An incredible botanical and scenic journey across north-west China, crossing many flower-rich passes, vast grasslands and high lakes under the constant gaze of majestic shans. Beginning in Chengdu our journey continues into the high passes of Balang Shan, swathed in species rich meadows with slipper orchids, primulas and meconopsis. Nearby passes have unnamed new species and our journey take sus across endless flowery grasslands and yak pastures, to remote isolated peaks and the glacier clad slopes of Anyemaqen Shan where extraordinary alpines colour the scree. Beyond are little visited monasteries and the vastness of the Tibetan plateau.
An 18 day tour with Chris Gardner
Upon arrival in the huge metropolis we’ll transfer to a comfortable hotel.
Heading west we reach the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and climb into very verdant valleys swathed in forests and harbouring roses, lilies and some choice corydalis. Overnight Wolong.
The day will be spent at modest altitudes as we acclimatise. Stands of majestic Cardiocrinum giganteum subsp. yunnanense, the tall lousewort Pedicularis rex, primulas, rich pink Gentiana rubicunda and a rich assortment of woody plants, for which the area is justly famous as well as side valleys with dainty ice-blue Corydalis flexuosa. Overnight Wolong.
A quite superb high pass which heaves with Cypripedium tibeticum, Omphalogramma viola-grandis, Primula melanops, P. sikkimensis, stands of deep violet Iris chrysographes, yellow Meconopsis integrifolia, stately Veratrum grandiflorum and sombre V. nigrum together with Galearis wardii, the wonderful bicolored Pedicularis davidii and a multitude of alpine plants. Today we'll explore the lower slopes, climbing into lush meadows with fabulous landscapes all around. Overnight Rilong.
A less visited mountain area the wonderful flowery slopes home to plentiful Lilium lophophorum, Pedicularis davidii, Veratrum grandiflorum on one side, on the other are delighful meadows of Primula munroi and P. sikkimensis mingling with Anemone demissa close to rhododendron shrubberies. Rockier parts have plenty of the white form of Paraquilegia microphylla alongside Fritillaria przewalskii and Meconopsis punicea, whilst an extra deep purple form of Meconopsis balangensis grows on stony slopes with pretty Corydalis darjinensis and Primual florida. Overnight Rilong.
An exciting new high pass we first visited in 2019 and then again in 2024, where we encountered a fascinating new primula (as yet undescribed), as well as big clumps of Primula longipetiolata, both Saussurea medusa and S. quercifolia, Androsace brachystegia, Potentilla biflora, incredible displays of Meconopsis integrifolia and slopes with both red M. punicea and mauve M. lancifolia. The lower slopes have the impressive spires of Notholirion bulbiferum. The mountains flanking the pass have an incredible inclined strata, quite different to other areas we visit. Overnight Rilong.
A long traverse to get us to the north of Sichuan. Overnight Aba.
Amazing rock formations and landscapes abound along with superb spikes of Meconopsis racemosa, M. punicea, the extravagant whorls of Megacarpea delavayi and among the granite boulders are colonies of Primula limbata. Overnight Aba.
Flowery grasslands all the way with swirls of Aster, the wrinkled leaves of Phlomis rotata, Caragana jubata, Anemone demissa, spidery Cremanthodium brunneopilosum and plentiful Pedicularis for which there is nowhere quite as rich or confusing as Sichuan. Expect to see all manner of colour and forms of these unique (ungrowable plants. Overnight Maqen.
We will explore some back roads around Golog Shan and then complete our journey to Maqen where we will spend two full days exploring the surrounding high passes and spectacular lakeland. Here high moraines have the rare endemic Desideria baoigoinensis, the purple stars of Saussurea wellbyi, deep blue Meconopsis horrida, flowery mounds of Androsace mairiae, diminutive Iris potaninii, slopes filled with Incarvillea compacta and much more. Some areas we will be visiting for the first time, including hidden valleys filled with blue poppies and orange saxifrages, that surround stunning mirrored lakes. Overnight Maqen (3700 metres).
A long journey across the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau, past serene lakes and sweeping vistas. Overnight in the high grasslands of Serxu (4200 metres).
Remote Serxu lies on the edge of the vast plateau grasslands. Stands of Iris farreri dot the slopes flats and tumbling masses of Clematis tangutica drape lemon peel flowers across the rocks. Hidden valleys have breathtaking quantities of Meconopsis integrifolia and there is a remarkable and gigantic Tibetan mani pile to visit. A virtually unknown set of ridges has such a diverse mix of geologies that each slope is exciting and different. The scree are amongst the richest we find anywhere, stretching to over 5000 metres, a home to the big yellow bells of Fritillaria delavayi, Saussurea medisa, related Soroseris glomerata, Meconopsis horridula with Saussurea aster found on nearby limestone. The landscapes are spellbinding. Overnight Serxu at 4200 metres.
Travel via interesting passes with lovely Corydalis benecinta alongside C. scaberula, rich blue Salvia wardii more beautiful Meconopsis racemosa, the unusual rosettes of Phlomis rotata. 4200 metres.
A stunning mountain landscape awaits, even among a country of such scenes. A road takes us to over 4800 metres among the raw granite ridges and peaks of this wild range. It is the realm of a very special high alpine, Chionocharis hookeri, as well as a suite of other interesting gems. 4200 metres.
We will traverse the fabulous landscapes either side of the Chola Shan and make our way across the grasslands to Ganze. Various stops in the grasslands and hills will find fine-rayed Aster diplostephioides, Spiranthes chinensis, some superb Pedicularis and blue Salvia wardii, with superb views across idyllic mountain lakes framed by soaring peaks. Overnight Ganze.
Another impressive mountain area is accessed by a winding pass road with plentiful Meconopsis lancifolia, stands of Delphinium pachycentra to where handsome Corydalis scaberula and Cremantodium decaisnei colour slopes alongside the woolly rosettes of Saussurea medusa and dwarf Aconitum tanguticum with the bizarre rosettes of Soroseris gillii in the grassland. Nearby limestone screes have even more superb plants with the seldom seen Cremanthodium microglossum growing with the Romanov stars of Saussurea wellbyi. Lammergieirs soar out from the towering cliffs in this spectacular finale to our tour. Overnight Ganze.
An internal flight from Ganze arrives into Chengdu TFU (at about midday) for international connections.
28 June - 15 July 2027
Days: 18
Per person (twin share): 6595 GBP
Deposit 1000 GBP
Single supplement: 770 GBPIncluded:
For more information on our tours
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