Summer festival of mountain gods
Summer festival of mountain gods
Summer festival of mountain gods
Summer in Tibet bursts forth with a vivid tapestry of colors and life. The sprawling grasslands become a vibrant canvas, adorned with a riot of wildflowers, while the crops reach their peak of ripeness and abundance. This season carries profound cultural significance, marked by the Klu Rol Festival, a time when villagers offer their harvest to the mountain deities. Their fervent prayers seek blessings of ample crops, prosperity, and safeguarding against illness. The heart of this ancient celebration lies in the village trance mediums, who serve as messengers between the villagers and the mighty mountain gods through intricate dances, a cultural spectacle found nowhere else. Yet, this journey extends beyond the revelry, leading you through nomadic grasslands and to revered Buddhist monasteries in Amdo. Here, you'll witness the enduring and profound connection between Tibetans and their awe-inspiring natural surroundings. This landscape is where nature and spirituality harmoniously converge, defining a captivating way of life and culture that transcends time.
Highlights
- Klu Rol FestivalA unique cultural experience in Tibet filled with traditional attire, dances, rituals, and the Lhawa's connection to mountain gods.
- HeritageExplore Gonlung and Qutan Temple, showcasing a fusion of cultures. Visit Je Dzongkapa's birthplace at Kumbum Monastery.
- Kokonor LakeThe largest on the Tibetan plateau, featuring stunning turquoise-blue waters at 3,200 meters.
- Tibetan ArtDelve into Tibetan traditional painting with visits to local artists' homes.
- NomadicExplore the vast grasslands along the Yellow River, experience nomadic hospitality, and savor milk tea and yogurt.
- Taktsang LhamoExperience the charm of Taktsang Lhamo, a town in the Amdo region, with opportunities for alpine treks and stunning scenic beauty.
- Labrang MonasteryVisit Labrang Monastery, the largest Buddhist university founded in 1706, to gain insights into Tibetan Buddhism and monastic life.
Tour Summary
Summary
- Best season:
- 18 - 29 July 2024
- Status
- Client
- Group Size
- 2 - 12
- Due date
12 nights
Xining
Lanzhou
- Due date
11 nights
2 days
Day 1-3
Xining / Kokonor Lake / Drotsang
Nestled on the northeastern fringes of the Tibetan Plateau, Xining invites you to explore a captivating blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders nestled in the Tsong Kha valley. One of the jewels in this region is Gonlung, a revered Buddhist monastery dating back to 1604. It carries a unique historical connection, as it was a breeding ground for high-ranking Lamas who once served as tutors to Chinese Emperors. Nearby, the Qutan Temple, with its origins tracing to 1492, showcases a delightful fusion of Chinese and Tibetan influences, boasting exquisite Ming Dynasty-style architecture and art.
Our journey also takes us to the Kumbum Monastery, the birthplace of Je Dzongkapa, a revered figure in Gelug Tibetan Buddhism. Finally, we'll embark on an enchanting excursion to Kokonor Lake, the largest inland lake on the Tibetan plateau lies at fresh elevation of 3200 meters, the turquoise-blue waters meet the sky creating a breathtaking natural.
Day 4-6
Rebgong , festval
The Mountain God Festival, an extraordinary celebration unique to this corner of Tibet, is a mesmerizing spectacle of cultural devotion. Villagers come together adorned in their most exquisite traditional attire and adorned with intricate jewelry, gathering at the sacred shrine. The rhythmic beat of rectangular drums reverberates through the air as they gracefully dance in circular formations within the courtyard. During this enchanting festival, the Lhawa, deep in trance, becomes a vessel for the voices of the mountain gods, establishing a profound link between the villages and divine realms.
In a display of unwavering devotion, the men of the community partake in a remarkable ritual, piercing their own mouths with long metal needles. This festival offers a unique journey through several villages, each showcasing its distinct style of dance and rituals, highlighting the rich cultural diversity in the region.
Rebgong is renowned for its Tibetan traditional painting, and our exploration takes us to the Rongwu and Sanggeshung monasteries, where we'll encounter exquisite masterpieces meticulously crafted by local artists. This immersive cultural experience promises to be deeply enriching and visually captivating, a testament to the profound heritage and spirituality of Tibet.
Day 7-12
Sokpo / Taktsang Lhamo / Labrang
The heart of Tibetan nomadic life beats on the vast grasslands of eastern Tibet, particularly along the lush pastures lining the Yellow River and its tributaries. These lands are renowned for their abundant and thick grasses, creating a picturesque panorama of sprawling pasturelands. This extraordinary journey carries you to the highland grasslands of Tsekok and Sokpo, a remote and relatively unexplored corner that few tourists have had the privilege to witness. Here, at a comfortable altitude of approximately 3,700 meters, you'll experience the warm hospitality of the nomads, sharing in their most cherished traditions, and savoring the most flavorful milk tea or thick yogurt in their welcoming summer camps.
Taktsang Lhamo, a charming small town nestled in the Amdo region, is a hidden gem bisected by the border between Sichuan and Gansu Provinces. This quaint valley boasts two monasteries and offers a delightful escape into an alpine terrain of serene beauty. It's a perfect day for rejuvenation as we explore this secluded valley, trek along the pristine headwaters of the White Dragon River, and traverse the undulating mountain slopes.
Our final destination is the illustrious Labrang Monastery, an imposing Buddhist university founded in 1706. Here, we'll have the opportunity to explore the grandiose temples, delving into the profound teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and gaining insights into the monastic way of life. This journey promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from the untamed beauty of remote grasslands to the spiritual enlightenment found within the hallowed walls of Labrang Monastery.
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.