Day 1: Xining – Qinghai Lake – Tsigorthang / Xinghai [3303m] 340km, 6 hours
In the morning drive out to the south shore of Qinghai Lake, the largest lake in China. Kokonor or Tso Ngonpo is the largest lake in the People’s Republic of China. Located in Qinghai province on an endorheic basin, Qinghai Lake is classified as a saline and alkaline lake. Afterwards drive up to the green hills above Qinghai Lake and take in the beautiful scenery. Continue on to Tsigorthang through some of the beautiful grasslands. Overnight in Xinghai.
Day 2: Tsigorthang – Dredzong Monastery – Madoi (Maduo) [4300m] 320km, 6 hours
In the morning drive to Trekar Dredzong monastery. a remote Buddhist monastery set on the side of a rugged mountain at over 3600m. Dredzong provides excellent hiking opportunities. Its just 2 – 3 hours hike around the holy mountain behind the monastery and if time allows. You can have a full kora in order to get rid of high altitude sickness in Madoi. Then drive through nomadic grasslands to the small town of Maduo, which lies at 4350m. Take a short walk up to see prayer flags on the hillside. Overnight in Maduo.
Day 3: Maduo – Kyaring and Ngoring Lake / Yellow River Source Area – Madoi [4300m] 220km, 5 hours
Travel from Maduo to Kyaring/Ngoring Lake, one of the main sources of the Yellow River. See wild donkeys and Tibetan antelopes. Take a short hike on the 4500m high Mt Tsori Katse located between the two stunning lakes. Tsori Katse monastery is also located just near the Ngoring lake. A Nyinmapa monastery which has very strong influence of Ling Gesar. Bring a some simple food for picnic at the lake side. Overnight in Maduo.
Day 4: Madoi – Mt. Amnye Machen – Machen [3700m] 260km, 5 hours
Drive to the north side of Amnye Machen, It is one of Tibet’s most sacred mountains and is revered by both Buddhists and Bon adherents. The protecter deity Machen Pomra is said to reside in the mountain’s highest peak. The pilgrimage circuit around the mountain is popular among Bon followers and Buddhists. Afterwards drive to Machen town. Overnight in Machen town.
Day 5: Machen –Ragya monastery – Trika (Gui’de) [2205m] 350km, 6 hours
Drive from Machen through the rolling grasslands to the mid-sized trading town of Trika also called Gui’de in Chinese. On the way. You can also visit Ragya monastery. Ragya monastery is the second-largest Buddhist monastery in Qinghai, with over 500 monks. It is located at the bottom of Ami-gonchen Mountain on the northern banks of the Yellow River. Afterwards drive to Trika. After arrive Trika. You can visit Minyak stupa and the monastery near the stupa. The stupa has the hair as a relic from one of Tibet’s king called Triralpachen. Overnight in Trika / Gui’de.
Day 6: Trika – Jokhang Monastery – Kumbum Monastery – Xining [2270m] 320km, 6 hours
Travel from Gui’de back to Xining, stopping off at the Jokhang temple and Kumbum monastery along the way. Jokhang Temple hosts Buddha Sakyamuni’s statue. Afterwards, driving through the geographic park with colorful land formatioin. We will reach Kumbum. In Tibetan, Kumbum means one hundred thousands Buddhas. It is the famed birth place of Je tsongkapa, the reformer of the Gelupa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Kumbum is one of the 6 great monasteries in Tibet and home to over 600 monks. Overnight in Xining.
Day 7: Depart Xining
Our guide will drop you off at airport or train station. Tour ends.
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
