Since 1979, when China began opening its mountains to foreign travel groups, the Sichuan Mountaineering Association has been at the forefront of China’s mountaineering and trekking industry. The SMA is the only organization for governing and promoting mountaineering and rock climbing in Sichuan Province, home to dozens of majestic peaks nestled throughout its dramatic topography atop the Tibetan Plateau. They have led over 150 climbing and trekking groups from all over the world while placing a high level of importance on helping foreigners increase their knowledge about Sichuan and enhance cross-cultural communication and friendship.

It is for this reason that Overland China and the Sichuan Mountaineering Association form such an ideal partnership. Our shared committment to cultural and environmental sustainability combined with a passion for adventure and knowledge expansion means that our trekking and mountaineering expeditions are designed to provide stimulating, memorable experiences in one of the world’s few remaining undiscovered regions.

On these trips, you will be given the opportunity to spend days hiking across untouched terrain, climb mountains that reach altitudes of 5000 meters (even 7000 meters if you’re really adventurous!) and spend nights in Tibetan and other ethnic minority villages that are seldom, if ever, visited by foreigners. The SMA can also offer ice climbing experiences for those looking to customize a winter expedition. So please take a look at our itineraries below, which offer expeditions that suit climbers and hikers of all levels of experience.