Visit the cultural highlights of Tibet and experience the nature of the Himalayan plateau on a three day trek along an ancient caravan trade route between two monasteries. This trip begins in Xining on the edge of Tibet and the famous Tibet Train will bring you above the clouds on 5000 meters all the way to Lhasa. On the way you will watch grazing yaks, snowcapped mountains and plateau landscape.
This Tibet trip is for those who want to explore Tibet off-the-beaten track but do not want to miss major sights and famous scenic spots.

Date: On request
Price: On request
Highlights / Route: Xining – Kokonor (Qinghai lake) – Lhasa – Shalu Monastery – Lungsang – Lhatse – Mt Everest Base Camp – Tingri – Xigatze – Lhasa
Length: ~ 3.300 km
Duration: 11 days
Character / Style: Adventure Travel with Trekking and Camping
Media:
Vehicles: 4×4, SUV, Van, Bus

 

Daily itinerary: Travel to Tibet with Mt Everest base camp and train to Lhasa

Day Route: Description
1  Xining arrival day: Pick-up service from the airport and acclimatization. Joint Dinner in the provincial capital of Qinghai.
2  Xining – Kumbum Monastery – Qinghai Lake: After breakfast we start with our trip. Before we get to the nearby 3,800 meters Qinghai Lake we take a break and visit the monastery of Kumbum Monastery (Ta He Si). The monastery dates from 1578 and is one of the six largest monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Qinghai Lake (Kokonor) is considered one of the largest salt lakes in the world.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 3h
3   Qinghai-Lake – Yellow River: From Qinghai Lake we go further to the Tibetan highlands and continue over a plateau which is inhabited by nomads and grazing yaks, before arriving on the shores of the Yellow river. The view on the Qinghai Lake from the top is spectacular. We visit the Xiaqiong Monastery, which is one of the most important in this part of Tibet (Amdo).
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 4h
4  Yellow River – Tongren: The journey takes us over Tibetan grassland to Tongren where we spend the night in a hotel. Before we arrive in Tongren we pass the monastery Achung Namdzong. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingma school. Tongren is a center of Tibetan art and culture. Here you can purchase hand-painted Thangkas ( Tibetan paintings on animal skin ) or just watch the goings on the street.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 4h
5  Tongren – Xiahe (Labrang-Monastery): Labrang is one of the largest temple complexes of the Gelugpa school in the world. Several mountain slopes are planted with small one- or two-storey accommodation and temples for the monks. The mountain slopes are surrounded by grasslands and around 2800m altitude. Today the monastery is one of the most important educational institution of Tibet. In the 18th century it became a trading center because of its location on the Silk Road and Tibet. The monastery is located in a river valley.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 3h
6   Xiahe (Labrang-Monastery) – Langmusi: Langmusi is a small Tibetan village amidst grassland and coniferous forest and marks the boundary between the provinces of Gansu and Sichuan. The village is surrounded by small red and white painted monasteries, such as the Kerti Monastery, yak herds and pine trees. this night we stay in a small guest house.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 4 1/2h
7  Langmusi – Kirti Gompa: The road leads along the Yellow River on our way to the south. Soon we are back on almost untrodden roads surrounded by grassland, mountains, nomads and the vast sky. Today’s destination is near the Kirti Gompa, another important monastery.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 6 1/2h
8  Kirti Gompa – Sertar: The Way to Sertar (or: Seda) leads over 50 km of slopes. The effort is worthwhile, because Sertar is a highlight of this trip. Sertar is the largest Buddhist educational institution in the world and was built up the hill over generations. The amazing view and the architectural extent can not be understood only by looking at photos.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 8h
9  Sertar – Aba: Slowly but surely we are leaving the Tibetan grasslands and drive through pine forest and along small lakes to Aba where we will stay a longer time in our camp.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”]  5 1/2h
10  Aba – Chengdu: On the last day of riding we get back to civilization. Chengdu is a large, modern and vibrant city and also the provincial capital of Sichuan.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”]  6h
11  Chengdu Departure Day:Transfer to the airport.

Additions to the Trekking Tour:
Through vast Tibetan farmland, spellbinding canyons, and just marvellous nature we will arrive at the Ngor-Monastery. This former trade route was the only connection between the two important monasteries of Shalu and Nartang. A multitude of small villages are passed by as we ascend to an altitude between 3500 m and 4000 m. This is a relatively easy route to hike and some treks can even be rode by horse. We need to rest in our tents twice during the course of this hike. You may also rent a horse to ride on site, if you’d like. You will be provided a cook in addition to the trekking guide. The horses are not included in the price and can only be rented there. Certainly the guide will help you renting and will negoiate over the price.

 

Included services:

All Tibet permits
Overnight stays in mid range hotels, guesthouses and tents
Camping gear (sleeping tents, kitchen tent, kitchen gear, sleeping mats)
Cook for the duration of the trek
Tibetmoto guide
Vehicle with driver
All airport / train station transfers
Train ticket Xining – Lhasa
Meals
Help for applying a Chinese visa
Flight booking service