Overview

Embark on a five-day trip to the Amdo region of eastern Tibet, a richly Tibetan cultural area in Qinghai province. Get ready to stay with both farmer and nomad families and truly understand life on the Tibetan plateau by cooking with your hosts and milking yaks. This unique opportunity is one you won’t find elsewhere! Your journey will take you to Qinghai Lake, Chabcha Town, Bazong County, Sogwo Grassland, and finally Rebkong where you can witness traditional Thangka painting. Book this family-friendly tour for a memorable experience – as recently reported in The Washington Post, Amdo is the place to go! If you’re looking for more than just this tour, then consider our Xining to Lanzhou tour which features Labrang Monastery.

Day 1 :

Drive from Xining to Qinghai Lake, then Chabcha Town (Gong'he) 230km

In the morning, you will journey from Xining to Lake Kokonor – more commonly known as Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater source in Asia. At 10,499 feet (3200 meters) above sea level, you’ll pass Sun & Moon mountain on your way – wherein Princess Wenchen took the road to Tibet autonomous region in the 7th century. Arriving at 151 settlement, you can explore Er’Lang’Jian scenic spot with lunch by Qinghai Lake. Enjoy marvellous views of the lake through Shala Pass and if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hike up the 12,467 ft./3800m peak? You may even get fresh yak-yogurt from local nomads who graze their animals against a backdrop of spectacular blooms during summertime. Finally for the night, relax and get some rest in a clean nearby hotel.

Day 2 :

Drive to Bazong County via Drakar Monastery, 230km

After breakfast, we will drive to Bazong. (Highlights: Drakar monastery, Bakuk Valley, Yellow river, and the place is the heart of the Zongri Antique Culture. Overnight: Farmstay.

Day 3 :

Drive to Sogwo Grassland, 220km

Through the beautiful grasslands of Tsekog, you will travel to Sogwo after breakfast with the Tibetan farmer family. Learn how to milk and herd yaks, a hands-on experience of the Amdo nomad lifestyle as you experience the livelihood of a Tibetan-Mongolian nomad family. A horseback ride on the grassland in Sogwo is a good idea (own expense). Overnight: Nomad Camping

Day 4 :

Drive to Rebgong, 126km

Start your morning with a wholesome breakfast with the nomadic family, and then embark on a journey to Repkong, the capital of Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This area is renowned for its rich cultural heritage of Tibetan tradition and artistry. 'Lurol', an annual Mountain God Festival, is held here during summer. In addition to being home to several villages and monasteries, this region is also popular for its Tibetan Thangka painting skills that have gained fame across Tibet. During your stay, you will pay Upper and Lower Sengeshong Monasteries a visit, allowing you to admire the breathtaking artwork of Tibetan Thangka paintings. You will spend the night in a Homestay.

Day 5 :

Drive Back to Xining, 165km

Our first stop will be Rongwu Gonchen monastery, the mother monastery of 35 others in the region. It takes around three hours to tour this large monastery. Afterward, we will have lunch in Repkong before driving to Xining and transfer to our hotel.