Little Tibet (4N5D standard)
Lanzhou-Linxia-Xiahe

A relatively barren province in western China, Gansu has long been considered as on the very borders of ‘civilized’ China. Xiahe is a tiny, bustling town centered in a valley of the Ganan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Gansu. At three thousand meters above sea level, and surrounded by hilly mountains, this rural haven hugs its neighboring Tibet. The town centers upon the famous Labrang Monastery, which rests in the center of town. Xiahe is often referred to as ‘Little-Tibet’ because of Labrang Monastery. It is not just the amazing sights that will enamour you with Xiahe, but also the vibrant atmosphere. The locals and nomads that you will see in the village live a laid-back lifestyle that will appeal to those who have been traveling for almost any length of time. The town is also a thoroughfare for incoming pilgrims from the obvious Qinghai and Tibet, to the many backpacking Westerners.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Lanzhou-Arrival
Meet at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Lanzhou today spreads many miles along a thin valley, sandwiched in by hills and the Yellow River. It is one of the largest cities in the northeast.

Day 2 Lanzhou-80km-Yongjing-230km-Xiahe
After breakfast, transfer to the Liujiaxia Hydropower Station in Yongjing County, Linxia Prefecture, known as ‘China’ s Small Mecca’, and then enjoy 1-hour boat ride into the Binglingsi grottoes at the end of the reservoir. Lunch at Linxia before continuing to Xiahe where you will enjoy the beautiful view of sunset on the Sanker Grassland and Bonfire party. On the way to Xiahe, you will pass Moslem area to visit Moslem markets and Mosques, passing through terraced fields and Tibetan villages. Stay at the Tibetan style Labrang Hotel in Xiahe.

Day 3 Xiahe
After breakfast, visit Labrang Lamasery, one of the six main lamaseries of the Yellow Sect of Buddhism and the largest Lamaism institute in the world with a large collection of scriptures volumes. The site of Labrang Lamasery is named Xiahe, which is often referred to as ‘Little-Tibet’. In the afternoon, free walk in Xiahe.

Day 4 Xiahe-290km-Lanzhou
After breakfast, drive 6.5 hours back to Lanzhou. Take rest or photo when having many stops. In the afternoon, short visit to the bank of Yellow River and take a cable car to the to the top of Baita Mountain to have a bird’s eye view of Lanzhou. Time permitting, visit Gansu Provincial Museum.

Day 5 Lanzhou-Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and take flight back home. Trip ENDs.