Spirit of Kham
If you are looking to explore Tibet’s wild frontier of Kham, and experience in-depth connections with Tibetans that are not bounded by strict travel restrictions like those imposed in the TAR, consider this 17-day Spirit of Kham program.
Highlights
- Visit Lithang, the birthplace of the 5th Dalai Lama on the lofty Tibetan Plateau
- Explore the resilient forested towns of Kandze and Nyarong, and hike to the lovely Lamdrak nunnery
- Circumambulate Pa Lhakang Monastery with Tibetan pilgrims, and visit famous Sakymuni Buddha statues
- Behold Tibet’s second highest (after Mt. Everest) mountain range of Gongka in Minyag.
- Discover Temba and Shol with its 18th century stone towers, and the holy peak of Siguniang
- Visit the world famous Wolong Panda Reserve in Chengdu
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Chengdu Participants will fly to Chengdu, China, and have an opportunity to relax, unwind and alleviate the effects of jetlag. The group will then enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Tibetan restaurant, participate in a trip briefing and learn about cultural etiquette, visit a Panda Breeding Center, and prepare for the overland drive to Kangding.
Days 3-5: Kangding/Lithang Rested and ready for adventure, the group will set out across the rice-growing plains west of Chengdu and ascend picturesque foothills to the small city of Dartsedo (8,580'). Once an important trade center that served as a buffer zone between China and Tibet, Dartsedo, now known as Kangding, still marks the edge of the Tibetan frontier. This bustling crossroad-city will offer us our first glimpse of a traditional Tibetan community and act as a welcome respite after an exciting 5-10 hour journey. After a stroll through the markets and a good night’s sleep we will ascend further into the mountains, crossing Gye La (14,100') to arrive in Lithang. Situated on the lofty Tibetan Plateau (13,169'), Lithang is one of the highest towns in the world. Here, Khampas from across eastern Tibet come to trade goods ranging from sheepskins to yaks to large pieces of turquoise or amber. We will spend a couple of days mingling with the Khampas in the markets and take time to visit the famous Lithang Monastery, birthplace of the 7th Dalai Lama.
Days 6-9: Kandze via Nyarong Our journey will next take us through forested expanses of Tibet’s “wild west” to Nyarong, a small Tibetan village, home to an ancient Gompa. After exploring the Nyarong Gompa and taking in the local culture we will continue on to the riverside town of Kandze (11,000'). In Kandze’ we will try out our bartering skills at the lively bazaar then climb the hill to the Kandze Gompa. We will then spend the day exploring its many temples, as well as, nearby Tongku Gompa with the oldest thangkas in Tibet. Afterwards we’ll bask in the spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks before hiking on to the lovely Lamdrak nunnery.
Days 10 –11: Luhuo /Tagong Passing through the historic Tibetan trading towns of Draggo (Luhuo) and Tau, we will arrive in Tagong. According to clients, Tagong is one of the “coolest, most beautiful Tibetan towns anywhere in Tibet”, and will provide the perfect backdrop for a soulful, three-day sojourn. Here you will enjoy walking to a nearby nunnery (that also makes Tibetan medicine); take short hikes to sacred caves where Apo, our host monk in Tagong has mediated for three years; circumambulate Pa Lhakang Monastery with Tibetan pilgrims, and visit the famous Sakyamuni Buddha statues there; mediate and experience a morning chant session of the monks. The grasslands of Tagong host a specatcular annual horse-racing festival (mid-July to August) attended by thousands of local Tibetan herders.
Days 12-13: Temba / Siguniang / Wolong Panda Reserve / Chengdu / Flight: Next we will drive to the small town of Temba and walk to the town of Shol, where dozens of 18th century defensive stone towers rise like massive tree trunks from the mountain slopes. The trail will then lead us up the holy peak of Siguniang before we descend back into the forested valleys below. We will then make our way back to Chengdu via the famous Wolong Panda Reserve.
Optional Trip to Lhasa: The Spirit of Kham Journey program ends here, but you are free to plan your own post-Cultural Odysseys adventure. Since many previous clients have traveled to Lhasa for 2-3 days, we would be happy to help you arrange this trip, including the acquisition of your Tibet permit.
Trip Style: Lodging will be simple; we will stay in comfortable hotels and guesthouses. No camping unless you absolutely love camping!
Arrival /Departure: Chengdu, China is the meeting point for the trip. Most trip members take the same flight or meet in Chengdu on Day 1. At the end of the trip, you will be transferred to the Chengdu airport for departure as a group. You’ll receive our Trip Logistics Guide when you reserve your space. It will include all the essential information you’ll need to obtain a Chinese visa and make other necessary preparations for the trip. The guide includes suggested travel gear, a recommended reading list, a day-to-day itinerary, health and safety information, and other key information to make your trip successful and safe.
