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Day 1 - Arrive Chengdu
On arrival into Chengdu and after completing any necessary Customs and Immigration formalities you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, you will be treated to a special welcome dinner incorporating the local Sichuan cuisine. (D)
Day 2 - Jiuzhaigou
After breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Jiuzhaigou, where on arrival you will be met by your local China Holidays guide and depart for an afternoon tour to Huanglong National Park – a valley studded with terraced coloured ponds and waterfalls, mountain peaks and ridges. From Huanglong, you will be transferred by road to Jiuzhaigou, where you will spend the next two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 3 - Jiuzhaigou
Today a full day visit to Jiuzhaigou Valley (Nine Village Valley) National Park. Jiuzhaigou literally translates as “Nine Village Valley” because of the Nine Tibetan Villages scattered throughout the valley. It is a stunningly beautiful place, known for its natural wonders of waterfalls, lakes and mountains. Here there will be time to take in the scenery, visit the villages and enjoy lunch. Afterwards, visit the market area for handicrafts of the local ethnic groups. This evening there will be a visit to a local Cultural show. (B/L/D)
Day 4 - Langmusi
Travel overland through the grasslands of the vast Tibetan Plateau and enjoy a traditional lunch with a local Tibetan family. You will have the chance to try yoghurt, mutton, wheat pan cakes, locally brewed wine and much more! Afterwards, you will continue onto the rural village of Langmusi, famous for its monastery, where you will spend the next two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Langmusi
On the borders of the Sichuan Province and the Gansu province, the Langmusi Monastery is in fact two monasteries, one on the Gansu side and the other on the Sichuan side. Both practice Tibetan Buddhism and in turn, they co-exist harmoniously with the muslim monastery also found in the village. After visiting the monasteries, enjoy a chance to interact with the local Hanzu, Tibetan and Muslim inhabitants. (B/L/D)
Day 6 - Xiahe
Start your day by visiting the beautiful Ga Lake, a remote haven and protected area for migratory birds. After lunch, a visit to the Milariba Monastery, which is famous for holding 1270 Buddhist statues. Travel onwards through the stunning mountainous scenery to the town of Xiahe, where you will have the opportunity to explore Tarzang Lake, on the outskirts of the town. Don’t be surprised if you share the lakeside slopes with nomads and their yaks! You will spend the next two nights at your hotel in Xiahe. (B/L/D)
Day 7 - Xiahe
Founded 300 years ago, the Labrang Monastery dominates the town of Xiahe. The monastery is home to the largest concentration of Tibetan monks outside of Tibet and there are over 2000 prayer wheels built into its walls. The local monks are extremely friendly to visitors and use every opportunity to practice their basic English, which in most cases is self-taught. After lunch, visit the ancient village of Bajiao, whose Muslim residents have lived in this charming mud and brick walled village for several hundreds of years. Don’t be surprised if you’re the talk of the town!
Day 8 - Lanzhou
Leaving Xiahe, travel overland to the Bingling Caves on the Yellow River. During the Qin Dynasty, circa 100BC, these caves were inscribed with paintings and Buddha sculptures, the statues ranging in size from 10 centimetres to 27 metres. The scenic landscape of the river gorge and the caves themselves, allow visitors to enjoy an experience that few other westerners will have whilst in China. Travelling onto your last stop, Lanzhou, enjoy the remaining scenic views of this unforgettable part of China. You will spend your last night at your hotel in Lanzhou. (B/L/D)
Day 9 - Lanzhou
In the morning, visit the Lanzhou Museum, with its 5000 year old porcelain artefacts. Afterwards, bid farewell to Lanzhou and China. (B)
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