Trekking Nyenbo Yurtse to Alpine Glacial Lakes

• Day 1: Xining  - Labrang 

Depart from Xining for Labrang in the morning. Our 5 hour drive will take us through the heart of Amdo’s grasslands and by many yak hair tents to see some of the last remnants of functioning nomadic culture in the world. Along the drive we can stop to eat some of the freshest yak yoghurt on the Plateau in Garze town. In the afternoon we will visit Labrang Monastery at an elevation of 2900m / 9512 feet. Labrang Monastery is a popular pilgrimage destination and has incredible alpine forests (rare on the high Plateau) and rich grasslands all around it.

Labrang is by far the largest and most influential monastery in Amdo and is Tibetan Buddhism's most important monastery town outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Today it has 1,500 active monks and nuns. As we explore in the afternoon we may have a chance to see the local markets and do some shopping for handicrafts and jewelry. Sleep in hotel in Labrang.

• Day 2: Labrang - Machu - Jigdril

Continue our drive through the remote grasslands of Gansu Province as we pass local beekeepers and their honey farms in fields of golden flowers. Today we will learn about nomadic culture and the essential relationship the herders have with their yaks. Sleep in guesthouse in Jigdril town.

• Day 3: Jigdril - Shutso lake (Trek start at the Shutso lake and walk about 3-4hours)

We will drive from the small Tibetan village of Jigdril to start the trek at the Shutso lake and walk about 3-4 hours. Make sure you bring good waterproof boots! The edge of the lake can be a little boggy from the runoff of the glacial lakes.  Sleep in tents on the far end of Shutso lake.

• Day 4: Trek to Rakyi Lake ( 6-7 HRS / Trekking)

Today is our longest and hardest trekking day as we work our way over a high pass under the main craggy peaks of Nyenbo Yurtse. The whole day involves about 6-7 hours of total trekking time with plenty of breaks for snacks and a nice picnic style lunch. Sleep in tents near the glacial lake.

• Day 5: Trek to Qiaotu along Rakyi lake. ( 2-3 HRS / Trekking) and then drive to Machu for the night.We finish our trek with 2-3 hours of walking out of the wilderness to a road on the edge of the park. From here we drive back to Machu town and sleep in a hotel to get clean from our adventure and get some good food in our bellies.

• Day 6: Machu - LabrangWe will retrace our steps back to Labrang town and get a last chance to shop at the authentic markets and eat some fresh yak meat dumplings at the best local restaurants in the area. 

• Day 7: Labrang - Xining

Trek past fields of Edelweiss and yaks grazing near turquoise glacial lakes and discover the dramatic shark tooth peaks of Nyenbo Yurtse. This the home to Tibetan nomads who live at the base of a mountain that hovers at a lofty 5369 meters/17,615 feet.

And getting there is half the fun! Along the way to Nyenbo Yurtse you will get to walk through the mud-daubed alleys of Labrang Monastery and see the untamed grasslands and the nomads who worship there.

This particular itinerary offers 3 days of trekking with horses carrying your backpacks every day so you only need to carry a light daypack on the trek. 

Cancellation Policy: standard

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers