Gannan’s Secrets
Discover Gannan, also known as “Little Tibet”. This hidden gem boasts sprawling grasslands, sacred monasteries, and authentic Tibetan culture. Experience centuries-old heritage and traditional nomadic communities.
Our Journey
| FROM | TO | KM | TRAVEL TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| LANZHOU | XIAHE | 244 KM | 3 H 50 MIN |
| XIAHE | GANJIA | 34 KM | 0 H 44 MIN |
| GANJIA | SANGKE | 49 KM | 1 H 05 MIN |
| SANGKE | LANGMUSI | 174 KM | 2 H 50 MIN |
| LANGMUSI | ZHAGANA | 95 KM | 3 H 30 MIN |
| ZHAGANA | HEZUO | 176 KM | 4 H 36 MIN |
| HEZUO | LANZHOU | 235 KM | 3 H 20 MIN |
Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou
- Morning: Arrival in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu and historic Silk Road gateway. After settling in, visit the Yellow River Mother Sculpture – a beautiful riverside landmark symbolizing the nurturing spirit of China’s “Mother River.”
- Afternoon: Stroll across the iconic Zhongshan Bridge (the first modern bridge over the Yellow River), enjoy the lively atmosphere, street vendors, and panoramic river views.
- Evening: Indulge in Lanzhou’s famous hand-pulled beef noodles at a traditional local restaurant – a true Gansu specialty.
- Overnight: Comfortable hotel in Lanzhou.
Day 2: Lanzhou → Xiahe
- Morning: Transfer to Xiahe and immerse yourself in Labrang Monastery, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet. Admire the golden roofs, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant prayer halls.
- Afternoon: Join pilgrims on the 3-km outer kora (pilgrimage circuit), spinning more than 1,700 prayer wheels as you walk clockwise around the monastery.
- Evening: Free time to stroll around Xiahe and enjoy the sunset over Gannan’s enchanting landscape.
- Overnight: Hotel in Xiahe.
Day 3: Xiahe → Ganjia → Sangke
- Morning: Explore the breathtaking Ganjia Grasslands – endless green pastures dotted with Tibetan tents and grazing yaks – and visit the octagonal City of Bajiao — an ancient fortified settlement with a distinctive city wall structure.
- Afternoon: Continue to Sangke Grassland to further immerse yourself in Gannan’s breathtaking nature. Optional horseback riding across flower-filled meadows and gentle hills (summer wildflowers are spectacular).
- Evening: Free time to relax and soak in the traditional Tibetan atmosphere of the grasslands.
- Overnight: Yurt in Sangke, or hotel in Xiahe.
Day 4: Sangke → Langmusi
- Morning: Arrive in serene Langmusi, a remote town straddling the Gansu–Sichuan border. Visit the two neighboring monasteries (Kirti and Sertri) and feel the spiritual energy of this high-altitude haven.
- Afternoon: Gentle hike through fairy-tale scenery to White Dragon Lake (or explore the dramatic gorge trails) – perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
- Evening: Relax in the small town square, watching monks and locals go about their evening routines.
- Overnight: Cozy guesthouse in Langmusi.
Day 5: Langmusi → Zhagana
- Morning & afternoon: Discover magical Zhagana, often called “the place where heaven meets earth.” Wander through the cliffside Tibetan village, visit ancient stone houses built into the mountains, and explore hidden canyons and rock formations.
- Evening: Watch the golden sunset light up the dramatic limestone peaks (bring a jacket – evenings are cool at 3,200 m).
- Overnight: Hotel in Zhagana village.
Day 6: Zhagana → Hezuo
- Morning: Travel to Hezuo amidst stunning landscapes.
- Afternoon: Visit the striking Milarepa Palace Temple nine-story pagoda, famous for its colorful murals and unique blend of Tibetan and Chinese architecture.
- Evening: Free time to visit Hezuo before resting in your hotel.
- Overnight: Hotel in Hezuo.
Day 7: Hezuo → Lanzhou
- Morning: Scenic drive back to Lanzhou.
- Afternoon and evening: Free time for souvenir shopping or simply unwinding. Farewell dinner to Gansu at a riverside restaurant with beautiful night views of the Yellow River.
- Overnight: Hotel in Lanzhou.
Day 8: Departure from Lanzhou
- Early visit to the outstanding Gansu Provincial Museum (home to the famous Flying Horse of Gansu), before your private transfer to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, or high-speed train station, for the conclusion of your journey.
Recommended 8-day itinerary. We handcraft each experience to match your style and budget.
Start designing your exclusive China journey today.
Lanzhou (兰州)
Capital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou stretches along the Yellow River in a valley surrounded by mountains. This key Silk Road hub blends rich heritage with modernity and is renowned for its hand-pulled noodles. The Yellow River, China’s second-longest, provides both scenic beauty and economic importance to this historic transportation center.
Highlights:
Zhongshan Bridge
The first permanent bridge across the Yellow River, built in 1907 and known as the “First Bridge under Heaven.”
Lanzhou Beef Noodles
Sample the city’s famous hand-pulled noodles served in clear broth with tender beef and aromatic spices.
White Pagoda Mountain Park
Offering panoramic views of the entire city and the Yellow River from atop this popular urban mountain park.
Xiahe (夏河)
Nestled in a valley surrounded by grasslands in southern Gansu, Xiahe is an active center of Tibetan culture.” Home to the renowned Labrang Monastery, one of six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, this spiritual center blends Tibetan and Han Chinese cultures where traditional nomadic lifestyles coexist with modern influences.
Highlights:
Labrang Monastery
One of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet with over 600 monks, six colleges, and golden-roofed temples housing numerous religious artifacts.
Labrang Monastery
Founded in 1709, Labrang Monastery stands as one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet. This spiritual center in Xiahe houses over 600 monks and covers an area of nearly 1 square kilometer.
Religious Significance
One of six major monasteries of the Gelug school (“Yellow Hat”) of Tibetan Buddhism, featuring six institutes of learning.
Cultural Treasures
Home to tens of thousands of sutras, Buddhist scriptures, and countless artifacts including thangkas, statues, and butter sculptures.
Pilgrim Experience
The 3km kora (sacred path) around the monastery features over 1,700 prayer wheels that pilgrims spin as they circumambulate clockwise.
Ganjia Secret Area (甘加)
Hidden in the rolling grasslands of southern Gansu Province, the Ganjia basin represents one of the region’s best-kept secrets. This remote pastoral wonderland sits at an elevation of 3,000 meters and stretches between Xiahe and Linxia, offering breathtaking landscapes that blend Tibetan cultural elements with stunning natural beauty.
Highlights:
Bajiao Ancient City
Explore the mysterious ruins of this octagonal Tibetan fortified city dating back over 1,400 years.
White Stone Cliff Canyon
Trek through this spectacular canyon with sheer cliffs rising on both sides, featuring hidden sacred caves.
Tsenpo Monastery
Visit this Buddhist sanctuary nestled against the mountain, where monks maintain centuries-old practices.
Sangke Grasslands (桑科草原)
Located near Xiahe in Gansu Province, the Sangke Grasslands offer an immersive glimpse into traditional Tibetan nomadic life. Stretching over 70 square kilometers at an elevation of 3,000 meters, this vast meadowland transforms into a sea of vibrant wildflowers during summer months. The grasslands provide both stunning natural beauty and authentic cultural experiences where visitors can witness the timeless relationship between Tibetan herders and their environment.
Highlights:
Nomadic Lifestyle
Immerse yourself in traditional Tibetan hospitality by visiting authentic yak-hair tents and observing traditional way of life.
Seasonal Festivals
Witness the vibrant cultural heritage of Tibetan nomadic communities and their colorful celebrations during summer months.
Langmusi (郎木寺)
Straddling the Gansu-Sichuan border at 3,300 meters elevation, Langmusi is a remote Tibetan town where two major monasteries face each other across a provincial boundary river. This mountain sanctuary offers pristine alpine scenery and authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture in a serene environment largely untouched by mass tourism.
Highlights:
Kirti & Sertri Monasteries
Two prominent Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Buddhist monasteries featuring traditional Tibetan architecture, prayer halls with butter lamps, and active monk communities practicing daily rituals and philosophical debates.
White Dragon Gorge
A sacred limestone canyon with pristine springs emerging from cave openings. The upper section hosts traditional sky burial rituals, while the lower area provides exceptional hiking through untouched wilderness.
Zhagana (扎尕那)
Located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau at 3,200 meters high, Zhagana is a beautiful Tibetan village surrounded by tall limestone mountains. Often called a “fairyland on earth,” this hidden spot in Gannan offers amazing views that mix Tibetan culture with natural beauty. The area has few tourists, keeping its authentic nomadic way of life, old monasteries, and striking rock formations that create a magical feeling throughout the valley.
Highlights:
Dagu Mountain
Walk among the sharp rock peaks that look like a stone forest. Enjoy wide views of the valley and mountains that change with the light throughout the day.
Traditional Tibetan Homes
Visit the stone houses built into the mountainside. Local families keep building styles that are hundreds of years old and fit perfectly with the dramatic landscape.
Hezuo (合作)
At 2,900 meters elevation, Hezuo is the capital of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This vibrant hub blends Tibetan and Han Chinese influences, with its name meaning “cooperation” to reflect the harmonious relationship between ethnic groups. It serves as the gateway to the Tibetan plateau in Gansu.
Highlights:
Milarepa Palace
A striking 45-meter pagoda where the famous Tibetan yogi Milarepa meditated. This architectural marvel blends Tibetan, Han, and Southern Asian styles and houses important relics.
Hezuo Monastery
A significant Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) temple complex serving as a spiritual center with precious Buddhist scriptures, intricate thangka paintings, and massive outdoor prayer wheels.
Table Of Contents
Your Journey Includes:
Considering the customizable nature of your trip, please regard the following as indicative and subject to modification based on your preferences. What will be included will ultimately be clearly specified in the Travel Services Contract prepared specifically for your travel experience:
- Private Transfers & Transportation
- Private airport transfers at the start/end of the trip
- Private vehicle and driver for all major overland journeys outlined in the final itinerary / Rental vehicle for self-drive trips, including insurance coverage
- Major train journeys
- Domestic flights and related taxes
- Guide/Coordinator & Activities
- Dedicated English-speaking guide/coordinator
- All entrance fees and activity costs per itinerary
- Accomodation
- Hotels based on availability and your preferred travel style (double occupancy)
- Daily breakfast
- Travel Support & Equipment
- In the case of an independent trip, remote support from the Ink Voyages Team throughout the duration of your journey
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags) where applicable
- Support for setting up the main Chinese apps required for traveling in China
Your Journey does not include:
Considering the customizable nature of your trip, please regard the following as indicative and subject to modification based on your preferences. Anything not included will be clearly specified in the Travel Services Contract prepared specifically for your travel experience:
- Chinese tourist visa (can be required for some foreign passport holders – See our dedicated section “Tips&Tools – VISA Guidelines”)
- International flights and related taxes
- In the case of a self-drive itinerary, fuel costs and tolls
- Excursions/activities beyond the planned itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Travel/medical insurance (See our dedicated section “Tips&Tools – Travel Insurance)
- Meals and dining expenses
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (at your discretion)
- Any items/services not specified in “Your Journey Includes”
