Destinations
Remote villages, mountain bases and places that make overland travel feel more rewarding when you slow down and do them properly.
Looking for China-specific guides? Start with the China guide.
China · Yunnan
A remote mountain village area known for dramatic scenery, rewarding hikes and a sense of isolation that still feels genuine.
Best for
Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days
China · Sichuan
A high-altitude alpine park known for sacred peaks, glacial lakes and some of the most visually dramatic hikes in southwest China.
Best for
Recommended stay: 1 to 3 days
China · Yunnan
A highland town in northwest Yunnan that works as both a cultural stop and a practical base for exploring some of the region's strongest mountain destinations.
Best for
Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days
China · Yunnan
A sacred snow mountain range in northwest Yunnan known for dramatic sunrise views, massive peaks and its connection to some of the most iconic landscapes in the region.
Best for
Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days
China · Yunnan
A classic mountain viewpoint and staging area near Meili Snow Mountain, best known for sunrise views and its role in the wider Yubeng and Deqin travel route.
Best for
Recommended stay: 1 day
China · Sichuan
A high-altitude town in western Sichuan that often works as the wider base and acclimatisation stop before visiting Yading National Park.
Best for
Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days
China · Sichuan
A practical small base near Yading National Park, often chosen by travellers who want the smoothest and closest starting point for an early park day.
Best for
Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days
China · Yunnan
A major mountain objective in northwest Yunnan known for summit attempts, strong altitude challenge and its position near the Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La travel corridor.
Best for
Recommended stay: 2 to 3 days
China · Yunnan
One of the most famous trekking areas in Yunnan, known for dramatic gorge scenery, classic multi-stop hiking routes and its position between Lijiang and Shangri-La.
Best for
Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days
China · Yunnan
A major travel hub in northwest Yunnan known for its old town atmosphere, access to major nearby mountain destinations and its role as a practical starting point for wider regional routes.
Best for
Recommended stay: 2 to 3 days
Silk Road cities and border planning
Pamir Highway and mountain routes
Steppe cities and long-distance routes
Karakoram Highway and northern valleys
Overland cities and route planning
Kurdistan and practical travel notes
Caucasus routes and mountain bases
Crossroads routes and overland links