Fancy a taste of Tibetan culture and landscape without the travel restriction, high cost and hassle associated with Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) travel? The open area of Amdo, a traditional region of Tibet located at the north-eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau could be the answer to your dream destination. Other than the authentic Tibetan experience, the region also harbors great natural beauty from the multi-coloured travertine landscapes of Jiuzhaihou and Huanglong to the rolling grassland and bird-rich wetland of Ruoergai.
ITINERARY
Day 01
SINGAPORE – CHENGDU
Fly direct from Singapore to Chengdu. Free and easy at your own leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Chengdu
Day 02
CHENGDU – JIUZHAIGOU
After a refreshing hotel breakfast, you will be transferred to your accommodation at Jiuzhaigou (approx. 8 hrs. drive). There will be a lunch break and some toilet breaks along the way. Have a good rest to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Overnight: Hotel in Jiuzhaigou
Day 03
JIUZHAIGOU
High up in the Min Mountains of Sichuan province at the edge of the Tibetan Plateau is the Jiuzhaigou National Park, a nature paradise of crystal clear and multi-coloured pools, lakes, waterfalls limestone terraces, coniferous forest and other beautiful geological features that are all encapsulated by jagged alpine mountains. Jiuzhaigou, formed in large part by glacial and tectonic actions is actually made up of three valleys arranged in a “Y” shape: Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley and Rize Valley. After an early hotel breakfast, you will board the national park shuttle bus to Rize Valley. The first highlight will be the 2390m high Mirror Lake. In the morning before the wind starts to blow, the calm surface of the lake produces a perfect reflection of the surrounding alpine mountains. Enjoy a scenic hike along the boardwalk to visit the other jewels of the Rize Valley: Pearl Shoal Fall, Five-flower Lake, Panda Lake and Arrow Bamboo Lake. Take a side trail to the lookout point at Tiger Mouth where you can enjoy a bird eye view of the Five-flower Lake. Further along the Rize Valley are Swan Lake, Grass Lake and Primeval Forest. After a nice lunch at Nuorilang Tourist Center, you will proceed to Zechawa Valley the south eastern branch of Jiuzhaigou to visit Five-colour Lake and Long Lake. Thereafter you will move on to the Shuzheng Valley to view the impressive Nuorilang Waterfall. The 240m wide waterfall falling from a height of 24m is the widest and most magnificent waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou. Other gems of the Zechawa Valley include Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Fall and Reed Lake.
Overnight: Hotel in Jiuzhaigou
Day 04
JIUZHAIGOU – HUANGLONG – CHUANZHUSI
Bid goodbye to Jiuzhaigou and drive for 3 hours along scenic mountain road to the UNESCO site of Huanglong, the natural habitats of Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys. The 7.5km long and 1.5km wide valley nestled at the foot of the 5,588m high Xuebaoding is dotted with numerous travertine hot springs, pools, waterfalls and interesting limestone formation. Spend a good 3-4 hours exploring its stunning geological features. There are three ways to explore this beautiful valley. 1. Hike uphill along a 4.2 km long boardwalk to the topmost point – Five Colour Lake and then hike back via the boardwalk. 2. Take the cable car ride (approx. 6-8 min) that will bring you 2/3 of the way up the valley, explore the sights and then descend via cable car. 3. Take the cable car up and hike back via the boardwalk. Thereafter you will be transferred to your hotel in Chuanzhusi (approx. 1 hr. drive).
Overnight: Hotel in Chuanzhusi
Day 05
CHUANZHUSI – RUOERGAI WETLAND – FLOWER LAKE– LANGMUSI
At 3,600m above sea level and with an area of more than 2,600 square kilometers, Ruoergai Wetland (aka Zoige Marsh) is one of the highest and largest wetlands in the world. The wetland, formed by abundant rain and snow, lies in a region of restricted drainage – bordered on the east by the Min Mountains and on the west by the Amne Machin Mountains – with a long frost period. It provides at least 30% of the water flowing into the upper reaches of the Yellow River is also dubbed the “kidney of the Tibetan plateau”. As you follow the meandering road across this vast landscape, look out for Tibetan nomads tending their cattle on the grassland and the occasional wildlife like pika, mountain cats, gazelle, etc. Birding enthusiasts will be glad to know that this area is home to many rare species like Black-Necked Crane, Przevalski’s Finch, Tibetan Grey Shrike, etc. Other sights along the way include the beautiful Flower Lake with blooming wildflowers (during spring) and a look-out point where you can see the First Bend of the Yellow River – the point where it makes a sharp turn towards the northwest and re-enters Qinghai province.
Overnight: Hotel in Langmusi
Day 06
LANGMUSI – CHUANZHUSI
Perched at an altitude of 3325m at the edge of the Tibet plateau and right on the border between Gansu and Sichuan provinces is the quaint town of Langmusi, inhabited by a colorful mix of Tibetans, Hui and Han Chinese. Langmusi boasts two major monasteries – Sertri Monastery in the Gansu side and Kirti Monastery on the Sichuan side of the village, a mosque and a functioning sky burial ground set against a breathtaking vista of alpine peaks. Immerse yourself in this microcosm of the Tibetan world and be impressed by the religiosity of the Tibetans as you watch them performing the physically demanding kora around the temple complex. Further afield is a gorge with several old meditation caves which you can freely explore. Other than hiking, you can also enjoy a few hours of horseback riding along the gushing White Horse River. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel in Chuanzhusi (approx. 5 hrs. drive).
Overnight: Hotel in Chuanzhusi
Day 07
CHUANZHUSI – CHENGDU
After hotel breakfast, you will be transferred to your hotel in Chengdu (approx. 6 hrs. drive). Free and easy at your own leisure for the rest of the day.
Overnight: Hotel in Chengdu
Day 08
CHENGDU – SINGAPORE
Free and easy at your own leisure till airport transfer for your flight home.
Package includes:
- All local land transport including airport transfers
- All accommodations
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all places of interest mentioned in the itinerary
- English speaking guide and driver in each city as specified in the itinerary (there will be a change of guide and drive in each city)
Package excludes:
- Return international air tickets
- Travel insurance
- Chinese VISA
- All meals not indicated
- Cable car ride at Huanglong
- Horse riding at Langmusi
- Tips for guide and driver
- All expenses of a personal nature
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