The journey to Northwest Yunnan's Mt. Kawa Karpo, which towers above the town of Deqen, is in many ways, one of the best treks in the world. Throughout the expedition we will drive and hike from semi-tropical landscape to high alpine tundra, bathe in hot springs on the banks of two and perhaps three of the world's largest rivers, wander through climax old growth forests (some of the last in China), camp and trek around one of the most beautiful and unexplored mountain ranges in the world, and witness religious customs of several distinct races, culminating in our participation in one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimages on the planet.

We encourage you to stop at Merishui village and help the local Tibetans to repair their mountain trails and bridges. The trails and the bridges are used by Buddhism pilgrims to circumambulating the holy Mountain KawaKarpo. Trails and bridges are often washed out by summer flood and that causes big problems to both the pilgrims and local residents. This project is funded by ActiveChina and the local tour operators.

Days 5-15 Trekking days
Trek around this holy mountain of Tibetans. Following the pilgrim's steps circumambulating the holy mountain from Yangtze to Merishui.

Day 16 Back to Deqin
Drive back to Deqin.

Day 17 Lijiang
Drive to Lijiang and overnight there.

Day 18 Lijiang
Tour of Lijiang

Day 19 Kunming
Fly back to Kunming, overnight. Trip ends