Field notes from
the Roof of the World.
Trip reports, cultural reflections, and stories from our team across Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Yunnan.
Adventure Access Climate Action Partnership with Tomorrow’s Air
Inspired by nature and in recognition of travel’s opportunity to help when it comes to our climate, Adventure Access is joining Tomorrow’s Air ,…
Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
Nestled in the midst of the dizzying streets of Kathmandu is the most well known Stupa in the city. Each day, multitudes of people encircle the shrine in…
True Bhutanese Immersion through a Hot Stone Bath
Somehow my first experience in Bhutan did not include a hot stone bath. That was a huge mistake! Why no one encouraged me to visit an old Bhutanese…
What makes a UNESCO World Heritage Site
With China’s long history, rich culture, and environmental regions as amazing as the Tibetan Plateau, it is no wonder that there are 56 sites in China…
Mountains and Gods: Why the Tallest Mountains are Revered in Tibet
If you’ve ever seen a documentary about climbing Mount Everest, you have probably seen Sherpas leading expedition teams to make offerings around a…
To Be Sherpa is an Ethnic Heritage, Not a Profession
The Sherpa are one of many ethnic Tibetan groups found throughout the Himalayas. Many Sherpas live in Nepal but they can also be found in China and India.…
What’s the Key to Real Adventure?
One of our own, Doris, recently traveled to Lijiang. This is a destination she has been before and by her own admission, it had very little impact on her.…
Traveling the World of Travertine
UNESCO Travertine Formations are Few and Far Between We’ve explored and guided in and around Songpan for a long time now. One of our favorite…
Introducing Lijiang, Yunnan - A new, carefully crafted tour
Lijiang, a city at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is famous for its nature, culture and history. It is also the location of our newest,…
Where do we go now?
It’s a big world out there. Where do you even begin as you consider stepping out of your door? Start by determining your key motivations. Not everyone…
How Adventurous Do I Need to be for The Tibetan Plateau?
The Tibetan Plateau, though known as the Roof of the World, can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and skill levels. You don’t have to join an…
The Tibet Travel Permit and Eastern Tibet
The Tibetan Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World” stretches from Northern India to the middle of China. Also included are countries like Nepal and…
Packing for a Winter Trip to the Himalayas or the Tibetan Plateau
For starters, it is a good idea to check out our post about traveling to Tibet in Winter . This will give you a basic idea of what to expect and how to…
Traveling to Tibet in Winter
When planning a trip to the roof of the world, many people start by asking, “When is the best time of year to travel?” To best answer this question, we…
Can We Afford Not to Use Grayl?
All of us at Adventure Access take the safety and health of our team, our clients, and our environment very seriously! This means providing pure water all…
Celebrate Chinese and Tibetan New Year in Songpan, Sichuan
Imagine this…The International New Year has come and gone and you are all settling back into your office and school routines, even if just for a little…
Packing Tips for Mountain Biking in Eastern Tibet
If you're planning on mountain biking in China or Eastern Tibet , we want to help you be prepared. We’ll start with a few Q&A’s that are helpful for…
Packing for a Trek in Eastern Tibet
Whether you are in the early phases of planning a trip to the Eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau or you have already booked a trip and are headed this…
Tibet is a Sensory Feast
Adventure Access was recently mentioned by AFAR Magazine in an article titled "Tibet is a Sensory Feast You Have to Experience to Believe." We certainly…
Traveling Beyond Tibet - Immersive Highlights in China
Before and After Eastern Tibet: Adventure Access offers rich experiences throughout China Traveling through Tibet can be one of the richest experiences of…
Supporting CREST and Sustainable Travel Worldwide
Adventure Access is supporting CREST (The Center for Responsible Travel) through their Summer Travel Auction which is live now. Check out the 7 Day Amdo…
Xi'an
Adventures can take many forms. Not all of them involve mountains, tents, and bikes…as much as that may pain me to admit. ;) We recently traveled to Xi’an…
The Dangers of Plastic, An Essay from our Middle School Conservation Contest
Adventure Access and Grayl, the makers of the Grayl Ultralight Purifier, have partnered together to reduce single use plastic bottles in West China. One…
The Shambala Story
The founder and family behind the startup of Adventure Access was recently featured in the newly released documentary, 香巴拉深处（Shambala Story). The…
Huanglong National Park
Huanglong National Park, while often overshadowed by Jiuzhaigou National Park, is definitely worth the visit to see its unique mineral formations and the…
Jiuzhaigou National Park
Jiuzhaigou is one of China's most visited national parks. Jiuzhaigou National Park was protected by the government in 1982 and became a National Park in…
Muni Valley and Zhaga Waterfall
Muni Valley 牟尼沟 China’s National Parks or scenic areas are often known for their large crowds. Even when the scenery may be worth battling the lines, it…
Trekking in Jiuzhaigou: Experiencing Jiuzhaigou outside the Park
What is it like to trek in Jiuzhaigou? It is unlike most other places throughout Sichuan's Tibetan regions. Many are familiar with the National Park, but…
A Day Hike to Shangniba Monastery
We recently led a day hike to Shangniba Monastery in Songpan County. This is a great way to experience Songpan for a day, especially if your time is…
Tibetan New Year
Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated across Tibetan Buddhist regions. Though lunar like the Chinese New Year, it historically falls on a different date — sometimes a month apart in Lhasa.
A Traditional Chinese New Year in Songpan Old Town
We recently spent Chinese New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Songpan, the old town in Northern Sichuan where our branch office and outdoor base is…
A Hike Up Mt. Xiao Xue Bao Ding
Two Adventure Access team members set off from Chengdu to climb Xiao Xue Bao Ding — sister peak of Xue Bao Ding, the easternmost mountain in the Himalayas, at 17,900 feet.
Where to Eat in Songpan
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