Day 01: Chengdu
Arrival in Chengdu, the gateway to Sichuan.
Highlights: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, explore Jinli Ancient Street, and enjoy hotpot.
Overnight: Chengdu.
Day 02: Chengdu – Wolong – Danba
Morning drive to Wolong Nature Reserve, known for its biodiversity and panda habitat.
Continue to Danba, a picturesque Tibetan village famous for stone watchtowers and traditional Tibetan houses.
Highlights: Jiaju Tibetan Village, Suopo Watchtowers.
Overnight: Danba.
Day 03: Danba – Tagong
Travel across lush valleys and rolling grasslands to Tagong, home to vibrant Tibetan culture.
Highlights: Tagong Grasslands, Tagong Monastery (Lhagang Monastery).
Optional: Horseback riding on the grasslands.
Overnight: Tagong.
Day 04: Tagong – Kangding
Journey to Kangding, a culturally rich town with both Tibetan and Han influences.
Highlights: Explore Paoma Mountain and local markets.
Optional: Try the famous yak butter tea.
Overnight: Kangding.
Day 05: Kangding – Litang
Drive through breathtaking mountain scenery to Litang, situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters.
Highlights: Visit Litang Monastery, enjoy the vibrant Tibetan lifestyle.
Overnight: Litang.
Day 06: Litang
Explore the surroundings of Litang.
Highlights: Sacred Huo’er Mountain, open grasslands, local Tibetan festivals (if visiting in summer).
Overnight: Litang.
Day 07: Litang – Ganzi
Travel through the rugged terrain to reach Ganzi, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains.
Highlights: Ganzi Monastery, meet local Tibetans and monks.
Overnight: Ganzi.
Day 08: Ganzi – Yulong Lacuo Lake – Manigange
Visit Yulong Lacuo Lake, a serene alpine lake framed by snow-capped peaks.
Continue to Manigange.
Overnight: Manigange.
Day 09: Manigange – Dege
Journey to Dege, a cultural hub and important center for Tibetan Buddhism.
Highlights: Dege Parkhang Printing House, a UNESCO heritage site.
Overnight: Dege.
Day 10: Dege
Full day to explore Dege.
Highlights: Visit religious and cultural sites, interact with locals.
Overnight: Dege.
Day 11: Dege – Sershul
Drive to Sershul, a remote town showcasing pure Tibetan landscapes.
Highlights: Sershul Monastery, open plains, local markets.
Overnight: Sershul.
Day 12: Sershul – Yushu
Travel to Yushu, a prominent Tibetan cultural and historical destination.
Highlights: Princess Wencheng Temple, Lebagou Grassland.
Overnight: Yushu.
Day 13: Yushu – Maduo
Journey across Tibetan plateaus to Maduo.
Highlights: Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve, headwaters of the Yellow River.
Overnight: Maduo.
Day 14: Maduo – Xinghai
Travel to Xinghai through scenic terrain.
Highlights: Snow-capped peaks and local wildlife sightings.
Overnight: Xinghai.
Day 15: Xinghai – Tongde
Drive to Tongde, stopping to appreciate nature and Tibetan culture en route.
Highlights: Quaint Tibetan villages, cultural exchanges.
Overnight: Tongde.
Day 16: Tongde – Tongren
Continue to Tongren, a renowned center of Thangka painting.
Highlights: Longwu Monastery, visits to local artist workshops.
Overnight: Tongren.
Day 17: Tongren
Explore Tongren’s art and spiritual sites.
Highlights: Cultural deep dive into Tibetan artistry and lifestyle.
Overnight: Tongren.
Day 18: Tongren – Huangzhong (Kumbum Monastery)
Visit Kumbum Monastery, an essential pilgrimage site in Tibetan Buddhism.
Highlights: Stunning murals, butter sculpture art.
Overnight: Huangzhong.
Day 19: Qinghai Lake (Overnight at Bird Island)
Travel to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China.
Highlights: Bird Island (a haven for migratory birds), serene lakeside views.
Overnight: Near Bird Island.
Day 20: Qinghai Lake – Xining
Drive to Xining, a city blending Tibetan and Chinese cultures.
Highlights: Dongguan Mosque, Qinghai Tibetan Medicine Museum.
Overnight: Xining.
Day 21: Xining (End of Trip)
Enjoy Xining and prepare for departure.
Optional: Visit local markets for unique Tibetan and Chinese souvenirs.
21 Days
kham and Qinhai
