Taste of Amdo

Far from Lhasa, the East of Tibet offers untold adventures that take travelers across Amdo farmer fields and nomads grassland, over snowy mountain passes and beyond the shores of holy lake. On this journey, explore the hidden monasteries of Amdo and the largest salt lake in China, visit Tibetan traditional artists. Learn about the great Buddhist traditions of Labrang, one of the ancient monasteries that houses thousands of monks and traditional Tibetan arts in Rebkong, the cradle of Tibetan traditional artist. Driving through Yellow river and amazing Yadan landscape valleys. Travel to small, colorful villages and monasteries in the mountains.

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Xining – Qinghai Lake (Kukunor) – Gui’de (Trika) [2,205m]

Depart westward from Xining (150 km) to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China. Enjoy optional activities such as a boat ride or horseback riding along the shore. Then continue through nomadic pasturelands before descending to Gui’de (Trika), a picturesque town nestled on the banks of the Yellow River. If time allows, take a walk on the historic Yellow River bridge and enjoy the sunset views. Overnight in Gui’de / Trika

Day 2: Trika – Shachung Monastery – Rebkong (Tongren) [2,480m]

Start the day with a short walk over the new Yellow River bridge. Then drive up to Lhakyi La Pass (3,900m). Descend through terraced villages to reach Shachung Monastery, founded in 1349 by Choegyi Dundrup Renchen, the first teacher of Je Tsongkhapa. Perched on a mountain, the monastery offers sweeping views of the Yellow River’s winding valley. Continue along the Yellow River and Rongwu Guchu River to Rebkong, renowned for its monastic culture and art. Overnight in Rebkong

Day 3: Rebkong – Ganjia Grassland – Labrang [2,900m]

In the morning, visit the Tibetan Thangka Artists’ Village and a small local monastery. After lunch, drive across the stunning Ganjia Grassland to reach Labrang Monastery in Xiahe—Amdo’s most influential monastic complex. Nestled among high mountains and alpine forests, Labrang is home to over 1,700 monks and remains a vital center for Tibetan Buddhist study and pilgrimage. Overnight in Labrang

Day 4: Labrang Exploration [2,900m]

Spend the morning visiting Labrang Monastery, including its prayer halls, monastic colleges, and possibly joining a kora (circumambulation) with local pilgrims. In the afternoon, explore a nearby Tibetan nomadic village or hike up one of the surrounding hills for a panoramic view of the monastery and valley. Overnight in Labrang

Day 5: Labrang – Xining [2,270m]

Return to Xining, driving through expansive grasslands and along the Yellow River. The journey ends upon arrival in Xining. Tour Ends

Itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Helpful Travel Guides

• Lhasa Travel Guide
• Mount Kailash Travel Guide
• Tibet Travel Permits
• Routes to Tibet
• Xining Travel Guide