Theme Route

Tea Horse Road

茶马古道

Follow the Ancient Tea Traders

2,400+ km

Total Distance

25+

Ethnic Groups

10-18 days

Best Duration

Provinces

Walk in the footsteps of tea traders who braved treacherous mountain paths for centuries. The Tea Horse Road connected Yunnan's tea plantations with Tibet, creating a unique cultural corridor through some of China's most dramatic landscapes.

March - May, September - November

Moderate to Challenging

Route Highlights

🍵

Pu'er Tea Plantations

Birthplace of famous Pu'er tea

🏔️

Tiger Leaping Gorge

One of the world's deepest gorges

🏯

Shangri-La

Gateway to Tibetan culture

🏘️

Ancient Caravan Towns

Preserved trading post villages

Must-Visit Attractions

View All

Tiger Leaping Gorge

虎跳峡

Lijiang 4.9

Lijiang Old Town

丽江古城

Lijiang 4.7

Shangri-La

香格里拉

Shangri-La 4.8

Dali Old Town

大理古城

Dali 4.6

Plan Your Tea Horse Road Journey

Get expert help with your trip planning

Safety Guides

Essential PDF guides for altitude safety, driving tips, and drone flying on the plateau.

From $29.90

Custom Itinerary

Personalized 3-7 day trip plans with detailed daily schedules, GPS points, and local tips.

From $499

Itinerary Review

Have your existing plan reviewed and optimized by our local experts.

$199

Travel Tips

Visit tea plantations in spring for the best tea picking experience

Prepare for altitude changes - route goes from 600m to 4,500m

Try local Bai and Naxi cuisine along the way

Book Tiger Leaping Gorge hike with a local guide

Ready to Start Your Tea Horse Road Adventure?

Get expert guidance for your journey - safety tips, custom itineraries, and local insights.