Mountain city to snow peaks
Eight days from the mountain city of Chongqing to the high valleys of western Sichuan
Small group · Up to 8 guests
Chongqing is a city built on mountains and rivers: steep, loud and full of flavour. Western Sichuan is quiet high country, with Tibetan villages, glaciers and meadows above 3,000 metres. This journey takes you through both, on foot as much as possible.
mountain city
karst gorges
pandas and teahouses
high valleys
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive by the river
Arrive in Chongqing and settle into a hotel above the river. If you have time, walk the old waterfront as the city lights come on; dinner is your first chance to try hotpot, with the spice set to suit you.
Pace · easyThe mountain city
Explore the city on foot and by rail with a local guide: the monorail at Liziba, the Yangtze cable car and the stairways of the old quarters.
Pace · a full day of walking and stairsInto the karst
Drive to Wulong and walk among the Three Natural Bridges, vast stone arches above a deep gorge. Stay near Fairy Mountain.
Pace · moderate, with gorge trailsOn to Chengdu
Travel by high-speed rail to Chengdu. The afternoon is yours; later, try tea in an old teahouse or see a Sichuan opera performance.
Pace · easy transfer dayPandas and peppercorns
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning. In the afternoon, cook with a local Sichuan chef and share what you make.
Pace · easyUp to the plateau
Drive west through the mountains to Siguniang Shan, at around 3,200 metres. Keep the afternoon light to give your body time to adjust.
Pace · gentle, for acclimatisingA day in the valley
Choose a walk in Shuangqiao or Changping Valley. The route and distance depend on the group’s pace, the weather and local conditions. Return to your guesthouse for the night.
Pace · chosen with your guideBack to the city
Return to Chengdu for your onward journey. The drive takes several hours; an additional night in Chengdu can be arranged if you would prefer a more relaxed departure.
Pace · a long transfer dayThis is a sample route, not a fixed departure schedule. Tell us when you could travel, even if you only know the month or season. We will reply with possible dates and confirm the final route, group size and price with you before booking.
Practical matters
Included
- Seven nights: boutique hotels in the cities and a Tibetan guesthouse in the mountains
- Daily breakfast, plus the hotpot, cooking class and farewell dinner
- A bilingual guide throughout, and local mountain guides
- All ground transport, including high-speed rail from Chongqing to Chengdu
- Entrance fees, park shuttles, the cooking class and the opera
- Pre-trip concierge: flight advice, entry guidance for your passport, eSIM and VPN, packing list
Not Included
- International flights to China
- Travel insurance, required for all guests
- Meals not listed above, and drinks
- Optional activities not listed above
A few honest notes
Altitude. Days six and seven are spent at 3,200 metres and above. Altitude affects people differently. The first afternoon is kept easy; tell us about any heart or lung conditions before you book.
Fitness. You should be comfortable walking four to six hours on uneven trails. City days involve a lot of stairs.
Spice. Sichuan and Chongqing food is famously hot, but every kitchen can cook it mild. Just ask, and we will ask for you.
Visas. Entry rules depend on your passport and travel dates. We will help you check current guidance before you book; please confirm eligibility with the relevant official source.
Ask About This Journey
Dates are arranged by enquiry. Share a specific date or a rough window and we’ll reply with possible options, then make clear what is confirmed before you book.
Thank you. Your enquiry has been received. We will reply by email.