Hiking & Cultural Tours
Important Dates for forthcoming hiking tours:
SONGPAN IN AUTUMN 13 DAY HIKING HOLIDAY
Thursday 9th October 2025 to Tuesday 21st October 2025
OUR NEXT EARLY SUMMER 15 DAY HIKING HOLIDAY
Thursday June 11th 2026 to Thursday 25th June 2026
Note: This is one week later than 2025 as there will be more wild flowers in the highlands.
Our Hiking Tours
You will note that we have used the word “hiking” which we have deliberately chosen. A hiker does not just walk, but visits places of interest, embraces the local food and seeks out places that are fascinating due to their history, culture and customs. A hiker experiences and immerses them selves in a place, not just sees it. To fully appreciate China, you need to use all your senses, sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing – only then will you experience the real China.
Group Size
Very early on in the development of these holidays we decided to keep our groups small and generally the total group size, including Ping and I, will be 10. The dynamics of a small close nit group work much better, everyone gets to know each other and environmentally its better. These numbers will only be exceeded, if participants bring their partners, who might join us on some of the day walks. However, during the 5 day remote camping, we will carefully evaluate numbers for the benefit of the whole group.
It is important to tell us, if you bring your partner, whether they want to take part in the whole program, including the camping or just part of the hiking program. ( see “Spouses and Partners of hiking participants” further down this page.)
Development of our Tours
During 2024, my partner and I spent many weeks exploring a part of China that is seldom visited by overseas tourists, we completed many day hikes and an overnight trek prior to our inaugural holiday that took place in early June 2025. This trip was highly successful, not just because of the work we did, but in part by the fantastic small group of Australian hikers that trusted us to provide what for all of us was a memorable holiday, their input and suggestions to further enhance and improve this holiday will be incorporated into all our future holidays.
Whilst our small group of guests were instrumental in its success, so too was our friends in Songpan. Our Tibetan friends and their two Children, provided our guests with a truly memorable occasion, providing not only a traditional Tibetan meal, but a real taste of Tibetan culture, including there family home and the entertainment provided by their two children and other members of this close nit family..
We also pay tribute to our Muslim friends and their whole family from the Garden Hotel/Guest House who provided an additional view of life in Songpan, where all religions and nationalities blend so well in complete harmony in this small ancient City.
So too, we must thank countless local people within this small community, when as we pass their small street stall or visit one of the many coffee shops, will give us a wave. Songpan really does feel like a second home – we think you will too!
Location of our Hiking Holiday
Our hiking holiday is based in the ancient city of Songpan (formerly Songzhou). This walled and fortified town was first built during the Tang Dynasty 618 – 907AD. Following some years of neglect it was repaired and partially rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty 1368 – 1644. The wall is one of the best ancient city wall relics in China.
Songpan was a vital trading post for horses & tea, as well as a post for military movements between different regions of China and Tibet.
Songpan has a harmonious mix of Tibetan, Qiang, Hui and Han cultures that contribute to its’s unique character.
In more recent history it was known for the passage of the Red Army, led by Mao Zedong, during the Long March in 1935.
This small town, with its colorful street stalls and small shops, selling everything from woollen clothing to Yak leather good and skins. There are many food stalls, that line the narrow main street, with many products made from Yak milk (in particular Yak milk confectionary) and also an amazing variety of different mushrooms.
The choice of dining ranges from freshly barbecued skewers of Yak meat, chicken, pork and even goat.
The small cafes that the local people eat at are testament to the quality of the food. If like me you like your expresso coffee, you will not be disappointed as there are at least four or five small, intimate, coffee shops, with one in particular that serves delicious Yak burgers!
Our Itinerary
It is important to note that this is a mountainous area with a varied weather pattern, seasonal changes can be expected, but so too there can be unpredictable weather. As such this itinerary is subject to change for reasons both of safety and to benefit the group as a whole. (Click on the words “Our Itinerary” in green above to see the pdf document).
Our Songpan hiking holiday is described in words and pictures in the next series of paragraphs, however to summarize, this 15 day, hiking holiday will comprise of a series of day walks visiting lakes, mountain rivulets, amazing waterfalls, pine forest, ancient buildings and meeting the local people along the way. All these walks will be relatively easy starting with easy walks from 6km to 12 km, as we get accustomed to the altitude.
After about 4 or five days of acclimatization we will steadily increase the altitude and commence walking in the high grass and moorlands, with only the grazing yaks, abundant birdlife, the occasional herdsman on horse back. During June there will be abundant wild flowers of all descriptions, the grasslands in many shades of green, with a back drop of some snow capped mountains in the distance. These walks will be up to a maximum of 14 km.
During these periods we will return each night to our comfortable accommodation and after dinner, you are free to explore the colorfully lit streets of Songpan (the walled city) browse the night market stalls or enjoy a coffee, some wine, and listen to live music, or join the folk dancing near the South Gate.
By day seven, we begin preparation for the highlight of this holiday, our 5 day, four night trek into the mountains, supported by pack horses to carry all our heavier camping equipment. Scroll down this page to see many pictures, as these do far more than any verbal description I can write here.
Who is this holiday suitable for
Providing you are in good health, do not suffer from any respiratory problems, can easily hike up to 18km on level ground, walk on undulating and sometimes rocky ground, can walk at least 10 km where some mild climbing is involved or 8 km where there is steep ground then you will be fine. Whilst there are some lengthy uphill sections over some high mountain passes on the 5 day camping trip, if you have easily walked something like the overland track, then because you will only be carrying a day pack you will be quite capable of undertaking this holiday. Some of our past guests have been over 70, I myself am 77 and our guide and horse handler on the camping section has a Person complete it that was 90! The key to completing and enjoying this hiking experience is being fully acclimatized to the height before we head off into the mountains. However if you are unsure, then please consult your doctor. You might also have to do this anyway, as your travel insurance often requests this. The maximum height we will be walking at for a very short period will be 4000m. The minimum age of any participant travelling on their own is 18 or 16 years if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Active Participation
To gain the most satisfaction and enjoyment from a hiking holiday, active participation is essential, whilst most of the time we will be undertaking day walks where you need to do little more than carry your day pack with the necessities of the day and at a suitable time eat the lunch that we will have provided, there will be times that offering a helping hand to a fellow walker to cross a fast flowing mountain stream or even offer to carry a few items of equipment for a person who is struggling on a steeper section of the track, all adds to the feeling of camaraderie.
On the over-night camping part of the holiday, you will be erecting your tent and preparing your own meals on the gas stove that we will have provided for you. This is a time where everyone chips in when required. You might be helping another guest put up their tent or boiling some water to share some tea with you fellow guests, who by the time we undertake the high-level mountain walk, will already be firm friends.
If you are already an experienced hiker, you will know instinctively that during the more challenging parts of the walk, that everyone needs to look out for each other, be patient if other people are walking slower than you and occasionally lend a hand.
Your guides, Paul & Ping, both of whom are experienced walkers, will ensure the group is kept together, ensure everyone has adequate breaks and provide a short briefing at the start of each section so you know in advance what to expect. Please be aware, that during most parts of the 4-day hike in the mountains that mobile phone coverage is virtually nil. This means we all have a responsibility to take care, not take unnecessary risks and listen carefully to any safety briefings. You also have a responsibility to tell your guides if you are feeling unwell or are experiencing any other type of difficulty. Both Ping & Paul, will also lend a hand if anyone is having difficulty, never be afraid to ask.
Spouses and Partners of hiking participants
We are aware from enquires that we have had, that often there are close friends/family members that would like to go with their partners to see and experience this beautiful part of China, but may not wish to participate in the overnight camping part of the program. Partners, we are sure, will enjoy the day walks, but might prefer not to participate in the remote overnight camping. This is fine and partners can remain in the Songpan area during this period, however, it is important that partners are able to entertain themselves. There are organized tours available from Songpan to other nearby scenic areas, or you can get local buses to some nearby towns such as Chuangzhusi, where there is a significant memorial to the Red Army Long March. Due to the number of shops of all descriptions in Songpan, almost a day can be spent browsing the craft and unique products made by local artisans. Although of course your hotel accommodation will still be available to you, all additional tours and expenses (except a meal allowance) during this time are at your own expense. Obviously Ping & myself will ensure that Partners are aware of what is available and even help you book some alternative activity/tours.
Dates, Duration and Costs
Dates are given in the first paragraph of this webpage, However you need to be aware that you need to arrive in Chengdu either on the morning of the day we meet at the Vienna Hotel, in Chengdu East (Dong) or if you want to visit the Pandas for example plan to arrive a few days before. You can organize your own hotel, or we can arrange to book you in early at the Vienna Hotel, which is very well sited close to the extensive metro system. We will just bill you for any extra days that are required.
You should also note that your train back to Chengdu is the day following the last day of each holiday. The cost of your fare back to Chengdu East is covered in the price of the holiday.
Cost of our holiday:
The cost of SP2 “Autumn in Songpan” 13 day holiday is $4530.00 inclusive of all things listed below. There is a deposit payable of $500.00 with the balance payable 30 days prior to departure. Single supplement is an additional $500.00
It does not include your return airfare to China, however it is possible to get return fares from Melbourne to Chengdu from as little as $650.00 return, depending on airlines and time of year. On booking you will be sent a comprehensive information document, which will give you all the information you need to know. If you are spending less than 30 days in China and providing your passport is valid for at least six months you do not need a visa. If you are considering our Autumn hiking program, we strongly urge you to book your flights as soon as possible, the closer it gets to September the more expensive the flights get, because the cheaper seats are already taken – Autumn in China is very popular.
The cost of SP3 our standard summer 15 day hiking holiday is $5300.00 inclusive of items listed below. The deposit is $500.00 with the balance payable 90 days prior to departure. The single supplement is $500 if you want a room & a tent on your own. We do offer an early bird discount of $200.00 if you book and pay in full by the 30th September 2025.
All Monies paid for your holiday is held in a special trust account until 60 days prior to the starting date of holiday. Cancelations: Over 90 days Full Refund. Less than 90 Days, but greater than 60 days $500 will be deducted. 60 days or less the full fee is payable (unless documentary evidence of a medical condition or bereavement of a close family member)
Inclusions & Exclusions on this holiday
What is included in the cost of each holiday.
Breakfast from Day 1 to Day 15
Lunch from Lunch from Day 2 to Day 15
Dinner from Day 0 (The night of the 10th June) to Day 15
Twin Share or Double Hotel Room from Day 0 to Day 7
Twin Share Quality Tent from Day 8 to Day 11
Twin Share or Double Hotel Room from Day 12 to Day 15
Extra wide insulated Air Mattress for Camping
Quality Gas Cooking Stove (Shared between two guest, during camping.
Lightweight Billy Set for cooking the meals that are provided on the camping trip
Cutlery for camping & a Mug
Walking poles if required.
All transport during the holiday, that is necessary, including HS Train from Chengdu to Songpan & Return from Songpan to Chengdu.
Partners that accompany their partners on this tour will need to pay their own day tour costs, should they choose to do this during the four nights that the partner is on the camping segment of program. However meals & a hotel room will be provided during this period.
What is not included:
Lunch on Day 1 (as we will be on the HS train to Songpan) this can be purchased on the train.
Lunch on the train for your return journey to Chengdu on Day 16.
High Speed Train from Chengdu East to Tianfu Airport on completion of your stay in China
Although the equivalent of one bottle of beer or one glass of wine will be provided during the evening meal (except during the overnight camp, due to safety reason) any other beverages and alcoholic drinks are at the guests own expense.
Any snacks that that you want between meals is at guests own cost.
Return Airfares from Australia to Chengdu.
A good quality down sleeping bag rated to -4 degrees
A rucksack or soft large bag to carry all your clothing & items provided on the camping trip (This will be carried on the pack horse).
Head Torch & Spare Batteries
A small day pack to carry, lunch, water, waterproof clothing, spare clothing, sun screen and small personal first aid kit. (The lead guide will carry a comprehensive medical kit)
SAFETY FIRST: During the first 5 days of the program and during the high-level hiking in the mountains, you are strongly advised to abstain from alcohol . Please see the notes on Altitude Sickness & Prevention that will be provide upon making your booking.
Additional Dates in 2026
As we have realized that this holiday is going to fill fast, we have decided to offer a second holiday (same content) . The starting date being Tuesday 7th July 2026 concluding on the Tuesday 21st July 2026
The cost of this second holiday will be higher as July is also start of the holiday season within China, which means hotel and internal transport prices increase. Consequently, the cost will be $5650.00.
In November 2024 China extended a 15 day visa free entry to 30 days, so it is unlikely that you will need to apply for a visa.
Please note, train travel within China can only be booked 15 days ahead of travel, although our intention is to travel back to Chengdu on the day after the holiday finishes, we cannot, at this stage give you an actual time of arrival back in Chengdu. It is to be hoped that we will arrive late afternoon, early evening. Once we have this information, we will advise everyone.
Our Gallery of pictures
Below this text please find a selection of photos taken in Autumn (October through to early Nov)
Please note we are not publicizing the actual locations of the areas we will walk, as we have a duty to protect these areas from over tourism that is having a devastating affect in many places throughout the world.
The walled city Songzhou is fascinating and beautiful and unspoiled by high-rise buildings. However, this will just be our base and it is from here we will travel by private vehicles to the walking areas we have very carefully selected away from the the main tourist areas.
Expressions of Interest & Bookings
As these hiking holidays are proving very popular, we urge you to contact us soon, for further detailed information and a special booking form. Please email Paul@outdoortasmania.com.au or call on 0408 918 249 Bookings are now being taken and as our limit per holiday is 8 participants (plus any partners) and have already taken our first bookings, we suggest you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
As early as 10 years ago, National Geographic explained to the world that “the Hengduan Mountains at 30 degrees north latitude are the most beautiful place in China.” And here is the core and most beautiful part of the whole great cross section.
The valley cut out by the great river jumped from 1500 meters to a height of 7556 meters. Sea of flowers, grasslands, lakes, canyons, snow-capped mountains, broadleaf forests, coniferous forests, scrub, glaciers… As the altitude continues to climb, here, you can meet any imaginable scenery.
In our itinerary, there will also be a small minority of places led by the mysterious “horse gang”, so that you can get close to the original horse drivers and listen to the sound of horse gang bells that gradually become the echo of history; Walk into a real Tibetan family, drink authentic butter tea, eat the meat of yaks that grow on the plateau for years, drink the water of the snow mountains, dig precious herbs, graze cattle… . In addition, the intelligent hotel room service will let you eliminate the fatigue of the day, and the national characteristics of the coffee hotel will make you feel worthwhile…
Across the mountains and rivers, across the lake and the sea, to see all living beings, this way, regardless of rain or sunshine, is the best scenery. Look forward to your coming here – 30° North, the heart of the Great Cross. Look at the sum of all things in the world.
The above is my Chinese partners description – I have not changed or edited it as it is both poetic & enticing, The following pictures shows some of the magnificent terain
As we move higher in altitude (approximately 3850m) the meadows change to open, but very walkable ridges that seem to stretch endlessly into the distance, enticing one to explore and follow to one of the valleys.
As the mist descends and obscures our views we descend to the valley far below, a magical area of water falls and moist rain forest where the air is filled with the sound of tumbling water and in the forest the earthy smell of sphagnum is a delight to your senses.
Zaga Waterfall, known as “China’s first travertine waterfall.” According to geologists, the waterfall is both a liquid waterfall and a solid waterfall. “Solid” refers to the bed of the river and the face of the waterfall which is comprised of “flowstone” a layer of cream coloured calcuim.
The upper reaches of the river are lakes and the lower reaches are a series of stepped riverbeds. The river is 5 kilometres long. Zaga Waterfall is a multi-layer waterfall, which is changeable. The highest calcified waterfall in China.
Some Pictures Taken in the highlands during our hike in June 2025
Your Guides Ping & Paul together with our Tibetan friends children
Our Tibetan friends dressed us in traditional dress (to go to a street folk dance) this picture was taken shortly before we arrived at the regular folk dancing events that takes place, informally almost every night of the week, within the walled section of the City.
Pine Forest Walks Near Songpan
These lower level pine forest walks are ideal as we are gradually getting acclimatized for our higher altitude walks
Accommodation
All accommodation that we will provide on this holiday will have been personally selected by us, in all cases we will have stayed at the accommodation. All Hotels and Guest Houses (except for those nights spent in tents, four nights) will be of a 3 to four star rating. We feel that comfortable, clean and homely accommodation is very important for our guests. The pictures below is the small hotel in Songpan, called the Ang Chang Inn this will be the quiet hotel conveniently located close to the bustling main street in this beautiful ancient City.
The information below is from our final planning trip in November 2024
We arrived in Songpan a few days into November, we knew that it was the start of early winter, but hoped the weather would be kind to us to complete our research and finalize out plans. We chose a budget hotel on the outskirts of the town, our hosts were fantastic, more like friends than hotel owners. Our hotel was not exactly in a scenic location, but on waking up the next day we were greeted to a scene more like a Christmas card; snow had fallen during the night and transformed the scene. Although being mindful of having to acclimatize to the altitude again, we decided to head to the mountains on what was suppose to be a gentle walk – but we soon found our selves in thicker snow and had climbed to almost 3000 metres by the time we reached our destination. Although we never intended for this walk up thousands of steps to be part of our itinerary, we will offer this walk, which really can be done on ones own (hard to get lost) as once we discovered the significance of this well built railed boardwalk, some who have an interest in history, might find it of interest – as it takes you to an old fortification that was a site of a battle the red army was involved in during the long march. ** However, even if Chinese history is not your thing, the views were stunning!
The high level overnight part of the holiday
Below are some additional photos from our high level hiking area. They are taken by the owner of the horses Xu, who is an essential part of our small group of hikers.
Reviews of this Hiking Holiday
At present we do not have trip advisor set up for Outdoor China, however some of our past guests have offered to provide personal feed back to anyone considering joining one of our holidays. Please contact Paul@outdoortasmania.com.au or preferably call me in person 0408 918249. Due to confidentiality, we will not give out personal information of past guests unless we are sure that individuals being given this information are genuine.
AIR FARES TO CHINA
The information sheet that will be sent out will provide some advice about this, but in June it is possible to get airfares to China for as little as $580.00 return. In October, they can be a little more expensive, so our advice is, if you have decided to join us on one of our holidays, book air tickets as soon as possible.
MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE & OTHER DOCUMENTS
If you decide to book, we will send you various documents including a suggested list of hiking gear a medical questionnaire and a Assumption of Risk and Liability Waver. The medical questionnaire will be confidential and the information only used in a medical emergency.
We consider it essential that you take out travel insurance for this holiday, you will find suggestions for travel insurance companies in our comprehensive information sheet.
** The Long March, the true story by the legendary journey that made Mao’s China, by Ed Jocelyn and Andrew McEwen. Both Ed & Andrew walked 6000km as far as possible retracing the walk by the Red Army in 1935.
Special Offer
We are providing the following incentive to book as soon as possible: Providing we get a minimum of eight (8) participants we will put all eight names into a hat, and one lucky participant will have their airfares refunded up to the value of $1200.00. This incentive only applies for the Autumn trip. Bookings will close on the 16th September. To secure a place a deposit of $500 is required. All enquires and a special booking form is available by giving Paul Grigg a call on 0408 918 249 or send us an email to paul@outdoortasmania.com.au