The Long March


Duration: 18 Days (trek starts from Changde); 15 Days (trek starts from Xia Dagu)

Average group size: 5-8

Dates 2010: September 4/7-21

Dates 2011: September 3/6-20

 


The Long March was one of the epic adventures of the 20th century. Chairman Mao and a ragged band of revolutionaries marched more than 4,000 miles across China, fighting against impossible odds in an environment that grew more hostile the further they went. Mao's triumph on the Long March changed the course of Chinese history. This is an exclusive opportunity to explore the most celebrated stretch of this thrilling trek, guided by the West's leading expert on the history and geography of the Long March, Dr Ed Jocelyn, author of The Long March (Constable & Robinson, London, 2006).

From a Tibetan village in the valley of the Blackwater River, we will first cross two of the Great Snow Mountains of western Sichuan Province. At 4,450 metres, the pass over the second of these is the highest point of Mao's entire March. We then enter the infamous Grasslands, a vast region of prairies, swamps and bogs more than 3,400 metres above sea level on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where hundreds of Mao's soldiers perished in 1935. Finally, we explore the ancient and long-disused trail into northwest China via the stunning valleys of Lawa and Baozuo. Accompanied by a Tibetan horse team, we will trek and live alongside yak herders whose way of life has changed little for many hundreds of years. This is a true exploration not just of history, but also of a country and culture rarely seen by outsiders.           

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A challenging 10-13 day trek along the route of Chairman Mao's legendary Long March
  • Experience the traditional life of Tibetan yak herders
  • Pristine high-altitude mountains and grasslands of northwest Sichuan
  • Rare wildflowers and wildlife of the unspoiled Baozuo Valley
  • Mao'ergai Lamasery, previously visited by only a handful of outsiders
  • Learn the skills of a Tibetan herder and horseman!
  • Guided by world-leading expert on the history and geography of the Long March
For enquiries and a full trip dossier, please write to ed@redrocktrek.com

DETAILS IN BRIEF

Day 1: Join tour in Chengdu

Hotel, evening meal

Day 2: Chengdu - Changde/Xia Dagu

Homestay (B, L, D)




Day 3: Changde - Mt Changde Camp 1 

Approx 15kms, 5hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)




Day 4: Mt Changde Camp 1 - Mt Changde Camp 2 [5-day tour group arrives Chengdu]

Approx 10kms, 5hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 5: Mt Changde Camp 2 - Xia Dagu [15-day tour group Chengdu - Xia Dagu]

Approx 6kms, 2hrs walking

Homestay (B, L, D)


 


Day 6: Xia Dagu - Mt Dagu Camp 1

Approx 16kms, 6hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 7: Mt Dagu Camp 1 - Mt Dagu Camp 2

Approx 14kms, 5hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 8: Mt Dagu Camp 1 - Mao'ergai

Approx 14kms, 3hrs walking

Guesthouse (B, L, D)




Day 9: Rest in Mao'ergai

Guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 10: Mao'ergai - Guoxigou

Approx 5kms, 2 hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 11: Guoxigou - Dongyang

Approx 12kms, 5 hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 12: Dongyang - Galitai

Approx 15kms, 6 hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 13: Galitai - Lawa Valley

Approx 16kms, 5 hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)




Day 14: Lawa Valley - Baozuo Valley

Approx 20kms, 6 hrs walking

Camp (B, L, D)

Day 15: Baozuo Valley - Baozuo Battle Site - Qiuji

Approx 23kms, 6 hrs walking

Guesthouse (B, L, D)


 


Day 16: Qiuji - Lazikou

Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 17: Lazikou - Lanzhou

Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 18: Tour ends in Lanzhou