CHINA ADVENTURE CLUB JOURNEYS
Sacred Peaks of Yading: A Tibetan Journey
Explore China Adventure Club journeysJourney at a glance
- Day 1
- Day 2 - 3
- Day 4 - 5
Venture deep into the Tibetan borderlands of western Sichuan, where sacred peaks, shimmering glacial lakes, and centuries-old lamaseries showcase living Tibetan culture. This journey takes you to Yading Nature Reserve – a landscape so breathtaking it’s considered a hidden “Shangri-La”.
About this Journey
Experience authentic Tibetan life in what locals call “heaven on Earth.” Walk pilgrimage trails past aquamarine lakes nestled between towering peaks, their surroundings transforming with the seasons. Discover why Tibetan Buddhists revere Yading’s three sacred mountains as embodiments of enlightenment. While Yunnan has its official Shangri-La, visitors find Yading better captures the mystical essence of James Hilton’s Lost Horizon.
Tour Highlights
- Exploring Yading’s sacred peaks and turquoise lakes on foot and horse
- Meeting a local Tibetan family and sampling barley bread and yak butter tea
- Wandering through the atmospheric halls of Bengpu Temple
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
- 1DaochengDirections to Bengpu Temple
- 2Bengpu TempleDirections to Riwa
- 3RiwaDirections to Yading Nature Reserve
- 4Yading Nature ReserveDirections to Luorong Pasture
- 5Luorong PastureDirections to Milk Lake, Yading
- 6Milk Lake, YadingDirections to Five-Color Lake, Yading
- 7Five-Color Lake, YadingDirections to Daocheng
- 8Daocheng
Itinerary
Day 1
• Explore the vibrant halls of Bengpu Temple, the oldest lamasery in Daocheng founded over 900 years ago, and view the statue said to have been sculpted by the founder of the Tibetan Buddhist white sect • Deepen your understanding of Tibetan culture by visiting a local family in their intricately painted traditional home • Enjoy a scenic drive to the hillside town of Riwa, often referred to as the “new Shangri-La” for its dramatic setting and rich Tibetan heritage
Day 2 - 3
• Explore Yading Nature Reserve, home to three sacred mountains that Tibetan Buddhists believe represent compassion, wisdom, and energy — the qualities needed to achieve enlightenment • Wander through the lush Luorong Pasture nestled between the peaks, and gaze into the vivid blue and green waters of Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake
Day 4 - 5
• Learn the art of Tibetan calligraphy in the home of a local teacher while sharing yak butter tea and traditional snacks with his family • Savor a homemade Tibetan meal featuring dried yak meat, baked bread with seasoned fillings, and other local specialties
Photos
Photos Sichuan tour china vacation trips to china tours china-private-tour-tibetan-prayer-flags tibetan-buddhist-temple-bengpu tibetan-nomad-life yading-nature-reserve-1
Details
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local English-speaking guide
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for many foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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