Overview
A week overland tour from Chengdu in Sichuan to Lanzhou in Gansu or Vice Versa
Chengdu – Barkham - Tangkor – Langmusi – Xiahe – Lanzhou
A traditional overland route traverses from Chengdu in Sichuan province to Lanzhou in Gansu province, straddling the Loess Plateau to the far-eastern Tibet Plateau, along with the most easterly edge of Amdo Tibetan region. Both Chengdu and Lanzhou are one of the two important outposts for visiting the Tibetan plateau that allows you could start the trip ease from either place. Whichever way you choose to experience it, it takes you mere hours from the city to hit on the wilderness of Tibetan world where nomads can be found living in traditional style yak wool tents and they speak their own dialect of Tibetan, distinct from the local Amdo dialect. Our journey passes through the sprawling grasslands that emerge into an amazing shade of green during the summer season. We travel some beautiful valleys surrounded by alpine forests and soaring peaks. The basins of the Yellow River, the meandering tributaries are crossed and recrossed by the network of the stunning highway trails. Along with the beautiful natures, the area has some of the best preserved Tibetan culture remaining includes plenty of monasteries to see.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Chengdu & City Sightseeing
Day 02 Chengdu - Barkham (B)
Day 03 Barkham - Tangkor (B)
Day 04 Tangkor – Zoige - Langmusi (B)
Day 05 Langmusi - Xiahe (B)
Day 06 Xiahe – Bingling Caves - Lanzhou (B)
Day 10 Lanzhou Departure or Extension (B)
Get Inspired
https://plateautours.com/destinations/sichuan-kham/amdo-fringe-overland-tour#sigProId20263828d5
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Chengdu & City Sightseeing
Upon arrive at Chengdu and transfer to your hotel. Get refreshment in the hotel, we step out for the Wide and Narrow alleys (Kuan Zhai Xiangzi), two ancient streets preserved from the old architectures in Ming and Qing dynasties in Chengdu. In the evening time, enjoy the magical Sichuan Opera and Face Changing Show, the ancient Chinese dramatic art.
Day 02: Chengdu - Barkham (B)
Morning we leave Chengdu for Barkham, the capital town of Aba Autonomous Prefecture. En the route, stop for visit a Qiang village, their embroidery and interesting architectures of the tall watchtowers and fortress, experience unique Qiang cultures. At Barkham, visit Choktse village for the 5-storey stone houses of outstanding architecture that was the defending fortress belonged to a local chieftain.
Day 03: Barkham - Tangkor (B)
Take the trail to Tangkor. On the route, En the route, visit a Tibetan Buddhist Pagodas, a religious commemoration for the tenth Panchen Lhama. Have a spectacular view of the Giant Nine Bends of Yellow River, and visit nearby Roc Monastery, enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Day 04: Tangkor – Zoige - Langmusi (B)
Early morning view the amazing sunrise of the nine bends of Yellow River. Then hit the road ascending to Zoige Grassland, one of China’s largest marshland prairies, also the habitat for the wild Black-necked cranes. Excurse at Huahu Lake (Flower Lake) located in the heart of grassland for flower and plenty of birds views. Continues travel further north, arrives at Langmusi, a town divides between Sichuan and Gansu Provinces. Explore the town for free.
Day 05: Langmusi - Xiahe (B)
Visit two great Gelugpa sect. monasteries this morning at Langmusi. Then head further northward to Xiahe. En-route, pass by a turquoise lake of Gahai Lake, a sanctuary for migratory birds include black-necked cranes. Visit the incredible Milarepa Palace, a unique Tibetan temple ranging spectacularly over nine floors. At Xiahe, visit Labrang Monastery, the most important Gelugpa sect seat outside Lhasa.
Day 06: Xiahe – Bingling Caves - Lanzhou (B)
Today we leave for Lanzhou. The road heads out east through a highly fertile valley. En the route, stop to visit Bingling Thousand-Buddha Caves over the Yellow River by boat. There are 183 Buddhist grottoes containing unscathed 694 statues and many terracotta sculptures and frescoes. The oldest date from 420 AD, older than those in Dunhuang Grottoes.
Day 10: Lanzhou Departure or Extension (B)
Extend the tour to Tibet/Silk Road or transfer to the airport/train station for other destinations.
Experiences & Activities
- Peruse the astonishing Biling Buddhist grottoes complex
- Visit Amdo’s principal monastery of Labrang, and other hidden religious sites
- Witness Zoige Marshland & the Nine Bends of Yellow River
- Get insight into authentic Tibetan nomads and herds of yaks, sheep and horses
- Great chances to view many wild birds and mammals
