Monastery
Labrang Monastery
One of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school, home to thousands of monks and the world's longest prayer wheel corridor — a profoundly moving spiritual experience.
Gansu Province, China
Panoramic Gannan
6 Days 5 Nights
Journey through the Tibetan heartland of Gansu — ancient monasteries, soaring grasslands, hidden mountain villages, and spiritual landscapes that stir the soul.
Trip Overview
Where Tibetan spirituality meets untouched natural beauty
Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is one of China's best-kept secrets — a high-altitude wonderland where Tibetan culture thrives amid sweeping grasslands, sacred monasteries, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Over six immersive days, you'll walk the ancient corridors of Labrang Monastery, witness the otherworldly stone peaks of Zhagana, ride horseback across the endless Sangke Grassland, and connect with the warm hospitality of Tibetan communities.
Labrang Monastery — one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school
Zhagana — the "Stone Box" mountain village
Sangke Grassland — vast alpine pastures
Langmu Temple — straddling two provinces
Daily Itinerary
Six days of discovery through the Tibetan plateau
Day
1
Arrival in Lanzhou
Gateway to the NorthwestWelcome to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province. Your guide will meet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely evening along the Yellow River — walk the riverside promenade, see the iconic Zhongshan Bridge, and sample Lanzhou's famous hand-pulled beef noodles, a beloved local tradition.
Airport pickup
Hotel check-in
Yellow River walk
Day
2
Lanzhou to Xiahe — Labrang Monastery
The Spiritual Heart of GannanTravel south into the Tibetan plateau to Xiahe, home to Labrang Monastery — one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Walk the world's longest corridor of prayer wheels, observe monks in debate, and explore the richly decorated halls. In the evening, stroll through the Tibetan quarter and feel the deep spiritual atmosphere that permeates this sacred town.
Scenic drive
Labrang Monastery
Prayer wheel circuit
Day
3
Sangke Grassland & Tibetan Nomad Experience
Riding the Endless PrairieToday you enter the vast Sangke Grassland, a sweeping alpine pasture at 3,000 meters above sea level. Ride horseback across the emerald plains alongside Tibetan herders, visit a traditional nomad tent, and sip butter tea with a local family. The endless horizon, dotted with yaks and prayer flags, offers a profound sense of freedom and connection to the land.
Sangke Grassland
Horseback riding
Nomad family visit
Day
4
Zhagana — The Stone Box Mountain Village
A Hidden World of Stone and MistJourney to Zhagana, a dramatic landscape of soaring stone peaks and traditional Tibetan villages that feels like a lost world. Hike through terraced fields and forested valleys, marvel at the karst formations that rise like natural cathedrals, and breathe the crisp mountain air. This UNESCO-recognized geopark is one of the most visually stunning regions in all of China.
Zhagana Geopark
Valley hiking
Village exploration
Day
5
Langmu Temple & Return to Xiahe
Where Two Provinces MeetVisit Langmu Temple, a unique monastery complex that straddles the border between Gansu and Sichuan provinces. Explore both the Gansu-side Sertri Gompa and the Sichuan-side Kirti Gompa, each with its own character and stunning mountain backdrop. The town's narrow streets, lined with prayer wheels and colorful flags, create an intimate, timeless atmosphere before you return to Xiahe.
Langmu Temple
Border town walk
Sky burial site (viewpoint)
Day
6
Xiahe to Lanzhou — Departure
Farewell to the PlateauAfter a final morning in Xiahe, perhaps with a quiet walk around the monastery or a visit to a local craft shop, we drive back to Lanzhou. Your guide will assist with your onward journey, whether by flight or train, leaving you with memories of prayer flags fluttering in the wind, the warmth of Tibetan hospitality, and landscapes that will call you back.
Free morning
Return transfer
Airport / station drop-off
Want the Full Details?
Download the complete day-by-day itinerary with maps, accommodation details, packing tips, and more — everything you need to plan your Gannan adventure.
Download Full Itinerary (PDF) Detailed 6-day route map, hotel recommendations & travel tips includedKey Destinations
The places that make this journey unforgettable
Landscape
Zhagana
A UNESCO-recognized geopark of soaring stone peaks and traditional Tibetan villages. Known as the "Stone Box," it feels like a hidden world untouched by time.
Grassland
Sangke Grassland
Vast alpine pastures at 3,000 meters where Tibetan nomads tend their yaks. Ride horseback across emerald plains beneath an endless sky.
Border Town
Langmu Temple
A unique monastery town straddling Gansu and Sichuan, offering two distinct gompas, a serene gorge, and one of the few accessible sky burial sites in the region.
City
Lanzhou
The gateway to the Northwest, where the Yellow River carved its path through history. Famous for hand-pulled noodles, riverside walks, and the iconic Zhongshan Bridge.
Culture
Tibetan Nomad Experience
Step inside a traditional black yak-hair tent, share butter tea with a herder family, and learn about a way of life that has endured on the plateau for centuries.
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Best Time to Visit
- June to September — lush green grasslands, mild weather
- July and August — peak wildflower season
- September to October — golden autumn colors, fewer crowds
- Winter — snow-covered landscapes, very cold, limited access
Altitude & Health
- Elevation ranges from 2,900m to 3,500m
- Most travelers experience only mild altitude symptoms
- Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity on Day 1
- Consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory conditions
What to Pack
- Warm layers — temperatures drop sharply at night
- Waterproof jacket — mountain weather changes quickly
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Personal medication and basic first-aid kit
Accommodation
We select comfortable, locally run hotels and guesthouses that reflect the character of the region. In Xiahe, stay near the monastery for early-morning walks. In Zhagana, experience village guesthouses with stunning mountain views. All accommodations include private bathrooms, heating, and breakfast.
Cultural Etiquette
- Walk clockwise around monasteries and prayer wheels
- Ask permission before photographing monks or inside halls
- Remove hats and sunglasses when entering temples
- Do not point your feet toward sacred objects or people
What's Included
- Private vehicle with experienced driver
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 5 nights of accommodation with breakfast
- All entrance fees to listed attractions
- Travel insurance and 24/7 support
Ready to Explore Gannan?
Speak with one of our travel consultants to customize this itinerary to your preferences, dates, and group size.
Start Planning Your TripVisual Journey
A glimpse of what awaits on the plateau