13-Day Kham & Amdo Tibetan Plateau Expedition

13-Day Kham & Amdo Tibetan Plateau Expedition

This adventurous overland expedition journeys through the remote Tibetan regions of Kham and Amdo, exploring sacred monasteries, nomadic landscapes, high mountain passes, and culturally rich Tibetan towns rarely visited by mainstream tourism. Traveling through Sichuan and Qinghai Provinces, this route offers authentic encounters with Tibetan spirituality and traditional life.

Trip Details

Trip Duration
13 days
Group Size
2-8
Trip Type
Cultural Trips
Trip Location
Amdo Tibet, Kham Tibet

This adventurous overland expedition journeys through the remote Tibetan regions of Kham and Amdo, exploring sacred monasteries, nomadic landscapes, high mountain passes, and culturally rich Tibetan towns rarely visited by mainstream tourism. Traveling through Sichuan and Qinghai Provinces, this route offers authentic encounters with Tibetan spirituality and traditional life.

Trip Details

Trip Duration
13 days
Group Size
2-8
Trip Type
Cultural Trips
Trip Location
Amdo Tibet, Kham Tibet

Highlights include Tagong Grasslands, Dege Printing House, Dzogchen Monastery, Yushu, Qinghai Lake, and spectacular Tibetan Plateau scenery, making this journey ideal for photographers, cultural explorers, and travelers seeking a deeper connection to Tibetan culture.

Amdo grasslands Yaks in Qinghai

Day 1

Arrival in Chengdu

Airport transfer and city exploration. Overnight in Chengdu. (500m)

Day 2

Chengdu to Tagong

Drive through mountain landscapes to Tagong. Visit Lhagang Monastery and enjoy views of Yala Snow Mountain. Overnight in Tagong.

Day 3

Tagong to Ganzi

Travel through Tibetan grasslands and visit Ganzi Monastery. Overnight in Ganzi.

Day 4

Ganzi to Palyul

Drive through remote valleys to Palyul and visit Palyul Monastery. Overnight in Palyul.

Day 5

Palyul to Dege

Visit Dege Printing House and Dege Monastery. Overnight in Dege.

Day 6

Dege to Dzogchen

Travel through mountain scenery and visit sacred lakes before arriving at Dzogchen Monastery. Overnight near monastery.

Day 7

Dzogchen to Serxu

Cross remote Tibetan grasslands and nomadic regions. Overnight in Serxu.

Day 8

Serxu to Yushu

Visit Serxu Monastery and continue to Yushu. Overnight in Yushu.

Day 9

Exploring Yushu

Explore Princess Wencheng Temple and famous Mani stone carvings. Overnight in Yushu.

Day 10

Yushu to Maduo

Drive across alpine landscapes and high mountain passes. Overnight in Maduo.

Day 11

Maduo to Qinghai Lake

Travel to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest alpine lake. Overnight near Qinghai Lake.

Day 12

Qinghai Lake to Xining

Morning hike by the lake before driving to Xining. Overnight in Xining.

Day 13

Exploring Xining

Visit Kumbum Monastery and the Tibetan Cultural Museum. Overnight in Xining.

Day 14

Departure Day

Transfer to airport or train station.

Price Includes

Your Tibetan Trails journey is designed to provide a seamless and authentic travel experience across the Tibetan Plateau. The tour price includes:

  • Accommodation in carefully selected Tibetan boutique hotels, guesthouses, or luxury lodges throughout the itinerary.
  • For trekking and backpacking expeditions, all camping arrangements including tents, cooking equipment, pack animals (horses or yaks where required), and support staff. Guests are welcome to bring their own sleeping bag and sleeping pad, though these can also be provided upon request.
  • Cultural experiences and nomadic activities as outlined in the itinerary.
  • All meals during the tour, typically beginning with lunch or dinner on the first day and continuing through the conclusion of the trip. (Many other travel agencies cut out lunch and dinner for guests to make the prices seem lower, but we believe every traveler should experience the true culinary richness of Tibet and include a generous food budget inside our tours).
  • One professional English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout the journey. Our guides have over 15 years of experience with foreigners.
  • Private transportation in a comfortable van, SUV, or bus, including all ground transportation specified in the itinerary.
  • All entrance fees and permits for attractions, monasteries, parks, and sites included in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation and meals for guides, drivers, and support staff.
  • Local mountain guides where required for specific trekking routes.
  • All required travel permits, legal paperwork, and group insurance required for travel within Tibetan regions.
  • Unlimited bottled drinking water throughout the tour.

Price Excludes

The following items are not included in the tour price:

  • International or domestic flights and train tickets.
  • Personal travel insurance. We require all travelers to obtain their own travel insurance for the duration of their trip. We recommend purchasing coverage through World Nomads or a comparable provider.
  • Visa fees, passport fees, and any related travel documentation costs.
  • Optional activities or excursions not specifically listed in the itinerary.
  • Alcoholic beverages, specialty drinks, and personal snacks.
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, and support staff (recommended for excellent service).
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone charges.
  • Costs resulting from itinerary changes, flight delays, weather conditions, altitude-related issues, government restrictions, natural disasters, or other force majeure events beyond our control.

Trip Highlights

  • Tagong Grasslands and Yala Snow Mountain
  • Dege Printing House
  • Dzogchen Monastery
  • Yushu Tibetan region
  • Qinghai Lake
  • Remote Tibetan nomadic culture