Our family of 4 (with 2 teenage daughters) enjoyed an amazing week long trip in Qinghai and Gansu provinces on the Sutras and Saddles tour designed by Ben and expertly led and executed by Tibetan guide Sangye Kyap. Beginning with our first email communications months earlier, Ben provided us with many thoughtful options to consider for the best possible experience to suit our timing and family interests. His follow through during and after the tour, even while he was leading another trip, were much appreciated. We ended up with a wonderful tour that combined breathtaking, varied scenery and local Tibetan culture- arts, religion, food, and nomad life. Sangye’s expertise from deep personal and professional experience, as well as his kindness, and genuine concern made for a smooth, rich and rewarding experience. We loved his sense of fun and pride in teaching us about the local religious beliefs, foods, and daily life. in 7-8 days we covered only a small corner of the Tibetan plateau even though we were on the move every night and driving 2-4 hours daily. For a first family visit to that part of the world it gave us a good overview with many memorable experiences (if we had the opportunity to visit again, we might elect to stay in one town for a few days just to further enjoy the local flavor and get lost in local alleys). Our trip included something for everyone in the family- monasteries and nunneries with magical temples and courtyards, history and spirituality, spectacular mountain and grassland views with wild flowers and prayer flags, yaks, sheep and horseback riding, home stay with a local farming family, a nomad tent stay, plenty of wonderful meals, and even a Tanka painting lesson. We couldn’t have asked for more! Ben and Sangye make a great team and we recommend their tours most highly!
Andrea G. – Milton, Massachusetts
Wonderful Tour
First of all Ben and the local tour guide (Sangye) were able to accommodate me and my friend throughout the entire process from planning the tour to during our time travelling. The highlights of the first day were going to the town of Rebkon. Here we were brought to a lovely Tibetan restaurant that was artsy, authentic, and clean. Then we were lead through a unique and beautiful Buddhist monastery. The second day we drove to Qinghai Lake. During the journey we saw there was a traditional Tibetan ceremony on the hillside and I requested to go to it and Sangye went off roading just to get us there. We also enjoyed time at the beautiful Tibetan spiritual hillside with prayer flags, mani stones, and stupas. Lastly, the tour guide, Sangye, was local, friendly, warm, and knowledgeable making us feel very safe and welcomed in this beautiful province in China.
Linda Lorenz – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tour around Xining
Me and my family came for a quick week long trip to see Xining. Ben was our main guide and he was so helpful with every need we had! We had such a blast with them and can’t wait to go back and do another trip with them soon! We highly recommend these guys!
Forrest N. – Washington
Fantastic experience on the Plateau!
Our trip to the Plateau with Ben was incredible – learning about the history of the area and the culture of the people was fascinating, and I was blown away by the extent of his knowledge. I loved the food and the people we met!
Highly recommend Ben and his tours!
Anna D.
Awesome Trip Around Qinghai
Ben recently guided a group of us through some lofty places around Qinghai and I can confidently say it is a trip I won’t soon forget. Everything we saw was amazing! From a campsite on Laji Shan, to a homestay in Kanbula National Park, and ending in an epic monastery–each location was scouted for its beauty, history, and cultural significance. Ben is a great guide and has an effortless way of making you feel like old friends. He’s encouraging, knowledgeable and facilitates not only a unique trip, but the growth of those who are on it.
Kristen W.
We had a fantastic trip in Gansu thanks to Elevated Trips. My husband and I wanted to escape Shanghai for the Mid Autumn festival, and we had the most perfect week in the mountains of Gansu. Our guide was very professional, spoke perfect English, was extremely knowledgeable about Tibetan culture and history and took us to the best restaurants. The hiking in Langmusi was unforgettable. Thank you for everything you took very good care of us! We will be back : )
Lorraine, Boston – Massachusetts
Thailand – Trip of a Lifetime
My wife and I had the time of our lives traveling to Thailand with Ben from Elevated Trips. Ben was absolutely amazing! He worked with us to plan a trip catered specifically for us. We traveled from Bankok to Chang Mai to Chang Rai to the Cave Lodge in Mae Hung Son to Pai to Krabi to Chao Son National Park. We went on world class caving expeditions, white water rafting, zip-lining, kayaking, hiking, visited traditional and modern temples, had a homestay with a Thai family, rented scooters, rode on a long tail boat, stayed at an elephant sanctuary and bathed an elephant, slept in floating bungalows in a national park, visited hot springs and beaches, shopped and ate at local markets and restaurants, and had amazing Thai massages. We stayed in everything from five star hotels to bungalows on a river according to what we wanted. He prearranged all of our housing and hotel stays. He also prearranged our transportation including our domestic plane flights, taxis to and from the airports and between excursion locations. He has an extensive network of drivers and tour guides within Thailand who he was able to utilize. He also provided us with a complete itinerary with detailed information on what to pack, what to wear, how to change over our sim card in our phone, etc. We felt very prepared, safe, comfortable, and care free throughout our three week adventure. Most of our meals were included in our trip which was very convenient. On specific excursions we were usually provided breakfast, lunch, and a snack and most of the places we stayed provided free meals as well. Ben is just a wonderful travel companion and group leader. He is very knowledgable about the area and culture and ensured each trip was unique and special to us. He is energetic, adventurous, and great with people. He is open and honest with all of his prices and very trustworthy. We highly recommend him! We are looking forward to using him again on excursions through India and China.
bntrue2me, Richmond – Virginia
