Classic Amdo

Explore the cultural and nomadic regions of undiscovered Eastern Tibet. Travel to the shores of a stunning turquoise lake, visit nomads herding yaks and sheep, and picnic in blooming yellow flower fields. Take short hikes to catch breathtaking views of the natural scenery and watch herds of wild antelope across the plains. Visit remote monasteries nestled in the mountains and travel to the holiest and most beautiful snow mountain in Amdo region of Tibet.

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Xining – Qinghai Lake – Tsigorthang / Xinghai [3303m], 340km, 6 hours

In the morning, drive to the south shore of Qinghai Lake, the largest lake in China. Qinghai Lake, also known as Kokonor or Tso Ngonpo, is located in Qinghai province and is classified as a saline and alkaline lake in an endorheic basin. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you drive up to the green hills above the lake. Continue the journey to Tsigorthang, passing through stunning grasslands. Overnight in Xinghai.

Day 2: Tsigorthang – Dredzong Monastery – Madoi (Maduo) [4300m], 320km, 6 hours

Start the day by driving to Trekar Dredzong Monastery, a remote Buddhist monastery situated on the side of a rugged mountain at an altitude of over 3600m. Dredzong offers excellent hiking opportunities, including a 2-3 hour hike around the holy mountain behind the monastery. If time permits, you can also undertake a full kora to alleviate high altitude sickness in Madoi. Drive through nomadic grasslands to the small town of Maduo at an elevation of 4350m. Take a short walk to see prayer flags on the hillside. Overnight in Maduo.

Day 3: Maduo – Kyaring and Ngoring Lake / Yellow River Source Area – Madoi [4300m], 220km, 5 hours

Travel from Maduo to Kyaring/Ngoring Lake, which serves as one of the main sources of the Yellow River. Marvel at the sight of wild donkeys and Tibetan antelopes and take a short hike on the 4500m high Mt Tsori Katse, situated between the two breathtaking lakes. Nearby, you can find Tsori Katse Monastery, a Nyinmapa monastery strongly influenced by Ling Gesar. Bring some simple food for a picnic by the lakeside. Overnight in Maduo.

Day 4: Madoi – Mt. Amnye Machen – Machen [3700m], 260km, 5 hours

Drive to the north side of Amnye Machen, one of Tibet’s most sacred mountains revered by both Buddhists and Bon adherents. The highest peak of the mountain is believed to be the abode of the protector deity Machen Pomra. The pilgrimage circuit around the mountain is popular among Bon followers and Buddhists. Afterward, drive to Machen town. Overnight in Machen town.

Day 5: Machen – Ragya Monastery – Trika (Gui’de) [2205m], 350km, 6 hours

Depart from Machen and drive through rolling grasslands to the mid-sized trading town of Trika, also known as Gui’de in Chinese. Along the way, visit Ragya Monastery, the second-largest Buddhist monastery in Qinghai with over 500 monks. It is located at the bottom of Ami-gonchen Mountain on the northern banks of the Yellow River. Afterward, continue the journey to Trika. Upon arrival, visit the Minyak Stupa and the monastery near the stupa. The stupa holds a relic, a strand of hair, from one of Tibet’s kings named Triralpachen. Overnight in Trika / Gui’de.

Day 6: Trika – Jokhang Monastery – Kumbum Monastery – Xining [2270m], 320km, 6 hours

Travel back from Gui’de to Xining, making stops at the Jokhang Temple and Kumbum Monastery along the way. Jokhang Temple is home to a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, while Kumbum Monastery, meaning “one hundred thousand Buddhas” in Tibetan, is renowned as the birthplace of Je Tsongkhapa, the reformer of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Kumbum Monastery is one of the six great monasteries in Tibet and houses over 600 monks. Overnight in Xining.

Day 7: Departure from Xining

Our guide will drop you off at the airport or train station. The tour ends.

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.