Brief Description
The world’s third or fourth-largest country (depending on how the land area of the U.S. is measured) is as diverse as it is expansive. China, Tibet and Xinjiang sprawl over 9.6 million square kilometres (3.7 million square miles) and include every type of landscape imaginable.
Prospective mountaineers and trekkers headed to China will be most interested in the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas Karakoram mountain ranges on the southern and western borders of Tibet, along with the Tian Shan on the northwestern border of Xinjiang.
Deep river valleys, massive basins, rolling hills, high plateaus and stunning karst landscapes also typify the landscape of the west, centre and south of the country, with ample options for rafting, rock climbing and ice climbing.
Famous Mountains in China (Tibet and Xinjiang)
Unsurprisingly, Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is the most popular mountaineering destination in Tibet and China.
A majority of Chinese mountaineers and many others as well opt to challenge themselves on the slightly shorter but far more technically difficult northeast ridge route. With a paved road leading to the base camp, many adventurers climbing with a more limited time frame opt to head north of the border.
However, Everest is far from the only point of interest for mountaineering in the country. Several other of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders can be climbed from China
Other popular expeditions in China (Tibet and Xinjiang) are:
Browse our navigation menu to find many more China (Tibet and Xinjiang) expeditions.
Quick Facts about China (Tibet and Xinjiang)
- Chinese cuisine is diverse and varied, with eight major regional cuisines and a long history dating back thousands of years.
- China is home to many important historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army, which attract millions of visitors each year.
- Tibet is known as the "Roof of the World" due to its high altitude, while Xinjiang is China's largest administrative region and is home to many unique cultures
How To Get To China (Tibet and Xinjiang)
Most trips to the Karakoram or Himalayas begin with a flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), in the Tibetan capital. For expeditions to Tian Shan, most trips begin with a flight to Kashgar Airport (KHG), which can be reached from any of China’s main airports. Ost guides opt to meet at the airport and provide transport to the start of the trip.
What To Expect in China (Tibet and Xinjiang)
Weather: In Xiniang, summer temperatures usually hover around the mid-20s to 30s (Celcius), with little rainfall. The region receives plenty of wind at this time of year, which can make it feel even hotter and drier.
In Tibet, temperatures are generally pretty cold at the higher elevations and milder in the valleys throughout the mountaineering season. Due to the Himalayas casting a rainshadow to their north, the region receives little rainfall.
Peak Trekking/Climbing Season: April to October (depending on the region)
Currency: Renminbi (CNY)
Language: Mandarin (official), Uyghur, Tibetan (recognised)
Related Blog Posts
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