Amdo Overland Journey

The Tibetan Plateau, located to the north of the Himalayas, is often referred to as “The Roof of the World.” The Tibetan cultural region is roughly the size of Western Europe, though the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) makes up less than half of this area. The other two traditional Tibetan provinces—Amdo in the far east and Kham in the southeast—together cover the remainder of the vast Tibetan Plateau.

This  amazing journey highlights many of the most important scenic and cultural sites in the Amdo region of Tibet. Amdo is a predominantly nomadic area characterized by expansive high plains and rich grazing lands that stretch all the way to the Mongolian steppe.

On this trip, you will explore hidden monasteries nestled in the Amdo landscape, experience traditional nomadic life, and gain insight into monastic culture at Labrang and Kumbum monasteries. Walk through the endless grasslands of Ganjia, Sangkho, Machu, and Golog, and take in the breathtaking views of Amnye Machen and Mount Nyenbo Yurtse—two of the most sacred mountains in Amdo. The journey concludes at Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in Asia and a sacred site for Tibetans.

Throughout this trip, you will cross three provinces in northwestern China: Qinghai, southern Gansu, and northwestern Sichuan—regions that together form the cultural heartland of eastern Tibet.

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Arrive in Xining (2200m) > Qinghai Province

Pick up at Xining airport, transfer to your hotel and get settled. If time allows, explore Xining on your own: hike up Beishan Mountain to visit ancient Taoist temples, or visit the Tibetan Medical and Cultural Museum. In the evening, the group gathers at a traditional Tibetan restaurant to enjoy local cuisine and meet the guide and fellow travelers.

Day 2: Xining – Shachung Monastery – Rebkong (2500m) > Qinghai Province

In the morning, drive to Shachung Monastery, one of the most beautiful in Amdo, perched atop a cliff with views over the Yellow River. Continue to Rebkong, the art center of Tibetan Buddhism, and visit its four major monasteries: Rongwu, Gomar, Upper and Lower Sengeshung. Explore local thangka galleries and artists’ villages.

Day 3: Rebkong – Gangya Grassland – Labrang (2900m) > Gansu Province

Visit the Sangeshung Artists’ Village and Monastery in the morning. Then drive through the stunning Ganjia Grassland to Labrang, home to Labrang Monastery—one of six great Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet, founded in 1709 by the First Jamyang Zhepa. Explore the town of Xiahe.

A girl from Labrang dresses traditional Tibetan robe

Day 4: Labrang – Taktsang Lhamo (Langmusi) (3300m) > Gansu Province

Travel to Taktsang Lhamo, a beautiful Tibetan town on the border of Gansu and Sichuan. Visit Kirti Namgyal Dechenling and Sertang Monastery (Lhamo Gompa), and explore nearby meditation caves and the sky burial site. The town is rich with associations to Padmasambhava and Shridevi.

Day 5: Taktsang Lhamo – Horseback Trek or Hike > Gansu Province

Enjoy a half-day or full-day trek into the grasslands with nomadic Tibetan guides. Learn horseback riding, camp in yak-hair tents, and immerse in nomadic lifestyle. This area also offers excellent hiking. (Horseback trek fee not included.)

Day 6: Taktsang Lhamo – Machu Grassland – Jigdril (3800m) > Qinghai Province

Return from the trek and drive to Jigdril via Machu Grassland. Visit nomadic camps along the way. In Jigdril (Jiuzhi), visit Tarthang Monastery, a major Nyingma monastery founded by the 7th throne-holder of Pelyul.

Day 7: Jigdril – Mt. Nyenbo Yurtse – Padma (4100m) > Qinghai Province

Drive to Mount Nyenbo Yurtse (5933m), the holy mountain of the Golok nomads, known for its sacred lakes and snow peaks. Continue to Padma, a region of stunning natural beauty with 23 monasteries—20 Nyingma and 3 Kagyu or Jonang.

Day 8: Padma – Sertar Larung Gar (4000m) > Sichuan Province

Drive through highland grasslands to Sertar County and visit Larung Gar, the largest Buddhist monastic institute on the Tibetan Plateau, home to thousands of Nyingma monks and nuns.

Day 9: Larung Gar Exploration > Sichuan Province

Spend the day exploring Larung Gar’s three-tiered layout, from temples and assembly halls to the hilltop chapels. Learn about the teachings of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok and the monastic life of this extraordinary community.

Day 10: Sertar – Darlag (Dari County) (3970m) > Qinghai Province

Drive through some of the most remote and scenic areas of Golog Prefecture.

Day 11: Darlag – Mt. Amnye Machen – Tsigorthang (Xinghai) (3300m) > Qinghai Province

Travel to Mt. Amnye Machen, one of Tibet’s four holiest mountains. Spend time at its base before driving to Tsigorthang, a rich nomadic area with wildlife such as wild donkeys, foxes, and birds.

Day 12: Tsigorthang – Drakar Tredzong Monastery – Chabcha (2850m) > Qinghai Province

Visit the sacred Drakar Tredzong Monastery, a hermitage home to about 500 monks and 20 teachers. Optional 2.5-hour hike around the cliffs. Then drive to Chabcha, a small modern town and cultural center of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Day 13: Chabcha – Qinghai Lake – Kumbum Monastery – Xining >Qinghai Province

Visit Qinghai Lake (Kokonor), the largest lake in China and a sacred lake to Tibetans. Enjoy yellow flower fields and nomadic pastures along the shore. Then drive to Kumbum Monastery, one of the six great Gelugpa monasteries and the birthplace of Je Tsongkhapa. Conclude the trip in Xining. Our service ends.

Tour Map