TibetanSpheres
Between Tibetan monasteries and high-altitude steppes, an immersion in the heart of the nomadic world of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau.
Duration
10 days
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover the highlands of Qinghai and Gansu, where Tibetan traditions remain intact. From Tongren, renowned for the sacred art of tangkas and astonishing yak butter sculptures, to the vast steppes of Langmusi, this journey immerses you in a universe of monasteries, high-altitude grasslands and authentic encounters.
Along the way, explore the spectacular landscapes of the Kanbula National Park, share the daily life of Tibetan nomads and experience the unique adventure of horseback riding across the high-altitude pastures bordering the White Dragon River. Nights spent in yurts, wildlife observation and exchanges with local communities offer a rare immersion into the world of the highlands.
The journey continues to Xiahe, around the prestigious Labrang Monastery, one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Between spirituality, vast landscapes and living traditions, this itinerary reveals an overlooked Chine, at the borders of historic Tibet, where the nomadic spirit continues to shape landscapes as well as people.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Beijing – Ping An ~ 2500m
Visit to the Xiazong Monastery. This temple was built over 640 years ago and is one of the most important monasteries in the region. A few kilometers from the monastery is the Hongshuiquan Mosque. This mosque, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), underwent five expansions throughout history and now spans over 4,500 square meters. It is especially known for its architecture, which incorporates not only the culture of the Hui (Chinese Muslims) but also that of the Tibetans and Han Chinese.
Accommodation at Haifeng Hotel (4*)
Ping An – Tongren (B) ~ 2500m
In the morning, departure for the Kanbula National Park, a magnificent national park that will remind you of the Grand Canyon but in a Tibetan version.
Then drive to Tongren.
Accommodation at the Tongren Hotel
Tongren
Visit of the Tongren monastery, one of the 6 main lamaseries of the Yellow Hat Buddhist sect famous for its extraordinary yak butter sculptures. Visit of the Wutun monastery renowned for the artistic talents of its monks who produce the most beautiful Tibetan statues and Tangka.
Tongren – Langmusi (B) ~ 3.325m
In the morning, drive towards Langmusi (approximately 5 hours) and check in at the hotel. In Langmusi, accommodation at Langmusi hotel. Visit of Langmusi Temples.
Langmusi (B,L) ~ 3,300 m to 3,500 m
Departure at 6am for a walk through the forest and meadows in search of wild animals. Himalayan sheep, vultures, gazelles,… A multitude of animals awaits discovery.
Return to Langmusi and meeting with your trekking team and briefing for tomorrow.
Free time
Langmusi – Xiahe (B) ~ 2,900m
Xiahe (B)
Visit to the enormous Labrang Lamasery, built in 1709. It houses 1,200 monks from the Yellow Hat sect.
Discovery of the Golden Temple, the Tibetan medicine institute, libraries, temples and countless treasures of Buddhist art.
City tour and panorama from the hill overlooking the Labrang Monastery.
Transfer to Norden Camp, reserved by you.
Optional day for the return: Xiahe – Lanzhou (422 Euro for the whole family)
Breakfast and drive to Binglingsi (approximately 4 hours). Boat excursion (included) to the thousand-Buddha sanctuary caves, through a stunning corridor of cliffs overlooking the Yellow River and creating impressive landscapes of peaks and steep ravines. Boat crossing to the other side of the river. Visit to the Binglingsi caves, a superb collection of statues carved into porous rock cliffs shaped by water.
Drive then to Lanzhou airport (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) for your return flight.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Lunches and dinners not included to enjoy according to your preferences and your guide's recommendations
- Personal expenses and activities not explicitly mentioned in the program
- Tips for Guides and Drivers
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Incoming flights to Xining and departing flights from Xiahe/Lanzhou
Included
- Accommodation in hotels with breakfast every day
- All transport and transfers in private vehicle
- English-speaking guides for guided days
- Admission fees for visits mentioned in the program when a guide is present
- Meals included in the program (L=Lunch, D=Dinner) with a drink per person
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to China for tourism purposes. Since entry rules may change, we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
China has extended its unilateral visa exemption program to numerous countries. Nationals of most European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland, benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals are also eligible for this exemption following the recent expansion of the program.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 15 days upon entry to the territory, for transit or tourism purposes. The exact duration and conditions may vary depending on nationality; it is advisable to verify the provisions applicable to your passport before departure.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of accommodation booking for the duration of your stay,
proof of sufficient financial resources.
Tourist visa (type L)
For travelers not eligible for visa exemption, or wishing to stay for a longer period, you must obtain a type L tourist visa from the competent Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
The application file generally includes:
the completed visa application form,
a recent identity photograph meeting requirements,
the valid original passport,
proof of flight and accommodation booking,
any document evidencing sufficient financial resources.
Processing times may vary; it is recommended to submit your application several weeks before departure.
Entry registration card
Upon arrival in Chinese territory, foreign travelers must complete an entry registration card provided on board the aircraft or available at border posts. This document must be presented to immigration services when passing through passport control.
Furthermore, any foreigner staying in China must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival:
at a hotel, registration is completed automatically by the establishment,
if staying with a private individual, the traveler must visit the local police station to complete this registration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccines are mandatory to enter China for travelers from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the regions visited and length of stay:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
Japanese encephalitis (for stays in rural areas),
rabies (for extended or adventure stays).
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the Chinese embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the detailed policy outlining all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays, provided they hold a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry. Beyond exemption periods, a standard tourist visa can be obtained from the consulate. Conditions change regularly: check with your country's consular authorities for the rules applicable to your nationality before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Chinese high-speed trains are an experience in their own right.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Tibet-Himalaya
Explorer of a Plural China, based in Kunming, Yunnan
China impresses with its vastness, but it's often the details that leave the deepest mark: a forgotten village, an encounter, a market, a light over the mountains of Yunnan.
— Paul
