The Ancient Tea Horse Road, known as Chama Gudao in Chinese, was a network of caravan paths winding through the mountains of Southwest China, connecting tea-producing regions of Yunnan and Sichuan with Tibet and beyond. This historic trade route, which flourished for over a thousand years, was not just about commerce—it was a bridge between cultures, religions, and ways of life.

Our journey begins in the misty tea mountains of Pu'er, where ancient tea trees, some over a thousand years old, still produce some of the world's finest teas. Here, we met with local tea masters who shared the traditional methods of tea processing that have been passed down through generations.

Traveling north through Dali and Lijiang, we followed the route that tea caravans once took, carrying compressed tea bricks on the backs of horses and mules. The journey took us through stunning landscapes—snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and pristine forests that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

In the ancient town of Shaxi, we discovered a perfectly preserved trading post where merchants once gathered. The cobblestone streets and traditional architecture tell stories of a time when this remote town was a bustling hub of international trade.

The cultural exchange along this route was profound. Tibetan Buddhism spread south, while tea culture moved north. Today, you can still see this fusion in the architecture, cuisine, and daily life of the communities along the route.

For modern travelers, the Tea Horse Road offers more than historical interest. It's an opportunity to experience authentic local cultures, taste world-class teas at their source, and witness some of China's most spectacular natural scenery. Our carefully curated journey includes tea tastings with local experts, visits to traditional tea processing workshops, and stays in boutique hotels that blend modern comfort with historical charm.