CUT003-1: Overland from Xining to Lhasa

Introduction

Xining is the provincial political, economic, scientific and cultural center of Qinghai Province. Xining is a popular summer resort for Chinese tourists because it is usually quite cool in the summer. Xining has many historical sites, including the Great Mosque and the Ta'er Lamasery.

Overland from Xining to Lhasa

In this 17 days tour,you will not only have a  chance to see the beauty of the Lhasa city,such as:Potala Palace, Tsepung monastery. but also can have a look of Korkolor lake.

Day1: Arrive in Xining

Our well-trained tour guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer to the hotel in the city. Xining is located on the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the upper reaches of Huangshui River. It is the political, economic, scientific and technological, cultural and traffic center of Qinghai Province with an average altitude of over 2200 meters (about 7217 feet).

Day2: Xining sightseeing

Drive 25km to Ta'er monastery (located in Huangzhong county), it is the biggest monastery in Qinghai(of Gelupa order) which was the birth place of Chongkhaba (founder of Gelupa). In Xining city, visit the Dongguan Muslim temple (one of the 4 most famous Muslim temple in China.

Day3: Xining to Korkolor lake

Drive to the far west end of the lake by the northern side of the lake via Haiyan county and Gangcha county. Korkolor lake (Qinghai lake) is the biggest salty and holy lake in China west. It has a water over 4400 square kilometers. Enjoy the day there on taking boat for sightseeing.

Day4: Korkolor lake to Gonghe county

Leaving Lake for Gonghe by the road on the southern side of the lake passing by Heimahe and Daotanghe. Visit Chapucha mosque at Gonghe.

Day5: Gonghe to Mardo

Enjoying and taking photos along the way. The Yellow River flows by Mardo town, the first bridge over Yellow river is at here.

Day6: Mardo to Yushu (Jyekundo)

Passing the Bayankhara mountains, at the pass, overlooking the vast valley below. Before arriving Yushu, visit the Xiewu monastery and its local houses; visit Daka monastery (of Kagyulpa) and Gyanha Mani gallet at Xinzhai village.

Day7: Yushu sightseeing

Visit Batang monastery (of Kagyulpa) at Batang village and the wide grassland. Every year the grand Yushu Kham horse racing festival will be held here. And visit the tem[ple for princess Wencheng and Gyiegu monastery (of Sakyapa).

Day8: Yushu to Nangqian county

There are a lot of forests in Langqian county, many Kagyulpa monasteries scattered in the forests. In history, Yushu area was the resurging place for Buddhism after the time of Tibetan king - Dhamo. At Nangqian, visit Longxhi monastery.

Day9: Nangqian to Riwuqi

Riwuqi and Dingchen counties are very important to Tibetan Buddhism, esp. for the Bon religion after its defeat in the Mid of 9th century (when it was defeated by Buddhism and lost its control over the royal family and Tibet). At Riwuqi, pay a visit to Chagyiema hall and Riwuqi monastery at old town of Riwuqi. The view in the new town (which is built by river in a valley) is charmful.

Day10: Riwuqi to Dingchen (240KM)

At Shagong village, there is a famous Zizhu monastery (of Bon religion) which is biggest Bon religion monastery in Kham area. Dingchen in history was an important refugee for Bon religion after its defeat in 9th century. visit Zizhu monastery

Day11: Dingchen to Bachen to Suoxian (255KM)

Drive to Suoxian, visit SuoKhetsan monastery

Day12: Suoxian county to Nakchu (230KM)

Nakchu is the most important and biggest town in the Northern grassland of Tibet highland. Four road meet here (taking Naqu as the center, to south is Lhasa, to the north is to Golmud, to the west is to Gar and to the east is to Chamdo). From 1st to 10th day of every August, there is a grandest horse racing festival at Nakchu. Visit Xiaoden monastery at Nakchu (of Bon religion).

Day13: Nakchu to Namtso lake (260KM)

Namtso is the biggest lake in Tibet, and the second holiest lake in the pilgrims' hearts, its elevation is 4718m, beside it is grand Nyianchen Tanghula mountain, its peak (of 7162m) can be clearly viewed from the lakeside. Around the lake is huge and vast prairie. It is a worth place to visit.

Day14: Namtso lake to Lhasa (240KM)

Passing Yangbajing geothermos fields and the Duilong river to Lhasa. On the way (60km before Lhasa), go and visit the Tsupu monastery (of Kagyulpa). Tsupu monastery is the home monastery of Kagyulpa order.

Day15: Lhasa sightseeing

In the morning, visit the grand - looking Potala Palace, which was built in the 7th century for the King. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang temple and stroll in the famous local bazaar - Parkhor street.

Day16: Lhasa sightseeing

Visit Tsepung monastery which is the biggest monastery in Tibet. Then visit Sera monastery and Norbulingka which can give you deep impression of Tibet arts and civilization.

Day17: Lhasa to your destination by air

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