Tea & Horse Trail Caravan Trek

Duration: 15 Days

Average group size: 5-10

2010 Dates: March 13-27

2011 Dates: March 26-April 9




This unique journey follows one of the loveliest and most significant stretches of the historic Tea & Horse Caravan Trail. It begins in the shadow of the great Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, whose 5,596-meter peak towers above the ancient market town of Shuhe, where Tibetan traders once gathered to meet caravans from the south. From here in the heartland of the Naxi people, you will trek through villages and market towns virtually untouched by tourism, where the traditional lifestyles and character of the Naxi, Bai, Hui and Yi people are still on display. Accompanied by a full caravan of mules and muleteers, you will trek south for 12 days along forgotten paths once trod by traders, Buddhist mystics, Christian missionaries, and rebels and revolutionaries of all stripes. After resting halfway in the extraordinary caravanserai at Shaxi, you will follow the hidden trail used by Kublai Khan's army to surprise and destroy the Bai kingdom of Dali, ending your adventure in a beautiful and historic Bai town overlooking the calm waters of Erhai Lake. This is an unforgettable adventure through the culture, history and modern diversity of China's southwest.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A moderately challenging 12-day caravan trek along the Tea & Horse Trail
  • Pristine mountain and lake scenery and traditional villages of the Naxi, Pumi, Yi, Hui and Bai peoples
  • Colourful market days in Shaxi and Fengyu
  • Learn the skills of a muleteer!
  • Command performance of traditional Bai music in a restored Qing Dynasty temple
  • Stay in the beautiful Old Horse Inn in Shaxi, overlooking the best-preserved market square in China

For enquiries and a full trip dossier, please write to ed@redrocktrek.com

DETAILS IN BRIEF

Day 1: Join tour in Shuhe:

Hotel, evening meal

Day 2: Shuhe - Jizi Reservoir

Approx 7kms, 2hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)




Day 3: Jizi Reservoir - Songzhilin Village

Approx 17kms, 5hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 4: Songzhilin Village - Erlong

Approx 20kms, 6hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 5: Erlong - Sangling Village

Approx 12kms, 4hrs walking

Camp/Homestay (B, L, D)




Day 6: Sangling Village - Taoyuan

Approx 14kms, 4hrs walking

Camp/Homestay (B, L, D)

Day 7: Taoyuan - Shaxi

Approx 18kms, 5hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)




Day 8: Rest day in Shaxi

Hotel (B, L, D)





Day 9: Shaxi - Beishan Yakou

Approx 16kms, 6hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 10: Beishan Yakou - Cibi

Approx 14kms, 5 hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 11: Cibi - Zhuangsheng

Approx 16kms, 5 hrs walking

Camp/Homestay (B, L, D)

Day 12: Zhuangsheng - Fengyu - Qingyuandong

Approx 16kms, 5 hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)


  


Day 13: Qingyuandong - Huanianba

Approx 12kms, 6 hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)




Day 14: Huanianba - Xizhou

Approx 18kms, 6 hrs walking

Hotel (B, L, D)




Day 15: Tour ends in Xizhou