Embark on a journey to Amdo Tibet, immersing yourself in the rich cultural life and traditions of Tibetan nomads and farmers. Travel across the breathtaking Qinghai Plateau, camping near nomadic families, visiting hidden monasteries, and exploring traditional Thangka painting workshops—all within a budget-friendly itinerary.
This Amdo cultural travel package offers an authentic experience, taking you through less-visited regions to connect with the backbone of Tibetan culture—its nomadic communities. If you’re in Xining, consider day trips or a Qinghai tour package before planning further. For deeper exploration, we also recommend the Kham and Amdo Overland journeys.
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in the morning to begin your journey. Drive towards Nyisar Gongkar Mountain, where you’ll first encounter the vast Tibetan grasslands. Traveling along a scenic, off-the-beaten-path road, you’ll witness endless rolling plains, with only a few local vehicles passing by.
After about two hours, arrive at Lake Kokonor (Chi: Qinghai Hu)—the largest saltwater lake on the Tibetan Plateau. Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view from Shala Pass, an uncrowded viewpoint offering the best vistas of the lake. Continue your drive through Shala Grassland and past traditional Tibetan farming villages before reaching Chabcha Town in the evening.
📍 Overnight at Hai Nan Hotel, Chabcha Town
After breakfast, drive two hours through expansive nomadic regions, passing scattered Tibetan villages. Arrive at Drakar Monastery, a hidden gem and one of Tibet’s 25 sacred power places. Explore the monastery and, if you wish, take a kora (ritual circumambulation) around the site—about a two-hour walk.
Return to Drakar County for lunch, then embark on a two-hour drive to Bazong County (Chi: Tongde). Before reaching Bazong, stop to admire the stunning panoramic views of Baku Canyons, a dramatic natural landscape. Arrive in Bazong by early evening.
📍 Overnight at Zongri Hotel, Bazong
Depart for Sogwo, passing through Tsekok County. En route, visit Hor Monastery, a secluded Yogi retreat monasteryfeaturing an ancient Mani Wall.
Continue driving across vast rolling grasslands, home to countless nomadic families and yak herds. Arrive in Sogwo by evening, where you’ll camp near a Tibetan nomad family, offering a rare chance to experience traditional nomadic life under the stars.
📍 Overnight: Camping near a nomadic family
Drive through Kesum Grassland and visit the sacred Lhamu Latso Hot Springs, a spiritually significant site surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Continue through Drakgyago Gorge, where you’ll encounter Mongolian nomads who settled in this region during the 13th century.
Arrive in Kesum at noon, then travel through Serlong Valley, following the Yellow River and passing numerous nomadic settlements. Reach Labrang in the early evening.
📍 Overnight at Bao Ma Hotel, Labrang
Begin the day with a guided tour of Labrang Monastery, led by a local monk. Afterward, take time to explore the monastery on your own and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
After lunch, drive to Rebgong (Chi: Tongren), passing beautiful Tibetan nomadic towns along the way. Stop to enjoy fresh homemade yogurt in one of the villages before arriving in Rebgong for the night.
📍 Overnight in Rebgong
Visit the famous Seng-ge Shong Monasteries (Upper & Lower), home to Tibet’s most renowned Thangka painting schools. Experience the artistry firsthand by visiting a local Thangka painter’s home, where you can enjoy traditional Tibetan butter tea while admiring their intricate paintings.
In the evening, return to Xining, concluding your unforgettable journey.
📍 Tour Ends in Xining
The Amdo Monlam Prayer Festival is a significant Tibetan Buddhist celebration, typically held in the Amdo region (present-day Qinghai, Gansu, and parts of Sichuan) in eastern Tibet. The festival features elaborate prayers, ritual ceremonies, and offerings, with monks, pilgrims, and locals gathering to pray for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all sentient beings. It’s one of the most important spiritual events for Tibetan Buddhists in this region.
The Amdo Monlam Prayer Festival is usually held annually during the Tibetan New Year (Losar), which generally falls in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar. The dates vary each year, so it’s important to check for specific dates before planning your visit.
During the tour, you can expect to witness large-scale prayer ceremonies, vibrant Tibetan Buddhist rituals, traditional chanting, and monastic dances. The event also features intricate mandalas, butter lamp offerings, and the chance to meet pilgrims from all over Tibet and surrounding regions. It’s a deeply spiritual and culturally rich experience, offering a unique glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Yes, the Amdo Monlam Prayer Festival tour can be an enriching experience for both first-time and returning visitors to Tibet. While it involves some cultural and spiritual immersion, our guided tours are designed to accommodate different levels of familiarity with Tibetan Buddhism. Our knowledgeable local guides will help explain the significance of the rituals and ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
For the tour, it’s important to bring warm clothing, especially if traveling in winter, as the region can get quite cold. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and it’s a good idea to bring a camera to capture the festival’s vibrant colors and scenes (though be mindful of local customs regarding photography). If you’re participating in prayers or rituals, respectful attire and behavior are essential. Additionally, having a basic understanding of Tibetan Buddhist customs can enhance your experience.
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Adventures In Tibet is a highly trusted and reliable travel agency in Lhasa, Tibet, renowned for offering the best-organized tours across the Tibetan plateau. With expert planning, personalized services, and a commitment to exceptional experiences, we ensure every traveler enjoys a seamless journey to the Roof of the World.
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