This 9-day expedition takes you deep into the Hengduan Mountains, a global biodiversity hotspot where the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau meets verdant river valleys.  Designed for dedicated botany enthusiasts, this journey systematically surveys endemic alpine flora across striking elevation gradients, from subalpine forests to high-mountain scree slopes.  With expert botanists guiding daily field observations, you’ll unravel the survival strategies of iconic plant groups like Himalayan poppies, snow lotuses, and golden root in Earth’s most extreme montane ecosystems.

The route ascends from Shangri-La’s cultural hub to the high-altitude wilderness of Meili and Baima Snow Mountains, traversing seven distinct vegetation zones.  Key geographic features include glacial lakes like Wudi Lake, the deep gorges of Onshui Valley, and the sacred snow-capped peaks revered by Tibetan communities.  Ascending through varied elevations reveals how microclimates shape floral diversity—from rare orchids in birch forests to towering alpine herbs thriving in exposed high-mountain slopes.

Exclusive access sets this trip apart: drive directly to remote floral hotspots at Wunongding Pasture, camp beneath wildflower-dotted cliffs at Dilong Pass, and visit Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden—the world’s highest botanical research center safeguarding 300+ endangered species.  Evenings offer a balance of comfort and wilderness—unwind in oxygen-enriched boutique hotels or camp beneath star-lit skies, where snow partridge butterflies flutter in the crisp mountain air.

Logistical precision ensures safety and focus: 4WD vehicles handle rugged terrain, while local Tibetan guides share ethno-botanical wisdom.  Daily field sessions integrate specimen photography, habitat analysis, and cultural encounters, culminating in a deeper scientific understanding of how these fragile ecosystems adapt to climate change.

Trip Highlights:

1. Wildflower Meadows at Bigu Tianchi：Explore lush alpine meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers, set against pristine forests and dramatic limestone peaks.

2. Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden：Visit the world’s highest botanical garden, home to a remarkable collection of rare high-altitude plants.

3. Meili Snow Mountain & High-Altitude Blooms：Witness Meili’s stunning sunrise and discover rare alpine flowers thriving on remote scree slopes.

4. Extreme Flora of Baima Snow Mountain：Explore Baima’s rugged 4,700m terrain, where unique high-altitude plants flourish in harsh conditions.

5. Three Parallel Rivers Botanical Exploration：Discover the floral diversity of this UNESCO-listed region, a sanctuary for rare alpine species.

6. Forest Treasures of Wenshui Valley：Trek through lush woodlands, uncovering rare forest plants along shaded trails and riverbanks.

7. Snow Mountain Ridge Trek：Hike along dramatic ridges, encountering thriving alpine plant communities in breathtaking landscapes.

The cost includes the following:

The cost does not include the following:

D1: Arrival in Shangri-La.  Meals: D

Upon arrival in Shangri-La, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.  Take time to adjust to the altitude and relax in the serene surroundings.  In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local Tibetan cuisine and receive an overview of the journey ahead.

Overnight: Shangri-La Zunshang Tibetan Charm Manor Oxygen Boutique Hotel

D2: High-Altitude Flora Exploration at Bigu Tianchi.  Meals: BLD

Spend the day exploring Bigu Tianchi, an alpine lake nestled in the mountain ranges of Xiaozhongdian.  This pristine landscape features a variety of unique plant species, including Rosa praelucens**, Lilium apertum, and Cypripedium tibeticum*.  As we hike through different habitats—from village edges to limestone slopes—we will encounter Meconopsis pseudointegrifolia*, Meconopsis racemosa*, and Cassiope selaginoides*.  The stunning scenery and diverse flora make this an unforgettable botanical experience.

Overnight: Shangri-La Zunshang Tibetan Charm Manor Oxygen Boutique Hotel

D3: Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden & Napa Lake Scenic Drive.  Meals: BLD

In the morning, visit the Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden, the highest botanical garden in the world, where over 300 native alpine plant species are preserved.  Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive around Napa Lake, a stunning wetland habitat surrounded by rolling hills.  In the afternoon, we travel to Deqin, where we will witness a breathtaking sunset over Meili Snow Mountain, a sacred peak revered by local Tibetans.

Overnight: Deqin Tengyue Meili Snow Mountain Resort Hotel

D4: Wildflower Expedition in Meili’s High-Altitude Pastures.  Meals: BLD

Rise early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain.  Then, embark on an off-road adventure to the alpine pastures of Wunongding, reaching scree slopes at 4,800m.  Here, a dazzling variety of Meconopsis species awaits, including Meconopsis speciosa, Meconopsis henrici, Meconopsis rudis, Meconopsis pseudovenusta, and Meconopsis racemosa.  Keep an eye out for Parnassius epaphus and Parnassius orleans butterflies fluttering among the blooms.  In the evening, return to Deqin.

Overnight: Deqin Tengyue Meili Snow Mountain Resort Hotel

D5: Alpine Flora of Baima Snow Mountain.  Meals: BLD

Begin the day with another stunning sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain before traveling to Baima Snow Mountain.  We ascend to 4,700m, where the rugged scree slopes host extraordinary high-altitude flora, including Rhodiola rosea*, Saussurea obvallata, Saussurea medusa**, Lilium lophophorum, Rhodiola crenulata**, and Rhodiola fastigiata**.  These rare species thrive in extreme alpine conditions, creating a striking contrast against the rocky terrain.  In the evening, return to Shangri-La.

Overnight: Shangri-La Zunshang Tibetan Charm Manor Oxygen Boutique Hotel

D6: Botanical Wonders of Hongshan & Camping at Wudi Lake.  Meals: BLD

Travel deep into the core of the Three Parallel Rivers Protected Area, reaching the Hongshan region.  At the 4,700m pass of Dilong Snow Mountain, we will explore a floral paradise featuring Meconopsis lancifolia*, Meconopsis integrifolia*, Meconopsis venusta*, Aconitum pulchellum, Corydalis benecincta, and Gentiana arethusae.  In the evening, settle into our campsite at the remote and pristine Wudi Lake, surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.

Overnight: Wudi Lake Secret Wilderness Camp

D7: Wudi Lake to Daxueshan – High-Altitude Forest & Camping.  Meals: BLD

Depart Wudi Lake and cross the Dilong Snow Mountain Pass into Wenshui Valley, where we will explore a rich understory filled with Sinopodophyllum hexandrum*, Galearis spathulata*, Spiranthes sinensis*, Lilium apertum*, and Cypripedium margaritaceum**.  In the afternoon, we journey to Daxueshan and set up camp in a picturesque mountain valley at 3,900m.  The evening features a campfire dinner under the stars.

Overnight: Daxueshan Camp

D8: Ridge Hike & Return to Shangri-La.  Meals: BLD

Start the day with a high-altitude trek along the eastern ridgeline of Daxueshan Pass, home to remarkable plant communities.  Key highlights include Rheum nobile, Solms-laubachia pulcherrima, Diapensia himalaica, Potentilla articulata*, Soroseris gillii*, and vast colonies of Meconopsis integrifolia.  After a rewarding day of exploration, we pack up and return to Shangri-La for a final evening at our comfortable lodge.

Overnight: Shangri-La Zunshang Tibetan Charm Manor Oxygen Boutique Hotel

D9: Departure from Shangri-La.  Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure, concluding an unforgettable botanical expedition through the high-altitude landscapes of northwest Yunnan.

We will arrange one of our WildFloraTour experts for this trip based on the focus of this trip. All our experts have rich experiences of guiding tours in this region. The following are some of our best local guides for your references.

Cory Li      WildFloraTour plant expert

Cory Li,co-founder, and general manager of WildFloraTour is a super fan of nature, especially for flowers. His passion for nature grows from the beauty of greens in the little boys' eyes. As a native of Sichuan Chengdu, he has spent a lot of time exploring nature in the mountains nearby his hometown. During his study at Sichuan University, he began to take lots of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing and started to study knowledge about flora by himself. After graduation, he even spent more time in the wild than office exploring wildflowers in Sichuan and nearby provinces with other nature lovers and photographed about two thousand wildflower species. He even found several new distributions of some endemic species and even some new species of plants along with some other nature lovers. He loves to share his findings and stories behind the photos with other nature lovers on the internet and became a “flora idol” in southwest China. He never expected becoming famous out of this, he just enjoys sharing the beauty of those lovely flowers with others.

Ke Huang      WildFloraTour plant expert

Huang Ke, who graduated with a master's degree from Sichuan University, joined a local NGO after graduation, dedicating himself to environmental protection and biological resource surveys. Through years of study and fieldwork, he has gained a profound understanding of the diverse animals and plants in Southwest China. His work has taken him to remote forests, high-altitude meadows, and pristine river valleys, where he has documented rare species and contributed valuable ecological data.In addition to his field research, Huang Ke actively participated in the editing of several nature-related books, including the "Wild Bird Cartoon Guide" series, Between the Forest and the Sea, Picture of Giant Pandas, and Chengdu Nature Notes, which aim to enhance public awareness of biodiversity and conservation. His botanical research has also led to the discovery and publication of new plant species, such as Primula xilingensis and Primula meishanensis, enriching scientific knowledge of China’s flora. His passion for nature continues to drive his efforts in research, conservation, and education.

Ray      WildFloraTour plant expert

Ray graduated from Leshan Normal University, majoring in plant science. As an expert at WildFlora, Ray is responsible for the daily operations of WildFloraTour. He possesses a profound passion for nature, which prompted him to resign from his job in his hometown of Deyang and relocate to Chengdu to pursue his dreams and join WildFloraTour. Having specialized in botanical studies during his university years, Ray has acquired a distinct advantage in his work, affording him opportunities to discover endemic species and make thrilling new findings. Additionally, Ray is an avid photographer who captures the ephemeral beauty of nature, preserving invaluable moments that inspire others to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. At WildFloraTour, he collaborates with a team of plant specialists to design customized tours that cater to the individual interests of each traveler who has keen interests in plants. Whether it involves botanical exploration, cultural immersion, or wildlife safaris, Ray and his team strive to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience that fosters a deeper connection with nature.

Bella      WildFloraTour bird and mammal expert

Bella, the director of AlpineBirding, was graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University with a Bachelor's Degree. She joined AlpineBirding in early 2016 and became the director of AlpineBirding in 2018. She was born and grown up in a Bai ethnic family in Yunnan Province which boasts of the largest number of bird species in China. Her interests toward birds started with her observation of a Long-tailed Minivet in her mom’s garden at a very young age. As she grows up, the interests and love toward birds become stronger and stronger. Because of that, she found AlpineBirding before graduation and joined the company for further learning of birds. Bella has guided a number of birding trips in cooperation with AlpineBirding guide in the past years, her passion, readiness to help and detail-oriented attitude have won her lots of praise from our clients. She takes great pride in the work she is doing, now she is ready to help you plan your best birding trip in China in cooperation with her colleagues.

Karen       WildFloraTour logistic expert

Karen Lin is a native of Chengdu, Sichuan province. She loves and knows the culture of her hometown well, such as ancient Shu civilization, folk customs and ancient Chinese poetry.She has over 14 years' experience in foreign affairs service and tourism. She is familiar with the whole process of group operation. She is always good at thinking and full of ideas, and always gives the guests a warm experience with the special attention and consideration.Karen loves birds and enjoys go out for birding with the team, sometimes, she works as assistant for the group. She likes nature and is good at parent-child natural activities and education. In addition, she has long devoted herself to public welfare, especially caring for the elderly and disabled people, environmental protection, and reading promotion. She organizes and participates in a number of related volunteer work. She is a passionate and intelligent member of our team.

Philip      WildFloraTour culture and bird expert

As a half Kangba Tibetan, Philip is the founder of WildfloraTour and is native of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He has a deep love for his Kangba Tibetan heritage and the land where he was born and raised. Philip's career has gone from mining technician to teacher, to translator, and finally to a guide and tour operator. Along the way, Philip discovered his passion and love for helping tourists understand the beauty and history of his people and homeland. Philip is known for his ability to plan and execute unique and exciting adventure trips exploring the sights off the usual tourist routes. He is active, open-minded, and adventurous and always ready to share interesting and useful information with his clients. As a travel professional working in this field for more than 15 years, Philip believes travel is an art and a process of learning and discovery. Each trip is a unique artistic work created with knowledge and expertise based on the resources available and the interests and tastes of travelers. To help more people to understand the unique resources in panda habitats and neighboring areas, he established Wildflora to bring his educational fun-filled tours to more people eager to explore and learn about China. Besides, Philip is an active and knowledgeable birder and a dedicated photographer.

Besides, one of WildFloraTour's local guides in Southeast China will participate in this trip to ensure a high-end traveling experience.