Sacred Mountains and Hidden Monasteries of Tibet

Heart of Kham

Tour Cost Departures & Leaders Trip Rating Download Full Itinerary Route Map Suggested Reading List Reserve This Trip Terms & Conditions

The wild and untouched region of the Tibetan Plateau known as Kham is home to magnificent monasteries set amidst emerald green hills, dazzling displays of wildflowers, and snow-capped peaks soaring over turquoise lakes. This is the land of the famous Khampa warriors, with their tall leather boots, turquoise jewelry, and swashbuckling style. Our cultural journey is a spectacular one, as we head out across these remote mountain highlands to explore ancient trading towns, ethereal temples, and pilgrimage paths along exquisite holy lakes. Camping allows us to experience a region far from the traveled routes. Our June departure visits the holy peak of Mt. Genyen and our July departure witnesses the spectacular annual Litang Horse Festival.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Chengdu, China / Kanding

In Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, our explorations include a visit to the active Chinese Buddhist temple called Baoguang Si (the “Monastery of Divine Light”).

Day 3-5
Kangding / Litang

Ascending from the rice-growing plains, we reach the mountainous foothills around the small city of Kangding (8,580'), once an important stop on the tea caravan route to Lhasa. Here we begin to sense that we have passed the cultural boundary between China and Tibet. We ramble through the Kangding bazaar before ascending further into the mountains, crossing the Gye La (14,100') to arrive on the lofty Tibetan Plateau at Litang (13,169'), one of the highest towns in the world. Litang is a “wild west” town where Khampas from across eastern Tibet come to trade all kinds of goods from sheepskins to yaks to large pieces of turquoise or amber. Overnights in camp.

Day 5
Litang Horse Festival or Mt. Genyen

Our June trip heads out to the holy peak of Mt. Genyen, an important pilgrimage site at the head of the sacred Genyen Valley, while our July trip enjoys the horse races, folk dancing, and activities of the Litang Horse Festival.

Days 6-7
Kandze

We cross the forested wilds of Nyarong, visiting ancient Nyarong Gompa en route to the riverside town of Kandze (11,000'). We explore Kandze’s lively bazaar then ascend on foot through the many temples of Kandze Gompa, set on a hill with spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks that surround the town, and hike further to the lovely setting of Lamdrak nunnery. Overnights in camp.

Days 8-11
Lhagang / Zhara Yumtsho Lake

Passing through the historic old Tibetan trading towns of Draggo and Tau, we camp at ancient Pha Lhagang Monastery (11,400'), with its fine examples of sacred art. On the shores of the holy lake of Zhara Yumtsho (12,000'), we camp and hike the pilgrim circuit (kora), the perfect setting for enjoying Kham’s incredible displays of summer wildflowers and meeting the nomads and pilgrims that visit this exquisite mountain setting.

Days 12-15
Temba / Siguniang / Wolong Panda Reserve / Chengdu

Heading to the small town of Temba, we enjoy a walk to the town of Shol, where dozens of 18th century defensive stone towers rise like massive tree trunks from the mountain slopes. We continue to the holy peak of Siguniang for a hike in the forested valleys below it. At journey’s end, we descend back to the lowlands, visiting the famous Wolong Panda Reserve en route to Chengdu. Depart from Chengdu on Day 15.

Questions? Email Us	Download Full Itinerary	Reserve This Trip

Tour Costs $5595 (13-15 members) $5895 (10-12 members) $6295 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $325 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

Route Map

© Wilderness Travel  |  Contact Us  |  1-800-368-2794

Privacy Policy | Site Map | Home | Free Catalog | About WT | Our Trips
E-Newsletter | Reserve a Trip | Contact Us | Private Journeys | Exploratories
Special Events | Testimonials | Special Offers | Photo Gallery | Toucan Club

All content and photography within this website is copyrighted and
may not be reproduced without the express permission of Wilderness Travel.  CST 1007696-40