Fortiterre Expeditions

A shorter trip ideal for people arriving locally from elsewhere in Asia who are already familiar with Asian culture and won't be struggling with the jetlag from a long flight.

Days: 10
Estimated Cost: US$1450/person for 6 people

Chengdu
We'll meet as a group in Chengdu, the sprawling capital of Sichuan Province. For early arrivals, we'll have some time to visit the panda breeding center and make some new furry friends.

Sichuan Gansu
We'll leave the big city behind and start exploring the nomad areas of Sichuan and Gansu provinces. On our way from Chengdu to Lanzhou, we'll see endless herds of yak, have a meal at a nomad restaurant and check out a national park. As we wait for the train in Lanzhou, we'll savor a bowl of famous Muslim hand-made noodles.

Xining
Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province. We'll spend a little time here exploring the city as we start getting used to the altitude.

Qinghai
As we travel further into Qinghai we literally take our journey to the next level. Hanging out at 13,000ft above sea level we'll enjoy a picnic on the grasslands with nomads, hear from local government leaders, revel in stunning vista after vista and check out another of China's national parks.

Chengdu
We'll fly back to Chengdu for a final debrief and to send everyone on their way.

Our basic trip and a great introduction to the people and beauty of western China. Also includes time in Beijing and Xi'an to get a perspective of Chinese history.

Days: 15
Estimated Cost: US$2200/person for 6 people

Beijing
We'll meet as a group in Beijing, the capital currently and for the last two dynasties. We'll visit key sites like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall. We'll also stop by Wangfujing for a little shopping and walk along Beihai Lake to the old city wall.

Xi'an
Next comes the ancient capital of Xi'an, site of the famous Terracotta Warriors that guard the tomb of the first emperor and endpoint of the Silk Road. We'll also check out the Bell Tower and ancient city wall on our way to grab some food in the Muslim Quarter.

Sichuan Gansu
Now we'll switch gears and start exploring the nomad areas of Sichuan and Gansu provinces. On our way from Chengdu to Lanzhou, we'll see endless herds of yak, have a meal at a nomad restaurant and check out a national park. As we wait for the train in Lanzhou, we'll savor a bowl of famous Muslim hand-made noodles.

Xining
Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province. We'll spend a little time here exploring the city as we start getting used to the altitude.

Qinghai
Our journey climbs to the next level, literally. We'll head to Qinghai Province and onto the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Hanging out at 13,000ft above sea level we'll enjoy a picnic on the grasslands with nomads, hear from local government leaders, revel in stunning vista after vista and check out another of China's national parks.

The perfect trip to really dig into the history and majesty of western China. This trip goes beyond the basic itinerary to add some fun side trips and spend more time on the Plateau itself.

Days: 21
Estimated Cost: US$3100/person for 6 people

Beijing
We'll meet as a group in Beijing, the capital currently and for the last two dynasties. We'll visit key sites like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall. We'll also stop by Wangfujing for a little shopping and walk along Beihai Lake to the old city wall.

Xi'an
Next comes the ancient capital of Xi'an, site of the famous Terracotta Warriors that guard the tomb of the first emperor and endpoint of the Silk Road. We'll also check out the Bell Tower and ancient city wall on our way to grab some food in the Muslim Quarter.

Sichuan Gansu
Now we'll switch gears and start exploring the nomad areas of Sichuan and Gansu provinces. On our way from Chengdu to Lanzhou, we'll see endless herds of yak, have a meal at a nomad restaurant and check out a national park. As we wait for the train in Lanzhou, we'll savor a bowl of famous Muslim hand-made noodles.

Xining
Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province. We'll spend a little time here exploring the city and take a side trip to Qinghai Lake as we start getting used to the altitude.

Qinghai
Our journey climbs to the next level, literally. We'll head to Qinghai Province and onto the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Hanging out at 13,000ft above sea level we'll enjoy a picnic on the grasslands with nomads, hear from local government leaders, revel in stunning vista after vista and check out another of China's national parks.

2025 Trips

Sample Itineraries