Mount Amnye Machen Trekking

Day 1: Arrive in Xining

Welcome to Xining! Transfer to your hotel and get settled. Double check your trekking gears and prepare for the trek. If all is set, we recommend you to visit Qinghai Tibetan Medical and Cultural Museum (Normal entrance fee 60Y per person).

Day 2: Xining to Machen(Maqing) via Ragya Monastery

Driving along the one of most beautiful roads in Qinghai, you will see Lhakyi Mountain, red clay mountains, Qinghai geographic park, sand dunes and the Yellow River. Visit Ragya Monastery and a nomad tent before arriving in Machen, the capital of Golok Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Stay in Machen for the night.

Day 3: Machen-Tsanak Kamdu trek Start Point - Trek to Dolma Bumdzong (alt: 3960m)

After the driver drops us off at the trailhead of Tsanak Khamdu which is approximately about 80km west of Machen, on the way, you will see first sight of Mount Amnye Machen in distance. we will begin our trek. Today the trail passes through a deep and narrow gorge to Tsanak Kamdu – the place of Golden and White Stupas. In the afternoon we will reach Dolma Bumdzong – the sacred sight of Arya Tara – a female boddhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. She is well known as the “mother of liberation”, and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements. Camp overnight at Tara’s place. Camp at the river side.

Day 4: Dolma Bumdzong – Tamchok (4650 m)

Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Today we will cross several mountain rivers, pass through several nomad families, and camp in front of the “face” of the Mt. Amnye Machen on the bank of the river Yungri-chu with holy water coming from the glacier. Here nomads as well as Tibetan pilgrims make offerings to the protector Machen Pompa, praying for the good luck and happiness of all sentient beings.

Day 5: Tamchok – Tamchok la pass (4700 m) – Tagkhen Latsetsa (4400 m)

While having breakfast, our crew will busy themselves packing up our gear and getting ready to set off for the day. Our local Tibetan guide will lead us up and across the Tamchok Gongkha La Pass (4,700 m). This is the highest pass of this trek. At this summit the incredible view of the surrounding mountain range includes a full view of the holy Mt. Amnye Machen. Then the trail from the highest pass descends through the meadows along the river banks, allowing frequent views of the sacred mountain range. There are several lakes near the trail. Locals regard them as ‘chopa’ – offerings to the protector Machen Pomra as well as to other mountain gods.

Day 6: Tagkhen Latsetsa – mountain pass – Shari Phagyab (4210 m)

Today trail leads through huge rocky mountain and cliff formations. Near the cliffs of Goku Chenmo there are 2 towering rocks Mopa and Towa, which are considered to be sites of ‘torma’ offerings to the gods. Two towers are considered as the entrance to the “Heavenly Palace” of the protector Machen Pomra.

Day 7: Shari Phagyab – Dradi Latse (3980 m) – Gonghe / Chabcha

Trekking along the Qushan river, crossing its streams. At the end of the trek you will visit an old Gelug monastery with ancient prayer wheels and torma offerings. Then you will finally get back to our start point near Tawo Sholma, accomplishing a complete circumambulation of holy Mt. Amnye Machen! Your car will pick you up and drive to Chabcha, where you can rest at the hotel.

Day 8: Chabcha – Qinghai Lake / Kukunor (3200m)– Xining

Today, we will pass the Serchen Mountain which is a holy mountain for the Tibetan People at the Qinghai Lake and Chabcha. On the way, you will see nomadic black and white tents with their livestock scattering on the hill and valleys. After you pass Serchen La pass which is almost 4000m above sea level, then we will descend and all of sudden, the giant lake appears in front of you. There are stop points on the way where you can get off the car to take photos. Once you reach the lake, we will stop for a longer time to give you enough time to enjoy the lake. Afterwards, we will make our way back Xining.

Day 9: Depart from Xining

Our driver will come to pick you up from your hotel and take you to Xining airport. Please make sure you give you about 2 hours at the airport in the peak season, there are big lines to get the boarding pass and go to the security checks.

Say goodbye to your guide, driver and Qinghai. We hope to see you again soon!