Frequently Asked Questions

Kunlun Outdoors is a specialized trekking and adventure travel company based in Kunming, Yunnan, China. We organize guided expeditions to China's most spectacular mountain regions including Yunnan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Sichuan. Our team of experienced local guides provides safe, culturally immersive, and unforgettable outdoor experiences for international adventurers.

Our treks cater to outdoor enthusiasts aged 28–55 from around the world — particularly Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Whether you're an experienced mountaineer or a first-time trekker, we have routes at various difficulty levels. You should be comfortable walking 4–8 hours per day with a light daypack.

We rate our treks as follows:

Moderate: Suitable for active individuals with some hiking experience. Daily walking 4–6 hours on established trails.

Challenging: For experienced hikers in good fitness. Daily walking 6–8 hours, sometimes on rough terrain with altitude above 4,000m.

Extreme: For seasoned trekkers with high-altitude experience. Involves technical terrain, glacier travel, and altitudes above 5,000m.

Browse our trek listings, choose your preferred trip, and fill out the inquiry form. We'll confirm availability within 24 hours. A 30% deposit secures your spot, with the balance due 30 days before departure. You'll receive a detailed trip itinerary and packing list after booking.

We accept PayPal, Visa/MasterCard credit and debit cards, and bank transfers. All prices are shown in USD with a currency switcher also supporting EUR and CNY. Payment is processed securely — we do not store your card details on our servers.

Our tiered refund policy is designed to be fair:

30+ days before: 100% refund (minus 5% handling fee)
15–30 days: 50% refund
7–15 days: 25% refund
Within 7 days: No refund

Special provisions apply for visa refusal, medical emergencies, and force majeure. See our full Cancellation & Refund Policy for details.

All treks include: professional English-speaking guide, all necessary permits, camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads), meals during the trek, airport transfers, accommodation in gateway towns, and emergency communication equipment. Not included: international flights, China visa fees, personal gear, travel insurance, and tips.

As of 2024, citizens of 50 countries (including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian and American nations) can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days. For longer stays or trekking trips exceeding 15 days, you will need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa). We provide official invitation letters to support your visa application. See our Visa & Entry Guide for the full country list.

Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) in addition to your Chinese visa. Independent travel is not permitted — all foreign visitors must be part of an organized tour. We handle all permit arrangements as part of our Tibet trek packages. Applications must be submitted at least 20 days in advance.

Yes. Certain areas have restrictions for foreign nationals:

Xinjiang: Baihaba village is permanently closed to foreigners. Drones are banned throughout Xinjiang. Tashkurgan county requires special approval.

Sichuan: Jinkou River Grand Canyon, Serta Buddhist Academy, and Genyen C-line core area are off-limits. Daocheng Yading and Siguniang Mountain require travel permits.

Tibet: All areas accessible only through organized tours with permits.

Yunnan: The most foreigner-friendly province — most areas are freely accessible.

Our guides are fully informed about current regulations and will advise you of any restrictions before your trip.

Altitude sickness (AMS) is a real concern on treks above 3,000m. We mitigate risks through gradual acclimatization, built-in rest days, and daily health monitoring. Our guides carry pulse oximeters, emergency oxygen, and first aid kits. All guides are trained in altitude sickness recognition and response. See our Altitude Safety Guide for detailed information.

Basic accident coverage is included in your trek fee. However, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers: emergency helicopter evacuation (especially important for high-altitude treks), trip cancellation, medical expenses, and repatriation. Many standard policies exclude high-altitude activities — ensure your policy covers altitudes up to your trek's maximum elevation.

All our treks are equipped with satellite phones or BeiDou satellite terminals for emergency communication. In gateway towns, you'll find mobile network coverage (3G/4G). On remote trail sections, connectivity may be limited to satellite communication only. Our guides will share emergency contact details with your family before departure.

Every trek has a detailed emergency action plan including: evacuation routes from every camp, nearest medical facilities mapped, satellite phone/BeiDou terminal carried at all times, guide trained in wilderness first aid, and helicopter evacuation coordination protocol. In serious cases, we can arrange helicopter evacuation to the nearest hospital with appropriate care.

Yunnan (Meili Snow Mountain, etc.): April–May and September–November offer the clearest skies and most stable weather.

Xinjiang (Tianshan): June–September is ideal. July and August are warmest.

Tibet: May–October, with September–October being driest.

Sichuan: May–October. June and September are particularly beautiful.

Each season offers unique landscapes — from spring wildflowers to autumn golden forests to winter snow scenes.

After booking, you'll receive a detailed packing list. Essentials include: broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing (base/mid/outer), waterproof jacket and pants, warm hat and gloves, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+), headlamp, personal water bottle (2L+), daypack (30–40L). We provide all group camping equipment, cooking gear, and emergency supplies. See our Gear Checklist for the complete list.

WiFi is available at hotels and guesthouses in gateway towns before and after the trek. During the trek itself, mobile network coverage is often unavailable. Some campsites may have limited satellite internet for emergency communication only. We encourage participants to embrace the digital detox — it's part of the wilderness experience!

Our standard group size is 4–12 participants. Smaller groups mean more personalized attention and less environmental impact. Private treks can be arranged for custom itineraries and flexible dates. The guide-to-client ratio is typically 1:6 or better.

Yes! We offer fully customizable private treks. Whether you want to extend a trip, adjust the difficulty level, add cultural experiences, or combine multiple regions, we'll work with you to create a bespoke adventure. Contact us with your preferences and we'll design a tailored itinerary.