Secret sites of Kham

those are in the front of Gatar Shangbalin monastery in Kham

Nuns are returning home after shopping at one market several kilometers away from their nunnery

those are in the front of Gatar Shangbalin monastery in Kham

Secret sites of Kham (SK02)

Tibetan Buddhism exerted a strong influence from the 11th century AD among the peoples of Central Asia, especially in Mongolia and Manchuria. It was adopted as an official state religion by the Mongol Yuan dynasty and the Manchu Qing dynasty that ruled China. With this trip we are going to explore the monasteries of Tibetan religion in the eastern Tibet of Kham, such as Kanze monastery (Gelukpa sect), Palpung monastery (Kamar kargyu sect), Zhechen monastery (Nyingmapa sect) and Yixi gonpa (Bon sect).

Day1: Arrive in Chengdu:
After arrival in Chengdu airport, pickup and transfer to your hotel, assist to check in. Relax in the rest hours of this day by having one visit to the traditional Chinese teahouse at People’s park.

Day2: Chengdu to Kangding:
Drive 360km on paved road, into hill country and crossing through the Mt. Erlang tunnel, En-route we will stop by to visit Luding Iron Bridge. Then arrive at the gateway town of the Eastern Tibet of Kham – Kangding, visit to Anjue monastery.

Day3: Kangding to Litang:
En route, enjoy the beautiful nature view and touring the white Ming yak Chorten. After we arrive in Listing, we are going to visit the Litang Chode.

Day4: Litang to Kanze:
In the morning, we will start early by heading Northeast into Nyarong valley, along the Yarlung River up stream to Kanze county.

Day5: Kanze to Pelyul:
The overall distance is 228km on paved road; the watershed pass cuts through the glacial Kawalingring range, which divides the Yangtze and Yarlung basins.

Day6: Pelyul to Derge:
Following the Jinsha River to a valley junction, about 100km drive to reach Derge.

Day7: Derge:
Derge is often regarded as the cultural, heart of Kham. you will visit Targyel Lhakhang. Gonchen monastery, Derge print house and Targyel Lhakhang.

Day8: Derge to Manigango with detour Dzogchen & Zhechen monasteries:
Drive over the highest pass of this trip – Mt. Trola (5050m), enjoy the stunning view of Lake Yilhun Lhatso; heading west for about 50km to visit the Nyingmarpa sect monateries of Dzogchen & Zhechen.

Day9: Manigango to Kanze:
On the way to Kanze you will visit Dargye monastery, then visiting to Kanze monastery.

Day10: Kanze – Bamei:
Drive over the Luoguo Pass (4100m) to Luhuo, then after reach another town of Tawu, where we are going to visit Nyingtso monastery. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bamei.

Day11: Bamei:
Today we will spend one full day to explore the villages and secret sits in Bamei, including Garta shangbaling monastery, local Tibetan family visit, if you would like – herding yaks to the mountains with local Tibetans.

Day12: Bamei to Danba:
Drive to the east, about 30 minutes drive onto the range of Yarla yartso mountain, where we can enjoy the stunning view of Mt. Yarla Yartso, then continuing to follow the Donggu River crossing through the narrow and deeply Donggu valley to Danba, you will visit the traditional Tibetan Watch Towers.

Day13: Danba to Chengdu; A full day drive to Chengdu.

Day14: Chengdu to the airport for departure.