7 Days Gannan Tibetan Tour from Lanzhou
Tour Overview
Take a remarkable adventure of the Shambhala Kingdom in the transition zone between the Tibetan plateau and the Loess Plateau. Gannan is a mysterious place still retaining the original nature of Tibet completely and its primitive landscape.
Except for the high altitude, everything that Tibet has can be seen here, too. Colorful prayer flags; Towering temples; Monks in Tibetan robes are everywhere; Tibetans who have lived simple lives on this land for generations; Grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains; Seas of flowers, wetlands, forests, riversā¦
On this 7-day Gannan tour, you will be guided through the vast and unspoiled land into a magical world. Photograph striking canyons, ancient glacial landforms, vibrant grasslands, raging rivers, pristine forests, fairy-tale hidden valleys, and charming lakes, make a pilgrimage to Chinaās most important Tibetan Buddhist site, the thousand-year-old grottoes, and experience the authentic Tibetan nomadic life!
Travel destinations: Lanzhou, Xiahe, Zhagana
Suitable for: Culture Seekers, Nature Lovers, Shutterbugs
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Visit the Neolithic pottery, grotto art, and a mammoth fossil replica at the Gansu Provincial Museum.
- Cruise along the Liujiaxia to Bingling Temple to see the intricate sculptures and murals.
- Explore the significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery – Labrang Temple.
- Enjoy the landscapes of Ganjia Mysterious Land – stunning cliffs, grasslands, plateau lakes, stone forests, and canyons.
- Experience the authentic Tibetan customs on the Sangke Grassland.
- Take a scenic hike through Zhagana to meet stone forests, valleys, and Tibetan villagers.
- Discover the āLittle Switzerland of the East,ā Langmusi Town.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou
Welcome to Lanzhou! Upon your arrival, your Chinese-speaking local driver will pick you up and transfer you to your well-selected hotel. The rest of the day is left for you. Feel free to ask your 1-to-1 travel consultant for some recommendations.
Accommodation: in Lanzhou
- Day 2: Lanzhou to Xiahe TourEnjoy the Clay Sculptures and Murals of Bingling Temple Grottoes
Today, your guided Lanzhou tour starts at the Gansu Provincial MuseumĀ (Closed on Mondays). It houses collections of various color-painted potteries of the Neolithic Age and treasures of ancient grottoes, and rare animal exhibits with a 4-meter-tall Mammoth fossil replica.
Then drive to Liujiaxia Dam Dock and take a speed boat to Bingling Temple grottoes. During the 1-hour boat ride, appreciate the majestic rock cliffs along the river. After getting off the boat, walk several minutes to the entrance of the temple. It is a famous grotto temple with Tibetan and Han styles, boasting numerous niches, stone, and clay sculptures, and murals of 900 square meters that can date from various dynastic eras.
After all visits, you will be driven to Xiahe for the night.
Accommodation: in Xiahe
Bingling Temple Grottoes - Day 3: Xiahe Sightseeing TourExplore Tibetan Buddhist Treasures & Ganjia's Landscapes
Start today's trip from Labrang Temple, Tibetan Buddhism's most important monastery outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region, combing architectural styles of traditional Indian and Tibetan vihara. Take the chance to admire a wealth of rare and precious Buddha statues, sutras, wall paintings, and decorations.
Walk the Worldās Longest Prayer Wheel Circuit in Labrang Temple After lunch, move forward to Ganjia Mysterious Land (ēå ē§å¢), a dream tourist destination endowed with magnificent cliffs, vast grasslands, plateau lakes, stone forests, canyons, prehistoric caves, and trickling rivers. Afterwards, enjoy the mysterious and simple Tibetan customs in the Sangke Grassland, where you can taste fresh milk tea, Tibetan dumplings, hand-held mutton, and other special food, and attend a grand bonfire dinner.
Accommodation: in Xiahe
Ganjia Mysterious Land - Day 4: Xiahe to Zhagana TourVisit the Largest Freshwater Lake in Gannan
Get up early and drive to Gahai LakeĀ from Xiahe. Known as "a pearl on the Plateau", the lake is the largest freshwater lake in Gannan, with plenty of water and lush grass, where a large number of rare birds settle and breed. If you are lucky, you would see black-necked cranes, gray cranes, swans and other rare birds scattered on the lakeside grass.
Gahai Lake After visiting Gahai Lake, hit the road again to Zhagana. It's just like a fairyland with spectacular mountains, shrouded in clouds and mist. Local Tibetan villages, primitive forests, stunning landscapes... everything here will make you linger.
Accommodation: in Zhagana
- Day 5: Zhagana Hiking TourSpend the Day Hiking Zhagana Exploring Canyons, Stone Forests, Tibetan Villages
Today is a day for hiking Zhagana. You will trek through a canyon to an amazing stone forest and back. Witness the beautiful valleys, rugged mountains, and traditional Tibetan villages. Feast your eyes from towering cliffs to cascading waterfalls.
Immerse yourself in the local culture, encountering friendly Tibetan people and their unique customs. Leisurely afternoon tea will set your nerves at ease during the hike.
Accommodation: in Zhagana
Hike in Zhagana - Day 6: Zhagana Back to Xiahe TourImmerse Yourself in the Little Switzerland of the East
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Zhagana, and then drive to Langmusi, actually a small town, surrounded by grasslands, woods, hills, and red cliffs, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East". You will be guided to visit two historic Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, then move to a clear stream nearby and follow the stream up to the Bailong River Gorge for beautiful views.
Finish the visits, and drive back to Xiahe for the night.
Accommodation: in Xiahe
Langmusi Town in the Morning - Day 7: Xiahe to Lanzhou, Departure
Today is your final day of this 7-day Gannan tour. After breakfast, your driver will then escort you to the airport or railway station in Lanzhou for your onward journey to your next destination. Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour. We are always here serving you and hope to see you again!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
