Day 1: Xining – Shachung (Xiaqiong) Monastery – Repkong (Tongren) [2480m]
Drive from Xining to Shachung Monastery, which is located on a mountaintop and has a great view of Yellow River. Afterwards, drive to Repkong. Repkong is home to three large Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and is famous across Tibet for its artists. Along the way, catch beautiful views of the Yellow River.
Day 2: Repkong [2480m]
Visit Rongwu Monastery, the biggest monastery in Repkong and home to more than 500 monks. Then drive to Sanggeshung artist village to see the monks’ workshop. After, drive to Gomar Monastery to see the giant Chorten (stupa) and Old Temple.
Day 3: Rebkong – Ganjia grassland- Labrang (Xiahe) [2900m]
Head to Labrang via the famous Ganjia grassland. Labrang, Amdo’s most famous monastery, is located in the small town of Xiahe. Labrang sits at 2900m with high mountains and alpine forests surrounding it. Labrang is a popular pilgrimage destination for Tibetans and is home to over 1700 monks.
Day 4: Labrang – Langmusi (Taktsang Lhamo) [3100m]
Travel from Labrang to the beautiful Tibetan town of Langmusi. Langmusi is a great place to do a short horse trek or to explore grasslands that are home to nomadic Tibetans. You will have chance to see Lhamo Monastery, which was built in the 18th century and houses about 100 monks. Take a walk on the grassland and admire the blooming plateau flowers.
Day 5: Langmusi (Taktsang Lhamo) [3100m]
Go for a leisurely hike or try out horseback riding.
Day 6: Langmusi – Dzoige – Hongyuan – Markang [2633m]
Travel to the nomad trading town of Zoige and Hongyuan. Visit the first bend of the Yellow River. Along the way you will see many Tibetans herding their yaks and sheep.
Day 7: Markang – Danba [1935m]
Danba is a place of beauty, with breathtaking scenery and a unique culture. The town is dominated by the Tibetan and Qiang minorities. Visit an ancient castle or check out watchtowers and Tibetan-style Gyarong and Qiang stone houses. Alternatively, visit a small hidden monastery on a top of mountain.
Day 8: Danba – Qingchengshan Taoism Temple. [1260m]
Qingchenshan Temple, located on a cloudy mountain top about 60km away from Chengdu, is one of the ancient cradles of Daoism. The area is green all year round and is known for its secluded tranquility. The mountain has numerous Daoist temples and sites along the paths to its peak.
Day 9: Qingchengshan – Chengdu or Chengdu Shuangliu airport [500m]
In the morning, you can see the monks in the Taoist Temple practice Tai Chi with their masters. You are also welcome to practice with the monks. Afterwards, explore on your own or head home!
