Adventure awaits as we explore the glacier of one of Tibet’s holiest mountains, Amnye Machen, and the headwaters of the Yellow River, China’s second longest river.
The Golok Tibetan people live in some of the wildest and most magnificent lands in all the Tibetan Plateau. In this in-depth overland tour we start and finish in Xining, the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. On this tour you will stand at the bottom of the glaciers of Amnye Machen, experience the richness of authentic Tibetan culture, and view China’s largest salt lake at 3,200 meters. We will also see the bright turquoise waters of Kyaring Lake and Nyoring Lakes, thought to be the source of the Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese civilization and the seventh longest river in the world.
The Yellow River, with a total length of over 5400kms /3400 miles, starts in a remote and desolate open plateau that offers lots of chances to view unique wildlife like Tibetan antelope, Tibetan Wild Ass, Black necked cranes, and the rare and elusive Tibetan fox. From it’s source to its winding banks along the Tibetan Plateau, the entire Yellow River area is stunning. It offers everything from high snow-capped mountains to grasslands filled with yaks to farmlands. The Tibetan culture in this area is some of the best preserved in all of Tibet.
The Golok tribe is located in the Golog Tibet Autonomous Prefecture (མགོ་ལོག་བོད་རིགས་རང་སྐྱོང་ཁུལ་) which is located in
southeastern Qinghai province, in the Amdo region of Tibet. Most of the Golok people are nomadic with many of them living in traditional style Tibetan tents woven from coarse yak hair. A good portion of Golog is well above 4000m / 13,120 feet, but we will acclimate slowly to this altitude following the Yellow River to its source from China’s largest salt lake, Qinghai Lake. Golok is famous across the Tibetan Plateau as being the home of Amnye Machen, one of the 4 main holy mountains of Tibet. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to Amnye Machen, Qinghai’s tallest mountain at 6282m / 20,605 feet.
On this spectacular journey, we will make a loop to and from Xining with Amnye Machen as our furthest point along the way. But getting there is half the fun! Every turn is full of surprises as we trek mountains, explore monasteries, and discover cultural highlights while we make our way to and from the glacier’s edge. This trip is for those who want to experience the food, traditions, and culture in Tibet’s remote villages. Come out and sip some yak butter tea in a mud hut, eat some delicious and creamy yak yoghurt, learn how to herd sheep with a yak hair slingshot, and see the beauty and diversity of some of Qinghai’s biggest and most ornate monasteries.
Day 1: Arrive Xining, October 29
Day 2: Day Hike, October 30
Day 3: Xining - Qinghai Lake, October 31
Day 4: Qinghai Lake - Serdzong Monastery, November 1
Day 5: Serdzong Monastery - Madao, November 2
Day 6: Headwaters of the Yellow River, November 3
Day 7: Mighty Amnye Machen, November 4
Day 8: Machen - Zeku, November 5
Day 9: Zeku - Xining, November 6
Day 10: Depart Xining, November 7
Tour Highlights
Hiking behind a Buddhist hermitage at Youning Monastery
The crystal blue waters of Qinghai Lake, China's largest salt lake
The source of the Yellow River at the brilliant alpine Kyaring Lake and Nyoring Lakes
Wildlife photography, including Tibetan Antelope, Wild Ass, Yaks, Marmot, Pika, Tibetan Fox
The glaciers of Amnye Machen, one of Tibet's holiest mountains
Tour Fare
Price includes:
all meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 10 -all ground transportation
local Tibetan English-speaking guide -experienced lead guide, Ben Cubbage
9 nights accommodation in hotels (we may also have the opportunity to spend 1-2 nights in an authentic Tibetan Homestay)
all entrance fees and permits
airport transfers to and from Xining, China
all bottled water
Price does not include:
International and domestic flights in and out of Xining, China
Visa costs to China
Souvenirs and personal expenses
Travel insurance (required for each participant)
Booking/ Enquiry Form
Please fill the form bellow with the details of the trip you are interested in. We are more than to happy to assist you in planning your trip.
