D1: Arrival in Xining – Ta’er Monastery Area
Today, you will arrive in Xining, where your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport.
After your long flight, we will transfer you directly to your hotel near Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), allowing you to rest and recover from your journey. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or take a leisurely walk around the local area.
Ta’er Monastery will not be visited today, so you can enjoy a relaxed start to your Qinghai trip.
Overnight near Ta’er Monastery.
D2: Ta’er Monastery – Labrang Monastery – Xiahe
After breakfast, visit Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), located approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Xining. It is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Qinghai and an important center of Tibetan Buddhist culture in northwestern China.
The monastery is renowned for its grand Buddhist halls, traditional architecture, murals, sculptures, and butter sculptures. Take your time exploring the monastery complex and learn about its history, religious traditions, and role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism.
After the visit, continue your journey to Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County, Gansu Province. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions, and covers around 300 kilometers.
Upon arrival in Xiahe, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Xiahe.
D3: Labrang Monastery – Tongren
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Labrang Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Gansu Province and an important center of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Founded in the early 18th century, Labrang Monastery developed into a major religious and cultural center on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. At its peak, thousands of monks lived and studied here. The monastery complex contains numerous halls, chapels, stupas, residences, and religious artworks.
Explore the monastery with your guide and gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, religious architecture, and monastic life.
After the visit, drive approximately 100 kilometers to Tongren, also known as Rebkong, in Qinghai Province. The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on road conditions.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Tongren.
D4: Wutun Monastery – Tongren
After breakfast, visit Wutun Monastery, located in Tongren County. The monastery and surrounding area are renowned for their distinctive Tibetan Buddhist art and long artistic tradition.
Wutun is particularly famous for its Thangka paintings, murals, sculptures, and other religious artworks. The intricate details and vibrant colors provide a fascinating introduction to the artistic traditions associated with Tibetan Buddhism.
During your visit, learn about the techniques, religious themes, and cultural traditions behind these artworks. The experience offers a different perspective on Tibetan Buddhism, complementing the religious and architectural experiences at Ta’er and Labrang monasteries.
After sightseeing, return to your hotel in Tongren and enjoy some free time.
Overnight in Tongren.
D5: Tongren – Xining Airport
After breakfast, leave Tongren and drive back to Xining.
Upon arrival in Xining, your guide and driver will transfer you to Xining Caojiabao International Airport for your onward flight.
Your 5-day Tibetan Buddhist culture tour comes to an end. We wish you a pleasant onward journey!