This is an unique journey through the three states of the Tibetan world, Amdo, Kham and Ü-Tsang – each with its own cultural and linguistic traditions. Some sites, which are just opening up to international visitors, can only be reached on foot and therefore a number of moderate walks (up to 6 hours) have been arranged.

The journey begins in the remote alpine landscapes of Kham where 6,000m peaks cast shadows over a patchwork of ancient warring kingdoms around the first bend of the Yellow River. Continue into Amdo with its herds of yaks and lush expansive pastures. Visit the colourful Geerdeng and Sezhi Monasteries on the banks of the Bailong River where Tibetan pilgrim flock from the surrounding wilderness. Travel by boat up the mighty Yellow River to the famed 5th-century Bing Ling grottoes. From Lanzhou, the party travel by rail on one of the world’s most dramatic train journeys across the spectacular Tibetan plateau to Lhasa. The Qinghai – Tibet railway is a miraculous feat of engineering and one of the world’s great train journeys as you pass from Amdo province into Ű Tsang. 

Lhasa is the medieval capital city of Tibet and its spiritual home. The sumptuous Potala Palace dominates the town and every facet of Tibetan ritual is practised. From Lhasa make an awe-inspiring journey across a dramatic landscape dotted with beautiful palaces and ancient monasteries to Gyantse and en route cross two giddying Himalayan Passes. Return to Chengdu before flying home.

The walks do not require any special technical abilities but will involve about 4 - 6 hours of walking per day over uneven and in places steep ground.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Danba - the ‘Kingdom of the Watchtowers’ with some of the most beautiful villages in China
• The Zhecha Stone Forest - a natural phenomenon
• The awe inspiring Potala Palace in Lhasa

ITINERARY

The full itinerary can be found on the Distant Horizons website.

Hidden Tibet tour