Ben Cubbage
He/Him
Based in Xining, China
English, Chinese, French
Ben Cubbage
Ask me about
My Story
Ben Cubbage—Luxury Expedition Leader & Cultural Travel Expert
With over 15 years of experience of living in and guiding across the high Himalayas into Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal, I bring unparalleled expertise and a spirit of authentic exploration to every journey. Having been based in Xining, China since 2010, I am passionate about blending deep regional knowledge with world‑class travel leadership, ensuring each expedition is both unforgettable and impeccably curated.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and have dedicated much of my life to sustainable travel, education, and community‑based tourism. Before settling in Asia, I taught organic agriculture and sustainable development in Ghana and Liberia, enriching my global perspective and commitment to culturally responsible travel. Each of our trips and treks not only puts back into the local economy through sustainable and locally-sourced travel but also contributes to conservation and education in some of the last wild places.
I am also an Eagle Scout and a member of the Explorer’s Club, and much of my travel focuses on nature and the outdoors. As a seasoned world trekker, I have completed some of the most iconic long‑distance hiking routes, including the 2,650‑mile Pacific Crest Trail and the 2,150‑mile Appalachian Trail in the United States. These experiences formed my love for travel and discovery and still shape how I see the world and my love to take others into the awe-inspiring and unknown.
I enjoy showing our guests places that are truly off the beaten track to help travelers discover Tibetan culture beyond the ordinary, from ancient monasteries and nomadic grasslands to sacred peaks such as Everest Base Camp and the remote headwaters of the Yellow River. Through long-term friendships with our local guides, I have developed a deep appreciation for local customs, landscapes, and human connection that elevates every moment of the journey, making it as enriching as it is luxurious.
Whether leading photography expeditions, cultural immersions, or bespoke high‑altitude treks, I provide exceptional comfort, safety, and insight, transforming travel into a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Although my base has been in China for over 15 years, I often travel to Southeast Asia and have arranged many trips for guests in Thailand, Malaysia, and Bali, Indonesia as well. These areas of Southeast Asia have also captured my heart, and I would love to design a beautiful, meaningful itinerary that moves you and brings rest.
Travel Style
My Travel Style: Meaningful Journeys That Move You
I believe in travel that lingers—not just passing through places, but dwelling deeply in their rhythm, their people, and their stories. My style is rooted in slow travel: intentional, immersive, and unhurried. Whether it’s sipping butter tea in a Tibetan nomad’s yurt or tracing ancient pilgrimage paths by foot, I design journeys that offer space for reflection, connection, and awe.
I travel with—and for—family. I believe children, partners, and elders should be welcomed into the richness of the world’s cultures, not shielded from them. My itineraries are crafted to spark curiosity, build resilience, and foster a lifelong sense of global belonging in travelers of all ages.
Every journey is a bridge between cultures. I seek authentic engagement with local communities—learning language basics, participating in rituals, and sharing meals where conversation flows beyond “tourist talk.” I’m drawn to heritage, hospitality, and human stories that reveal the soul of a place.
And yes, I chase adventure—not for adrenaline’s sake alone, but because the unknown awakens something essential. From high-altitude treks and backcountry photography to navigating remote markets and crossing borders by land, I believe adventure should challenge our assumptions and expand our compassion.
Stay connected
Travel ideas (3)
The Best of Lhasa, Tibet
I have lived in Tibet as a travel advisor for 15 years, and, even having visited Lhasa several times a year, I am still stunned by the feeling of magic and wonder this city inspires with its holy temples and monasteries. As the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa (Chinese name: 拉萨 lā sà) is Tibet's capital and largest city. Founded in the fifth century and largely closed to foreigners until the early 1980s, it is a holy Buddhist city dominated by the Potala Palace, and it is full of prayer wheels, prayer flags, and Tibetan pilgrims who have come from thousands of miles to worship at the spiritual “Mecca” of Tibet.
The Best of Lhasa, Tibet
I have lived in Tibet as a travel advisor for 15 years, and, even having visited Lhasa several times a year, I am still stunned by the feeling of magic and wonder this city inspires with its holy temples and monasteries. As the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa (Chinese name: 拉萨 lā sà) is Tibet's capital and largest city. Founded in the fifth century and largely closed to foreigners until the early 1980s, it is a holy Buddhist city dominated by the Potala Palace, and it is full of prayer wheels, prayer flags, and Tibetan pilgrims who have come from thousands of miles to worship at the spiritual “Mecca” of Tibet.
A Local's Guide to Phuket
I have spent the last 15 years traveling to Phuket, so this is a very special place for my family and certainly stands out against other destinations like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, or Bangkok. Phuket is special because it blends dramatic island scenery (think the Maldives of Southeast Asia but far more accessible), rich Thai culture, and relaxed tropical luxury into one destination that feels both exciting and deeply restorative. You can spend the morning exploring temples or towering limestone islands, the afternoon on soft sandy beaches, and the evening enjoying world-class food and sunset views over the Andaman Sea. It has a vibrant energy, yet still offers quiet corners for slow travel, wellness, and meaningful experiences.
A Local's Guide to Phuket
I have spent the last 15 years traveling to Phuket, so this is a very special place for my family and certainly stands out against other destinations like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, or Bangkok. Phuket is special because it blends dramatic island scenery (think the Maldives of Southeast Asia but far more accessible), rich Thai culture, and relaxed tropical luxury into one destination that feels both exciting and deeply restorative. You can spend the morning exploring temples or towering limestone islands, the afternoon on soft sandy beaches, and the evening enjoying world-class food and sunset views over the Andaman Sea. It has a vibrant energy, yet still offers quiet corners for slow travel, wellness, and meaningful experiences.
The Best of Koh Samui
I love Koh Samui because it strikes an incredible balance between having the development and convenience of a larger city in Thailand while still having a remote-off-the-beaten track feel since it is a small island with a small population of 70,000 people. Koh Samui has a rare kind of balance that few islands manage to keep—where luxury resorts, quiet temples, and everyday Thai island life all exist side by side. One moment you’re watching the sunrise over a peaceful beach, and by the afternoon you’re exploring waterfalls, night markets, or a golden Buddha overlooking the sea. There’s a slowness to the island’s rhythm that invites you to slow down rather than rush from attraction to attraction. Koh Samui has some of Thailand’s most vibrant, turquoise waters, but it isn’t overdone as it invites quiet reflection in the white powdery sand.
The Best of Koh Samui
I love Koh Samui because it strikes an incredible balance between having the development and convenience of a larger city in Thailand while still having a remote-off-the-beaten track feel since it is a small island with a small population of 70,000 people. Koh Samui has a rare kind of balance that few islands manage to keep—where luxury resorts, quiet temples, and everyday Thai island life all exist side by side. One moment you’re watching the sunrise over a peaceful beach, and by the afternoon you’re exploring waterfalls, night markets, or a golden Buddha overlooking the sea. There’s a slowness to the island’s rhythm that invites you to slow down rather than rush from attraction to attraction. Koh Samui has some of Thailand’s most vibrant, turquoise waters, but it isn’t overdone as it invites quiet reflection in the white powdery sand.
The Best of Lhasa, Tibet
I have lived in Tibet as a travel advisor for 15 years, and, even having visited Lhasa several times a year, I am still stunned by the feeling of magic and wonder this city inspires with its holy temples and monasteries. As the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa (Chinese name: 拉萨 lā sà) is Tibet's capital and largest city. Founded in the fifth century and largely closed to foreigners until the early 1980s, it is a holy Buddhist city dominated by the Potala Palace, and it is full of prayer wheels, prayer flags, and Tibetan pilgrims who have come from thousands of miles to worship at the spiritual “Mecca” of Tibet.
The Best of Lhasa, Tibet
I have lived in Tibet as a travel advisor for 15 years, and, even having visited Lhasa several times a year, I am still stunned by the feeling of magic and wonder this city inspires with its holy temples and monasteries. As the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa (Chinese name: 拉萨 lā sà) is Tibet's capital and largest city. Founded in the fifth century and largely closed to foreigners until the early 1980s, it is a holy Buddhist city dominated by the Potala Palace, and it is full of prayer wheels, prayer flags, and Tibetan pilgrims who have come from thousands of miles to worship at the spiritual “Mecca” of Tibet.
A Local's Guide to Phuket
I have spent the last 15 years traveling to Phuket, so this is a very special place for my family and certainly stands out against other destinations like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, or Bangkok. Phuket is special because it blends dramatic island scenery (think the Maldives of Southeast Asia but far more accessible), rich Thai culture, and relaxed tropical luxury into one destination that feels both exciting and deeply restorative. You can spend the morning exploring temples or towering limestone islands, the afternoon on soft sandy beaches, and the evening enjoying world-class food and sunset views over the Andaman Sea. It has a vibrant energy, yet still offers quiet corners for slow travel, wellness, and meaningful experiences.
A Local's Guide to Phuket
I have spent the last 15 years traveling to Phuket, so this is a very special place for my family and certainly stands out against other destinations like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, or Bangkok. Phuket is special because it blends dramatic island scenery (think the Maldives of Southeast Asia but far more accessible), rich Thai culture, and relaxed tropical luxury into one destination that feels both exciting and deeply restorative. You can spend the morning exploring temples or towering limestone islands, the afternoon on soft sandy beaches, and the evening enjoying world-class food and sunset views over the Andaman Sea. It has a vibrant energy, yet still offers quiet corners for slow travel, wellness, and meaningful experiences.
The Best of Koh Samui
I love Koh Samui because it strikes an incredible balance between having the development and convenience of a larger city in Thailand while still having a remote-off-the-beaten track feel since it is a small island with a small population of 70,000 people. Koh Samui has a rare kind of balance that few islands manage to keep—where luxury resorts, quiet temples, and everyday Thai island life all exist side by side. One moment you’re watching the sunrise over a peaceful beach, and by the afternoon you’re exploring waterfalls, night markets, or a golden Buddha overlooking the sea. There’s a slowness to the island’s rhythm that invites you to slow down rather than rush from attraction to attraction. Koh Samui has some of Thailand’s most vibrant, turquoise waters, but it isn’t overdone as it invites quiet reflection in the white powdery sand.
The Best of Koh Samui
I love Koh Samui because it strikes an incredible balance between having the development and convenience of a larger city in Thailand while still having a remote-off-the-beaten track feel since it is a small island with a small population of 70,000 people. Koh Samui has a rare kind of balance that few islands manage to keep—where luxury resorts, quiet temples, and everyday Thai island life all exist side by side. One moment you’re watching the sunrise over a peaceful beach, and by the afternoon you’re exploring waterfalls, night markets, or a golden Buddha overlooking the sea. There’s a slowness to the island’s rhythm that invites you to slow down rather than rush from attraction to attraction. Koh Samui has some of Thailand’s most vibrant, turquoise waters, but it isn’t overdone as it invites quiet reflection in the white powdery sand.
Travel photos
