15 Days Qinghai Amnye Machen Trekking Tour
Tour Overview
Amne Machin, or Amnye Machen, reaching up to 6282 meters, is one of the four greatest sacred mountains in Tibetan region. As prat of the Kunlun Mountain Ranges, Amne...
Code of Tour: YCT0000013002
Length of Travel: 15 Day
Destinations of Tour:
Departure City: Xining
Price of Tour: $ 15
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour: Nature Hiking Landscape Climbing
Amne Machin, or Amnye Machen, reaching up to 6282 meters, is one of the four greatest sacred mountains in Tibetan region. As prat of the Kunlun Mountain Ranges, Amne Machin is located in Golog Prefecture in Qinghai, home to many of the Amdo Tibetans. Amne Machin is Tibetan, in which Amne or Amnye means “great ancestor” and Machin or Machen means “the giant mountain at the origin of Machu(Yellow River in China)”.
15 Days Qinghai Amnye Machen Trekking Tour offers an opportunity to trek along the majestic scenery of holy Amnye Machen. Mixed with spectacular Qinghai Lake. 15 Days of endless natural landscapes await to be discovered by you!
Highlights
- Explore authentic Tibetan culture and history by visiting the mountains, villages, monasteries, and streets;
- It is an awe-inspiring experience for you to authentically immerse into the Tibetan way of life;
- Trek on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to capture the majestic Mount Amnye Machen.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1 Xining Arrival
- Day 2 Qinghai Lake Sightseeing
- Day 3 Xining-Machen
- Day 4 Trek to Langri
- Day 5 Trek Through Tamchok Gongkha La Pass
- Day 6 Hike to The Rock Valley of Mowatowa
- Day 7 Trek to Deleni
- Day 8 Qushian River – Jomoyangra
- Day 9 Trek to Jomoyangra
- Day 10 Trekking to Chablong
- Day 11 Trek to Halong-Chu Valley
- Day 12 Drive to Machen
- Day 13 Drive to Trika Town – Trika Cultural Tour
- Day 14 Drive Back to Xining
- Day 15 Xining Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Xining Arrival
Sightseeing and Activities: Xining Arrival
Accommodation: Xining
Meals:none
Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, is the first destination of your Mount Amnye Machen trekking tour. Upon your arrival at the airport or railway station, your local guide will greet you and help you check into the hotel. Since Xining is at 2,295 m. (7,530 ft.) high above the sea level, we highly recommend you to spend the rest of the day to retire for acclimatizing the high altitude. Your memorable trip will start tomorrow morning.
Day 2 Qinghai Lake Sightseeing
Sightseeing and Activities: Qinghai Lake
Accommodation：Xining
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Make a day excursion to Qinghai Lake, the largest salt lake which often serves as the symbolic midway point between Tibet and Mongolia in China. The lake is a gift that is endowed by nature, and you will find it offers you a great escape from the bustling city life. Upon your arrival, visit several highlight spots in the natural reserve of Qinghai Lake. See an extensive array of birds on the Birds Island, walk along the green grassland to visit the temples and lucid springs on the island of Haixin Shan, and enjoy the unique sand scenery of Shadao. In the late afternoon, drive back to Xining for relex.
Day 3 Xining-Machen
Sightseeing and Activities:Lhakyi Mountain – Red Clay Mountains – Ragya Monastery
Accommodation: Machen
Meals:breakfast,lunch
Drive along one of the most beautiful roads in Qinghai to reach Machen, the capital of Golok Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in this morning. First enjoy the natural view of Lhakyi Mountain along the way. Next be impressed by the unique landscapes of Red Clay Mountains and the boundless sand dunes along the Yellow River.En route stop at the Ragya Monastery, the second largest monastery in Qinghai province. Learn about the cultures of Tibetan Buddha by visiting this monastery. After, head to a nomad tent to explore the lifestyle of the locals. After you arrive in Machen this afternoon, get settled into the hotel for the evening.
Day 4 Trek to Langri
Sightseeing and Activities:Trekking to Langri
Accommodation：Langri
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Your trek will starts this morning. After breakfast, drive to the trailhead, where you will be dropped off and begin your trek. Today’s destination is Langri, which is about 15 km. (9 mi.) away from Machen. The trek will take about 6 hours.First, climb over a mountain pass, where you will capture the first sight of Mount Amnye Machen. Stop here to take some photos of this majestic mountain. Then continue trekking to Tsanak Kamdu to meet up with your yak handlers. These people are some locals who can serve as your guides.Afterwards, hike along the Yongkhor-chu River, a holy place where monks and traditional Tibetan medical practitioners receive blessings from Naga (a water god) after collecting herbs. You will often see the monks by the river doing their medical prayers. In the afternoon, you will reach Langri, which is at 4,100 m. (13,451 ft.) above the sea level. You will see some nomadic houses set among the sparse juniper woods in the surrounding hills. Encamp here for the night.
Day 5 Trek Through Tamchok Gongkha La Pass
Sightseeing and Activities:Halong Langri-chu valley – Tamchok Gongkha La Pass
Accommodation：Campsite
Meals:breakfast, lunch
After having breakfast in the campsite, continue the trekking towards the Mount Amnye Machen. Hike through the Halong Langri-chu valley to reach the Tamchok Gongkha La Pass [4,600 m. (15,092 ft.)], which is the second highest pass in this trekking trip. Stop at the pass to capture the snow capped mountains in distance. Afterwards, spend the rest of the day to cross the pass and get to the campsite today, which is about 24 km. (15 mi.) away from Langri. Upon your arrival, your local guide will help you prepare the dinner and make your camp comfortable.
Day 6 Hike to The Rock Valley of Mowatowa
Sightseeing and Activities:Hike to The Rock Valley of Mowatowa
Accommodation：Campsite
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Today you will hike on an average altitude of over 4,400 m, and the sacred Amnye Machen will uncover her mysterious veil to you. First walk over the meadows along the riverside, where you will have frequent views of the snow capped Amnye Machen Range.After, hike descending on the western side to the Rock Valley of Mowatowa, which is your camping place this evening. After encamping, walk around this valley to see numerous interesting rock formations forming different shapes. Then return to your camp for retire.
Day 7 Trek to Deleni
Sightseeing and Activities:Trek to Deleni, Rock Valley of Mowatowa
Accommodation：Campsite
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Start the trek today by walking around the Rock Valley of Mowatowa to visit some meditation caves. These ancient relics served as the holy places for the monks to learn about the Buddhism. The most famous one among these caves is the Retreat of the Great Nyngmapa master Zhabkar Tsokdruk Ringdrol.During your trekking today, you will also see lots of rock towers called the heart of Mochen Pomra. People believe they are the protctor god to Mogya Pomra. After 8 hours trekking you will reach your campsite, Deleni. End the trip today with a comfortable and warm evening.
Day 8 Qushian River – Jomoyangra
Sightseeing and Activities:Qushian River – Jomoyangra
Accommodation：Campsite
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Another trekking day as you will hike about 6 hours to reach Jomoyangra for camping today. First follow the gorge of the Qushian River. Then walk along the path leading to a spur where the king of Ling Gesar was said to tie his horse when resting at the pass. You will have an impressive panorama of the main peaks of Amnye Machen along the way. Afterwards, cross a wide valley where there are gentle slopes. See the beautiful meadows filled with many wild flowers. It will be an amazing experience to camp in such a beautiful place. The campsite is at 4,200 m. above the sea level.
Day 9 Trek to Jomoyangra
Sightseeing and Activities:Dodrub Chode of the Nyingma School
Accommodation：Campsite
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Trek up in the grassy valley this morning. During the summer season you will see lots of nomads settle down in this breathtaking place. Next with a visit to Dodrub Chode of the Nyingma school.At the beginning of the 20th century, Derges Dzongchen Gompa incarnate Lama came to Amney Machen to spread Dzongchen teachings from a Tent monastery. In the following years, his disciples built this monastery to continue learning the Dzongchen teachings. Now there still are about 100 monks in this monastery.After visiting the monastery, continue the trekking to reach Jiashinongke. Today you will camp at an elevation of over 4,200 m. (13,780 ft.)
Day 10 Trekking to Chablong
Sightseeing and Activities: Trekking to Chablong
Accommodation：Campsite
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Today you will trek about 6 hours to get to Chablong. Enjoy the view of the grasslands and primitive bushes. Do not forget to capture these breathtaking scenery with the camera in your hands.As you arrive at the campsite in the afternoon, your guide will help you with the camping. After, stay in the comfortable camp for the evening.
Day 11 Trek to Halong-Chu Valley
Sightseeing and Activities:Halong-Chu Valley
Accommodation：Campsite
Meals:breakfast, lunch
The goal today is to reach Halong-Chu Valley, which is about 22 km. (14 mi) from Chablong. The trek takes about 6 hours. First you will pass Drakdar Pass. Stop here to admire the scenery of Rikhar Tongshang Glacier in distance. See the three ice covered peaks of the Amnye Machen Mountain in blessing.
Day 12 Drive to Machen
Sightseeing and Activities:Machen
Accommodation：Machen
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Your trek will end this morning after you meet the driver in the Halong-chu Valley. Then drive back to Marchen. En route you will pass through various small Tibetan villages. Stop at Chumarna to visit the Chorten Karpo. Also called White Pagoda, this is a holy place for the Tibetan Buddhist believers.In the afternoon, you will reach Marchen. Then get settled into the Xueshan Hotel for the evening. We also recommend you to spend some time roaming this small town to explore the lifestyle of the locals.
Day 13 Drive to Trika Town – Trika Cultural Tour
Sightseeing and Activities:Trika Cultural Tour
Accommodation：Trika
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Leave for Trika, a small town located 330 km. (205 mi.) away from Marchen. Enjoy the unique landscape of the Yellow River Valley. As the second longest river in China, Yellow River is one of the most important cradleland for the Chinese ancient civilizations.Upon your arrival, spend the rest of the day to visit two highlights in this town, Trika Jokhang Temple and King Gesar Art Center. King Gesar has been called the king of world epics as it is the longest of its kind in the world. The Tibetan people created it, and it has been transmitted orally for centuries.
Day 14 Drive Back to Xining
Sightseeing and Activities: Visit Kumbum Monastery
Accommodation: Xining
Meals:breakfast, lunch
Today you will drive back to Xining. En route stop at the Kumbum Monastery, which is located 27 km. (18 mi.) southwest of Xining city. This monastery is considered as one of the two most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside the Tibet. Local people and many Tibetan Buddhists believe that the monastery was originated from a pagoda that marked the birthplace of Tsong Kha-pa, the founder of Gelukpa Sect in 1379. Afterwards, drive back to Xining for the evening. If you want to explore the night life of this city, please ask our guide for some suggestions on where to go and what to see.
Day 15 Departure from Xining
Sightseeing and Activities: Xining Departure
Accommodation：none
Meals:breakfast
The memorable trekking tour comes to an end today. Your guide and drive will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the airport or train station for departure this morning. If you wish to continue your travels, we are experts in tailor made trips and ready to assist you in extending your stay in China.
Recommended Hotels
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Service Included:
- All required government taxes and fees.
- 2 bottles of mineral water provided daily.
- Necessary oxygen and medicine for the acute high altitude sickness.
Guide Inclusions
- Guide fluent in English, Chinese or Japanese that is certified by the state tourism build and from the local community. (If your native language is not listed please let us know, we are certain we can assist your needs.)
Accommodation Inclusions
- Where possible 3 star hotels will always be provided, if the city or town does not have then the local guest house or monastery guest house will be provided (i.e. tent / dormitory bed, no private bathroom etc.)
- Your selection of 3, 4 or 5 Stars hotel (shared twin room, private bathroom and daily breakfast)
- The hotel accommodation is based on two persons sharing one standard twin room with private facilities in all relevant locations. If a single client requests a twin room alone, the single room supplement will be charged.
- Camping gears for the trekking including tent, mattress and sleeping bags. (Optional)
Transportation Inclusions
- Airport and/or train station pick-up and drop-off.
- All domestic flight and train tickets. Economy-class for flights and soft sleeper / seat for train tickets.
- Transportation will we be provided via a comfortable and clean car, minivan or tourist bus depending upon the groups size.
- All necessary animals for portage of luggage. with their caretakers (i.e. Camels, Horses or Yaks.
Attraction Inclusion
- All entrance tickets as noted in the tour’s itinerary.
Meals Inclusions
- All meals during the trekking. Food will vary a combination of packaged with cooked dinners by your guide.
Service Excluded:
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, telephone calls etc.
- Tips for your guide and driver.
Transportation Exclusions
- Flight and/or railway ticket(s) to the first city of the tour and departure from the last city of the tour.
Attraction Exclusions
- Optional Attractions that are not specified in the itinerary.
Meals Exclusions
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Travel Tips:
1. What Are the Features of Our Group Tours
Our Group Tours are budget tour packages with great service which have covered the most popular destinations in Tibet with reasonable trip lengths. Joining in our group tours, you will choose your travel dates from our fixed departures and travel in a small group with maximum members of 12 people.
2. Tibet Permits
There are several permits required to visit Tibet. Tibet Entry Permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is the most important one which has to be obtained before your trip because you must have it to take your flight/train to Tibet. To get the permit, you have to book a Tibet tour with us, and send us your passport and Chinese visa about 20 days in advance, and then let us apply for the permit (all Tibet permits can only be applied by travel agency). If you travel to other prefectures like Shigatse, Nyingchi, Shannan, etc, you also have to obtain an Alien Travel Permit. If you travel to Mount Everest, you have to obtain a Border Permit. (Tibet Discovery, with office in Lhasa, has always kept up with the latest news on Tibet Permits. Traveling with us, all your permits are guaranteed as long as you are qualified to the requirements.)
3. Available Months to Visit Tibet
Generally speaking, you can travel to Lhasa all year around. But months from April to October are more recommended. If you want to extend your trip to other regions, such as Shigatse, Mount Everest, Namtso, Ngari, etc, you are suggested to visit during April to October. Other months are usually very cold, and possible have heavy snow, especially in regions like Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, Namtso Lake, etc.
4. High Altitude Sickness
The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be acclimatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival at Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.
5. How to Go to Tibet
Basically you have two options – flight and train. Currently, you can take a flight to Lhasa from Beijing(4.5hrs), Xian(3.7hrs), Chengdu(2.5hrs), Chongqing(3hrs), Kuming(3hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu and Xian have more frequent flights to Lhasa. You can also fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu(1.5hrs) .Xian(32hrs), Chengdu(43hrs), Shanghai(47hrs), Chongqing(42hrs), Lanzhou(25hrs), Xining(22hrs), Guangzhou(54hrs).
6. Packing and Wearing Ideas
Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring the necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended.
As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.
