An Overview
Hosted and led by Adrian Bottomley, this is an exclusive opportunity to embark on an incredible expedition first; a full trekking traverse of the northern Gaoligong Mountains that straddle the borders of Tibet, Burma and Yunnan, and divide the upper reaches of the mighty Nujiang and Dulong River Valleys.
Home to the minority Drung and Lisu tribes, the northern Gaoligong Shan are one of the most prolific temperate biospheres on the planet. Covered in large swaths of rhododendron and old-growth forest, the jagged peaks and lush glacial valleys are a treasure trove of biodiversity, and the epicentre for plant endemism in the region with over 300 plant species found nowhere else on earth. The mountains are also inhabited by the rare (and protected) Golden Takin.
We have explored the region on three previous occasions, but always in June, to coincide with the flowering of the riotous rhododendron blooms. And each time, at that time of year, the final pass to the Dulong Valley was blocked by snow. In 2017, our trusted Lisu porters explained that is was indeed possible to complete the traverse, but only in the month of September. Ever since, it has been an expeditionary ambition to complete the challenge, and reach the Dulong Valley on foot; a venture that to the best of our knowledge, has never been accomplished this far north, by anyone other than a few Lisu hunters.
However, the terrain, while spectacular, is challenging and very difficult in parts. En route, particularly before we break out at higher altitudes into sub-alpine forests and meadows, we will follow seldom-used Lisu hunting tracks through thick forest covered in greybeard lichen. We will also need to scramble over the sprawling root systems of giant evergreens, wade through small rivers and cross a number of log bridges and snow fields. To be clear, this is an intrepid expedition into remote territory . You need to be physically and emotionally prepared for a formidable adventure in the spirit of Frank Kingdon Ward.
The expedition will be personally guided, and hosted, by Whistling Arrow's founder Adrian Bottomley, as well as an experienced local guide (my good friend Edward). We will use porters to carry our main expedition duffel bags. En route, Edward and Adrian will cook, and we will be camping in tents. Altitudes range from about 2500m at the village trail head to a maximum of approximately 4200m when crossing the final pass. As always though we will carry a comprehensive medical kit (including diamox) and a satellite communication device.
The exploratory adventure is limited to just 4 guests and will require 16 days in total, including getting to and from Hong Kong. Before and after the trek itself, which should take 8 to 9 days (we have a spare day built in as well), we will stay in a variety of relatively comfortable lodges, and local hotels.
This is the Provisional Day To Day Plan
Day 1: Fly to Kunming. Transfer to the train station and catch the high speed train to Dali (2 hours). Overnight in comfortable lodge.
Day 2: Drive from Dali into the Nujiang Valley, and then up to the town of Fugong (7 to 8 hours). Overnight in local hotel.
Day 3: Drive from Fugong to the small town of Bingzhonglou (5 hours). Overnight in local lodge.
Day 4: Spend the day acclimatizing with a local hike, and a visit to the village of our local head porter to enjoy a Lisu speciality for dinner (fish cooked in local wine).
Day 5: Trek for 7 hours up through a beautiful forested valley to 'Da Chan Da' meadow, carpeted in primulas and other wild flowers.
Day 6: Trek 3 hours up to 'Ox meadow', which is again is typically covered with summer flowers. Spend the afternoon exploring the head of the valley.
Day 7: Trek 6 hours over the 3900m 'De Lui Za' Pass before descending through rhododendron forest to camp by a small river.
Day 8: Trek 7 hours up through challenging terrain to a small high altitude (3800m) lake at the base of the revered Kawa Gebo peak.
Day 9: Trek 6 hours up over a second high altitude pass (4100m) and traverse high above a valley to our next campsite.
Day 10: Trek for 7 hours to cross the final high pass en route (4200m) and descend to our meadow campsite high in the Dulong Valley.
Day 11: Trek for 3 hours to our next campsite to explore previously undiscovered side valleys high above the Dulong River.
Day 12: A steep 7 hour descent down to the Dulong River through dense forest. Overnight in a basic farmhouse lodge.
Day 13: Spectacular 6 hour drive back to Bingzhonglou to overnight in the same lodge as earlier in the trip.
Day 14: Another spectacular 6 hour drive over Bilou Snow Mountain to the Mekong River Valley. Overnight in Deqin town.
Day 15: A final 6 hour drive down the Yangste River Valley to Shangrila, stopping at the wonderful Dongzhuling Tibetan Monastery on the way. Overnight in comfortable lodge.
Day 16: Transfer to Shangrila airport and fly back to Hong Kong - via Kunming or Chengdu.
The adventure will start and finish in Hong Kong where there are daily direct flights to/from Kunming (and on the way back Chengdu if easier). Flights are not included in the price, but we will co-ordinate so that all the team are booked on the same flight.
Suitable provisional dates for the 16 day trip would be from Saturday September 7th to Sunday September 22nd, 2024, although there is some flexibility. We are obviously operating under the reasonable assumption that it will be still be possible to safely travel travel to China next year.
This unique expedition will cost USD 5850 per person, which will include pretty much everything apart from flights, and tips for the porters.
To confirm your place please email adrian@whistlingarrow.com
