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Retracing China's Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Trail

12 days from £7,150 for 2024 per person

Upon arrival in Beijing you will have an opportunity to explore some of the famous sites of this city of extremes before flying on to Jinghong, in China’s far south west. You will begin your tour where it all began: at the original source of all tea. Follow in the footsteps of one of China’s oldest trade routes as you journey across the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road. From Shaxi you will travel to the UNESCO World Heritage protected town of Lijiang, before ending your tour in the fabled mountainous Tibetan region of Shangri-La. Next, travel forward in time a millennia and spend a couple of days in the ultra modern metropolis of Shanghai.

Join Jeff Fuchs, the first westerner to have covered the entire 5000km Ancient Tea & Horse Trails route, on his exciting adventure across this lesser visited part of China. Immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about the region’s history and unique way of life - an intriguing taste of a bygone age. This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own ideal tailor-made trip to China. However, please be aware that the dates for this exact guided tour are from 10th – 17th September.

Itinerary details

12 days from £7,150 for 2024 per person

Day 1 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or sightseeing. Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the iconic Jinshanling section of the Great Wall.
Day 2 - Yourantai Lodge - Jinghong
Take a Taiji (Tai Chi) lesson with a master at the Temple of Heaven and walk around the Hutong neighbourhoods before your flight to Jinhong.
Day 3 - Yourantai Lodge - Jinghong
Trek to a nearby Dai minority village. In the evening meet with local handicraft and tea producers.
Day 4 - Yourantai Lodge - Jinghong
Pay a visit to the Menghai Market, a Bulang minority village before reaching the ancient tea tree forest Nannuo Mountain. There is the option of a local village home stay this evening or return to the Yourantai Lodge.
Day 5 - Laomadian Lodge - Shaxi
Morning flight to Dali with lunch in Dali Old Town before continuing on to Shaxi.
Day 6 - Laomadian Lodge - Shaxi
Explore Shaxi's sloping valleys and pick up some local secrets in a private cooking lesson.
Day 7 - Banyan Tree Lijiang - Lijiang
Visit the Shibaoshan Grottos, which provide shelter to an eclectic array of Bai and Buddhist shrines. Transfer to Lijiang.
Day 8 - Songtsam Retreat - Shangri-La
Explore Lijang's Old Town. Pass the mythical First Bend of the Yangtze en-route to Shangri-la.
Day 9 - Songtsam Retreat - Shangri-La
Visit Napahai Lake and the Nixi artisan village. Enjoy your dinner in a traditional Tibetan household.
Day 10 - The Peninsula Shanghai - Shanghai
Transfer to the airport before your onwards flight to Shanghai. Spend the evening at leisure.
Day 11 - The Peninsula Shanghai - Shanghai
Spend the day at leisure or for sightseeing in Shanghai.
Day 12 - In transit.
Morning flight home.

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My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus

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Client Testimonials

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

Retracing China's Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Trail

12 days from £7,150 for 2024 per person

Itinerary details

12 days from £7,150 for 2024 per person

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Client Testimonials

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