Mt. Amnye Machen Kora

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Xining

Welcome to Xining! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.

Day 2: Xining to Machen (Maqing) via Ragya Monastery

Drive along one of the most beautiful roads in Qinghai, passing Lhakyi Mountain, red clay mountains, Qinghai Geological Park, sand dunes, and the Yellow River. Visit Ragya Monastery and a nomad tent before arriving in Machen, the capital of Golok Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Overnight in Machen.

Day 3: Machen – Tsanak Kamdu – Dolma Bumdzong (3960 m)

After the driver drops us off at the trailhead, we will begin our trek. As you climb over a mountain pass, you will catch your first sight of Mt. Amnye Machen. Continue hiking to Tsanak Kamdu, where you will meet up with the yaks, horses and yak handlers that will join you on the trek. Together, hike about 15 km (6 hours) along the Yonkhor-chu River to Langri. The Yongkhor-Chu River is the place where monks and traditional Tibetan medical practitioners receive blessings from Naga (a water god) after collecting herbs. You will often see the monks by the river doing their medical prayers. In the afternoon we will reach Dolma Bumdzong – the sacred sight of Arya Tara – a female boddhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. She is well known as the “mother of liberation”, and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements. Camp overnight at Tara’s place.

Day 4: Dolma Bumdzong –  Tamchok (4650 m)

Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Today we will cross several mountain rivers, pass through several nomad families, and camp in front of the “face” of the Mt. Amnye Machen on the bank of the river Yungri-chu with holy water coming from the glacier. Here nomads as well as Tibetan pilgrims make offerings to the protector Machen Pompa, praying for the good luck and happiness of all sentient beings.

Day 5: Tamchok – Tamchok la pass (4700 m) – Tagkhen Latsetsa (4400 m) 

While having breakfast, our crew will busy themselves packing up our gear and getting ready to set off for the day. Our local Tibetan guide will lead us up and across the Tamchok Gongkha La Pass (4,700 m). This is the highest pass of this trek. At this summit the incredible view of the surrounding mountain range includes a full view of the holy Mt. Amnye Machen. Then the trail from the highest pass descends through the meadows along the river banks, allowing frequent views of the sacred mountain range. There are several lakes near the trail. Locals regard them as ‘chopa’ – offerings to the protector Machen Pomra as well as to other mountain gods.

Day 6: Tagkhen Latsetsa – mountain pass – Shari Phagyab (4210 m) 

Today trail leads through huge rocky mountain and cliff formations. Near the cliffs of Goku Chenmo there are 2 towering rocks Mopa and Towa, which are considered to be sites of ‘torma’ offerings to the gods. Two towers are considered as the entrance to the “Heavenly Palace” of the protector Machen Pomra.

Day 7: Shari Phagyab – Dradi Latse (3980 m) –  Chabcha (Gonghe) 

Trekking along the Qushan river, crossing its streams. At the end of the trek you will visit an old Gelug monastery with ancient prayer wheels and torma offerings. Then you will finally get back to our start point near Tawo Sholma, accomplishing a complete circumambulation of holy Mt. Amnye Machen! Your car will pick you up and drive to Chabcha, where you can rest at the hotel.

Day 8: Chabcha – Kukunor Lake / Qinghai Lake – Xining 

Drive to Kukunor lake in the morning, which is the largest salt lake in Asia.  Then slowly drive back to Xining via Sun and Moon Pass.

Day 9:  Depart Xining

Say goodbye to Tibet!

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.