Camping & Festival

Are you interested in joining a special cultural journey in Amdo Tibet?

We have created a unique 6-day tour that offers:

• Tibetan festivals with Buddhist rituals and masked Cham dances

• Camping with Tibetan nomads

The purpose of this tour is not only to give you the chance to experience life in Amdo Tibet, but also to encourage cultural exchange between Tibetans and visitors from around the world. We warmly welcome you to join us for this journey in 2020.

Day 1 (May 6): Arrive in Xining [2,270m]

Arrive in Xining by flight or train. Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province in western China, is traditionally part of Amdo Tibet. Our guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

If time allows, visit the Tibetan Medicine and Cultural Museum, the largest and most authentic Tibetan cultural museum in the world. Highlights include eight exhibition halls covering thangka art, Tibetan medicine, astrology, classical literature, and calligraphy. The museum also houses the world’s largest thangka painting. A minimum of 2 hours is recommended for this visit. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 (May 7): Xining – Kumbum Monastery Festival – Xining [2,270m], 60 km / 2 hrs

Drive early to attend the Kumbum Monastery Festival. “Kumbum” means “100,000 Buddha Images.” According to legend, a sacred tree grew from Tsongkhapa’s umbilical cord, with Buddha images appearing on every leaf. Today, the monastery is one of Tibet’s most important sites.

On this festival day, monks perform elaborate Buddhist rituals and the Cham Mask Dance. After the visit, drive back to Xining.

Day 3 (May 8): Xining – Shachung Monastery – Lo Dorje Drak Meditation Caves – Rebkong [2,480m], 240 km / 5 hrs

Visit Shachung Monastery, perched on a mountaintop overlooking the Yellow River valley. Continue through Muslim villages and along beautiful river scenery before reaching Rebkong (Tongren), home to three major monasteries and renowned Tibetan artists.

In the evening, stay in a Tibetan family homestay, enjoy a traditional dinner, and share stories about Tibetan village life.

Day 4 (May 9): Rebkong – Tsekog [3,700m], 180 km / 3 hrs – Nomadic Camping

Morning visit to Rongwo Monastery, founded in the 12th century. Later, explore Wutun village, famous for its thangka painting schools.

Continue to the Tsekog Grasslands to stay with Tibetan nomads. Join them in herding yaks and sheep, making cheese, yogurt, and butter, and experiencing daily nomadic life. Optional activities include horseback or yak riding, short hikes, or simply enjoying the peace of the grasslands.

Day 5 (May 10): Tsekog – Trika [2,100m], 200 km / 3 hrs

In the morning, visit Hor Monastery and Mani stone walls west of Tsekog. Continue to Trika (Guide), located on the Yellow River, where you can visit the local Jokhang Temple and Minyak Stupa, believed to date back to Tibet’s 41st King. The area is famous for its colorful landscapes and unique land formations.

Lo Dorje Drak Meditation Caves.

Day 6 (May 11): Trika – Qinghai Lake – Xining, 340 km / 6 hrs

Drive to Qinghai Lake (Kokonor), the largest lake in China and sacred to both Tibetans and Mongolians. Options include a boat ride, horseback riding along the shore, or wildlife spotting (such as black-necked cranes).

Return to Xining in the evening. Tour ends with a farewell to your guide and driver.

Dzongka Lhatse Mountain pass

Note: Itinerary may be adjusted depending on local conditions.

Tour Map