Explore the Golden Valley|travel package

Explore the Golden Valley
travel package - 8 days / 7 nights For centuries the mostly ethnic Tibetan province of Qinghai has played host to some of Tibetan Buddhism's most famous temples and holy sites. Situated at the center of the Silk Road route, the holy region that straddles Qinghai and Gansu provinces is rich in cross-cultural history. The art work of the various temples and grottoes that dot the area are indicative of the many civilizations that left their mark here. Through a combination of expert guided tours and a genuine home stay experience learn more about the influence of Tibetan culture and Buddhist arts and crafts at this crossroad of ancient trading routes. Witness the nomadic lifestyle of religious pilgrims and marvel at the splendor of traditional Buddhist monasteries and inspiring natural landscapes. A spiritual journey into western China's Buddhist heartland. Day 1 Arrive in Lanzhou - Meet by your guide at airport
- Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum, best known for its ancient sculpture horse (Galloping horse), Silk Road artifacts, and a 4m tall mammoth
- Overnight in Lanzhou Day 2 Lanzhou C Xiahe - Drive to Binglinsi (1.5 hours) and take a boat ride (1 hour) to approach the grottoes Binglingsi Grottos: Over 200 Buddhist caves featuring close to 700 stone statutes and numerous murals, mostly crafted during the Tang Dynasty
- Drive to Xiahe (3.5 hours)
- Overnight in Xiahe Day 3 Xiahe - Visit Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Geluk (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism, also home to the largest number of monks outside of Tibet
- In late afternoon, walk around local market and explore Xiahe town
- Overnight in Xiahe Day 4 Xiahe C Tongren - Drive to Tongren (3.5 hour), home of a number of Tibetan Buddhist Temples and a center of the Tibetan Thangka Painting School
- En route, stop at Shuangpengxi, an authentic Tibetan village to experience the genuine Tibetan lifestyle
- Visit Geng Dhunq Qiu Phel school and play games with the students
- Arrive Tongren in the evening and have dinner
- Overnight in Tongren Day 5 Tongren - Visit Sgo-dmar Gompa, Goma Ancient Town and Kalachakra Pagoda
- In the afternoon, visit local Tibetan family
- Led by each family host, tour local market and buy products for dinner
- Prepare dinners and enjoy it with local family
- Homestay Day 6 Tongren - Morning visit Rongwu Monastery & Wutong Monastery
- Afternoon learn Tangka painting art with local artist
- Spend another night at local family house
- Homestay Day 7 Tongren C Xining - Transfer to Xining (4 hours)
- Visit Kumbum Monastery, also known as "Ta'er Monastery"
- Overnight in Xining Day 8 Depart - Transfer to airport and connect your flight back home
- End of service For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)