TIBETAN PLATEAU & THE YELLOW RIVER

Discover the heart of Amdo, where the vast grasslands of Qinghai meet the sacred monasteries of Gansu. This two-week journey offers an unforgettable blend of Tibetan culture, nature, and community connection.

Explore historic monasteries such as Kumbum, Rebkong, and Labrang, admire the turquoise expanse of Qinghai Lake, and wander through the dramatic Yellow River canyons. Along the way, you’ll share daily life with local Tibetans — learning Thangka painting, momo and incense making, and joining traditional circle dances under the open sky.

Enjoy scenic day hikes, peaceful picnics on the grasslands, and cozy nights in local lodges and village homes. From Xining to Lanzhou, this immersive route reveals the spirit of the Tibetan Plateau — its art, landscapes, and timeless way of life.

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Day 01 – Arrival in Xining
Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, where the high plateau meets the vast northern plains. Meet your local Tibetan tour leader at the airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. After a short rest, gather with your group for a welcome dinner at an authentic Tibetan restaurant — a perfect introduction to the region’s rich flavors and warm hospitality.
Overnight in Xining.

Day 02 – Tibetan Culture and Kumbum Monastery
This morning, visit the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, home to the world’s longest Thangka painting and an exquisite collection of traditional costumes representing all regions of Tibet. After lunch in town, continue to Kumbum Monastery, the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore its golden roofs, incense-filled chapels, and colorful murals before returning to Xining for dinner.
Overnight in Xining.

Day 03 – The Azure Shores of Qinghai Lake
A scenic two-hour drive brings you to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and open grasslands grazed by yaks and horses. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lakeshore with panoramic views of the turquoise waters. In the afternoon, travel onward to Shala Grassland for a short hike (about 2 miles) across its sweeping meadows before continuing to Chabcha (Gonghe) for the night.
Overnight in Chabcha.

Day 04 – The Yellow River Canyon to Rebkong
Drive through the dramatic Longyang Gorge, where the mighty Yellow River cuts deep through the mountains. Stop for photos at a scenic overlook before arriving in Trika (Guide) for lunch. Continue through the Khamra National Park, a landscape of red cliffs and winding rivers, and reach Rebkong (Tongren) in the evening. Check into your hotel and relax over dinner with the group.
Overnight in Rebkong.

Day 05 – The Artists of Rebkong
Rebkong is celebrated for its centuries-old Thangka painting tradition. Today, meet local artists in their homes and workshops to witness this sacred art form in progress. Take part in a Thangka painting workshop at Lower Wutun Monastery, followed by a home-cooked dinner of Tibetan momos shared with the artists’ families.
Overnight in Rebkong.

Day 06 – Village Life and Tibetan Handcrafts
Travel to Nyamo Village, nestled in the foothills surrounding Rebkong. Begin with a short mountain hike to enjoy sweeping valley views. Later, join local women for a momo-making workshop, learning to prepare both yak meat and vegetarian dumplings. In the afternoon, take part in a traditional Tibetan incense-making session, using local herbs and aromatic roots. Return to Rebkong for the evening.
Overnight in Rebkong.

Day 07 – Into Gansu: Ganja Village and Labrang
Depart Rebkong and journey north into Gansu Province. Stop for a two-hour hike in Ganja Village, a peaceful pastoral valley surrounded by prayer flags and nomadic settlements. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to Labrang, one of the most important monastic towns in Amdo. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll through the bustling market streets before dinner.
Overnight in Labrang.

Day 08 – The Great Labrang Monastery
Spend the morning exploring the renowned Labrang Monastery, home to over 2,000 monks and a center of Tibetan learning and ritual. A resident English-speaking monk will guide you through the temple halls, debating courtyards, and prayer circuits. In the afternoon, visit a local yak wool workshop, where you can join the women artisans in their craft.
Overnight in Labrang.

Day 09 – Amchok and Taktsang Lhamu (Langmusi)
Drive to Amchok, home to one of the leading producers of fine yak wool products in the region. Visit their studio and learn about sustainable wool production before continuing to Taktsang Lhamu (Langmusi), a picturesque border town between Gansu and Sichuan. Check in at Tachung Tsang Eco Lodge and enjoy dinner at the lodge’s cozy restaurant.
Overnight in Langmusi.

Day 10 – The White Dragon Valley
Meet Palsang and his team, local conservationists who have dedicated over 20 years to protecting Langmusi’s fragile alpine ecosystem. After a short presentation about their work, set out for a two-hour hike through White Dragon Valley, a serene gorge flanked by limestone cliffs and flowing streams. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Langmusi.

Day 11 – Tibetan Medicine and Healing Traditions
This morning, visit a traditional Tibetan medical center. Meet a local amchi (Tibetan doctor) who will introduce you to the principles of Tibetan healing and show you his small incense-making facility. Spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the town.
Overnight in Langmusi.

Day 12 – Tsu Town and Evening Dance
Drive to Tsu (Hezuo), the capital of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Visit the impressive Tsu Sarkhar Temple, followed by a stroll through the colorful local market. In the evening, join the locals for a traditional Tibetan circle dance, an experience full of music, laughter, and community spirit.
Overnight in Tsu.

Day 13 – Bingling Grottoes and the Yellow River Journey
Travel to the Bingling Grottoes, a remarkable collection of Buddhist caves carved into cliffs along the Yellow River. Cross the river by ferry to explore the grottoes, whose thousand-year-old statues and murals reflect the deep spiritual history of the Silk Road. Continue to Lanzhou, where you’ll savor the city’s famous hand-pulled beef noodles for dinner.
Overnight in Lanzhou.

Day 14 – Departure from Lanzhou
After breakfast, transfer to Lanzhou Airport for your onward flight.
Your journey across the heart of the Tibetan Plateau ends here, leaving you with a deep appreciation of its culture, landscapes, and people.


 

Tour Price
Starting from RMB 7,890 per person

Price Includes

• Accommodation

• Private transportation throughout the tour

• Services of a local English-speaking guide

• Picnic meals as specified in the program

• Bottled water during whole trip

​Price Does Not Include

• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

• Entrance fees for site visits

• International or domestic flights and train tickets