Day 1: Xining

Arrive in Xining and get settled at your hotel.

Day 2: Xining – Qinghai Lake – Gui’de

Drive to Qinghai Lake, the biggest lake in China, and then on to Gui’de (Tibetan: Chika).  On the way you will see rolling green hills, nomads herding yaks and sheep, sand dunes, and stunning views of the Yellow River.

Day 3: Gui’de – Machen

Head out to Machen, the capital of Golok, the most rugged area in all of Amdo. Watch rolling green hills turn into snow mountains. Along the way, stop off at Ragya Monastery, a branch of Sera Monastery in Tibet Autonomous Region. There is a half hour circumambulation path around the monastery which you can go with local pilgrims.  Stay overnight in Machen.

Day 4: Machen

In the morning, visit Khorkhan Temple, a small, local monastery. Continue on to Mt. Dolma Ri, which is covered with Mani stones and prayer flags. Drive to Nyimala Pass, where you can catch a glimpse of the holy Mt. Amnye Machen in the distance. In the afternoon, return to Machen for the night.

Day 5: Machen to Jigdril(Chi:Jiuzhi)

Drive out to Jigdril county to visit Taklung monastery, a Nyingmapa monastery affiliated to Pelyul Monastery. Main attraction in this monastery is an Assembly Hall, a potala style temple named after the residence of Avalokiteshvara on the Mount Potalaka, a protector cheple and a large Tara stupa and an enormous statue of Padmasambhava.

Day 6. Jigdril - Mt. Nyenpo Yultse and Lakes - Jigdril
Driving towards southwest about 30km, you will get to Mt. Nyenpo Yultse, which rises 5933m above sea level,  it become the holy mountain of southern Golok. It is also revered as birthplace of the Golok tribes. This snow capped mountain surrounded by several crystal-clear lakes such as Lake Tsochen and Tsochung, Lake Tso Nagma and Nojin Tso. 

You can camp one or two night at the bottom of snow capped mountain at the shore of lakes during the summer time

Day 7: Jigdril – Taktsang Lhamo (Langmusi)

In the morning, drive to Taktsang Lhamo Monastery. In the afternoon, drive through large, rolling grasslands where nomads herd their animals. Stay in a local Tibetan hotel or guest house.

Day 8: Taktsang Lhamo

Visit Taktsang Lhamo Monastery in the morning and go hiking or horseback trekking in the afternoon. Tsatsang Lhamo offers great hiking and riding.

Day 9: Taktsang Lhamo to Labrang (Xiahe)

See the beautiful Sangkok grassland, where nomads take their yaks and sheep to graze. While talking a walk through town, get a glimpse of daily life in a Tibetan village. Stay overnight in Labrang

Day 10: Labrang – Repkong (Tongren)

In the morning, a monk will give you a guided tour of Labrang monastery, intimately describing the symbolism of Tibetan Buddhist deities and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. In the afternoon, drive to Repkong and pass through many small villages.

Day 11: Repkong

Repkong is home to many Tibetan Artists. Visit Rongwu Gongchen Monastery, the upper and lower Wutun Monasteries, as well as a few artist villages. Watch artists paint thangka, traditional Tibetan scroll paintings.

Day 12: Repkong to Xining

Drive back to Xining along the Yellow River. Drop off at airport or hotel

Day 13. Depart from Xining

Driver will send you off at the airport or train station

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.