Overview
Focus visiting on Sertar Larung Gar Buddhist Institute & Western Sichuan
Sertar, is a remote and high altitude county, also a sacred and influential cultural and spiritual land among Tibetan regions and even the international disciples. Sertar was originally established by the tribes immigrated from Hoh Xil in the west part of China. It stands at the high altitude and nomadic regions between Kham and Amdo, bordering three Tibetan prefectures and six counties of two provinces of Sichuan and Qinghai. The most attractive part in Sertar is Larung Gar Buddhist Institute, the world’s largest Buddhist Academy. Founded in 1980, Sertar attracts around 20,000 monks, nuns and lay students residing the site now, and surprisingly included half of women and approximate 10% of ethnic Han people and students from Hongkong, Taiwan and other Asian countries, whom come to here for the rigorous study of Tibetan Buddhism, medication and a coveted Khenpo degree, the Bachelor's degree in divinity. This massive student numbering lays out an enormous campus, which gives a spectacular view in the gorgeous valley. Sertar is also one of the most important cradles and components of Gesar Cultures. Many heritages and historical relics concerned with King Gesar could be easily found here, such as the traditional Tibetan drama, stone statues and exquisite murals. Nearby Jinma Grassland (Golden Horse Grassland) is believed to be used a batter field for King Gesar. In every late July, people gather here to hold grand festival for commemorating this brilliant historical hero. The tour will take the focus to this mysterious corner of Sertar, along with a few region’s renowned monasteries, the stunning scenes and sites of the passed by villages and townships in western Sichuan.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Chengdu & City Sightseeing
Day 02 Barkham (B)
Day 03 Sertar (B)
Day 04 Larung Gar Valley (B)
Day 05 Gantze (B)
Day 06 Tawu (B)
Day 07 Kangding (B)
Day 08 Drive back to Chengdu (B)
Day 09 Chengdu Departure (B)
Get Inspired
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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: Barkham (B)
Take the road through fertile Chengdu Plain to highland of Kham. En the route, visit a Qiang village, their embroidery and interesting architectures of the tall watchtowers and fortress, experience unique Qiang cultures. Next, visit Choktse village, a 5-storey stone Tibetan houses of outstanding architecture that was the defending fortress belonged to a local chieftain. Overnight in Barkham, the capital town of Aba Autonomous Prefecture.
Day 03: Sertar (B)
Hit the road eastward to Sertar through the densely forested valley, the fields of cultivated barley extend at the road sides. Many old buildings with shaped Tibetan houses scattered the villages along the way. As the trail get into the verdant grassland that takes us at Sertar, the seat for Larung Gar Buddhist Institute, the world’s largest Buddhist college.
Day 04: Larung Gar Valley (B)
Full day explore Larung Gar, where Larung Gar Buddhist Institute located. Thickly dotted the pair of hillsides and sprawl the valley for a few kilometers, the Institute gives a breathless and surprising view than you ever imagined. Thousands of monks, nuns and disciples long stay here for study of Tibetan Buddhism, also philosophy, astronomy, painting, poetry, medicine and history. Ascending to the top of the valley for the spectacular bird’s view, and possibly the celestial burial at the nearby hillside.
Day 05: Gantze (B)
Cross the county’s grassland to visit Dungkar Monastery, one of the three largest gompas in Sertar. The road then extends to the southwest, ascends Nyainlung Pass (4,671m), pass through in the luxuriant valley, the fertile barley fields spread at road sides. Thereafter the craggy trail passes the 4,100 meters watershed, while Gantze county will be arrived. Visit Gantze Monastery, the region’s largest lamasery.
Day 06: Tawu (B)
Today drive to Tawu through the deep and densely forested Yarlung gorge. Tonight you will stay in the local Tibetan family, visit their extraordinary house and ornate decorations, chat with the host, learn about their traditions and cultures.
Day 07: Kangding (B)
Leave Tawu by passing through a few big grasslands dominated by picturesque Tibetan hamlets. On the route, visit Geda Shambaling Monastery. Later visit Tagong Monastery, one of the impact monasteries in Kham. Next, the highway extends to tranquil and fascinated Xinduqiao, climbs up 4,298m Zhedo Pas to arrive at Kangding, the seat of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Explore the town for night market.
Day 08: Drive back to Chengdu (B)
Take the scenic drive to Chengdu.
Day 09: Chengdu Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport or the train station according to the schedule.
Experiences & Activities
- Witness the astonished sight of Larung Gar Buddhist Institute at Sertar
- Traipse in Gyarongpa villages of Danba & visit the ancient watchtowers
- Visit famous Gantze Monastery, Huiyuan Monastery & Tagong Monastery
- Experience picturesque villages and their particular ornate houses & high castles
