Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Lanzhou
- Day 2 Norden Camp
- Day 3 Norden Camp
- Day 4 Depart Norden Camp
Indulge in conscious, sustainable luxury in the Tibetan area of Gansu. You’ll stay in a camp staffed by local nomads, surrounded by summer flowers and wildlife. Embark on horseback or foot throughout the surrounding countryside and gaze at the stars during this camping getaway.
About this Journey
Experience luxury camping Tibetan nomad style in Gansu. Surrounded by endless miles of fields, abundant wildlife including foxes and gazelles, and summer flowers, you’ll stay in your choice of yak wool tent or log cabin and sleep under hand-woven yak wool blankets. Founded and staffed by local nomads, Norden Camp offers a chance to experience low-impact camping with a Tibetan twist. Indulge in some stargazing, go horseback riding through winter grazing lands, hike through the surrounding countryside, or visit a local nomad family. Norden Camp is the perfect place to escape from the everyday grind and reconnect with a simpler way of life.
Tour Highlights
- Learning how to weave delicate yak wool fibers together at Norden Camp's sister project Norlha
- Camping in the style of local nomads, sleeping under yak wool blankets and gazing at the star-filled sky
- Sampling local Tibetan delicacies such as boiled lamb and sweet droma root
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Lanzhou
First Stop: Lanzhou
For people crossing through China, Lanzhou – the capital city of Gansu province – marks the middle point. Located on the Yellow River, Lanzhou is home to more than 3 million people and was once a key city connecting Central and Western China, as well as a primary link to Eastern Europe. With 5th century shrines and stone statues of the Thousand Buddha Caves located close by, the city is an interesting cultural hub due to its positioning on the Silk Road.
Your Journey Begins
Today is the day, the start of your China Adventure Club adventure. Step off the plane in Lanzhou and meet your local guide in the airport arrivals hall. They’ll be waiting to welcome you and will have your private vehicle on standby, ready to whisk you off to Norden Camp.
An Evening to Yourself
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, resting up for your adventures to come.
Day 2 Norden Camp
Today, choose one of the following options to participate in:
Visit Labrang Monastery
Sitting at an elevation of 3000 meters in the remote hills of southwest Gansu, Xiahe (Labrang) is one of the most important Tibetan monastery towns outside of Tibet. At the center of the town sits Labrang Monastery, one of the six most important monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery’s red walls and elaborate gold and copper-colored roofs are incredible against the dramatic Tibetan scenery as you follow the pilgrimage trail around the monastery.
An Afternoon to Yourself
After, spend the rest of the afternoon taking a break off the road and explore the surrounding area of the campsite with a leisurely hike around the surrounding area- make sure to keep an eye open for birds only native to the area and other wildlife sightings. After returning to the campsite, you can visit a handicraft workshop and learn about local ware and how it’s made. Other activities that can be organized at the campsite include: relaxing in a spa, visiting a local nomadic family, lunch at a monk’s home, and horseback riding.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Day 3 Norden Camp
An Afternoon to Yourself
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure: relax in the camp’s spa, go horseback riding, or hike through the surrounding area (payment on site on your own)
Day 4 Depart Norden Camp
Your Flight Back Home
Spend the morning hiking and exploring the camp’s verdant Tibetan grasslands at leisure before your local guide escorts you to the airport and helps you check in for your flight home.
Hotels
Norden Camp
CampEstablished in 2013, Norden was born from the desire to share Tibetan nomadic life with the outside world. Founded by Yidam, born into a nomadic family, and his wife Dechen, daughter of a Tibetan father and European mother, Norden exemplifies a community searching for their voice in a time of change. Located on winter pasture on the Sangke Grassland at 3,200 meters in altitude, the camp blends the lush landscapes of the Tibetan plateau with contemporary interiors and carefully curated local food, ambiance, and experiences. By sharing its environment and cultural heritage, Norden acts as a platform to amplify the voices of Tibetan artists, craftspeople, and those of the surrounding communities.
Photos
Photos Labrang Monastery Nomadic Camping Tibetan Nomad Life
Details
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local English-speaking guide
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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