Tours of China

Lhasa to Kashgar via Mt Kailash

Tour Map of Lhasa to Kashgar via Mt Kailash

For centuries Tibet remained the inaccessible goal of numerous intrepid, determined and hardy explorers. While Lhasa is no longer a secret city, it remains mystical, and the ancient route west along the top of the Himalayas to the desert oasis of Kashgar is hardly ever travelled beyond the sacred Mountain of Kailash - the source of four great holy rivers, and an opportunity for us to join local pilgrims in a stunning 4-day circumambulation. It is remote and wild with some fascinating sights and truly spectacular scenery.The long forbidden and desolate Aksai Chin, a corner of the high plateau annexed by China from India, almost without them noticing, has remained a political barrier for years. It is now traversable, and this land of ancient kingdoms where herds of wild ass (Kiang) roam and eagles soar high above the immense landscape is waiting to be explored.

The Tagong Horse Festival of Ancient Kham

Tour Map of The Tagong Horse Festival of Ancient Kham

The south-eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, known as Kham in ancient times, is a region of stunning high mountain scenery and fascinating people. Travelling through this incredible part of the world, we'll discover immense monasteries and settlements devoted to Tibetan Buddhism, and journey to the Tagong grasslands for the annual Horse Festival. Here, nomads demonstrate their amazing equestrian skills with races and challenges, and celebrate their culture with singing, dancing and nomadic sports. They'll welcome us with the hospitality that they are famous for as we join people from all over the region to watch the spectacle.

Across the Tibetan Steppe

Tour Map of Across the Tibetan Steppe

Tibet has long been a mysterious and magical land separated by its rugged and inhospitable terrain in splendid isolation from the developing world. While there is no denying that recent times have seen some big changes come to Tibet, there is still much of this traditional and ancient world to experience. Our unique tour begins in Qinghai province, in the very north of what is often termed 'Greater Tibet', and en route to Lhasa takes in some lesser known gems of the region such as the expansive grasslands of Amdo, home to yaks and nomads. This landscape then gives way to rolling hills turning into snowy mountains and passes festooned with prayer flags, and rivers plunging into deep gorges. Our travels take us through some stunning scenery with vast panoramas that few foreign visitors ever get to see. We will explore some of Tibet's most precious cultural treasures in the ancient monasteries with monks chanting texts from the teachings of Buddha, marvel at the colours of the turquoise lakes, take in the splendour of Mount Everest and end our time in the prized city of Lhasa, one of the last bastions in the era of the 'Great Game'.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

Abode Of The God-kings

Tour Map of Abode Of The God-kings

A spiritual and cultural journey across Tibet, crossing high passes and visiting peaceful monasteries. We visit the Potala Palace, the Dalai Lama’s former residence and admire the sculptures of Palkhor Choide Monastery. We also visit the Tibetan Everest Base Camp in the shadows of the mighty mountain.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Tibet Adventure

Tour Map of Tibet Adventure

Take part in rituals and haggle for a bargain in the markets. From modern Beijing, travel back in time across scenic countryside to Tibet on this well-packed overland adventure. Witness the splendour of the Potala Palace and the majesty of remote monasteries and then celebrate the journey to Kathmandu. Wake up to views of Everest and enjoy a window into the heart of this remote land. A local guide and CEO will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you've climbed down from the roof of the world.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

High Road to Tibet

Tour Map of High Road to Tibet

From the sacred peaks of Tibet to lush green Nepalese valleys, explore the best of the Himalaya on this 2-week tour. Discover mighty temples and small outposts on a journey that offers incredible vistas at every turn of the trail. Our expert CEOs will take the hassle out of planning and help you find the secluded spots only the locals know—and leave you with time to explore. In the thin mountain air of Rombuk, the highest monastery in the world, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of Mt Everest. So make sure your camera is charged—you're going to need it.