DAY01:

XINING
Fly to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province and a rapidly developing city. Visit the unique Beishan Taoist Temple and the largest open market in the city. Spend the night in Xining.

DAY02:

XINING - TONGREN
Take a spectacular drive to Tongren crossing the great Qinghai range which rises 3,500 metres above sea level along the border of the Gansu and Qinghai provinces. You will see yaks, snow-covered mountains and isolated Tibetan villages where you can imagine life hasn’t changed for a thousand years. Visit Wutun Monastery for the Shining Buddha Festival. The large painting of Buddha, known as a thangka, is revealed on a hill behind the monastery by Tibetans. Spend the night in Tongren.

DAY03:

TONGREN
The second day of the festival is dedicated to the Dance of the Demons. Monks at the Wutun Monastery wear brocade costumes and cover their faces with masks painted with wild animals and birds representing demons. In the afternoon, meet the tangka painters of Wutun. Since the 11th century, the town has been the centre of thangka production in Tibet and houses two art schools with many students. Spend the night in Tongren.

DAY04:

TONGREN
See the third day of the festival at the Longwu Monastery which is the head monastery for more than 30 monasteries in the region. It currently houses 500 monks. Spend the night in Tongren.

DAY05:

TONGREN - XIAHE - LABRANG
Drive deeper into the Ambo countryside to the unique city of Xiahe. The city is divided into two parts with the Hui Muslims in the east and Tibetans in the west. This picturesque town stretches 15 kilometres along the Sangchu River. Take a short drive to Labrang. Spend the night in Labrang.

DAY06:

LABRANG
Close to Xiahe is the Labrang Monastery, one of the six largest monasteries of the Gelugpa sect, which is led by the Dalai Lama. Tour the monastery and view its impressive New Year Thangka measuring 40 metres wide and 20 metres high. In the afternoon, visit Nyingmapa Monastery. Spend the night in Labrang.

DAY07:

LABRANG
Wake up to the spectacle of Cham dances in front of the Labrang Monastery. Mix with locals as they celebrate the New Year by lighting firecrackers. Spend the night in Labrang.

DAY08:

LABRANG
Learn more about the ancient culture of Tibet by visiting Tibetan residences, viewing an exhibition of yak butter sculptures and a performance of Tibetan opera (weather permitting). Spend the night in Labrang.

DAY09:

LABRANG - LANZHOU
Be amazed by the colour and energy of the Buddha Maitreya Parade outside the Labrang Monastery. After lunch, depart for Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu. Spend the night in Lanzhou.

DAY10:

LANZHOU
Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum to learn more about the Silk Road. Transfer to the airport for a flight to your next destination.

Enquiry