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VULTURES & YAKS

This journey takes along a dramatic progression of landscapes and cultures. Geographically, we move from lush mountains along the Minjiang River to windswept grasslands of the Tibetan plateau and eventually the desert terrain of Gansu. Culturally, we progress from the isolated culture of the Qiang people, who draw influences from Tibet and the Han cultural spread, to the wilds of Tibet, where cowboys on horses lead herds of yaks. We also tread into the soul of Tibet in monastery towns that hold ancient temples that serve as hubs of Buddhism, home to hundreds of monks. It’s a journey across cultures and landscapes that makes western China a cauldron of cultural and natural evolution.

Description of places and peoples along the way: 

Maoxian

The Qiang villages, sometimes called the People of the Clouds, are an ethnic group that lives in 1000 villages along the Minjiang River valley. They have a history that stretches back thousands of years, and they live in small villages high up in the mountains that consist of low squat buildings and the famous old defensive towers – the high towers offered safe refuge to the Qiang at a time when the area was ravaged by warring armies and tribes. Many Qiang still wear their old costume, which consists of black apparel and splashes of colour, and strikingly black turbans. It is possible to stay in home-stays with the Qiang, and then venture higher in mountainous wilderness – either on foot or on horse-back, to explore the monumental forests of mixed forests, high grasslands, lakes, and saw-toothed granite peaks. 

Songpan

A former garrison town protecting the bottleneck of the vast valley that stretches down to Chengdu along the Minjiang River, the former defensive wall and gate-towers of Songpan survive to this day. There are also some other evocative historical structures – most eminent is a covered bridge whose roof has intricate carvings of dragons and other symbols, and an old wooden mosque. But the town’s chief allure now is the exotic and colourful palette and bizarre shops catering for the Tibetan and Qiang inhabitants.

Ruoergai

Rouergai has one of the world’s largest pastures, a wide yawn of open space and Tibetan nomads who live in encampments of yak-hide tents surrounded by herds of yaks, with undulating ridges fringing the grassland. The grassland is also home to a wetland of international significance, home to dozens of species of nesting birds, including rare cranes and eagles and vultures. Here you can visit the wetland, and also get close to the nomads.  

Tiebu

Tiebu is a hidden place. An easily-missed mouth of a gorge snakes down into a river valley hemmed by cliffs, and eventually opens into a massive valley that is rung by mountains covered in conifer forests. The slopes are home to lots of spotted deer and soaring birds of prey, as well as three Tibetan villages that nestle in creases among the mountains. It all makes a pastoral scene of Tibetan peasants, and it feels like a discovery, as few outsiders ever visit the area. We’ll camp near the river (or stay in host’s house, depending on the group’s preference) and spend then spend some time visiting local people’s houses, observing village life, and walking in the forests in easy day rambles.  

Langmusi & Labrang

A scruffy Tibetan village, Langmusi offers a faithful glimpse of the Tibetan lifestyle as well as two old monasteries. It’s all part of the introduction to the next stop: Xiahe, a monastery village that’s home to the Labrang Monastery – one of the largest and culturally important Buddhist monasteries found anywhere. The massive monastery was founded in 1709, and it continues to embody a wealth of Tibetan and Buddhist heritage – within its sprawl, there are several temples halls and a high pagoda and hundreds of monks. Many of the monks come from afar, studying Astronomy, Esoteric Buddhism, Law, Medicine and Theology in the six colleges set in the monastery complex or village. We will stay overnight in Xiahe, ensuring we will have enough time to explore the monastery and soak up the Tibetan way of life.

Start & Finish: Chengdu and Lanzhou (capital of Gansu province)

Recommended Duration: 13 days

Recommended treks: 5 day-hikes

Trekking difficulty level: Low. Read explainer…

Prices & Inclusions: Full-board prices range from €900 (US$1450 ) and €1550 (US$2000) per person. More info…

Crew & Transport: More info…

Standard Accommodation: Mid-range hotels, guesthouses, home-stays (possibly camping). More info…

Terms & Conditions: For the general terms and conditions that govern our tours and operation, and Frequently Asked Questions, please go to Nitty Gritty (FAQs).