|
The provinces of Qinghai and Sichuan are two of China's undiscovered areas for both foreign and local tourists. In terms of natural heritage, historical significance, religious and cultural diversity this area is quite unique in China. Starting in the fertile plains of Chengdu we travel through different cultures such as Jiarong- Tibetans, Qiang, and Golok-Nomads while climbing through endless gorges towards the Tibetan Plateau.
A two- week expedition trek from Chengdu in Sichuan province to Bayankala Mountains in Qinghai. At 5,369m ASL Nyenpo Yurtse, a holy mountain for the Tibetan Buddhists of Qinghai has remained out of reach for most tourists and hikers traveling through China. The mountains are home to the Goloks, Tibetan nomads still grazing Yaks and living their traditional lifestyle. Starting from Chengdu we drive to the Tibetan Village of Danba 2,000m ASL. Staying overnight then with a hike to acclimatize to the altitude. Then drive to Maerkang and Aba for the highlight of the trip. A five- day hike of Nyenpo Yurtse, with its stunning snow covered peaks and grassy valleys.
Itinerary
Day 1
After arriving in Chengdu from Shanghai or Beijing, your first stop in this pleasant city is the Wen Shu Temple, where we stroll through the tranquil courtyards of this operating Buddhist temple. Sichuan temples, built with dark wood and accented with deep red trim, have a subtlety and charm different from temples in other parts of China. Late afternoon, you will enjoy a cup of green tea in a local teahouse. In the evening, we will sample some of the famous spicy Sichuan cuisine. With an optional trip to see the Sichuan Opera performance.
Overnight at hotel
Day 2
Drive to Danba, a traditional Tibetan town far removed from the city life in Chengdu.
Today's drive is about 10 hours. We will cross Mt. Jia Jin Shan pass, the first Snow Mountain the Red Army climbed during the Long March whilst on the run from the Guo Min Dang (National Party), 1935.
At night we stay in a local Tibetan family guesthouse, part of this house is more than 700 years old and features a small museum of local artifacts.
Day 3
A full day to explore the high altitude, rural village of Zhong Lu and the surrounding mountains. Today allows us to acclimatize and appreciate the rural atmosphere. Again overnight in rural guesthouse.
Day 4
Drive to Maerkang, Along the way visit Jia Ju another high alpine rural village, then on through the steep, green valleys towards Maerkang to visit the former Chieftain’s residence where the Communist leaders Mao Ze Dong and Zhou En Lai met up together for some weeks during the Long March. This has now been converted to a museum and allows a glimpse of how he might have lived prior to Communist China. At night we stay in a local guesthouse.
Day 5
Driving from Maerkang to Aba we leave behind the steep valleys and get onto the plateau and grasslands where the scenery becomes much more open allowing views of the tops of the snow covered mountain ranges we have just passed through.
Day 6
Perched in the hills overlooking vast grasslands Aba village is our last stop before heading to the circuit of Nyenpo Yurtse. Here we will visit monasteries in and around Aba.
Overnight at family guesthouse
Day 7- 10
In the morning visit local monastery, and then head to Nyenpo Yurtse. On the way we will pass by the Nomad tents of the yak herders before arriving at the track head and setting up camp with final preparation for the circuit . The next day with the help of some local horses, yaks and their guides we begin the hiking.
For the duration of the hike we will be camping in tents.
The Nyenpo Yurtse Geo Park consists of high snow peaks and glacial valleys. At 5369m Nyenpo Yurtse rises up from the Qinghai plateau and being the highest peak in the region and has become a holy mountain for the local Golok Tibetan Buddhists. Whilst we may be visitors we can see and meet the local people as they graze their yaks in the surrounding grasslands, living as they have for many centuries. We do a 4 day trek of the mountain area taking in the glacial valleys, lakes and grasslands of the area.
Day 11
Finish the hike and drive back to Aba village with a chance to refresh before returning to Chengdu.
Overnight at hostel
Day 12
Drive to Guer Gou Hot Springs Resort. Bathe and soothe tired muscles, relaxing in the natural thermal springs.
Day 13
Drive back to Chengdu, rest.
Overnight at hotel
Day 14
On the outskirts of Chengdu city is The Giant Panda Breeding Center. We’ll visit the center in the early morning as it’s the only time that giant pandas being active. Here we can see some the work being done to save this endangered species. In the afternoon we leave Chengdu to return home.
Departure date: 28 June- 11 July, 2008
Maximum participant: 10 people
|
