This journey through Gansu and northern Sichuan takes you across the highlands of the Amdo Tibetan region, offering a rare cultural and scenic experience — no special permit needed. Explore sacred monasteries, stunning lakes, dramatic gorges, and hidden villages where life still follows ancient rhythms. From the Yellow River’s legendary curves to snow-dusted prairies and cliffside temples, this off-the-beaten-path adventure is perfect for photographers, culture lovers, and nature seekers.
Arrive in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province. Enjoy a relaxed day discovering this Yellow River city at your own pace. Visit Zhongshan Bridge, stroll the riverside promenade, or enjoy a bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles.
Visit Zhongshan Bridge
Walk along the Yellow River promenade
Eat Lanzhou beef noodles
Drive 3.5 hours to Xiahe. En route, take a speedboat across Liujiaxia Reservoir to reach Bingling Temple, where 1,000-year-old Buddhist carvings decorate cliffside caves. Settle into Xiahe, a town rich with Tibetan influence and spiritual energy.
Liujiaxia Reservoir speedboat ride
Bingling Temple grottoes visit
In the morning, visit Labrang Monastery, a spiritual center home to over 1,000 monks. Continue to Ganjia Prairie, a vast grassland once roamed by nomads. Explore the Bajiao Ancient City Ruins before arriving in Langmusi, a monastery town split between two provinces. Highest Altitude Today: 10,990 ft / 3,350 m
Labrang Monastery Tibetan Buddhism tour
Ganjia Prairie grassland drive
Visit Langmusi Monastery (Setri Gompa), surrounded by forested cliffs and hidden meditation caves. Then drive to Tangke, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring First Bend of the Yellow River at sunset — a photographer’s dream and a sacred sight in Tibetan culture.
Langmusi Monastery (Setri Compa) visit
First Bend of the Yellow River sunset view
Begin with a peaceful visit to Huahu Lake in the Ruoergai Prairie, a birdwatcher's paradise. Continue to Zhagana, a hidden stone village tucked into a natural amphitheater of rugged cliffs. Explore its wooden homes, surrounding trails, and pristine alpine air. Highest Altitude Today: 11,154 ft / 3,400 m
Visit Huahu Lake in Ruoergai Prairie
Travel to Zhagana stone village
Depart Zhagana for Lanzhou (approx. 5.5 hrs drive). Your guide will assist with drop-off at the airport or train station, ending your highland adventure.
Depart Zhagana
Drive ~5.5 hours to Lanzhou
Airport or train station drop-off
End of highland adventure
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