Caravans of mules and yaks traded tea and horses on the legendary Ancient Tea Horse Road, hence its name. A harsh 1,400-mile trail stretching from Sichuan Province to Tibet’s ancient capital city of Lhasa. With 2,000 years’ history, this trade route is rich with stories. In China, tea was first produced in Sichuan and reserved for the Chinese royal family. This brew was beyond reach for the common man. In 641 AD, Tang Princess Wencheng married the 33^rd Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo and introduced tea drinking in Tibet. This warmth-inducing brew and the cold Tibetan wonderland were a match made in heaven.

Frequent wars during the Five and the Song Dynasty increased the demand for Tibetan and Mongolian horses. They supplied more cheap tea to Tibet to get more war horses, making it affordable for ordinary Tibetans. The 'tea-for-horse' trade cemented its place in history. This historic trade route stretched from India to Mongolia and was part of the Silk Road, spanning from Southeast Asia to Europe. The hundreds of caravans plying the Tea Horse Road shipped tea, salt, sugar, horses, cows, furs, musk, and other local products. They transformed remote Tibetan and Yunnan villages from Lijiang to Lhasa into trading centers. These towns brought together the Dai, Yi, Han, Bai, Naxi, Tibetans, and other ethnic groups, creating unique cultures.

Ancient Tea Horse Road

The Ancient Tea Road from Yunnan to Tibet is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, culture, and people. However, with rugged mountainous terrain, harsh unpredictable weather, and low oxygen levels in high-altitude areas, travelers were unable to visit these hidden villages. Fortunately, thanks to Songtsam’s dedication and efforts, you can now take luxurious travel in Tibet to retrace Tea Horse Road with selected stops in remote villages.

For 20 years, Songtsam invested time and resources to find the most beautiful villages, build luxurious lodges with modern amenities, and construct roads to unlock these hidden treasures. Songtsam designed these lodges to represent and promote local customs and culture. They are authentic and strike a balance between beauty and comfort without compromising Tibetan authenticity.

Songtsam earned the privilege to set up ultra-modern lodges inside state-level nature reserves for its efforts to preserve nature and culture. This new Songtsam Yunnan & Tibet Route merged the Ancient Tea Horse Road (Asia Silk Road), G214 (Yunnan-Tibet highway), G318 (Sichuan-Tibet highway), and the Tibetan Plateau road tour into one. Now, you can indulge in Tibetan splendors with maximized comfort.

Ancient Tea Horse Road Tour

Get ready to retrace the Ancient Tea Horse Road to explore its history and culture with authentic experiences, maximum comfort, and utter luxury.

Lijiang: The Beginning of Ancient Tea Horse Road

Lijiang is part of the Ancient Tea Horse Road and the beginning of this tour. It boasts of a rich history that dates back to the Song dynasty. From the 12^th century, the Old Town of Lijiang was a distribution center at the intersection of the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It brought together the Naxi, Han, Tibetan, and Bai, creating a unique cultural blend and architecture. In 1997, Lijiang Old Town and the ancient towns of Dayan and Shuhe were named to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lijiang is one of the last surviving ancient trading centers in China and strikes a balance between 21^st-century modernity and the bygone era. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of tea merchants, indulge in a lively nightlife scene, and immerse yourself in the folklore and cuisines of different ethnic groups.

Visiting Lijiang won’t be complete without exploring Dayan Ancient Town, a Naxi town with a hundred years' history. It offers architectural marvels of ancient times. Wooden arched gateways and carved roof beams showcase elaborate carvings of nature and cultural elements. For an immersive cultural experience, take a Dongba calligraphy class. In the mountains northwest of Dayan Old Town, you’ll find Shuhe Ancient Town and explore its unique blend of local cultures over the centuries. North of Dayan is a complex with Buddhist, Taoist, and Naxi paintings dating from the early 13^th century.

The luxurious Songtsam Lodge Lijiang blends the characteristics of Naxi village courtyards and traditional Tibetan architecture. This ultramodern lodge offers world-class accommodations and easy access to world-famous hiking trails around Tiger Leaping Gorge.

The Old Town of Lijiang

Shangri-La: A Path to an Earthly Paradise

No other place on earth captivates imaginations like Shangri-La. In 1933, James Hilton wrote the novel "Lost Horizon" about a lost paradise of Shangri-La cut off from the world and from time. But where is Shangri-La? This fabled wonderland sits at an altitude of 10,000ft in northwestern Yunnan Province. Formerly known as Zhongdian, Shangri-La’s history spans hundreds of years. It is home to Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Gelug temple in Yunnan.

Songzanlin Monastery is a castle-like temple belonging to the Gelug or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It blends the architectural features of Tibetan and Han styles and houses cultural relics, statues, Buddhist scripts, thangkas, and golden lamps. Visit this monastery to learn why Tibetan Buddhists circle their temples in a clockwise direction.

Shangri-La’s breathtaking landscapes offer you an exclusive destination to get away from it all. You can stay in the luxurious Songtsam Village Shangri-La to explore this paradise on earth in style. This ultra-modern lodge with world-class amenities will give you a taste of Shangri-La and natural beauty. Your Ancient Tea Horse Road travel itinerary won’t be complete without Shangri-La. 

Shangri-La

Benzilan: A Secret Garden by the Yangtze River

Located in Yunnan province, the tranquil town of Benzilan captures the essence of Shangri-La. Benzilan sits at an altitude of 6560ft on a fertile sandbar on the banks of the Yangtze River. This town was one of the most important trading posts along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It offers a peek into an almost forgotten way of life. Since ancient times, local residents have made artistic handicrafts using traditional methods. Learn to paint Lacquered wooden bowls and make traditional black pottery.

With over 300 years’ history, Dongzhulin Monastery in Benzilan offers a glimpse of a bygone era. Dongzhulin Monastery was built before Songzanlin Monastery and is the second-largest temple in Yunnan. It sits about forty minutes away from Benzilan and hosts several Buddhist festivals on the Tibetan calendar. You can visit Dongzhulin Monastery to learn the tenets of Tibetan Buddhism and apply them in your daily life.

Benzilan valley is warmer than surrounding areas, thanks to its low altitude. From watermelons to grapes and tangerines, this secret garden by the Yangtze River produces juicy fruits. The luxurious Songtsam Lodge Benzilan is located in this flower-filled valley. During your tour of Tibet, you can hike through the Benzilan valley and experience the sweet aromas of blooming flowers. This luxurious lodge is only 10 minutes from Benzilan town and offers infinite opportunities for cultural discovery. It is also near the Jinsha River, where you can engage in river rafting to quench your thirst for adventure. Benzilan is ideal for adventurous souls looking for a journey of true discovery.

Secret Garden by the Yangtze River

Meili: The Sacred Golden Snow Mountain

Also known as Prince Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain is one of the sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. This holy mountain has 13 snow-capped peaks with altitudes of over 20,000ft. Mount Kawagebo stands out as the highest Meili peak at around 22,110ft. From Kawagebo Peak, the magnificent Mingyong Glacier flows down with sheer beauty. This glacier is sacred to the residents of Mingyong Village at its foot. It can extend for about 7.27 miles in the winter and retreat up the mountain in the summer. In the past two decades, the glacier has been shrinking rapidly due to global warming. Now is the time to experience the untainted beauty of Mingyong Glacier.

One of the most breathtaking experiences is watching the sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain. While traveling in Tibet, make accommodations at the luxurious Songtsam Lodge Meili  and wake up to Kawagebo’s sun-kissed peaks. In the morning, you can watch as the golden sunlight touches Kawagebo and covers other peaks one by one. You should also take some time to explore Baima Snow Mountain and Feilai Temple, located in the Meili region.

Meilli Snow Mountain

Rumei: One Day with the Herders

From Meili, you’ll travel through snow-capped mountains and follow the Upper Mekong River to get to Rumei. It sits at an altitude of 8530 feet and is the first stop in Tibet. The best way to learn the lifestyle of Tibetan herders is to spend some time on the pasture. Songtsam Lodge Rumei in the Lancang River Valley is close to pastoral lands. You can hike around the Lancang River Valley and interact with the herders on the grazing fields. During your hike, watch out for the peaks of Meili Snow Mountain and Baima Snow Mountain on the horizon. 

Rumei Lodge

For over 1,000 years, Rumei residents have been producing salt using ancient methods passed down for generations. They harvest mineral-rich brine water from wells on the banks of Lancang River and unload it on elevated ponds. The sun evaporates the water, creating crystals of salts. To learn more about this ancient salt-making process, visit millennium-old salt fields in Rumei.

Millennium-old Salt Fields

Laigu: At 13000 Feet, Ranwu Lake is Steps Away

Located in Chamdo, Laigu is a paradise and a stone's throw away from Ranwu Lake. This lake is 16 miles long and 1-3 miles across, making it the largest body of water in the east of the TAR. It is the source of the Yarlung Zangbo River and changes from dark blue to turquoise. You can take a leisurely walk on the shores of this beautiful lake and mesmerize at the reflection of mountains rising over 19600ft to the south. While Ranwu Lake is breathtaking, it does not match the beauty of Laigu Glacier. This magnificent glacier is one of the widest ‘frozen rivers’ in Tibet. But don’t be surprised if your luxurious Songtsam Lodge Laigu steals the show.

Songtsam Lodge Laigu is one of the most unique heritage lodges globally. This ultra-modern lodge won the 2019 Architecture MasterPrize and is a tourist destination in itself. Before Songtsam found this village, tourists from low-lying areas could not visit due to a lack of oxygen. At 13,000 feet, low oxygen levels in this high-altitude area created breathing problems for travelers. To address this challenge, Songtsam designed this lodge with a state-of-the-art oxygen concentrator that supplies clean oxygen to each room 24/7. It offers unobstructed views of Laigu’s natural beauty. The property is close to Ranwu Lake and the ancient blue Laigu Glacier. You can visit Laigu Glacier on foot to experience this sparkling jewel on ‘the Roof of the World.’ Songtsam Laigu Lodge takes luxury Tibet travel to the next level.

Ranwu Lake

Bome: Let the Peach Blossom Announces Your Flowering Spring

At the intersection of Purlung and Yigong Tsangpo rivers lies the enchanting Bome Valley. Also known as the “Switzerland of Tibet,” Bome is scenic with warm winters and cool summers. In 1984, 4,600 hectares around the Linzhi spruce forest of Bomigang Village became a protected nature reserve. With 61% forest cover, this alps-like coniferous forest offers a relaxing hiking experience. Its scenic landscapes, blessed weather, and aromas from flowering plants can push you into a state of tranquility. During your hike, look out for 300-years-old trees with trunks measuring around 6 feet in diameter.

While Linzhi spruce forest is enticing, most luxury travelers flock to Bome for peach blossoms. Blossoming peaches in Taohuagou lasts for a few days, but this immersive experience can last you a lifetime. A walk through Bome’s peach blossoms is all you need to get away from it all and relax. You can stay in Songtsam Lodge Bome and take a trip in the morning to Taohuagou to indulge in this aromatic and visually captivating experience.

Bomi Peach Blossom

Namjagbarwa: The Last Stop to "No Man's Land."

Whether it is ecological diversity, exclusivity, or scenic views, Namjagbarwa Mountain has it all. It is one of the most beautiful mountains in China. The dominating Namjagbarwa Peak rises 25,531 feet above sea level and contrasts the deep valleys of Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. This world-famous canyon runs between Namjagbarwa and Jialabailei in an ecological reserve on the edges of human civilization.

Nothing screams an exclusive travel destination than an adventure close to no-man’s-land. Stay in Songtsam Lodge Namjagbarwa to explore this wonderland with maximized comfort. For every room night sold, Songtsam will contribute US$30 to help improve living standards in Dalin Village and support local development. This ultra-modern property with world-class amenities sits in the middle of nowhere. It proclaims Songtsam’s 20-years-long dedication and efforts to unlock this hidden treasure for you and other tourists. Songtsam Namjagbarwa Lodge is a captivating tourist destination in itself.

Namjagbarwa Mountain

Lhasa: the Holy City of Sunlight

Located at the center of the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa was one of the most important trading centers along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. According to research, Emperor Kangxi ordered French Jesuit missionaries in Peking to draw a complete map of this trade route. The map shows six transit lines, including Tea Horse Road from Lijiang to Tibet’s Lhasa, then continues to Nepal and India. For more than 1,000 years, the holy city of sunlight played a central role in Tibetan culture and economy. In the 21^st century, Lhasa sets the standards of high-end luxury travel in Tibet.

 

Potala Palace

Lhasa is home to Potala Palace, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tibet. At 12,139 feet above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Red Hill in central Lhasa is the highest palace in the world. Emperor Songtsen Gambo commissioned the construction of Potala Palace over 1,300 years ago to commemorate his marriage to Princess Wencheng. It is an architectural masterpiece with a red and white palace and contains thousands of painted thangkas, sculptures, carpets, and artifacts made of gold and silver. Tibetan monks painted thangkas to explain Buddhist philosophies and nurtured this artistic form of expression for centuries. You can join a traditional thangka painting class and learn this tenet of Tibetan Buddhism.

At the center of Lhasa is the 7th century Jokhang Temple with a golden crown. The temple blends Tibetan architecture with influences from China, India, and Nepal. You can explore Tibetan Buddhism in daily life and watch Buddhist pilgrims circling the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. Then, visit the famous Barkhor Street to shop and soak up the Tibetan lifestyle. If you need some alone time away from Lhasa’s busy streets, travel south of Yarlong Tsangpo River to find Yamdrok Lake at an altitude of 14570 feet. This breathtaking lake is one of the holy lakes, along with Namtso Lake. Here, you can indulge in Tibet’s dramatic landscapes, ecological diversity, and panoramic views with snow-capped peaks in the background. Your luxurious tibet travel itinerary won’t be complete without Lhasa city. You can stay at the luxurious Songtsam Lodge Lhasa to explore this cultural and religious hotspot. 

City of Lhasa

Whether you seek cultural experiences, adventure, or a historical journey back in time, a luxurious tour of Tibet can meet your needs. From Lijiang to Shangri-La, Rumei, Meili, Bome, Benzilan, Namjagbarwa, and Lhasa, Tibet offers an extravagant journey with immersive experiences. You can stay in Songtsam’s luxurious lodges at each stop and travel in style from start to finish.