9-Day Complete Pilgrimage Tour of Qinghai and Gansu, China

Day 1: Arrival in China & Transfer to Xining
Meals: None
Accommodation: Xining Sanyu Hotel
Upon arrival, complete the transfer to Xining. Check in at the hotel and rest.

Day 2: Xining - Kumbum Monastery - Hongjue Monastery - Jinta Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Xining Sanyu Hotel

· Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si): Located in Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province, it is one of the most important monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1379 AD (the 12th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty), it was built to commemorate Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school. Legend says that a miraculous sandalwood tree sprouted from Tsongkhapa's birthplace, its leaves naturally bearing the image of the "Lion's Roar" Buddha. This marvel became the reason for the monastery's establishment. The first structure built was the "Lotus Mound Stupa" (Lianju Ta) – hence the name "Ta'er Si" (Stupa Monastery), as the monastic complex grew around this initial stupa, forming the present layout.
· Jinta Monastery (Jinta Si): A Gelug school monastery located in Xining City, Qinghai Province, first built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (late 16th century). It is a subsidiary monastery of Kumbum Monastery. This relatively small monastery's main hall houses exquisitely carved and gilded statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, and Dipankara Buddha. Jinta Monastery is not only a religious site but also carries rich cultural and historical significance, serving as a tranquil and sacred place within Xining city. It boasts a history of over 400 years.
· Hongjue Monastery: Fully named Tsongkha Daci Hongjue Monastery, and formerly known as Hongjue/Hongjiao Si, it is located in the Chengzhong District of Xining City. This Gelug school monastery traces its origins to 641 AD, when Princess Wencheng, en route to marry Songtsen Gampo, passed through Xining and built an earthen platform to serve as a base for a statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. The monastery itself was constructed in 1390 AD (the 23rd year of the Hongwu era), originally with three courtyard complexes. Initially named "Miaohua Nunnery," it was granted the imperial name "Hongjue Monastery" in 1412 AD.

Day 3: Qinghai Lake -- Xining
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Xining Sanyu Hotel

· Qinghai Lake: Situated in the northeastern part of Qinghai Province, China, it is the largest saline lake in China and one of its most beautiful lakes. Renowned for its vast waters, unique natural scenery, and rich biodiversity, the lake's surface sits at an altitude of approximately 3,195 meters. Its water primarily comes from melting snow from surrounding mountains and precipitation. The lake area is encircled by grasslands, deserts, and mountains, forming a distinctive natural landscape.

Day 4: Xining – Xunhua – Tongren
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tongren Shengyu Tianlun Hotel

· Wendu Monastery: Also known as "Binduo Si" or "Bianduo Si," located in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County, Qinghai Province, it is an important monastery of the Gelug school. Its construction can be traced back to before the Yuan Dynasty, initially founded by Sherab Gyaltsen, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. After multiple expansions and repairs, Wendu Monastery became the largest monastery in the Xunhua area.
· Birthplace of the 10th Panchen Lama: This is the birthplace of the 10th Panchen Lama, Erdini Qoigyi Gyaincain. This former residence is not only his birthplace but also where he lived during his childhood.

Day 5: Tongren – Xiahe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Xiahe Labrung Civil Aviation Hotel

· Rongwo Monastery (Longwu Si): One of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Qinghai and the largest Gelug school monastery in Southern Qinghai. Rongwo Monastery houses three colleges: Exoteric, Esoteric, and Kalachakra. Its subsidiary monasteries include Niantuohu Monastery, Guomari Monastery, Wutun Upper Monastery, and Wutun Lower Monastery. Rongwo Monastery is not only a splendid architectural complex integrating art forms like sculpture and painting but also the birthplace of Regong art and a key component of the historical and cultural city of Tongren.
· Guomari Great Stupa: The Guomari Great Stupa is located within Guomari Monastery in Tongren County, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is one of the largest stupas in the Amdo Tibetan region. This stupa holds significant religious importance locally and is an outstanding representative of Tibetan Buddhist architectural art in the Regong area.

Day 6: Xiahe – Langmusi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Zoige Langmusi Hotel

· Labrang Monastery: One of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school, renowned as the "World's Tibetan University." It preserves the finest Tibetan Buddhist teaching system in China. The oldest existing temple hall within the entire monastery complex, and the only one dating back to the time of the First Jamyang Zhapa, is the temple hall of the Lower Tantric College located next to the Great Sutra Hall. The monastery features six major sutra halls; the largest is the Sutra Debate Hall (Institute of The Great Sutra Hall), which serves as the venue for the Tsokchen Tsodü assembly and acts as the central administrative hub of the entire monastery.
· Milarepa Buddha Pavilion (Milarepa Gompa): Located in Hezuo City, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, this is the only pavilion in the Amdo region dedicated to Milarepa, the founder of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, earning it the nickname "Tibetan Studies Museum." The pavilion stands over 40 meters high with nine stories, blending Tibetan and Han architectural styles. Its primary color is lama red, adorned with golden tiles, white stupas, dharma wheels, prayer wheels, and orange streamers, presenting a majestic and splendid appearance that makes it an outstanding representative of Tibetan Buddhist architectural art. The pavilion houses over 1,270 various Buddha statues and preserves a vast collection of precious Tibetan Buddhist murals. These murals, along with color paintings, thangkas, and sculptures, form an integrated artistic whole, showcasing superb painting techniques and a unique artistic style, possessing极高的艺术价值 (high artistic value). Afterwards, depart for Langmusi and check in at the hotel.

Day 7: Langmusi – Lanzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Vienna Hotel

· Langmusi: Located at the junction of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan provinces. Langmusi is divided into two parts: one is the Sichuan Datsang Langmusi Monastery, also called Gerdi Monastery, where the Tiger's Den, Fairy Cave, Langmusi Grand Canyon, and the incorruptible body relic are located. The other is the Gansu monastery, also called Sertri Monastery (or Saichi Si), situated in the direction of the sky burial platform. The two monasteries face each other across a small stream.

Langmusi Namo Grand Canyon: The Namo Canyon is situated in the northern part of Zoige County, Sichuan Province, surrounding the Namo Gerdi Monastery. It is renowned for its blend of religious cultures and natural landscapes. At the canyon entrance, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and a mosque coexist, creating a multi-religious landscape. Folk houses and shops displaying ethnic handicrafts are distributed along the river, showcasing unique cultural features. In the core scenic spot, the Fairy Cave, a stalactite resembles a maiden. Legend says that crawling through the "Bardo Passage" can cure illnesses and change one's fortune. The Panlong Cave contains a white dragon relief and medicinal clay, with traces of a mythical tiger paw print visible at the entrance. The canyon derives its Tibetan name "Datsang Namo" (meaning "Tiger's Den Fairy") from a legend about the "Naixi" spring, the source of the Bailong River: a white dragon once shed tears to extinguish a fire and save people, later a fairy subdued a vicious tiger and imprisoned it in a cave. The area preserves natural landforms like Flying Eagle Cliff and Pigeon Cave. Streams meander through flower fields and bare rocks, forming a deep and tranquil ecological landscape zone. It is a landmark scenic spot of Langmusi Town.

Day 8: Lanzhou - Gansu Bingling Temple Grottoes - Xining
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Xining Sanyu Hotel

· Bingling Temple Grottoes: Located in the Xiao Jishi Mountains southwest of Yongjing County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, these are an important grotto complex along the Silk Road and a treasure of Chinese cave art. The initial construction of the Bingling Temple Grottoes began in the early Western Jin Dynasty (around the 3rd century AD), with formal construction commencing in 420 AD (the 1st year of the Jianhong era of the Western Qin). They underwent continuous excavation and renovation through dynasties including the Northern Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, boasting a history of over 1,600 years. Renowned for their long history, exquisite artistry, and profound cultural significance, the Bingling Temple Grottoes attract numerous tourists and scholars, serving as an important window for understanding ancient Chinese Buddhist art and Silk Road culture.

Day 9: Xining Transfer for Departure
Meal: Breakfast
Free time in the morning. Transfer to the airport at the designated time.

Tour Safety Precautions:

I. General Travel Safety Precautions

1. Travelers should ensure they are physically suitable for joining the tour group. Choose tour routes and activities based on personal age, physical condition, etc. Bring appropriate protective items and necessary medications for personal health and safety protection.
2. When visiting scenic areas (spots), strictly adhere to all safety instructions and warnings posted there.
3. Do not participate in unauthorized activities or items outside the planned itinerary.
4. Travelers with heart disease, lung disease, asthma, high blood pressure, other illnesses, or physical conditions that are not suitable must not participate in high-risk activities. When passing through dangerous areas (mountain paths, muddy roads, etc.), pay attention to safety: no playing rough, no pushing each other, etc. When visiting precipitous places, do not climb or scramble.
5. During visits and tours, follow the arrangements of the tour leader or guide. Do not leave the group or explore alone without authorization.
6. Carry valid documents (ID card, passport, etc.) when traveling. Keep valuable items securely on your person. Do not give documents or valuables to strangers for safekeeping.
7. When going out during the night or free activity periods, travelers should stay within risk-controllable ranges and inform the guide or tour leader, while also paying attention to safety.
8. If elderly, minor, or disabled travelers feel unwell during the trip, they should not push themselves or take chances. Seek medical attention immediately and inform the tour leader.
9. Do not litter indiscriminately. Protect the natural environment; do not damage vegetation or disturb wildlife.
10. Food Safety: Avoid raw and cold foods. Drink plenty of boiled water. Respect local dietary cultures and try local specialty foods in moderation.

II. Traffic Safety Precautions

1. During the tour, follow the arrangements of the tour leader or guide. Remember the meeting time, location, vehicle type, and license plate number.
2. Obey the traffic rules of the destination.

III. Accommodation and Food Safety Precautions

1. Be cautious about food quality when purchasing items during the trip. Do not buy "three-no" products (no production date, no manufacturer, no address).
2. Pay attention to food safety and hygiene during the trip: do not eat raw food, sashimi, or snacks from unlicensed stalls in scenic spots or streets. Refrain from alcohol; avoid overeating.
3. When checking into a hotel with valuables, promptly use the safety deposit box. Keep luggage and belongings within sight.
4. After checking into a hotel, identify the location of safety exits and the emergency evacuation diagram; check if the amenities provided by the hotel (e.g., bathroom anti-slip mats) are complete and undamaged. If anything is missing or damaged, report it immediately to the hotel staff or guide. If the hotel fails to provide certain items, please be extra cautious to prevent accidents.

IV. Shopping and Entertainment Safety

1. Do not readily trust the product recommendations of itinerant vendors; do not follow product promoters to remote places for shopping or to collect items. If you are not interested in buying, do not ask the price or bargain. When shopping, obtain a formal invoice from the merchant.

V. Precautions for High-Altitude Area Travel

1. Qinghai and Gannan are high-altitude regions, with an average elevation over 2,500 meters. New arrivals often experience mild or severe altitude sickness. Before departure, assess your physical condition. Those suffering from severe colds, persistent coughs, phlegm, other respiratory diseases, or heart disease, hypertension, asthma, etc., are advised not to join the tour. Altitude reactions vary; common symptoms include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These usually disappear after one or two days of rest and drinking plenty of boiled water. Altitude sickness is normal; do not worry or fear excessively. On the plateau, always avoid rushing, strenuous exercise, running, or holding your breath, regardless of time or place. Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or dance. Drink more tea, and consume foods high in vitamins, protein, and calories like vegetables, fruits, and chocolate to help prevent altitude sickness.
2. The elderly and those with weaker constitutions should prepare common medications (e.g., Rhodiola). Preferably, equip yourself with a small oxygen cylinder. The high-altitude regions of the Northwest have significant temperature differences between morning and evening; bring rain gear and common medications. Prepare sweaters, warm, windproof outerwear, and other cold-weather clothes. Scenic areas have strong sunshine and intense ultraviolet radiation. When engaging in prolonged outdoor activities, wear a sun hat and apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
3. Roads & Accommodation: Some local roads are relatively poor and bumpy. Accommodation and food conditions in the Great Northwest are relatively basic and cannot be compared to major cities like those in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Shanghai. This is an objective reality. We hope tour members will not complain excessively and be mentally prepared for some hardships.

Tibetan Buddhist Taboos:
Tibetan Buddhism has many taboos. Respecting these taboos is a way to show respect for the faith and culture.
Here are some major taboos:
(Note: The list of specific Tibetan Buddhist taboos was not provided in the query, so the translation stops here. Please provide the specific taboos for a complete translation.)

1. Temple Etiquette

· Circumambulate Clockwise: When entering a temple or stupa, one should walk around it in a clockwise direction.
· Remove Hats and Sunglasses: Before entering a temple, remove your hat and sunglasses as a sign of respect.
· Quiet and Solemnity: Maintain a quiet demeanor; avoid loud noises or laughter.

2. Buddha Statues and Scriptures

· Do Not Touch: Buddha statues and scriptures are considered sacred. Do not touch, climb on, or handle them casually.
· No Photography: Do not take photographs of Buddha statues or the interior of temples without permission.

3. Praying Wheels and Offerings

· Turn Prayer Wheels Clockwise: When turning prayer wheels or mani wheels, always turn them in a clockwise direction.
· Offerings Must Be Clean: Offerings should be kept clean. Do not touch or remove them casually.

4. Religious Activities

· Respect Ceremonies: If you encounter a religious ceremony, remain quiet and do not disturb or interrupt.
· Do Not Participate Freely: Do not casually participate in religious activities unless invited.

5. Personal Behavior

· Do Not Step Over Ritual Objects: Do not step over scriptures, Buddha statues, or other religious ritual objects.
· No Pointing: Do not point your finger at Buddha statues or monks.

6. Interacting with Monks

· Respect Monks: Be polite when interacting with monks. Do not touch or hug them casually.
· Note for Women: Women should avoid physical contact with monks. When handing items to a monk, use both hands or pass the item through an intermediary.

7. Other Taboos

· No Killing of Living Beings: Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes non-harm to living creatures. Avoid killing insects or animals within religious sites or during religious festivals.

Cost: Starting from 2 people, USD 1680 per person.
Cost Includes: Xining airport transfers, accommodation in 4-diamond hotels.