Litang Horse Racing Festival

Itinerary

Day 1 Chengdu

Home to the Giant Panda Breeding Centre, Chengdu is a wonderful place to start our trip and also to observe these magnificent, gentle creatures. It is also home to spicy Sichuan cuisine!

Day 2 Wolong Panda Reserve

Meet China's adorable creatures up close on a visit to the Wolong Panda Reserve.

Days 3-4 Danba

Get well off the beaten track in Danba, one of the most beautiful Tibetan villages in Sichuan Province. Enjoy a traditional meal and a glass or two of barley wine prepared by local hosts. Drive to the Kingdom of a Thousand Castles to marvel at the architectural Jiarong style of Jiaju Village.

Day 5 Xinduqiao

Travel through the Tagong grasslands to Xinduqiao, a small Tibetan village surrounded by beautiful farms, hills and rivers. Take the time to visit the mystical Muya celestial burial spot in Juli temple.

Days 6-8 Litang

Arrive in time for the opening ceremony of the Litang Festival, one of the largest and most spectacular in Tibet. Take in the excitement of the town's classic Khampa horse festival as furious races, amazing horseback stunts, dance troupes and nomadic traders take over the town.

Day 9 Derong

Pass Rabbit Peak, so named because its peak looks like rabbit ears, and stop for lunch in the Haizi mountains. Arrive in sunny Derong, where the people respect and worship the sun. Relax and soak up the pleasant atmosphere.

Day 10 Zhongdian

After a day of travel through more strikingly remote countryside we reach our ultimate destination, Zhongdian, known by the locals as Shangri-la. Experience the crisp mountain air and take in the views of the old town from the massive prayer wheel of Songzalin Monastery. There is plenty of time to explore, shop or visit a local non-profit English school which helps give poor Tibetans the chance to continue their education.

Days 11-12 Dali

The wonderful lakeside town of Dali is surrounded by mountains that are snow-capped all year round. We can explore the town's cobbled lanes and wooden houses or take a boat trip on Erhai Lake. You can also visit the colourful early morning markets of the Bai people who have fantastic displays of an incredible range of goods.

Days 13-14 Kunming

Explore the alleyways and back-roads of Kunming for a glimpse of the city's old world character. Sample the delicious food of the 'eternal spring city' in one of the many markets.