Mt. Amnye Machen Trek
Mt. Amnye Machen Trek
Mt. Amnye Machen Trek
Have you ever made a pilgrimage to a sacred peak or holy lake where gods and wrathful deities dwell? As Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims see it. Devotees flock yearly to areas where the exploits of yogins and wrathful deities have left visible marks on the landscape. Now, you can join the pilgrims who undertake the Kora of Amnye Machen on foot or by making full body prostrations, alone or with their families. While circumambulation, you can explore the haunts of alpine wildlife, take in the subtlety and simplicity of nomadic life, and try to charm a timid yak. While traveling through the rugged countryside, you will discover for yourself why the gods still live here. Mt. Amnye Machen (6282m /20’605 feet) has long been considered a sacred mountain and a place of pilgrimage. It lies at the heart of the Golog nomadic land in Amdo Tibet. Every summer season, many Tibetans circumambulate the mountain. The atmosphere of Kora (religious circumambulation) is pious and is equal to the Kailash Kora in significance.
Highlights
- ExploreDelve into ancient monasteries and experience nomadic traditions.
- ArtistryWitness traditional Tibetan art and visit Tibetan Thangka painters in Rebgong.
- ChallengeEmbark on a 7-day mountain trek to glacier-fed lakes.
- MountainReach the holiest mountain pass with peaks reaching for the heavens.
- RetreatCamp by a Highland Lake, offering tranquility and opportunities to observe diverse wildlife.
- MeditationVisit sacred peaks where deities of Tibetan Buddhism find their abode.
- Azure GemAdmire the largest inland lake on the plateau, an expansive blue expanse captivating like a precious jewel.
- EpicWitness a 500-meter-long painting that eloquently narrates the history, religion, and culture of the region.
Tour Summary
Summary
- Best season:
- May-October
- Status
- Client
- Group Size
- 2 - 12
- Due date
16 nights
Lanzhou
Xining
- Due date
9 nights
6 days
7 nights
Day 1-4
visiting old monasteries and culture highlights of Amdo region of Tibet
Embark on a mesmerizing expedition, where each day unfolds new chapters of discovery. Our journey sets off from Lanzhou, as we board a boat to navigate the tranquil waters of the Yellow River reservoir, ultimately arriving at the awe-inspiring Binglinsi grottoes complex. Here, ancient stone statues and intricate carvings grace the cliff's edge, weaving tales of eras long gone. As our path winds through Labrang, we delve into the world of old temples and monastic colleges, harmonizing with the rhythm of Tibetan pilgrims as they partake in the sacred art of circumambulation. Venturing forward, the enigmatic realm of Langmusi emerges, where nature and spirituality entwine, inviting us to embark on serene hikes through hills that whisper secrets and valleys that echo tranquility. Our journey to Rebgong unfolds a tapestry of village life and boundless grasslands, adorned with an ancient Tangut city wall and a sacred cave that reverberate with the whispers of time. Engaging with Rebgong's vibrant artistry, San-ge Shung Monastery unveils its ancient frescoes, while the local painters infuse the surroundings with the vivacity of their Thangka painting. At Rongwu Monastery, a sanctuary of contemplation and sanctity, diverse threads of Tibetan Buddhism weave seamlessly into an indelible travel odyssey. As our voyage endures, we traverse the expansive pastures of the Golog nomads, revealing yet another facet of the intricate mosaic that defines this remarkable expedition.
Day 5-13
7 days trek along the circuit if Mt. Amnye Machen
Amidst the ever-changing landscape, the air becomes a canvas of crisp clarity, echoing the whispers of a adventure. The path meanders through vast grassy mountains, where yaks graze freely, illustrating a serene harmony between humanity and nature. Our ascent brings us to the awe-inspiring Drudul Pass at 4800 meters. Here, the north face of Mount Amnye Machen emerges, its majestic peak piercing the sky, a profound testament to nature's magnificence. Transitioning from ascent to a warm-up hike, we embark on a two-hour journey to our first campsite, nestled by glacier-fed lakes and expansive highland nomadic pastures.
With the dawn of a new day, our journey continues as we make our way toward Halong Go,, our second campsite. The descent into Halong Valley unfolds nature's artistry, with glaciers cascading from the heights of Mount Amnye Machen, an enchanting duet of ice and rock that captivates our senses. Ascending the glacier ramparts, a sprawling valley emerges beneath, each step forward expanding the panorama, culminating in the triumphant zenith of the highest pass. Our graceful descent guides us into the tranquil sanctuary of the Yilung Valley, a realm where nomadic summer camps coexist harmoniously with serene landscapes.
The journey stretches further, guiding us past nomadic settlements and through winding ravines, leading to the sacred circuit's eastern entrance of Amnye Machen. The splendor of Nangshok unfolds like a masterpiece, a canvas adorned with snow-clad peaks and lush monadic summer pastures, while the allure of Mount Amnye Machen holds us captive, a beacon for our gaze. The trail's call beckons us onward to Tag-mchok Gong-kha, the holiest of mountain passes, where King Gesar's swift horse's legacy resonates through the ages. The landscape stretches in enchanting splendor before us, peaks yearning for the heavens and mountain ranges crafting an entrancing horizon—a masterpiece painted upon nature's canvas. Our camp at Mo-wa Gto-wa echoes with the reverence of Tibetan yogis who once found solace here, their spirits lingering in the winds, weaving us into the spiritual tapestry that graces this extraordinary land.
Day 14-17
descending from the Golog
The final leg of our trek, we set up camp at 4100m near the Highland Lake, beckons us to explore its marshy shores. Stroll around the lake, watch the birds that grace its waters and bask in the tranquillity of nature while absorbing the diverse wildlife that thrives in this enchanting setting.
The road calls again, taking us over a mountain pass to Tsegortang. Here we check into a hotel providing a welcome respite and refreshment—a transition back to civilization after our rugged expedition.
Yet, our journey's intrepid spirit remains steadfast as we direct our focus to Drakar Tredzong monastery, concealed amidst the verdant nomadic pastures of the mountains. This sanctuary emanates serenity against the backdrop of white granite, a sacred space where the deities of Tibetan Buddhism find their abode among the rugged peaks. For the adventurous souls among us, a 2-hour hike along the pilgrimage circuit of the holy mountain unveils meditation hermits, beckoning us to explore the path of contemplation. Having absorbed the monastery's spiritual essence, our path leads us to the southern shore of Lake Kokonor. Like an emerald jewel, the lake unfolds before us—an expansive blue expanse, the largest inland lake on the Tibetan plateau.
As dawn breaks, a half-day trek takes form, a gentle warm-up hike that meanders through riverside meadows adorned with wildflowers. The murmurs of the summer grassland accompanies our every step. Ascending to 3,680 meters, a nomadic summer pasture unveils itself, gifting us a panoramic view of the lake, explore highland fauna and flora. Our descent same way back to the hotel and drive to Xining.
The crescendo of our tour is orchestrated within the halls of the Tibetan culture museum, a space where the secrets of traditional Tibetan medicine unfurl. Ancient medical instruments, paintings, artifacts, and cultural insights beckon us to explore the rich tapestry of history. A 500-meter-long painting eloquently narrates Tibetan history, religion, and culture, with newfound knowledge, we conclude our remarkable journey, with the road leading us to the airport marking both an end and a beginning—an end to this adventure, yet the beginning of the memories and life-long memory within us.
Why travel with us?
- Hiking Specialists: Our small team of outdoor guides with a minimum of 3 years' experience leading trekking groups. Equipped with first-aid training and problem-solving skills, our guides ensure your safety and enhance your experience.
- Responsible Tourism: We are committed to promoting responsible tourism practices, respecting the local environment, culture, and communities we visit. Your adventure will leave a positive footprint.
- Customer-Oriented Service: We understand the unique demands and expectations of Western travelers. Our top priorities are safety and service quality, guaranteeing that your journey is not only memorable but also meets the highest standards.