The Undiscovered East

Far from Lhasa, the East of Tibet offers untold adventures that take travelers across verdant grasslands, over snowy mountain passes, and beyond the shores of holy lakes. On this journey, explore the hidden monasteries of Amdo and ride horses in secret valleys with Tibetan nomads. Learn about the great Buddhist traditions of Labrang and Kumbum, two ancient monasteries that house thousands of monks. Visit a Mongolian enclave on the frontier lands and travel to small, colorful villages in the mountains.

Xining – Kumbum – Qinghai Lake – Gui’de / Chika – Gunlong Monastery – Repkong – Labrang via Gangya Grassland – Labrang – Taktsang Lhamo Monastery – Sogdzong – Tsekog – Xining

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Xining – Kumbum – Qinghai Lake [3196m]

Drive to Kumbum, a famous monastery outside of Xining. Kumbum is home to over 600 monks and has some great hills around the monastery to hike. From Kumbum, head to Qinghai Lake, the biggest lake in China. Stay at a hotel or guesthouse on the shores of the lake.

Day 2: Qinghai Lake – Gui’de (Chika) – Xining [2270m]

Drive through vibrant green grasslands, descending to Guide or Chika, where you can explore the Minyak Chorten Stupa. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Yellow River, cross the Yellow River bridge, and witness the breathtaking red clay mountains and Geo park before returning to Xining.

Day 3: Xining – Gunlong Monastery- Repkong (Tongren) [2480m]

Drive to Gunlong Monastery, one of the most famous and oldest monasteries near the northern Dzongchu River of Amdo. Continue to drive southeast along the Yellow River to Rebkong. Visit the Rongwu Gonchen monastery, the biggest monastery in the region and home to 600 monks. The monastery is built in 1301 by Lama Samten Renchen. The monastery consists of  several important temples and colleges. The main temples and buildings are The Great Sutra Hall, Main Assembly Hall, The Manjushri  Hall and a few others. Stay in Rebkong

Day 5: Repkong – Gangya Grassland – Xiahe / Labrang [2900m]

Drive west about 8km is the Sanggeshung Gompa or Wutun Si  which is the home of Rebkong traditional paintings. You can see workshops both sides of the road. Visit a family to see how this painting is done. After visit the Temples, then drive turn right to a canyon, after driving through some villages, reach to the open area which is a nomadic region called Gangya Grassland.  Continue drive east to Labrang, a monk will give you a quick guided tour  in the main temples in Labrang. This s one of the most influential monastery in Amdo and home to more than 800 monks. After the guided tour is done, you can walk in the monastery or follow the local pilgrims to make a circumambulation around the monastery. Stay in Labrang Xiahe

Day 6: Labrang – Taktsang Lhamo Monastery (Langmusi) [3100m] 4 hours

Today, we start the trip towards southwest to Langmusi or Taktsang Lhamo in Tibetan, means the the nest of tigers. Along the way, you will witness some of the most beautiful and vast nomadic grassland in Amdo, this region is home for some of the best racing horses in Tibet. Once we reach to Langmusi which is located at the border of Gansu and Sichuan provinces, we will visit Kirti monastery and walk into a deep forest valley for a small wall.

Day 7: Taktsang Lhamo – Sogdzong (Mongolian town) – Tsekog [3660m]- Tongren / Rebkong

Today, we will set out on an unforgettable journey through the nomadic grasslands. As we traverse past lush pastures and verdant hills, we will arrive at the majestic Yellow River. Pausing at the edge of deep canyons, we’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the river and its awe-inspiring landscapes. Following this stunning spectacle, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in Sogdzong, a charming Tibetan Mongolian town. Our adventure continues as we drive through the enchanting Meshig forest before reaching our final destination, Rebkong.

Day 8: Tsekog – Xining [2270m]

Drive through a virgin forest to the farming lands of Amdo, then drive back to Xining along the Yellow River.

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.