The Ancient Tea & Horse… (trip)
The Ancient Tea & Horse Caravan Road: An Expedition with Jeff Fuchs
- Airport near Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
- Culture & Nature
| from $3,560* per person | 10 Days | April, September |
| Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 5 | |
| Operator: WildChina | 16 people max | |
Join Jeff Fuchs, the first westerner to have ever traveled the entire 5,000-kilometer (3,100-mile) route, on a trip to Yunnan retracing portions of the Road, sampling teas at their origin and studying the road's impact on ethnic minority villagers. In contrast to our shorter, private journey, Retracing the Ancient Tea & Horse Caravan Trail: Yunnan, this small group departure (8-16 people) is a 10-day expedition led by Fuchs, who shares his unparalleled expertise on the diverse teas, cultures and landscapes along the historic trail.
We begin in China's far southwest, in subtropical Xishuangbanna, the original source of all tea, before heading north up the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road to a former trading post, Shaxi, and further north to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, finally ending in the mountainous Tibetan region of "Shangri-La." Along the way, we hike through tea tree forests, participate in tea ceremonies and converse with traders and villagers.
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Locations visited/nearby
Shaxi village , Tiger Leaping Gorge , Shangri-La Old Town , Jianchuan Shibaoshan Grottoes , Pudacuo National Park , Yunnan, China, Asia
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Xishuangbanna:Arrive in Xishuangbanna; welcome dinner; overnight in Jinghong, the capital city of Xishuangbanna.
Yourantai (D)
Day 2 : Xishuangbanna:
In the morning, Jeff will host an orientation of the Tea & Horse Road and Local Minority & Tea Culture, followed by a tea ceremony. In the afternoon, we will go explore a local village with a long history of growing tea.
Yourantai (B, L, D)
Day 3: Xishuangbanna:
This morning, we head to an Aini village with ancient tea trees. We will walk around the tea field in the mountain while Jeff gives an on site explanation of Tea & Horse Road culture. We will then hike (3 hrs) at Nannuoshan; visit ancient tea trees; sip tea made with leaves from ancient tea trees with locals. We will overnight at an Aini village and enjoy a family cooked dinner.
Village Homestay (B, L, D)
Day 4: Xishuangbanna - Dali - Shaxi:
Fly to Dali; lunch in Dali; drive (3 hrs) to Shaxi village; visit Shaxi Old Town; tea ceremony; dinner at our hotel
Local Boutique Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 5: Shaxi:
Easy walk along portion of the Ancient Tea & Horse Caravan Road. A typical Local Bai’s royal meal served with Badawan.
Local Boutique Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 6: March 29 Tue. – Shaxi - Lijiang:
Visit Jianchuan Shibaoshan Grottoes, Buddhist grottoes which offer a glimpse into the history of the Dali Kingdom; drive (3 hrs) to Lijiang; evening free; overnight in Lijiang.
Luxury Boutique Hotel or similar (B, L)
Day 7: Lijiang - Shangri-La:
Early morning visit to Lijiang Old Town; drive (4-5 hrs) to Shangri-La via Shigu Town; talk on the Ancient Tea & Horse Caravan Road led by Jeff Fuchs during dinner; overnight in Shangri-La.
Local Boutique Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8: Shangri-La:
Visit Songzanlin Monastery; explore Pudacuo National Park; walk around and have a cup of tea in Shangri-La Old Town; Free leisure time at Songtsam Retreat to enjoy the natural scenery.
Local Boutique Hotel (B, L, )
Day 9: Shangri-La:
Walk a portion of the Ancient Tea & Horse Caravan Road around Napa Lake; visit Gonjo, an artisan town; Tibetan style farewell dinner party and celebration; overnight in Shangri-La.
Local Boutique Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 10: Depart Shangri-La:
Drive to the airport; journey ends.
N/A (B)
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
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