We run two types of treks – the more traditional camping trips, using pack horses to take us into wilderness areas, self-supporting and generally requiring at least a day’s drive to get to the trailhead (e.g. Yading - Gods & Mountains #1 & #2). These tend to involve a fair amount of high altitude trekking and we recommend them for reasonably experienced trekkers only. On the other hand, we run treks generally somewhat gentler in pace and at lower altitudes where we overnight mostly in locals' homes, be they isolated farmhouses or villages (e.g. Where the World Meets the Sky) where the focus is as much on these homestays as on the trekking. These tend to start directly from towns such as Lijiang.

Trail Length & Extensions: It's usually possible to clip days off the start or finish of an itinerary. Conversely, for those who do actually live in an ideal world, many of the trips have optional extensions of up to 8 days.

Grading: None of our treks can be considered technical - there’s no need for rope work, crampons, etc. But when considering a trek, please take note of the gradings - this is not so much because it can be dangerous not to, (though that certainly can be a factor), but largely to save yourself the type of discomfort that can lead to an unpleasant experience! Obviously judging the difficulty and your ability is an inexact art, for us and you, but please try to be honest with yourself (and us!). If you want to discuss your suitability for these trips, please feel free to get in contact.

Grade One
Gently paced, 2000+m altitudes, actual hiking time rarely exceeding 5 hours/day, few extended periods of steep ascent or descent. You need to be reasonably fit, partial to the occasional hiking holiday, and used to carrying a light pack.

Grade Two
Altitudes up to but rarely exceeding 3500m, actual hiking time rarely exceeding 6 hours/day, occasional periods of steep ascent or descent, and very few creature comforts. You need to be fit and experienced in multi-day trekking and camping at altitudes of 2-3500m plus light pack.

Grade Three
Altitudes occasionally exceeding 5000m, actual hiking time often exceeding 6 hours/day. Risk of adverse weather conditions (other than rain), frequent steep ascents and descents. You need to be experienced in high altitude and multi-day trekking (at the heights mentioned), camping, and carrying a medium weight pack.

Usually we’ll give a trek an overall rating. Having said that, as treks often vary their route and pace, depending in part on the group's abilities and desires – these day by day ratings are a little difficult to pin down. But as indications they’re useful.

Optional Single Tent Supplements: It's possible to have a tent for yourself, but you would be charged a single supplement fee.