Bamboo Giants: Meeting the Pandas
"Today is a bucket-list day. You will wake up incredibly early to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Arriving early means you get to see these magnificent, notoriously lazy animals when they are most active: eating massive piles of bamboo and playing in the misty morning air! You will even visit the 'Panda Kindergarten' to watch the absolutely adorable, clumsy baby pandas tumbling over each other. In the afternoon, calm your excitement by sipping jasmine tea in a bamboo chair at the peaceful Wenshu Monastery."
Giant Panda Breeding Base
Wander through lush bamboo forests to watch dozens of giant pandas crunching on breakfast and playing playfully in their massive enclosures.
Wenshu Monastery & Teahouse
Find absolute peace at Chengdu's best-preserved Buddhist temple, sitting in a bamboo chair to sip fragrant tea among chanting monks.
Sichuan Opera & Face-Changing
Watch a spectacular, chaotic theatrical performance featuring fire-breathing and the magical, lightning-fast 'face-changing' mask illusions.
The Colossus of Stone: Leshan Giant Buddha
"We drive two hours south of Chengdu to witness an architectural and religious marvel. You will board a small riverboat to gaze up at the Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved directly into a massive red sandstone cliff face over 1,200 years ago, it is the largest stone Buddha in the world, towering 71 meters high. His fingernails are larger than a human being! After the boat ride, you will hike the steep, dizzying stone stairs carved into the cliff right beside the statue to appreciate its staggering, monumental scale up close."
Overland Drive to Leshan
Leave the city limits and drive through the foggy, incredibly fertile agricultural plains of the Sichuan province.
Giant Buddha River Cruise
Take a boat out onto the churning river convergence to get the absolute best, sweeping panoramic view of the colossal stone Buddha carved into the cliff.
Cliffside Staircase Hike
Hike up the incredibly steep, narrow red sandstone steps carved right next to the Buddha, walking from its massive toes all the way up to its head.
Journey to the Floating Mountains: Arrival in Zhangjiajie
"Today we catch a flight from Chengdu straight into the rugged, mystical mountains of Hunan province. Welcome to Zhangjiajie, the jaw-dropping national park that famously inspired the floating 'Hallelujah Mountains' in the movie Avatar. You will spend the afternoon exploring the Yellow Dragon Cave, a massive, illuminated underground limestone cavern featuring subterranean rivers and towering, ancient stalagmites. As you exit, you will catch your first glimpse of the impossible, needle-like quartzite stone pillars rising thousands of feet out of the misty jungle."
Flight to Hunan Province
Fly over the deep mountainous ridges of central China, landing in the misty, forested valleys of Zhangjiajie.
Yellow Dragon Cave Spelunking
Navigate a massive, spectacularly illuminated underground labyrinth of limestone caves, taking a boat ride on a pitch-black subterranean river.
Hunan Spicy Cuisine Dinner
Brace yourself for Hunan cuisine, known for being even spicier and more garlic-heavy than Sichuan food, eaten in a rustic mountain lodge.
Avatar's Inspiration: Wulingyuan National Park
"Prepare to have your mind completely blown. Today, you enter the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. To reach the top of the stone pillars, you will ride the Bailong Elevator—the highest, heaviest outdoor glass elevator in the world, bolted directly to the side of a sheer, 326-meter cliff! Once at the top, you will walk along the dizzying cliff-edge paths of Yuanjiajie. You will look out over thousands of incredibly thin, towering stone obelisks wrapped in swirling mist. It literally looks like the mountains are floating in the sky."
Bailong Glass Elevator
Rocket 326 meters up the side of a sheer sandstone cliff inside a terrifyingly beautiful, completely transparent glass elevator.
Yuanjiajie 'Avatar' Pillars Hike
Walk the incredibly high, mist-shrouded cliff paths looking down at thousands of freestanding, needle-like stone pillars jutting from the jungle floor.
Golden Whip Stream Trek
Descend to the valley floor for a deeply peaceful hike alongside a crystal-clear stream, looking UP at the massive stone pillars towering above you.
The Gateway to Heaven: Tianmen Mountain
"If yesterday wasn't thrilling enough, today we tackle Tianmen Mountain. You will board the longest passenger cable car in the world, taking a breathtaking 30-minute ride from the city center straight up to the mountain peak. At the top, conquer your fears by walking the 'Coiling Dragon Cliff'—a 100-meter-long glass walkway bolted to the side of a vertical cliff, 4,700 feet in the air! Finally, you will walk down 999 steep stairs to stand inside 'Heaven's Gate', a massive, natural water-eroded hole blasted straight through the mountain."
Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
Soar above the clouds on the world's longest cable car ride, watching the terrifyingly steep '99 Bends' mountain road zigzagging far below you.
Glass Skywalk on the Cliff
Test your vertigo by walking on a totally transparent glass pathway bolted to a sheer cliff face thousands of feet above the valley floor.
Heaven's Gate Cave & 999 Stairs
Stand in awe of a massive, 131-meter-tall natural hole cutting completely through the mountain, descending the steep, exhausting 'Stairway to Heaven'.
The Ink Painting Landscape: Flying to Guilin
"We leave the stone pillars behind and fly south to Guilin, stepping into a landscape that has inspired Chinese ink painters for thousands of years. You will board a multi-level riverboat to cruise down the legendary Li River heading toward Yangshuo. The scenery is astonishing: hundreds of massive, smooth, green limestone karst mountains rise like giant teeth directly out of the winding, calm river. You will pass water buffalo grazing on the banks and fishermen tending their nets before docking in the vibrant, backpacker-friendly town of Yangshuo."
Flight to Guangxi Province
Fly south into the lush, tropical climate of Guangxi, watching the rugged mountains turn into smooth, rolling green karst hills.
Li River Scenic Cruise
Drift down one of the most beautiful rivers on Earth, eating lunch on deck while completely surrounded by towering, poetic limestone peaks.
Yangshuo West Street Nightlife
Wander through the incredibly vibrant, neon-lit cobblestone streets of Yangshuo, buying souvenirs and drinking cold beer at a bustling outdoor pub.
Cycling the Karst Countryside
"Yangshuo is not just about the river; the surrounding countryside is breathtaking. Today, you will rent bicycles and pedal through the incredibly peaceful farming villages and rice paddies nestled between the giant karst mountains. You will ride to Moon Hill, a massive limestone peak with a perfectly round, moon-shaped hole cutting through its center. In the evening, you take your seat at an open-air amphitheater on the river to watch the 'Impression Sanjie Liu' show—a massive, spectacular theatrical performance directed by the creator of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, using the actual river and mountains as the stage!"
Yangshuo Countryside Cycling
Pedal a bicycle through tiny, untouched farming villages, completely dwarfed by the massive, surreal green limestone peaks all around you.
Moon Hill Hike
Hike a steep, jungle-covered path to stand directly underneath a massive, natural rock archway offering sweeping panoramic views of the valley.
Impression Sanjie Liu Light Show
Watch hundreds of local actors perform an incredible, illuminated theatrical show right on the water, using the towering mountains as the backdrop.
Bamboo Rafts and Cormorant Fishermen
"This morning, you will experience the traditional way of navigating the tranquil Yulong River (Dragon River). You will sit back on a rustic raft made entirely of lashed-together bamboo poles, steered by a local boatsman using a long stick. You will glide silently over small river weirs, passing ancient, arched stone bridges. In the afternoon, you will take a hands-on Chinese cooking class in a rural farmhouse. As the sun sets, you will watch the ancient, fascinating practice of Cormorant fishing, where fishermen use trained birds to dive into the river and catch fish by lantern light."
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
Float lazily down a quiet, incredibly scenic tributary river on a traditional bamboo raft, listening to the birds and the gentle rushing water.
Yangshuo Farmhouse Cooking Class
Visit a local market to buy fresh produce, then learn to wok-fry traditional Guilin dishes like beer fish and spicy eggplant in a rural farmhouse.
Traditional Cormorant Fishing Demo
Watch an ancient, fading art form as a local fisherman on a bamboo raft uses trained birds and a gas lantern to catch fish at dusk.
The Vertical Metropolis: Crossing into Hong Kong
"We leave the quiet countryside and take the high-speed bullet train straight down to the southern coast, crossing the border into the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong. You are thrust back into the hyper-modern world, but with a uniquely British-Cantonese flair. You will check into your hotel overlooking the iconic Victoria Harbour. At night, you will ride the historic Star Ferry across the churning harbor waters to Kowloon, diving into the incredibly chaotic, neon-lit, and utterly mesmerizing Temple Street Night Market for late-night street food and fortune tellers."
Bullet Train to Hong Kong
Rocket through the southern Chinese provinces, seamlessly crossing the border directly into the glittering, vertical island metropolis of Hong Kong.
Star Ferry Harbor Crossing
Ride a historic, two-tiered green and white ferry across the choppy waters of Victoria Harbour, taking in the absolutely staggering city skyline.
Temple Street Night Market
Squeeze through tightly packed, neon-lit stalls selling electronics and antiques, stopping to eat spicy claypot rice at a bustling open-air street stall.
The Peak and Michelin Dim Sum
"Today, you conquer the iconic Hong Kong skyline. You will ride the incredibly steep, historic Peak Tram directly up the side of Victoria Peak. Standing on the Sky Terrace at the summit gives you an absolutely jaw-dropping, sweeping view of the densest skyline on the planet. For lunch, you will eat at Tim Ho Wan, the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, feasting on their legendary baked BBQ pork buns. As night falls, you will stand on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade to watch the 'Symphony of Lights' laser show illuminate the massive skyscrapers across the harbor."
Peak Tram & Victoria Peak Panorama
Ride a terrifyingly steep 130-year-old funicular railway to the top of the mountain to witness the most famous, dazzling skyline view in Asia.
Michelin-Starred Dim Sum Lunch
Eat world-class, incredibly cheap dim sum, including the legendary, crispy, sweet baked barbecue pork buns that earned this spot a Michelin star.
Symphony of Lights Harbor Show
Stand on the Avenue of Stars to watch the world's largest permanent light and sound show synchronize lasers across 40 towering skyscrapers.
The Giant Buddha and Island Farewells
"Your massive, 14-day expedition across the natural and urban wonders of China finally comes to an end. For your final adventure, you will head to Lantau Island. You will ride the Ngong Ping 360, a spectacular, glass-bottomed cable car soaring over the lush green mountains and the sparkling ocean. At the top, you will climb 268 steps to stand before the Tian Tan Buddha, a colossal, 34-meter-tall bronze statue seated serenely in the mountains. From here, you are perfectly positioned to take the sleek Airport Express train to catch your flight home, leaving with a lifetime of incredible memories."
Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabin
Soar over the ocean and jungle on a massive cable car featuring a completely transparent glass floor, offering dizzying views straight down.
Tian Tan Giant Buddha & Po Lin
Climb 268 stone steps to stand beneath a massive, majestic bronze Buddha statue overlooking the lush, mountainous island landscape.
Airport Express Final Transit
Board the incredibly fast, sleek airport train, watching the towering residential blocks and massive suspension bridges blur by on your way home.
The Silk Road, Himalayas & Shangri-La Traverse
An epic three-week journey exploring the shifting sands of the Gobi Desert, the vibrant Uyghur bazaars of Kashgar, the spiritual palaces of Lhasa, the base of Mount Everest, and the ancient Naxi towns of Yunnan.
The Gateway to the Gobi: Arrival in Dunhuang
"Welcome to the edge of the ancient world! You land in Dunhuang, an oasis town completely surrounded by the endless, sweeping golden dunes of the Gobi Desert. For centuries, this was the most crucial rest stop for traders, monks, and warriors traveling the Silk Road. You will spend your first evening riding a massive, two-humped Bactrian camel up the towering Mingsha Sand Dunes, watching the sunset cast blood-red shadows over the desert. As night falls, you will wander the chaotic, wildly fragrant Shazhou Night Market to eat cumin-dusted lamb skewers roasted over open flames."
Crescent Lake Oasis Visit
Walk through the towering golden sands to discover a completely surreal, natural crescent-shaped spring of crystal-clear water sitting right in the middle of the desert.
Mingsha Sand Dunes Camel Trek
Climb aboard a massive Bactrian camel and ride in a caravan up incredibly high, 'singing' sand dunes as the desert sun sets over the ancient trade route.
Shazhou Night Market Feast
Dive into the smoky, neon-lit alleyways of the desert night market, eating spicy roasted lamb, yellow noodles, and sweet local apricots.
The Caves of a Thousand Buddhas
"Today, you will explore the Mogao Caves, one of the greatest repositories of Buddhist art on the planet. Carved directly into a massive desert cliffside starting in the 4th century, these caves were sealed and hidden for a thousand years. You will use a flashlight to step into dark, cool caverns covered entirely in breathtaking, incredibly detailed ancient murals and massive, towering Buddha statues. In the evening, you will leave civilization entirely behind to camp in luxury tents directly under the pitch-black, star-filled canopy of the Gobi Desert."
Mogao Caves Exploration
Enter a UNESCO World Heritage site to marvel at millennia-old frescoes and a staggering, 35-meter-tall Buddha statue carved into the desert rock.
Dunhuang Museum of the Silk Road
Examine perfectly preserved ancient Silk Road artifacts, Han Dynasty bamboo scrolls, and Tibetan scriptures recovered from the desert sands.
Gobi Desert Luxury Star Camping
Ride ATVs deep into the dunes to an exclusive desert camp, eating a bonfire barbecue and sleeping under the clearest, most dazzling Milky Way you have ever seen.
Bullet Trains and the Flaming Mountains
"You will wake up to a spectacular sunrise over your desert camp. Afterward, you board a sleek high-speed bullet train, slicing through the harsh, desolate gravel plains of Xinjiang to reach the oasis city of Turpan. This is the lowest and hottest place in China! You will stare up at the Flaming Mountains, a massive ridge of red sandstone that literally looks like it is on fire in the afternoon heat. To cool down, you will explore the ancient Karez well system, an incredible underground irrigation network built thousands of years ago to bring glacial water to the desert."
Xinjiang High-Speed Desert Train
Rocket across the vast, entirely barren plains of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts at 250 km/h in a perfectly air-conditioned bullet train.
The Flaming Mountains
Stand before intensely red, heavily eroded sandstone hills that radiate heat and look exactly like soaring flames under the blazing Xinjiang sun.
Karez Underground Irrigation System
Descend into cool, subterranean tunnels carved completely by hand over 2,000 years ago to bring life-saving snowmelt to the desert oasis.
Ghost Cities and Grape Valleys
"Turpan is a city of incredible contrasts. You will start your day wandering the haunting Jiaohe Ruins, a massive, crumbling 2,000-year-old city carved entirely out of a single plateau of earth, sitting silently over a deep river valley. In the afternoon, you will seek refuge from the desert heat in the Grape Valley, an impossibly lush, green corridor completely covered in sprawling grapevines. You will sit under the shaded trellises, eating handfuls of the sweetest, juiciest green raisins on Earth and drinking traditional Uyghur tea."
Jiaohe Ancient Ruined City
Walk through the eerie, deeply silent, and massive earthen ruins of a thriving Silk Road capital abandoned centuries ago after Mongol invasions.
Emin Minaret Walk
Admire an incredibly beautiful, 44-meter-tall Afghan-style minaret constructed entirely of mud bricks arranged in intricate geometric patterns.
Grape Valley Relaxation & Tasting
Escape the scorching desert sun in an incredibly lush, shaded ravine, eating world-famous sweet grapes right off the sprawling overhead vines.
The Farthest Frontier: Arrival in Kashgar
"Today, you take a domestic flight to the absolute farthest western edge of China: Kashgar. You are now closer to Baghdad than to Beijing! The culture completely shifts here. Kashgar is the beating heart of Uyghur culture, filled with mud-brick houses, bustling bazaars, and men wearing traditional doppa hats. You will spend the afternoon wandering the labyrinthine alleys of the Kashgar Old City. You will sit cross-legged on a carpet in the legendary Hundred Years Teahouse, drinking rose tea while listening to local men play the rawap (a traditional stringed instrument)."
Flight over the Taklamakan
Look out the airplane window at the terrifying, endless 'Sea of Death'—the massive Taklamakan Desert—as you fly to China's westernmost frontier.
Kashgar Old City Labyrinth
Get completely lost in wildly atmospheric, ancient mud-brick alleyways where coppersmiths hammer pots and children play in the dusty streets.
Hundred Years Teahouse
Drink fragrant saffron and rose tea on a balcony overlooking the old city while local Uyghur elders sing and play traditional stringed instruments.
The Grand Bazaar and Mutton Feasts
"If you time this right (on a Sunday), you will witness the legendary Kashgar Livestock Market. Thousands of farmers and nomads from the surrounding mountains gather in a chaotic, dusty, roaring spectacle to trade sheep, yaks, and camels. It is an unfiltered glimpse into an ancient way of life. Later, you will visit the spectacular yellow-tiled Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China. As evening falls, you will dive into the Kashgar Night Market to feast on freshly baked Samsa (lamb pastries) and sweet pomegranate juice."
Sunday Livestock Market Safari
Immerse yourself in a wildly chaotic, dusty, and loud ancient trading market where thousands of locals haggle over cattle, horses, and sheep.
Id Kah Mosque Tour
Walk through the peaceful, tree-lined courtyards of China's largest and most important mosque, featuring stunning yellow brickwork and Islamic architecture.
Kashgar Night Market Feast
Push through the crowds to eat incredibly flavorful Polo (Uyghur pilaf), massive lamb skewers, and piping hot meat-stilled Samsa pastries.
The Karakoram Highway: Glaciers and Yurts
"Today features one of the most spectacular, terrifying, and awe-inspiring drives on the planet. You will travel down the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved international road in the world, heading toward Pakistan. The landscape transforms from dusty plains to massive, jagged, snow-capped Himalayan peaks. You will reach Karakul Lake, a mirror-like body of water sitting at 3,600 meters above sea level, perfectly reflecting the colossal, icy dome of Mount Muztagh Ata. You will visit a traditional Kyrgyz yurt to drink hot yak milk tea with nomadic herders."
Karakoram Highway Epic Drive
Ride down the world's highest paved road, completely surrounded by jaw-dropping, towering snow-capped mountain ranges and massive glaciers.
Karakul Lake & Muztagh Ata View
Stand completely silent on the shores of an alpine lake that perfectly mirrors the colossal, 7,500-meter-tall 'Father of Ice Mountains'.
Kyrgyz Nomad Yurt Visit
Step inside a thick, colorful felt yurt sitting on the high-altitude plains to share hot yak milk tea and bread with welcoming Kyrgyz nomads.
The Roof of the World: Flying to Lhasa
"We leave the deserts and valleys behind and take a spectacular flight straight up onto the Tibetan Plateau. You land in Lhasa, the 'City of the Gods', sitting at a breathtaking 3,650 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level. The air is incredibly thin, and the sky is a shade of piercing, deep blue you have never seen before. Today is strictly about rest and acclimatization. You will move slowly, drinking plenty of water, and taking a gentle, quiet evening stroll around the deeply spiritual Barkhor Street to watch pilgrims spinning prayer wheels."
Flight to the Tibetan Plateau
Look down at the jagged, snow-covered spine of the Himalayas as you fly to the spiritual and political capital of Tibet.
High-Altitude Acclimatization Rest
Drink sweet tea and lie down in your hotel room while your body adjusts to the extreme, thin air of the 12,000-foot-high Tibetan plateau.
Barkhor Street Evening Kora
Walk slowly alongside hundreds of devoted Tibetan pilgrims prostrating themselves and spinning golden prayer wheels around the ancient Jokhang Temple.
The Palace in the Clouds: Exploring Lhasa
"Today, you conquer the iconic symbol of Tibet: The Potala Palace. This massive, sprawling red and white fortress towers over the city, featuring over 1,000 rooms and the gilded tombs of past Dalai Lamas. You will climb the steep, lung-burning stone steps, entering dark, incredibly fragrant rooms heavy with the smell of burning yak butter lamps. In the afternoon, you visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism, where you will feel the raw, palpable devotion of thousands of pilgrims praying in the courtyards."
Potala Palace Summit Climb
Hike up hundreds of steep stone stairs to explore the massive, breathtaking former winter residence of the Dalai Lama overlooking the entire Lhasa valley.
Jokhang Temple Pilgrimage
Step inside the holiest temple in all of Tibet, filled with massive golden statues, ancient thangkas, and monks chanting deep, resonant prayers.
Traditional Tibetan Yak Dinner
Eat hearty, incredibly rich Tibetan cuisine, including steamed yak meat momos (dumplings) and deeply flavorful yak butter tea.
Debating Monks and Summer Palaces
"We spend one more day acclimatizing in Lhasa before heading higher. You will visit the Norbulingka, the lush, incredibly peaceful summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, featuring stunning gardens and ornate audience halls. In the afternoon, you head to Sera Monastery for one of Tibet's most unique spectacles: the monk debates. In a shaded courtyard, hundreds of monks in crimson robes violently clap their hands and yell philosophical questions at each other in a chaotic, highly energetic display of Buddhist learning!"
Norbulingka Palace Gardens
Wander through incredibly serene, high-altitude gardens filled with vibrant flowers and beautifully painted pavilions used as a summer retreat.
Sera Monastery Monk Debates
Watch an incredibly energetic, fascinating daily ritual where hundreds of monks violently clap and challenge each other on Buddhist philosophy.
St. Regis Golden Pool Dip
Relax your muscles in the famous, incredibly luxurious indoor swimming pool lined completely with 24-karat gold tiles at the St. Regis.
The Turquoise Jewel: Yamdrok Lake to Gyantse
"Today, we hit the road in a massive 4x4, climbing out of the Lhasa valley. You will drive up the dizzying, terrifying switchbacks of the Kamba La Pass, reaching an altitude of 4,790 meters. Standing at the windy summit, you look down at Yamdrok Lake—a massive, winding, impossibly vivid turquoise jewel of a lake sitting among the barren brown mountains. It is staggeringly beautiful. You then drive past massive, towering glaciers to reach the ancient town of Gyantse, where you will explore the Kumbum, a massive 35-meter-tall stupa filled with thousands of Tibetan murals."
Kamba La Pass & Yamdrok Lake
Stand at nearly 16,000 feet in the howling wind to photograph one of Tibet's three holy lakes, glowing vibrantly blue below the snow-capped peaks.
Karola Glacier Viewpoint
Pull the jeep over to stand incredibly close to a massive, towering wall of ancient blue ice clinging to the side of Mt. Noijin Kangsang.
Gyantse Kumbum Stupa Climb
Walk through a stunning, multi-tiered golden stupa containing exactly 108 chapels, each painted with incredibly vibrant, ancient Tibetan deities.
The Ultimate Peak: Journey to Mount Everest Base Camp
"This is it. The pinnacle of your journey. You drive further west through the barren, desolate, and hauntingly beautiful Qomolangma National Park. You will tackle over 100 hairpin turns up the Gawu La Pass before the ultimate view reveals itself: the massive, towering, snow-covered pyramid of Mount Everest (Qomolangma) dominating the horizon. You will arrive at Everest Base Camp (5,200m / 17,060ft). You will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, and watch the setting sun turn the sheer, terrifying North Face of Everest to a blazing golden orange."
Qomolangma Park 100-Bends Drive
Hold on tight as your 4x4 navigates hundreds of incredibly steep, terrifying hairpin turns up into the absolute roof of the world.
Rongbuk Monastery Visit
Enter the highest Buddhist monastery on Earth, a tiny, freezing, profoundly spiritual place sitting directly in the shadow of Mount Everest.
Mount Everest Golden Sunset
Stand shivering in the freezing wind at Base Camp, watching the sun cast an absolutely mind-blowing golden glow across the sheer north face of the highest peak on Earth.
Sunrise on the Summit and Return to Shigatse
"You will wake up in the freezing pitch-black to stand outside and watch the sunrise over Mount Everest. Watching the very tip of the mountain catch the first rays of morning light is a completely humbling, awe-inspiring moment you will never forget. After tearing yourself away from the mountain, you begin the long overland drive back east, descending to the city of Shigatse. Here, you will visit the massive Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, featuring a colossal 26-meter-tall golden statue of the Future Buddha."
Everest Base Camp Sunrise
Brave the brutal morning cold to watch the absolutely majestic, unforgettable sight of the sun rising and illuminating the peak of Mount Everest.
Himalayan Overland Descent
Take a long, scenic 4x4 drive back down from the extreme altitudes of the Everest region, watching the barren landscapes slowly turn green again.
Tashilhunpo Monastery Tour
Wander through an incredibly massive, sprawling monastic complex with stunning golden roofs, housing the incredibly ornate tombs of the Panchen Lamas.
The Naxi Kingdom: Flying to Lijiang
"We leave the high Himalayas and fly south into the lush, mountainous Yunnan province. You land in Lijiang, an incredibly charming, 800-year-old ancient town sitting at the base of a towering snow mountain. The architecture here is totally different; it is the homeland of the Naxi people. You will spend the afternoon getting lost in the Lijiang Old Town, a vast, pedestrian-only maze of dark wooden houses, red lanterns, and fast-flowing, crystal-clear water canals. At night, the town comes alive with folk music and bustling street food stalls."
Flight to Yunnan Province
Fly off the Tibetan plateau and descend into the deep, lush, and incredibly diverse mountainous valleys of southwestern China.
Lijiang Old Town Canal Walk
Wander freely through an ancient, UNESCO-listed wooden town completely interwoven with narrow, fast-flowing mountain streams and stone bridges.
Naxi Ancient Music Performance
Sit in an old wooden courtyard to listen to elderly Naxi musicians play incredibly rare, traditional stringed instruments that date back to the Tang Dynasty.
The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
"Lijiang is completely dominated by the massive, towering peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Today, you will ride an incredibly steep, terrifying cable car directly up the side of the mountain to Glacier Park, stepping out into the freezing snow at 4,500 meters (14,700 feet)! Afterward, you will descend to the Blue Moon Valley, where the glacial runoff creates a series of terraced lakes so blindingly, vibrantly turquoise they look completely fake. You finish the day watching 'Impression Lijiang', a massive outdoor cultural show set directly against the backdrop of the mountain."
Glacier Park High-Altitude Cable Car
Take an oxygen canister and ride a cable car straight into the freezing, snowy peaks of the massive mountain, walking on a wooden boardwalk over a glacier.
Blue Moon Valley Terraces
Walk alongside incredibly vivid, milky-blue terraced lakes fed completely by melting glacier water, sitting in a stunning, lush green gorge.
Impression Lijiang Outdoor Show
Watch hundreds of local minority actors in traditional dress perform massive, synchronized dances in an open-air amphitheater at the base of the mountain.
The Plunging Canyon: Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
"Pack a small overnight bag, because today we begin one of the greatest hikes in all of Asia. You drive north to the Yangtze River, entering Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of the deepest canyons on Earth, flanked by 5,000-meter-high snow mountains on both sides. You will hike the rugged, incredibly steep 'High Trail'. Conquering the infamous '28 Bends' switchbacks is exhausting, but the reward is absolute magic. You will spend the night at the Halfway Guesthouse, sitting on a wooden balcony bolted to the cliff edge, staring directly across the massive, plunging gorge at the towering snow peaks."
Drive to the Yangtze River
Leave Lijiang and drive deep into the mountains, arriving at the roaring, muddy waters of China's most famous and powerful river.
High Trail Trek & The 28 Bends
Hike an incredibly strenuous, steep, and rugged cliffside dirt path, earning jaw-dropping, uninterrupted views of the massive, plunging canyon below.
Halfway Guesthouse Cliff Dinner
Sit on an incredibly rustic wooden balcony suspended over the gorge, drinking a cold Dali beer while looking straight at the towering Jade Dragon peak.
Descent to the Roaring River and Shangri-La
"You wake up to the sun illuminating the snow-capped peak right outside your window. Today, you hike down the incredibly steep, narrow cliff paths into the very bottom of the gorge. You will stand on the 'Tiger Leaping Stone' right in the middle of the Yangtze River, feeling the terrifying, raw, deafening power of the massive river violently crushing through the narrow canyon. In the afternoon, your driver picks you up and continues the ascent into the Tibetan plateau, arriving in the fabled, deeply atmospheric mountain town of Shangri-La."
Descent to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge
Carefully hike down extremely steep, terrifyingly narrow dirt paths and ladders to reach the very bottom of the violently roaring river canyon.
Overland Climb to the Tibetan Plateau
Drive out of the gorge, watching the landscape change into high-altitude, rolling green grasslands dotted with massive, hairy yaks.
Dukezong Ancient Town Night Walk
Wander through a beautifully restored, 1,300-year-old Tibetan town, spinning a colossal, incredibly heavy golden prayer wheel with the locals in the moonlight.
The Little Potala and Yak Meadows
"Shangri-La is a place of intense, quiet mountain magic. You will spend the morning exploring the Songzanlin Monastery, famously known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. This massive, stunning complex with gleaming golden roofs is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. In the afternoon, you will drive out to the Pudacuo National Park, walking on wooden boardwalks around totally pristine, glass-like alpine lakes surrounded by ancient forests and grazing yaks. Tonight, you warm up with a steaming, incredibly rich Tibetan Yak meat hot pot."
Songzanlin Monastery Tour
Climb the stairs of a breathtaking, massive Tibetan monastic complex with brilliant golden roofs, looking out over the misty mountain lake.
Pudacuo National Park Hike
Walk miles of perfectly maintained wooden boardwalks circling incredibly pristine, high-altitude lakes entirely surrounded by dark pine forests and wild horses.
Authentic Tibetan Yak Hot Pot
Gather around a bubbling, copper pot filled with incredibly tender, locally raised yak meat and wild mountain mushrooms to ward off the high-altitude chill.
The Journey South: Arrival in Dali
"We leave the high Tibetan plateau and drive south, following the ancient Tea Horse Road. You arrive in Dali, a wildly popular, incredibly picturesque town nestled between the towering Cangshan Mountain range and the massive, sparkling Erhai Lake. Dali has a deeply relaxed, bohemian vibe. You will walk along the tops of the massive ancient city walls before wandering down 'Foreigner Street', a bustling alleyway filled with chic cafes, incredibly talented street musicians, and vendors selling beautiful, hand-dyed indigo fabrics."
Overland Descent to Dali
Drive down from the cold, harsh Tibetan plateau into the warmer, deeply lush, and incredibly vibrant valleys of the Bai minority people.
Dali Ancient City Wall Walk
Climb up and walk along the massive, incredibly well-preserved stone walls surrounding the ancient town, offering sweeping views of the mountains and the lake.
Foreigner Street Nightlife
Wander through a vibrant, bohemian alleyway completely filled with buzzing cafes, live acoustic music, and shops selling beautiful blue tie-dye fabrics.
Three Pagodas and Cycling Erhai Lake
"Start your day at the iconic symbol of the region: The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. These massive, completely elegant brick pagodas have survived massive earthquakes and stood elegantly against the mountains for over a thousand years. In the afternoon, you will rent a bicycle to pedal along the incredibly scenic shores of Erhai Lake. You will ride through sleepy, historic Bai minority fishing villages like Xizhou, admiring their intricate, beautifully painted white courtyard homes and tasting freshly baked local rose-petal pastries."
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng
Wander the massive, incredibly serene temple complex to admire three towering, perfectly preserved ancient brick pagodas perfectly reflecting in a tranquil pond.
Cycling Erhai Lake
Rent a bicycle and pedal along a completely flat, spectacularly scenic paved path right on the edge of the massive, sparkling alpine lake.
Xizhou Bai Village Architecture
Explore a deeply historic, incredibly charming local village famous for its ornate, masterfully painted white courtyard mansions and fresh rose-petal flatbreads.
The Stone Forest and Final Farewells
"Your monumental 21-day expedition across the absolute wildest edges of China has finally come to an end. You will take a high-speed train from Dali to Kunming, the 'Spring City'. If you have time before your international flight, you will take a quick trip to the Shilin Stone Forest, walking through a massive, bizarre, and incredibly photogenic labyrinth of towering, jagged grey limestone pillars. As you head to the airport, you carry with you a deeply profound connection to the sweeping deserts, the towering Himalayas, and the ancient cultures of the Middle Kingdom."
Bullet Train to Kunming
Board a fast, sleek train cutting through the lush, green mountains of Yunnan, returning to the massive, bustling capital city of the province.
Shilin Stone Forest Exploration
Wander through an incredibly surreal, massive natural maze composed entirely of towering, jagged gray limestone pillars that look like petrified trees.
Airport Transfer & Goodbyes
Take a private car to Kunming Changshui International Airport, reflecting on an unbelievable three weeks crossing the greatest frontiers of Asia.