Western China Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,970 reviews)- Choose from 150+ Western China tours
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Table of contents
- The best Western China tour packages
- What people love about Western China Tours
- Travel Western China your way
- Best tour companies for Western China tours
- Discover Western China tours for every budget
- Western China tours for every type of group
- Top Western China travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Western China
- Contact our Western China travel experts
- What our customers ask about Western China Tours & Trips
The best Western China tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaWestern China travel expert at TourRadar
Glimpses of Nepal and Tibet Tour 14 Days
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It took us through jaw-dropping landscapes and provided enriching cultural experiences. The seamless transition between these two extraordinary destinations made the trip truly unforgettable.”
Noel, traveled in June
Ancient cultural landmarks dot Western China, including UNESCO-listed Potala Palace and Tashilhunpo Monastery. The scenic Gyantse La pass rises to 5,220m, while traditional monk debates unfold at Sera Monastery. The comfortable Yak Hotel in Lhasa serves as a base for visiting the region's spiritual and architectural treasures.
Duration 14 days Destinations Kathmandu, Pokhara, Gyirong County, Xegar, Shigatse, Gyantse, Lhasa Age Range 2 to 80 year olds Operator Peregrine Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd From $6,000
50% Off- US$3,000+$240 upfront costsYou save $3,000
Overland Tibet with EBC Tour 8 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I particularly enjoyed the Mount Everest Tibet basecamp visit and our tour of a Bhudist nunnery.”
Dennis, traveled in July
The Tibetan plateau stretches from Kerung to Lhasa, where UNESCO's Potala Palace stands guard. The route crosses the 5,050m Lalungla pass through Tingri (4,300m), past Shigatse's monasteries and Gyantse's Kumbum Stupa. Hotels and breakfast included at approx. $180/day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kathmandu, Xegar, Shigatse, Gyantse, Lhasa Age Range 16 to 75 year olds Operator Adventure Himalayan Travels From
50% Off- US$1,475
Forbidden Lhasa and Everest Base Camp - 9 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was coordinated perfectly and never had one fault due to miscommunication.”
Suraj, traveled in March
Tibet's ancient quarters and remote monasteries reveal Western China's spiritual heart. The UNESCO-listed Potala Palace serves as gateway to Everest Base Camp (5,150m), while Shigatse's Tashilhunpo Monastery preserves authentic Tibetan culture.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp Age Range 12 to 85 year olds Operator Adventure Himalayan Travels From
50% Off- US$2,175
Essence of Southwest China
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Tour was excellent. Better than expected. Great itinerary - a lot packed into a short time.”
SallyJaneStephenLaura, traveled in October
Ancient towns and mountain monasteries paint Western China's landscape from Dali to Shangri-La. Tiger Leaping Gorge's dramatic canyons lead to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, while Lijiang's UNESCO-listed old town preserves centuries of history. Traditional guesthouses and boutique hotels like Dali Shiguang Inn offer comfortable rest.
Duration 13 days Destinations Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, Yangshuo, Hong Kong Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Truly China Travel From
50% Off- US$3,965
8 Days Lhasa Tour from Kathmandu
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well-organized, highlighting the best of Lhasa's cultural and historical sites.”
Aurelia, traveled in December
Shigatse's Tashilhunpo Monastery and Lhasa's Potala Palace stand as cornerstones of Western China's heritage. Monk debates echo through Sera Monastery while the vibrant Barkhor Bazaar bustles with activity. The Yak Hotel and local guesthouses provide comfortable lodging throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kathmandu, Gyirong, Tingri, Shigatse, Lhasa, Xegar Age Range 10 to 75 year olds Operator Peregrine Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd From $3,100
50% Off- US$1,550You save $1,550
What people love about Western China Tours
- Glimpses of Nepal and Tibet Tour 14 Days
I want to thank Pradip and his tour company for organizing for me the trip. Everything was well organized. Travel guides in Kathmandu and Pokhara were very nice, polite and knowledgeable. Tibet is a place to visit at least ones in live. The mini bus in Tibet had oxygen bottle for our use in case of altitude sickness and we used it few times. Pradip provided his personal number and was available to answer question at all times during the tour. He organized for me one more night in Pokhara instead of Kathmandu and arranged extra activities. They are very flexible on tour activities in Nepal. They can organize for you some extra activities according to your interest. I definitely recommend this tour.
- Overland Tibet with EBC Tour 8 days
We did the Kathmandu-Lhasa Overland Tibet tour along with Everest Base Camp for 8 days. We drove from Kathmandu to the Tibet border Karung, North Everest base camp, Shigatse and Lhasa. These places were so beautiful that made me never want to leave. I will always keep this tour and experience on my mind. Everything was coordinated perfectly. Our guide Dambar spoke perfect English so communication was very smooth and Effortless. Thank you Adventure Himalayan Travels and treks for providing us with necessary things to make this tour an extraordinary experience.
- Forbidden Lhasa and Everest Base Camp - 9 Days
We flied from Kathmandu to Lhasa, spent two days on the capital and then caught a mini bus to the Gyangtse, shigatse then North Everest base camp. Our tour was unforgettable that I will always keep in my mind. Everything was coordinated perfectly and never had one fault due to miscommunication. Our guide Lakpa spoke perfect English so communication was very smooth and Effortless. Thank Adventure Himalayan Travels and treks that they provided us with good guide and bus.
Travel Western China your way
Explore a wide diversity of tours through Western China. We have 17 adventures that vary from 5 days to 25 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Search for the ultimate Active tour in Western China! From outdoor activites to water sports, there are 35 private, group and tailor-made adventures to choose from. With some of our much-loved tour operators offering all-inclusive activity packages, you’re sure to find your perfect Western China adventure!
Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 62 adventures available in Western China.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Western China. We have 91 adventures that vary from 3 days to 23 days. With the greatest number of departures in April, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Western China tours
Discover Western China tours for every budget
Browse the best budget and luxury tours in Western China that will take you through unmissable places like Lhasa and Shigatse.
Western China budget tours- Western China luxury tours
Western China tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
135 tours in Western ChinaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Western China. We have 135 adventures that vary from 3 days to 25 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
83 tours in Western ChinaVisit Western China with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
43 tours in Western ChinaEnjoy the exclusivity of our Private Western China tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace with over 43 itineraries to choose from.
Top Western China travel itineraries to fit your plans
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Shanghai, Dunhuang
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Kathmandu, Lhasa
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
Demographics
Discover unforgettable adventures designed for all ages! Whether you're young or young at heart, our adventures offer excitement and wonder for everyone.
- Solo Travelers111 tours
- Couples16 tours
- Seniors (50+)85 tours
Best time to visit Western China
- Spring 2025
- 131 tours
- popular 133 tours
- Summer 2025
- popular 134 tours
- 127 tours
- 127 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
- popular 134 tours
- 129 tours
- 112 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
- popular 108 tours
- 81 tours
- 76 tours
Contact our Western China travel experts
Anita
Expert in Western China at TourRadar
Anita is one of our seasoned Western China Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Western China tours answered!
- Choose from 181+ Western China tours
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Call us
+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Western China Tours & Trips
When is the best time to visit Western China's diverse regions?
Western China's regions each have distinct prime visiting seasons. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most reliable weather across the region. The Silk Road destinations including Dunhuang and Turpan are most comfortable in spring before temperatures soar. Yunnan maintains pleasant conditions year-round with temperatures staying between 20-25°C. For Tibetan regions such as Shangri-La plan your visit from May to October when roads are clear and skies are bright. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The timing was perfect in September with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for exploring both cities and mountainous areas."
What types of accommodation can I expect in Western China?
The accommodations reflect Western China's blend of urban development and rural tradition. City centers like Chengdu feature international chains such as the 4-star Dorsett while Shangri-La offers properties like the Hilton Garden Inn that incorporate local design elements. In more remote spots like Tiger Leaping Gorge local guesthouses provide basic but clean rooms. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The hotels throughout our journey were excellent especially the DuoFu Resort in Lijiang which perfectly blended modern comfort with traditional architecture."
How should I prepare for the altitude changes in Western China?
The elevation shifts in Western China require careful planning. Regions like Shangri-La sit at 3200 meters while Tibet reaches even higher altitudes. Start your journey in lower-elevation cities like Kunming (1900 meters) to help your body adjust. Take it easy the first few days drink plenty of water and avoid demanding activities. One TourRadar reviewer noted: "Our guide in Shangri-La helped us adjust to the altitude by planning relaxed activities on the first day and ensuring we took plenty of breaks."
What's the food like on Western China tours?
The food scene in Western China spans from fiery Sichuan dishes to unique ethnic minority recipes. Local specialties include Chengdu's hot pot Lanzhou's hand-pulled noodles and traditional Tibetan foods. Tour packages typically cover hotel breakfasts and select group meals at vetted local restaurants. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The food variety was incredible - from street food in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter to traditional Bai minority dishes in Dali."
How long should I plan to spend exploring Western China?
A proper exploration of Western China needs 10-14 days at minimum. This timeframe lets you see key sites along the Silk Road visit Yunnan's historic towns and explore Tibetan monasteries. The schedule accounts for travel time between locations and necessary altitude adjustment periods. A TourRadar reviewer recommended: "Our 13-day journey from Beijing through Yunnan to Shangri-La felt perfect - enough time to really experience each destination without feeling rushed."
What kind of weather should I expect during a Western China tour?
The climate varies significantly across Western China. Silk Road cities experience extremes ranging from -20°C to 40°C. Yunnan stays mild throughout the year. Mountain regions like Shangri-La require warm clothing even during summer months. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The weather in Lijiang was perfect in May but we needed warm layers for the early morning at Tiger Leaping Gorge and the higher altitude of Shangri-La."