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  • Tibetan Craft Beer – The King of Yaks

    Tibetan Craft Beer – The King of Yaks

    The King of Yaks is a Tibetan Craft beer brand founded by the young herdsman Norbu and his team in 2016. The brewery is located at the junction of the G318 National Road and S215 Provincial Road at Golothong Village, Xinduqiao.

    The King of Yaks Tibetan Craft Beer

    Brewed on the roof of the world, their creation is a Tibetan Highland craft beer made with a combination of pure, filtered mountain water, refined natural ingredients, and traditional European techniques. It is a delicious and refreshing local craft beer, brewed on the roof of world.

    Norbu and his team started the world’s highest craft beer brewery as a dream of a new generation of Tibetan entrepreneurs from Garze Prefecture. Many said they were crazy to brew craft beer at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. But after more than two years of research, study, and hard work, they successfully brewed ten different types of craft beer, all under the King of Yaks brand name.

    Food and Beer The King of Yaks brewery


    From their initial experiments with ten different flavors, they’ve chosen five to present to the public, all of which are beloved by local people and international connoisseurs alike.  

    They didn’t just stop at making excellent craft beer. The King of Yaks brewery is not only a brewery; It is also a community space open for people to visit, study, and experience both local culture and international-quality craft beer.

    Developing and marketing the perfect product is not the sole mission of King of Yaks. They also strive to create a brand that is open to all people, without distinguishing between nationality, race, wealth, or background. Additionally, we hope to create a new appreciation of high-quality craft beer while promoting traditional Tibetan culture and values.  

    They also opened Café Namsa on the second floor of the brewery on 20th April 2019. They call the new space a “retro café,” as it embodies a combination of traditional and modern styles that create an atmosphere where people can relax, enjoy craft beer and delicious Tibetan cuisine, as well as improve one self through reading and discussion of different ideas.

    The King of Yaks brewery

    For years, they have distributed their draught beer to local restaurants and hotels in the surrounding area, but now after building a successful brand, they are excited to introduce their beer to a wider audience this month through the release of King of Yaks canned beer. Soon you will be able to enjoy the delicious and refreshing taste of the་Tibetan highlands at home!

    The King of Yaks. A Poem by Norbu, the Founder.

    We brewed our past memories

    We brewed our best wishes for the world 

    We brewed our love of the highlands

    We brewed our dreams for the future

    King of Yaks, born of snowy mountains 

    With seeds in clouds of pure white

    And sunlight woven through its body

    King of Yaks, elixir of the Tibetan highlands

    A craft beer sprung from unpolluted waters

    A craft beer with the essence of natural Tibetan ingredients

    King of yaks, a delicious drink for all humankind 

    The best companion for young people

    The greatest happiness for the connoisseur

    All friends! Let’s drink King of Yaks!

    Let’s drink and taste King of Yaks with heart and soul 

    Every cup of craft beer filled to the brim with Tibetan flavor 

    Every cup of craft beer filled to the brim with Tibetan love

    We will drink and feel it all!

    All friends! Let’s drink King of Yaks!

    Adress:Xinduqiao,Kangding city,Sichuan Province,China

    phone:+86 17780364591

  • Kadhak

    Kadhak

    How many uses are there for yak milk? Whatever your answer, you’re sure to have missed high-end organic balms and moisturizer creams made by the up-and-coming social enterprise, Kadhak. Established in 2018, Kadhak is a socially-conscious, Tibetan-run company founded by Sonam Chodron, and her co-founders Dolma Lhamo.

    Sonam is a highly-energetic Tibetan woman from Dege, Kham Tibet. Sonam and her team recognized the trap that most Tibetan women on the plateau fail to avoid without safe and sustainable economic opportunities, women remain subjected to the outdated norms that define what they can and cannot do. At the same time, they had always valued the harmonious, communal, and natural way of life of her nomadic community and wanted to find a way to preserve her traditional holistic culture. After a long time, Sonam realized the solution to both of these problems was staring her in the face. She found local organic ingredients, like yak milk, organic apples, raw honey and herbs that are hand-harvested in the wild, and began making moisturizers, perfumes, jams, cider vinegar, and apple wine. Then, instead of keeping these skills to herself, she decided to share them by teaching other women how to make the same products. By empowering others in this way, Sonam noticed how these women grew in economic independence, confidence, and self-worth.

    A local Tibetan Woman is making products at Khadaks’ workplace

    Kadhak (ཀ་དག།) means ‘inherently pure’ in Tibetan language. It describes the state of basic goodness which is common to all beings. As the name implies, Kadhak is dedicated to working towards creating a better world in its own small way to make a lasting impact. Kadhak’s vision aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and works within this framework to address some of the world’s biggest challenges: lack of access to education, growing inequality, high youth unemployment, unprecedented migration and conflict, and pressure on our natural resources. We each have a responsibility to play our part in society. By supporting SDGs, we can create a better world for every person on this earth.

    Kadhak’s Shop in Chengdu

    Kadhak’s products are handmade with love and care using the most natural local ingredients, all the way down to the beautifully-designed paper packaging. Kadhak not only has a positive impact on the plateau but also creates an ethically sustainable alternative for customers who want to purchase a product that is great to use and good for the environment. Their organic products include soaps, moisturizers, chapsticks, perfumes, lip balms, apple cider vinegar, apple wine, and jams.

    Khadha’s Products

    Kadhak has a workspace located in Litang County in the Kham Tibetan Region. They have a retail shop in Songxianqiao near Qing Yang Gong in Chengdu. Visit Kadhak to purchase high quality organic products and support the empowerment of Tibetan women. More info: website www.kadhak.com

    88 Caotang East Rd. Chengdu Sichuan China
    Postal code 610072
    Contact +86 138-8226-8302

    中国四川省成都市青羊区草堂东路88号
    邮编610072
    联系+ 86 138-8226-8302

  • Xinduqiao

    Xinduqiao

    Xinduqiao ( ར་རྔ་ཁ།) is a small busy Tibetan town in the Wild West of Sichuan. It is a two-hour drive (81 kilometers) from Kangding city and roughly a one-hour drive from Kangding airport. Xinduqiao is an impressive 3,300 meters above sea level and lies along the Sichuan-Tibet 318 National Highway.

    A Mix of Tibetan cultures

    Ninety percent of denizens are Kham Tibetan. Xinduqiao is a unique blend of grassland and farmland, meaning it is a mixture of two distinct subsets of Tibetan culture—nomad and farmer. But in the last ten years, a new industry has exploded and has changed the face of Xinduqiao: tourism. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and bars now line the main artery through town. Other small business selling Tibetan handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs have popped up on the back of the tourism wave. The two-or-so-kilometer stretch of new businesses and hotels bustles with noise and activity—a very new vibe from a town whose nightlife for millennia has consisted mostly of yak noises under quiet starlight.

    A Paradise for landscape Artists

    Xinduqiao is recognized as “paradise for photographers and painters”. The best time to travel Xinduqiao is from May to November. On the Tibetan plateau, the summer months are green and the weather is pleasantly warm. Billions of flowers are in full bloom. Locals set up tents and picnic on the grassland to enjoy the weather and community life. In the Fall, the trees, the grass, and the barley change color. Everything is decorated in shades of gold and auburn. Breathtaking. Meanwhile, Tibetans are busy in the fields gathering in the harvest.

    Sun Raising In Xinduqiao
    Be Prepared for All Seasons

    Weather can change quickly on the Tibetan plateau and it’s hard to depend on the forecast. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a versatile range of suitable clothing for your adventure. The sun can be very intense, and the temperature can drop rapidly when it’s raining.

    An Insider Recommendation

    There are many guesthouses and commercial hotels with cheap and reasonable prices. But if you want a 5-star experience, we don’t think anything compares with the Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge. It has a perfect view of Mt. Gongga and the surrounding area, because it is perched atop a small hill off of the main road in town.

    Road From Xinduqiao to Tagong
    A Short Drive to Tagong

    If you want more a nomad grassland experience, catch a ride up to Tagong, only 35 kilometers away to the north. There are many interesting places around Tagong to explore: the renowned Tagong monastery, the Golden Pagoda, and the Tashi Nunnery. The Tashi Nunnery houses more than 500 nuns and nestles on a hillside next to an impressively large Mani stone temple. In Tagong town, people offer horse riding for visitors starting at the Golden Pagoda.

  • Diebu ( Tewu) County

    Diebu ( Tewu) County

    Diebu county (or “Tewu” “ཐེ་བོ་རྫོང་།” in Tibetan) is one of seven counties located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is primarily a forested region comprising of a diversity of wildlife, peaceful Tibetan villages, and beautiful mountains. The population of Diebu county is around 60,000. It is 2,300 meters above sea level. In Diebu, the mud-sided, wood-frame houses are made with a style unique from other Tibetan areas. You can easily spend a few days in this area following jungle trails, discovering small villages, and exploring local Buddhist temples.

    Top things to do in Diebu

    You won’t have a hard time finding a place to stay in Diebu. There are many clean and friendly hotels at acceptable prices. Out of all of them, Luoke Inn is one of the best. It’s in a good location and has a great view of the mountain. Their rooms are comfortable and clean. There is a variety of restaurants in Diebu, offering Tibetan, Han Chinese, or Muslim food. Diebu is famous for its organic pork and wild vegetables. Make sure you try some. The Muslim noodle restaurant in town makes the best fried-noodles. Don’t miss it.

    Muslim Noodle In Diebu County Town

    Zhagana Rock Mountain

    Zhagana is just 30km away from Diebu county town, though its altitude of 3,400 meters is significantly higher than Diebu. If you have any negative high-altitude symptoms in Zhagana, you can always quickly descend back to Diebu.

    The View of Zhagana

    The Lazikou Pass—Mao’s Last Obstacle

    The Lazikou Mountain Pass (about 90km from Tiebu), carries great historical significance. During the Red Army’s Long March, after their crossing of the Zoige (Ruoergai) Marsh grasslands, Lazikou was the last major obstacle for Chairman Mao and his force before reaching northern Gansu. The pass had been fortified with blockades by the Kuomintang Army. It was finally taken by mountaineers led by Yang Chengdu on Sep 16, 1935. If you are at all interested in Chinese history, the Lazikou Pass is an extraordinary place to visit.

    The Lazikou Mountain Pass

    Bon and Buddhist Monasteries

    There are some quaint Tibetan Buddhist and Bon monasteries around the Diebu area. The Baxi Danka Monastery dates back to 1257; it was founded by Master Rangpa in the Gelug tradition. Zuotsang Monastery is a newer Bon monastery that was founded in 1981. Originally, Bon is a Tibetan religion and many Tibetans still practice it and keep its traditions going. There are a few very ancient Bon monasteries in Diebu that were built during the Tubo Kingdom.

    A Monk Doing Kora at A Bon Monastery

  • Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant

    Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant

    Located in the well-known Tibetan city of Shangri-La the Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant is a comfortable, peaceful, and relaxing place for any traveler to stop by and have a traditional Tibetan meal.

    Akhustonpa was started by a local Tibetan man, Nyima Wangdu, and his Naxi wife, Yang Zi Feng. For many years, both had dreamt of starting their own business that would allow them to influence, serve, and build relationships with travelers as well as their local community.

    Momos At Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant

    After graduating in 2006 from university with a degree in business, Nyima worked with a travel company for several years before finally opening Akhustonpa in 2015. Together, they employ one local cook who works directly with Yang Zi Feng to make traditional Tibetan dishes. Driven by his experiences in America and a desire to benefit the local community, Nyima uses organic foods which he purchases from local farmers. Akhustonpa is one of the few restaurants that offers Tibetan hot pot. They prefer to make it with a wood burning stove rather than the more conventional gas stoves. This may not necessarily add much to the flavor, but it certainly is in good taste!

    Local Hotpot at Akhustonpa Tibetan Restauant

    The design and architecture of the restaurant is in a traditional Tibetan style. The walls, roof, and furniture are made with beautifully crafted hand-carved wood. The natura motif that Nyima and Yang Zi Feng have used has become a defining characteristic of their brand. Customers are guaranteed to have a multi-sensory, authentic Tibetan experience.

    Inside Akhustonpa Tibetan Restaurant


    Mobile: 13988724351 / 13988755826

    Address: Cang Fang Street Shambala Old Town Next to Dong Lang Parking Lot

    Email: Akhustonpa123@163.com

  • Luqu County

    Luqu County

    Luqu county ( ཀླུ་ཆུ་རྫོང་། in Tibetan) is an administrative district and one of seven counties of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Luqu is 3,500-meters-high grassland home.

    For a significant part of the year in Luqu, Tibetans still live in traditional nomad tents. However, more and more of them are being resettled in government-provided, concrete villages. This region of the Tibetan plateau is one of the best places to visit if you are interested in the Tibetan nomadic culture and lifestyle. 

    Nowadays, it’s easy to get to Luqu. Xiahe airport is only 45 km away and road conditions are very good. There is a highway from Lanzhou city to Hezuo. And from Hezuo to Luqu is a well-kept National road. It takes a total of four and a half hours to get from Lanzhou to Luqu.   

    Things to do in Luqu

    Tibetan Dance Competition 

    In 2014, Luqu county town was recognized as “the Homeland of the Guozhuo Dance.” Every August thousands of Tibetans from different regions gather in Luqu to take part in the annual Tibetan dance competition.

    Tibetan Dance Performance In Luqu County
    ZeCha Scenic Area

    ZeCha Scenic Area is the most popular destination in the Luqu region. In 1998, it was recognized as a national treasure and made a nature reserve by the central government. It is around 50 km from town and is roughly 22 km long. Grasslands, forests, and stone outcroppings dapple the stunning landscape. There is a local Tibetan village in the area that offers food, accommodation, and horse riding.

    Zecha Scenery
    Zecha Scenery In Luqu County
    Langmu Monasteries

    Langmusi is a village on the border of Sichuan and Gansu Province. The mountains here are ideal for hiking and horse trekking. You’ll notice that Langmusi is a very inclusive and friendly place. The two Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in town are the Gansu Serti Monastery and the Sichuan Kirti Monastery. Both monasteries have distinctions that make both well worth a visit.

    The Gansu Serti monastery still practices the traditional Tibetan sky burial. Unlike some sky burial locations, this one is open for visitors to come and view. Bodies are first prayed over then chopped up by a man with a large ax. He then calls the vultures to come and eat the remains. Please respect the local culture and refrain from taking pictures or speaking loudly. 

    Langmu Monastery in Luqu county

    Getting to Langmusi

    Langmusi is only 89 km from Luqu and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes by bus. There is a bus from Luqu every day. Go to the Luqu bus station to find more information. For a bit more money, you can also hire a small van. Departing Langmusi is also easy. There are regular buses to Zoige, Xiahe, and Hezuo near the Langmusi hotel.

  • Maqu County

    Maqu County

    In Southwestern Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Region (Gansu Province) you’ll find a gem of Tibetan nomad culture and history—Maqu County. རྨ་ཆུ་རྫོང་། in Tibetan. ) Maqu is named after the Yellow River (it literally means “Yellow River” in Tibetan). It is located at the first bend of the Yellow River, whose abundant resource of nutrient-rich water makes the Maqu Grasslands the most beautiful wetlands in China.

    More than 60,000 people reside in Maqu, ninety percent of whom are Tibetans who still live a fairly traditional nomadic lifestyle. In fact, Maqu is probably one of the best destinations to visit if you are interested in witnessing the authentic lifestyle of nomad Tibetans. That said, don’t go in winter! May to October is the best time to travel as the sun and the tents are out in all their glory. Also, make your way up to Maqu slowly. The average altitude is a head-spinning 3,700 meters (12,200 feet) above sea level.

    Top Things to do in Maqu 

    The No. 1 Bridge on Yellow River 

    The Yellow River is the second longest river in China. It is reverently regarded as the mother of the Han civilization. The 270 meter-long Number 1 Bridge was built in the upper reaches of the Yellow River in 1979 and offers a gorgeous view of both the sunset and sunrise. 

    The Yellow River In Maqu County

    Gesar Horse Racing festival 

    The Gesar Horse Racing Festival is held in Maqu County around the middle of August. The festival is not only about horse racing, but also performing Tibetan dances and songs. On August 13th, 2017, more than 600 competitors from different Tibetan areas gathered in Maqu for the dance-off. During the three-day festival, local Tibetans set up their tents, cook delicious Tibetan food, dress up in beautiful local Tibetan dress, reunite with family, and enjoy picnicking.

    Horses on grassland

    Angwang Cang Wetland Park

    Angwang Cang Wetland Park is 57 kilometers away from Maqu. Drive there in the morning and have lunch with nomads. Explore the park in the afternoon and as dusk sets in find a good spot to enjoy the sunset. 

    The Wetland Park in Maqu County

    How to get to Maqu

    Xiahe airport to Maqu: 140 km, 2 hours 20 minutes by bus.

    Lanzhou city to Maqu: 398 km, 5 hours and 25 minutes by bus.

    Langmusi to Maqu: 88 km, 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus.  

    Xiahe County to Maqu: 197 km, 3 hours and 15 minutes by bus. 

  • Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge is located on a small hillside in beautiful Xinduqiao, a beautiful town in Eastern Tibet. Gongkar originally means “white mountain” but has come to mean “holy mountain” in the local area. Dzong literally means Lodge. The English name includes the word “castle,” as the stone lodge resembles a castle. Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge was founded by four young, passionate Tibetan entrepreneurs: Orgyen, Norbu, Gongbu and Niyma. They are all from the same area and love their hometown.

    The Dream is Born

    It all started in 2012 New Years when they returned to their hometown to celebrate with family. They discovered many kinds of new hotels and hostels popping up in their hometown. Yet, none of them seemed to provide an opportunity to show visitors the local culture and the stunning land. These four friends felt pity that visitors would travel such a long distance to get there, and then leave without experiencing the local authentic culture nor the real beauty of the land. One of them expressed, “No one knows our hometown better than us.” Another then said, “No one will do it if we young Tibetans don’t.” So, the idea of building a Tibetan style lodge in their hometown was born. All four jumped into action right away as most entrepreneurs do.

    A Labor of Love; A Vision of Beauty

    It took them four years to build the lodge. In those four years, they faced many challenges and difficulties. But with hard work, they overcame them all and successfully finished building the lodge in July 2015. They started receiving and guests to their lodge and helped them explore the surrounding area and experience their unique Tibetan culture. The Lodge is situated in a prime location to view Gongga Mountain from your bedroom window or from the lawn outside. Because Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge is built on top of a small hill, you can get the whole view of the entire valley from the Lodge. It’s an ideal place to take photos. Directly behind the Lodge, there is a small mountain that you can hike up to get an even higher perspective.

    Beautiful and Peaceful Morning in Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    Friendly Staff

    The decoration of the room is cozy and simple: wooden bed, wardrobe, and tables. One client claimed that the bed was the most comfortable in all of Kham Tibet. All of the staff are local and speak some English if you have any simple inquiries. If your question is more complex, find Norbu. He is one of the owners and speaks fluent English from his years in India. Norbu is very knowledgeable and humorous. In the evening, they invite their guests to join in a traditional Tibetan dance. Their restaurant is easily the best in all of Xinduqiao. They have a wide offering of local Tibetan, Chinese, and Western dishes.

    A Tibetan Hourse in  Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    A Dream Come True

    GongKar Dzong Castle Lodge is planning to build a meditation and Yoga center for visitors to mediate and practice Yoga in the future. The founders’ original dream was to provide their guests with a true Tibetan experience by giving them a peaceful, comfortable, and joyful time in a luxurious Tibetan home. They have done that and more. In fact, they have exceeded everyone’s expectations, including their own. We highly recommended the Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge even if you have to make a special trip to Xinduqiao just to experience it.

    Comfortable Bed in Gongkar Dzong Castle Lodge

    Contact Info:

    地址：四川省甘孜藏族自治州康定市 新都桥镇新二村让噶岗 ，近318国道

    Address: Xingduqiao Town, Nearby the National Road 318, Kangding City, Ganzi Prefecture, Shichuan Province.

    电话：(0836)7777171

  • Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay

    Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay

    Two and a half hours north of Chengdu, there is a valley. In that valley, there is a village. And in that village, there are nearly 200 Tibetan families. Most of those families open their homes to travelers. One of the best that we’ve found is the Geji Nyma Tribe Homestay. The village is Ganbao Tibetan Village and it’s located between Wenchuan and Lixian, 20 minutes away from Tao Ping Qiang Village. At 192 km from Chengdu, it is the nearest Tibetan village to the city.

    Inside Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay

    Your Helpful And Knowledgeable Host

    Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay is one that our travel company (Extravagant Yak) frequently uses. It was opened by a Tibetan family in 2006. The husband teaches at a local primary school. He is extremely knowledgeable about the local Tibetan history and even wrote an introduction to the village’s history and culture for visitors. He offers village tours to guests. If you want a better view of the valley, take one of the hiking trails around the village. In the fall, experience farm life by helping the family bring in the harvest. You’ll have to really push to lend a helping hand because culturally they have a hard time allowing guests to lift a finger.

    Join In The Dance!

    The homestay can house around 25 people. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and each room has its own bathroom. It’s easy to explore the surrounding area as the homestay is next to the village square, the stupa, and the market. If you’d like, your host can also arrange a local traditional dance if you want to learn Tibetan dancing in the evening. Local women show up in beautiful traditional dresses. Be careful, they’ll pull you in if you show the slightest interest in dancing! Don’t be shy. You only live once.

    Stupa and prayer Wheel Nearby Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay

    The Price Includes Laughter

    For 120 per night per person, you get a cozy room and two meals a day (breakfast and dinner). Here, the food is completely ORGANIC. They make both local Tibetan and Chinese food, but make sure you try the butter momos at least once—they’re very popular with guests. And jump in on the momo-making process. You’ll at least facilitate good laughs all around.

    Ganbao Tibetan village is a quick getaway from the high-paced life of the big city. We highly recommend the warm welcome, the great fun, and the delicious food you can find at Geji Nyima Tribe Homestay.

    Ganbao Tibetan Village

    Contact Info:

    Address: Ganbao Village, Li Xian County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

    地址：四川省阿坝藏族羌族自治州理县甘堡藏寨

    Phone: 13540997282

  • Kailash Restaurant & Bar

    Kailash Restaurant & Bar

    In the heart of Shangri-la Old Town, down a stone paved street and through a small alleyway, there lies a modest and vibrant Tibetan restaurant—the Kailash Restaurant & Bar. Though surrounded by low buildings, it is easily found because of the large, white stupa outside its front door. The restaurant’s wooden frames and large windows hang like rare paintings in an art gallery. The warmly lit world within pulls passersby in through its open doors. The inside is simple and artsy. The Kailash’s atmosphere is set with intricate lighting, elegant artwork, and pleasant Tibetan music.

    The Creator and His Food

    Samten, the owner of the restaurant, started his business in May of 2008. With the help of his family, who each take on different roles in the business, the Kailash has blossomed into a restaurant of renowned fame. The family farm, eighty kilometers away from the city, sources the fresh livestock and vegetables used in their dishes. Though Tibetan flavors dominate their offerings, the menu is also infused with Indian elements as the family spent a decade in that country. Samten works hard to please the palate of his customers without losing the intensity of the original flavors.

    Local Tibetan Hotpot at Kailash Restaurant
    Local Tibetan Hotpot at the Kailash Restaurant & Bar

    The Famous Yak Hotpot

    The Kailash is known for its large clay pot yak hotpot. The yak meat is tender to the point of falling out of the bovine meat category and qualifying as a type of fish. The soup base magically transforms anything it touches into more of that thing. The radish becomes more of a radish. Potatoes come out more like potatoes. The soup incorporates their distinct notes, and the flavors keep compounding!

    Although the restaurant is already known for its innovative dishes, Samten is constantly trying to update their menu to keep creating and offering new local flavors for visitors to Shangrila. The Kailash Restaurant & Bar is a prime destination for tourists looking for savory food to please their taste buds (and fill their tummies!).

    People enjoy Local Tibetan food at the restaurant
    People enjoy local Tibetan food at Kailash Restaurant &Bar

    Kailash Restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy Local Tibetan food: Yak Hotpot, Yak meat momos and Yogurt.

    Contact Info:

    Address: Beimen Road Yi Mulang 19-B1, Shangri-la Old Town, Diqing, Yunnan Province

    Phone:139 8879 8788

    地址：云南香格里拉建塘镇独克宗古城北门街依若木廊19-B1号（ 香巴拉老街）

  • Three Brother’s Café

    Three Brother’s Café

    Three Brother’s Café is nestled into the heart Shangri-La old town and offers a wide variety of Indian Food. The current owner moved to India in order to explore his Buddhist Heritage. While there, he discovered his passion for the Indian culinary arts. After twelve years of cooking experience, he returned to Yunnan and worked as a chef at two different hotels. All the while, he kept honing his skills. In 2015, he and two of his friends decided to open Three Brothers Café. The name comes from these three close friends who want to share their passion for Indian culture and food. Their strong work ethic and excellent food have made it one of the most popular restaurants in town.

    The Gate of Three Brother’s Café

    More Than Great Food

    As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a delicious cup of tea. From a comfortable seat at your thick wooden table on a balcony that overlooks the heart of the old town, you tap your foot to the beat of the evening Tibetan dancing below you. Three Brother’s Cafe does more than food. It creates an authentic cross-cultural experience.   

    Mind-blowing Deliciousness

    The menu offers a wide variety of options, ranging from specialty bread to Indian-spiced steak. Two must-tries are the eggplant and sweet and sour pork. Your mind will be blown. However, be careful that you don’t offer your firstborn to a lifetime of volunteer dishwashing in exchange for your regular fix, because the best is yet to come. Their myriad curries stand out like champions among all of the competition—like Meili Snow Mountain stands out among her jealous sisters.    

    Inside Three Brother’s Café

    A Home-Away-From-Home Feel

    If you fear the embarrassment of not knowing the local languages, run as fast as you can to the Three Brother’s Café. The owner’s wife speaks good English and is always around, like a homestead Mama sweeping the porch and waiting for your return. Here is every traveler’s home-away-from-home…and their “home-cooked” meals will melt your heart as they tickle your bellies.

    Address: Yi Ruo Mu Lang Old Town Shangri-la County

    Phone: +86 150 0886 1247

  • Zhuoni – Jonê

    Zhuoni – Jonê

    Zhuoni (卓尼）is the Chinese name for the Tibetan county of Jonê（ཅོ་ནེ།） located 2,500 meters above sea level in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province. With over 100,000 people, Jonê is a mix of Tibetan, Han Chinese, Hui, Miao, and Tu minorities. Yet, the majority (70%) is Tibetan.

    The History of the Kingdom of Jonê

    Historically, the people of Zhouni (Jonê) were ruled by a chiefdom (“Jonê Gyabo” in Tibetan; “Zhuoni Tusi” in Chinese). The Gatsang family established the Jonê Kingdom in the fifteenth century. At the time, the Ming dynasty emperor of China recognized Chief Gatsang as the authorized ruler of Jonê and gave him the Chinese surname Yang. To this day, many Tibetan families in this area have the Yang surname. The Yangs ruled Jonê until 1949.

    Summer in Jonê County

    Jonê Monastery

    The predominant religion of Zhouni ( Jonê) is Tibetan Buddhism. The six Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region all follow the Gelug tradition. On a hillside half a kilometer northwest of the county seat sits Jonê Monastery. As one of the oldest monasteries in Amdo Tibet, it was originally founded in 1269 by Drogon Ghogyel Phakpa in the Shakya sect. Shortly after the birth of the Gelug sect by Tsongkhapa, the Jonê Monastery became a Gelug monastery (in 1459) and was led by the Gelug master Renqing Lunpo. Unfortunately Jonê Monastery was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution but was later rebuilt. At one point, it housed over 5,000 monks. Today, there are only 200.

    Jonê County Seat

    Cheba Valley

    Quaint Tibetan villages pop up along the road that winds through the beautiful Cheba valley. People here make a living from both farming and raising livestock. The youth herd yaks, sheep, and horses in the pasture, while the elderly tend farms. Houses in the Cheba valley are built with wood and are closely connected to defend against thieves and invaders. Nyiba is the largest village in the valley with over 300 households (in Tibetan, Nyiba means “sunny slope”). 

    One of the Villages in Cheba Valley
    Traditional Tibetan Dress In Cheba Valley

    Dayu Valley

    The Dayu Valley is an eco-tourism area. Nine gullies come together and form a spectacular landscape. Dayu is not a well-known tourism destination (far lesser-known than nearby JiuZhaiGou), but it still offers an abundance of fascinating places to visit. Primitive forests, mountains, rivers, ancient temples, and grasslands are abundant. You can walk and hike to your heart’s content. One trail will take you on a four to five-hour adventure. If that’s too long, there is a shorter trail that is less than half the distance. Wood cabins inside the valley offer cozy accommodation where you can spend a night or two. Entrance tickets are 68 RMB per person. The average elevation of the valley is around 2,500 meters.

    Inside Dayu Valley

  • Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar

    Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar

    A Kangding Gem

    The Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar is a Tibetan restaurant in the older part of Kangding town (Sichuan province). The uniquely-structured restaurant is located up a flight of stairs and is always filled with guests—local customers and tourists from around the world. And they all have one thing in common: they recommend Taoshi Yongdeng’s exclusive yak meat. So, don’t miss their yak meat and potatoes dish (see below)! The restaurant also has a variety of other local dishes, such as momos and yak pizza, and an impressive drink menu.

    Yak Meat and Potatoes
    Yak Meat and Potatoes

    As you step inside the restaurant, a “homey” feeling greets you. The locally-made decor and furniture in the reception area strike you as exotic and familiar. Then, a concierge staff greets you and escorts you to a table. If you need privacy, they offer private rooms for large groups or for reservation. The serving staff are specially trained by the owner, who has trained dozens of top waiters throughout her career. So, service here is terrific!

    The Restaurant overlooking the streets of Kangding
    The Restaurant overlooking the streets of Kangding

    A Go-To Authentic Tibetan Restaurant

    Next, you notice that the tourist-friendly menu is written in easy-to-read English. The waiter tells you that all their meat comes from the mountains of Luhuo and Setar – nearby areas especially known for the finest yaks. So, you trust her and decide to try that famous yak meat and potato dish. You add a few other recommended dishes to your order. She jots them down and then sends the order to the kitchen. You’ve heard about Taoshi Yongdeng’s all-Tibetan cooking team, so the promise of authentic flavors from the plateau activate your hunger as the aromas from the kitchen waft by your table.

    A server at the bar, waiting for her guests
    A server at the bar, waiting for her guests

    Your food arrives quicker than you expected. And the flavors do not disappoint. You plan to leave Kangding in the morning and ask the owner if she has other restaurants in the places you are traveling. You keep your fingers crossed as she tells you no. Not yet, at least. She plans to but hasn’t yet found an ideal business partner. You think to yourself that if you were a local friend, you wouldn’t hesitate to invest in this promising enterprise.

    Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar is open 7 days a week from 9.30 am to 11.30 pm.

    An ornate entrance to the bar.
    An ornate entrance to the bar.

    Contact Info:

    Address: 康定溜溜溜溜城108剃B幢2楼
    Kangding Liu Liu Town Stairs 108 Pillar B 2nd Floor

    Telephone: 0836-2863222
    For further information call: 1364490007

  • Taoping Qiang Village & Erma Guesthouse

    Taoping Qiang Village & Erma Guesthouse

    Taoping Qiang

    The Qiang people are the oldest minority in China, with a long and interesting history. They live in Sichuan province and have their own spoken language. They do not, however, have a written language. If you want to learn about the architecture and lifestyle of the Qiang minority, Taoping Qiang Village is the best place to go. The village is known as “Mysterious Oriental Castle” for its unique architecture and distinct flavor. Naturally, the houses are all made of stone and connect to each other by crisscrossed paths, which gives the village a cryptic feel.

    Taoping Qiang New Village
    Taoping Qiang New Village

    Taoping Qiang Village is 130 kilometers (a two-hour drive) away from Chengdu. So, getting there for a day-trip or an overnighter is not out of the question. Once you get there, you’ll discover there are two sections to the village: an old and a new. The new village was built after the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008 and it is free to wander around. The old village, however, has over 1,000 years of history and requires a 60RMB entrance fee. You don’t begrudge this because you find it worthwhile to see the impressive architecture that survived the earthquake.

    Erma Guesthouse

    Inside the village, there is a quaint guesthouse run by a local Qiang woman that provides excellent and friendly service to travelers.

    The Yard of Erma Guesthouse
    The Yard of Erma Guesthouse

    Erma Guesthouse is a cozy, 5-story accommodation. Each floor has guestrooms with clean bathrooms and comfortable beds. The 4thand 5th floors have the best view of the village and the mountains. Outside, the courtyard is a great place for a cup of tea or coffee and a book. At mealtimes, they serve up specialty Qiang cuisine. Your lodging fee includes dinner and breakfast.

    A Quiet Alley in the Old Village
    A Quiet Alley in the Old Village

    A brief 5-minutes walk from the guesthouse brings you to a place called “Yangjia Yuan,” where you can see an ancient, underground water distribution system inside an old Qiang house. The house owner will take you on a  tour for 30RMB. The tour gives you a better understanding of Qiang architecture, history, and lifestyle.

    Another short walk from Erma Guesthouse will take you to a viewing platform overlooking the village. From here, the valley and the village are spectacular. So, be sure to check it out.

    Taoping Qiang Village and Erma Guesthouse come with our highest recommendation.

    A Happy Employee at Erma Guesthouse Shucking Corn for Guests
    A Happy Employee at Erma Guesthouse Shucking Corn for Guests

  • Zhagana

    Zhagana

    Zhagana, “Rock Box”

    Zhagana བྲག་སྒམ་ནང་། in Tibetan )

    Zhagana is in Yiwa Township, Tiewu County, Gannan (Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture), Gansu province. It’s mountain regions on the northeastern rim of the Tibetan plateau, with an average altitude of 3,200 meters. Zhagana means “Rock Box” in Tibetan language, which is fitting as it is surrounded by large rocky spires on all sides. Lush, verdant villages fill the space between the mountains. The morning sun reveals the beauty beneath the rocky surface of the mountains. When the clouds come in, a different kind of beauty emerges. The rocky mountain fortress has historically segregated this precious place, but it also bestows pride to the community within, as it continually communicates what they have is special and ought to be protected. Something deeply mystical and almost magical glitters on the surface of this hidden land. To pay homage to the beauty of this natural setting, the residents burn incense. They believe in and practice a harmonious existence between mankind and nature.

    Lush Valley

    The stunning landscape, primitive forest, local Tibetan villages and unique culture will make you feel you never want to leave. The locals really haven’t for thousands of years. People do both farming and pasturing work in Zhagana. The best season to visit is from May to October. Summer is the best time to go as everything turns to green and flowers bloom. In autumn, you can find people harvesting in the fields and also witness the changing colors of the trees. Breathtaking.

    Hiking Trails

    It’s only been a few years since Zhagana has been open for tourists. Visitors must pay a 20RMB entrance fee to go in and explore the village. Local Tibetan people provide homestays and guesthouses for visitors to experience the authentic culture. Zhagana is also an ideal place to hike. Many hiking trails have been developed to enjoy and explore the beautiful vistas. Hike to the monastery if you are interested in knowing more about Tibetan Buddhism, or if you love taking photos, hike to the top village and get the whole view of Zhagana from there.

    The altitude in Zhagana is 3,000 to 3,300 meters (9,800 to 11,000 feet) above sea level. To prevent altitude sickness, remember to drink lots of water and not over-exert yourself. However, if you do feel severe symptoms of altitude sickness, the quickest way down is to return to Diebu County (only 34 km away).

    Zhagana is a must-stay if you are headed to Eastern Tibet’s Amdo region. If you are anywhere in the neighborhood of Labrang monastery, Langmusi monastery or Zogi grassland, make sure you add Zhagana to your itinerary!

  • Zö ( Hezuo)

    Zö ( Hezuo)

    A lot Packed into Two Letters

    Zö (གཙོས་) means “antelope” in Tibetan. It also signifies the city of Zö (or Hezuo in Chinese). As the capitol of Gannan Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, Zö is naturally the economic, political, educational, and cultural center of the prefecture. Zö lies on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan plateau at an average elevation of 3,000 meters. In 2015, its population was 90,000 people and it represented 24 ethnic groups. The vast majority of residents, however, are Tibetan.

    Good lodging and great dining are easy to find in Zö. Want good entertainment? You’re in luck. Zö is home to the largest Tibetan opera theater in Gannan Prefecture. If you want to see professionals dance and sing in traditional Tibetan performances, make sure you go to the opera in town. It is open nightly, except in the winter season. Remarkably, the opera troupe from Zo performed in Israel in December 2017.

    Gannan Breakdown

    Gannan Tibet Autonomous Prefecture was founded in 1953 with seven counties and one city. Those counties are Lintan county ( Tibetan:ལིན་ཐན་རྫོང་།, Chinese:临潭县), Jonê county ( Tibetan:ཅོ་ནེ་རྫོང་།  Chinese: 卓尼县, Luqu county ( Tibetan:ཀླུ་ཆུ་རྫོང་། Chinese: Luqu 碌曲县), Maqu county ( Tibetan:རྨ་ཆུ་རྫོང་།, Chinese: 玛曲县), Tewo county( Tibetan: ཐེ་བོ་རྫོང་། Chinese: 迭部县)，Zhouqu county ( Tibetan: འབྲུག་ཆུ་རྫོང་། Chinese: 舟曲县), and Xiahe county ( Tibetan: བསང་ཆུ་རྫོང་། Chinese:夏河县) with Hezuo (Zö གཙོས་གྲོང་ཁྱེར) being the city. 

    Zö – Hezuo Century Square

    Right in the middle of the city, as in many other Chinese places, is a town square. Hezuo Century Square was built in 2000 and has become the cultural and communal heart of the city. People gather there in the morning for exercise. Local shows and other forms of entertainment pop up in the square from time to time. Most importantly, every evening at 7:00 pm people of all ages come to the square to dance the traditional Tibetan circle dance. Anyone can jump in.

    Milarepa Fame

    The famous Milarepa Temple towers above the main road toward Xiahe, about two kilometers from the bus station. Milarepa lived in the twelfth century and stands out among Tibet’s most famous Buddhist teachers (of the Kagyu tradition). The temple in his name was built in 1777. It was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution but was rebuilt in 1988. Each of its nine floors displays many varieties of Buddhist statues, deities, and scriptures. Local Tibetans circumambulate the temple daily.

    Gansu Normal University for Nationalities is located in southwest Zo, about two kilometers from the center of the city. Founded in 1984, the university is renowned for its beauty. Presently, there are over 10,000 students and 700 faculty.

  • Norden Camp, Glamping in Amdo Tibet

    Norden Camp, Glamping in Amdo Tibet

    Glamping Is a Thing

    Glamping is a new word to the Oxford English Dictionary (as of 2016). Formed by the combination of the two words glamorous and camping, it describes a new breed of camping experience that blends the simplicity and back-to-earth elements of camping with all of the services, food and comfort more traditionally associated with 5-star luxury resorts. Norden Camp in the Amdo regions of Eastern Tibet is one of the places pioneering glamping in China. Norden Camp is a wonderful nomadic-styled, luxury glamping camp run by Norden Travel. It is located 20 minutes from the historic Tibetan city of Labrang (Xiahe in Chinese) in Eastern Tibet. Labrang is home to Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Norden Camp is nestled in the strikingly beautiful, rolling Sangke Grasslands, next to a small river that runs around the perimeter of the camp. Waking up to the gurgling sounds of the river and birds singing is a delight to your ears. Norden Camp is situated at 3200 meters in the heart of Amdo grasslands. It is open for 6 months from May to October, during the most beautiful season on the Tibet plateau.

    The Founders

    A friendly and capable nomad in Labrang, Amdo Tibet named Yidam is passionate about his community. He and his wife Dechen are model Tibetan entrepreneurs. In 2007, they started Norlha Textiles, which has become a thriving wool textile company creating beautiful clothing and accessories. They employ only Tibetan nomads and use sustainable business practices that support and enrich their communities. Years later, they started Norden Travel to show their beautiful land and culture to the world. With his hard work and family support, Yidam opened Nordam Camp in 2014. This peaceful and extravagant camp helps visitors experience the richness of Tibetan culture. It is a proud example of the Tibetan people’s respect for their community and their environment.

    Stylish Accommodations

    The accommodations at this camp are a variety of 2-person authentic yak wool nomad tents, a family yak wool tent, and log cabins. The 2-person nomad tents feature comfortable twin beds laden with sumptuous Norlha yak wool blankets and pillows, a cheery wood stove, wash basin and tea pot—all filled and fired up each evening and morning by the gracious Norden camp staff. Each tent has its own private compost toilet nearby. The bathhouse has 6 private, hot shower rooms. Lodging there includes all meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner. The resident chefs have all been trained in Western food preparation. The food is an exceptional mix of Tibetan and European cuisine, using all local, fresh ingredients and beautifully presented.

    You will find out the most stunning and innocent smile from their staff at the camp. They are so friendly and helpful. Most of the staff are from local nomad villages. For them, camp is not only place for working, but also for learning skills, such as, cooking, English, Chinese and mixology. In the evening, staff will perform Tibetan dance and songs around the camp for their guests.

    Norden Camp will be happy to help you arrange activities if you want to explore the area. You can visit the monastery, nomad families, Norlha Textiles or try your skill at Tibetan horse riding, bike riding and hiking. There is also a very nice gift shop of Norlha products next to the reception room. Buy some yak hair souvenirs for you and your friends. Norden Camp is a must-stay place if you are going to Amdo Tibetan region. Visit their site here: http://www.nordentravel.com/

  • Tibetan Dancing

    Tibetan Dancing

    Born to Dance

    To say that Tibetan people are very good at dancing and singing is a gross understatement. There is a common saying that Tibetan people dance when they start walking, and sing when they start talking. In Tibet, dancing and singing accompany every occasion, such as harvest celebrations, weddings, religious and local festivals.

    Two Types of Dance in Tibetan Culture

    There are two types of dance in Tibet: folk dance and religious dance. Both have their own unique characteristics. The most famous religious dance is called the “Cham dance.”  Cham is a very important Tibetan Buddhism ritual. It is performed by monks wearing different masks and happens during Tibetan Buddhist festivals. The Cham dance is accompanied by music played by monks using traditional Tibetan instruments. The dance embodies moral instruction on compassion and is a type of prayer to invoke blessing. It is also believed to transform evil for the benefit of the entire world.

    Tibetan folk dance is common to all Tibetans, yet has distinctive local variety. “Guozhuo”is the name used in the Amdo regions of Eastern Tibet. It is essentially a circle dance. Some large guozhuomay consist of hundreds of people hand in hand. In 2014, Luqu county town was recognized as “the homeland of GuozhuoDance” so every summer thousands of Tibetan people from different regions gather in Luqu to join the annual dance contest.

    Folk Dancing

    The folk dance style used in Batang is called “Xiezhou.”Men and woman dance face-to-face, in two lines, to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument. It is usually directed by one person at the head of the formation. Sometimes, men play the stringed instruments while women dance to the music. “Zhuoxie”is another popular folk dance in the Lhasa and Shannan areas. It is usually performed at ceremonies of blessings and for welcoming guests. While there are many other forms of folk dance across Tibet, these three are some of the most widely used.

    Dancing in Festivals and Ceremonies

    Tibetan dancing always accompanies festivals and celebrations. These festivals are usually held in beautiful locations in the summer or fall. They may last for a few days and can include setting up tents, cooking extravagant meals, making butter and milk tea, offering rituals to local deities and even horse racing. These gatherings are always great opportunities for dancing, singing and playing. People dress up with their traditional clothing and make a big circle around a campfire and dance as they sing. Wedding celebrations have lots of dancing and singing. People send their best wishes and blessings to the bridegroom and bride through their traditional dance and folk songs. Overall, dancing is a very important part of Tibetan culture. It is through dance and song that people express their happiness and gratitude for the good things in life.

  • Pelyul County

    Pelyul County

    Pelyul County (or Pelyul- དཔལ་ཡུལ་རྫོང་།) is located in Kham Tibet and is one of eighteen counties of Ganzi Autonomous prefecture in Western Sichuan Province. In Tibetan, Pelyul means “a holy and happy place.” Pelyul is on the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region and is roughly 3,000 meters above sea level. There are over 50,000 people here with 94% being Tibetan and the rest are Han Chinese and other ethnic minorities.

    Getting to Pelyul

    Traveling to Pelyul from Chengdu is very doable with a little bit of patience. It’s roughly a 900km journey and takes around 18 hours by bus. A new highway from Ya’an to Luding is now open to private vehicles and will be available to public bus traffic in June of 2018. This cuts at least four hours off the journey, making the total ride possible in one day. This is still not recommended though, as it is always best to ascend elevation slowly with regular periods of acclimatization. We suggest spending at least a night or two in Kangding on the way up.

    Well Worth the Trip

    The landscape and scenery are so worth the trip: nomadic grassland, glaciated peaks, deep river valleys, stunning mountain lakes, diverse Tibetan architecture, and the unique culture. Pelyul is only 97 kilometers (a 2 hour drive) south of Dege. Dege is the center of culture, art and medicine in Kham area. It’s one of the best places to experience Tibetan religious culture and learn Kham Tibetan history.

    Sights to See around Pelyul

    You can easily spend two to three days in Pelyul visiting monasteries and nunneries. Pelyul and Katok Monasteries are one of the three biggest Nyingma-tradition monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in the Kham Tibetan region. Pelyul monastery was founded in 1665 by Kuchen Sherab in Pelyul County. After Pedma Norbu Rinpoche’s death, Karma Kuchen Rinpoche became the monastery’s twelfth leader. The monastery is located in a hillside above the county town and is within walking distance. From the monastery you can get the whole view of the town.

    Katok Monastery was founded by Katok Dampa Deshek in 1159. It’s located on a hillside in a town called Horpo 51 kilometers away from Peyul county. It has a nearly 850 year history and the greatest scholars in Tibet have come out of Katok. Katok is a must-see if you want to dive deep into the history of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

    Yarchen Monastery was founded by Achuk Rinpoche in 1985. It lies in an isolated valley 4000 meters above sea level. The monastery is associated with the Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. It’s the largest concentration of nuns and monks in the world. Nuns drastically outnumber the monks, so much so that Yarchen is also known as “The City of Nuns.” The place is covered with thousands of small huts where nuns do their meditation. Yarchen is an amazing place to learn about Tibetan Buddhist nun’s lifestyle and religious customs. Yarchen is between Pelyul County and Ganzi County, roughly equidistant from both. Traveling from either Pelyul or Ganzi to Yarchen takes about three hours by private vehicle.

  • Minya Konka (Mount Gongga)

    Minya Konka (Mount Gongga)

    On the eastern edges of the Tibetan plateau, in the Kham region south of Kangding and Xinduqiao, lies Mount Gongga (Minya Konka), the 7,556-meter sentinel of the Mount Gongga mountain range. The mountain is the third largest peak outside of the Himalayas. At one point in the 1930s, its height was miscalculated and thought to be over 30,000 feet, which would have made it the tallest mountain in the world. The myth was short-lived as the National Geographic Society quickly disproved the claim. It does stand head and shoulders above every other peak in the region and its prominence from some of the deep, surrounding gorges make it easy to understand how some might have mis-calculated its height.

     

    Viewing Minya Konka

    Minya Konka lies shrouded in clouds amongst the other peaks of the Gongga Range
    Minya Konka lies shrouded in clouds amongst the other peaks of the Gongga Range

    Catching an unhindered view of Mt. Gongga’s peak is a rare occurence as it typically carries with it its own weather system. Even when the rest of the sky is relatively cloudless, Gongga will still wear a shroud of clouds. The steep valleys surrounding Gongga make it difficult to see even though you may be walking through its own foothills. There are a few common vantage points available for viewing Gongga, though you still need a good dose of luck to see it. The Kangding Airport road provides a clear, though distant view of Gongga and the surrounding mountains. You can also potentially view it from the Riewuqie pass on the Gongga through-trek. There are parts of the 318 Highway between Yajiang and Kangding from where you can also see the mountain. But the best viewing spot for Gongga is at the pass above Zimei village.

     

    A Wonderland of Adventure

    Surrounded by awe inspiring landscapes
    Surrounded by awe inspiring landscapes

    During late spring and early summer, Tibetans comb the valleys and mountains around Gongga for caterpillar fungus. More and more trekkers are finding their way to Mt. Gongga. There is a popular trail hike that begins just to the south of Kangding and ends in Zimei village, which visits one of the most isolated monasteries on the planet. Visitors have the option of even staying the night at the monastery itself, which was build over 700 years ago nestled into a steep valley on the western side of Minya Konka. It typically takes 5 to 8 days to traverse the 70-kilometer journey.

    This 700 year old monastery is one of the most isolated on the planet
    This 700 year old monastery is one of the most isolated on the planet

    There have been many attempts to summit Mt. Gongga. And many fatalities. It has been successfully summitted only a few times, most recently in the summer of 2017 by a group from the Czech Republic. But for the average adventurer, Minya Konka is a veritable alpine playground. Boasting some of the most inspiring and breath-taking landscapes in the region, the Gongga Valley is a trekker’s, and mountain biker’s, dream.  It doesn’t get any better than this.

    Trekking through the Gongga Valley
    Trekking through the Gongga Valley