Join In Groups, Lost Trails, The Great Outdoors, Epic, All

Headwaters of the Yellow River

Join In Groups, Lost Trails, The Great Outdoors, Epic, All

Headwaters of the Yellow River

Join In Groups, Lost Trails, The Great Outdoors, Epic, All

Headwaters of the Yellow River

Join In Groups, Lost Trails, The Great Outdoors, Epic, All

Headwaters of the Yellow River

Join In Groups, Lost Trails, The Great Outdoors, Epic, All

Headwaters of the Yellow River

  • Destination

    Qinghai

  • Trip duration

    8 days, 7 nights

  • Transport

    Private Van

  • Accommodation

    Well-selected 4 star hotels

The Golok Tibetan people live in some of the wildest and most magnificent lands in all the Tibetan Plateau. In this in-depth overland tour we start and finish in Xining, the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. On this tour you will stand at the bottom of the glaciers of Amnye Machen, experience the richness of authentic Tibetan culture, and view China’s largest salt lake at 3,200 meters.  We will also see the bright turquoise waters of Kyaring Lake and Nyoring Lakes, thought to be the source of the Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese civilization and the seventh longest river in the world.

On this spectacular journey, every turn is full of surprises as we trek mountains, explore monasteries, and discover cultural highlights while we make our way to and from the glacier’s edge. This trip is for those who want to experience the food, traditions, and culture in Tibet’s remote villages. On top of that you will be lead by an exceptional chaperon,  Jeremiah Jenne. Rarely you will find most informative and fun Cicero on the China roads.

Read his Bio in our Testimonial section. 

Headwaters of the Yellow River

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Most of the Golok people are nomadic with many of them living in traditional style Tibetan tents woven from coarse yak hair. A good portion of Golog is well above 4000m / 13,120 feet, but we will acclimate slowly to this altitude following the Yellow River to its source from China’s largest salt lake, Qinghai Lake. Golok is famous across the Tibetan Plateau as being the home of Amnye Machen, one of the 4 main holy mountains of Tibet. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to Amnye Machen, Qinghai’s tallest mountain at 6282m / 20,605 feet.

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Travel is an emotional experience, cherishing new corners and venture into unknown landscapes.
Respecting this and giving back to society has taken an important role in our endeavours in leaving only footprints and taking only memories.

To Know More

Travel is an emotional experience, cherishing new corners and venture into unknown landscapes.
Respecting this and giving back to society has taken an important role in our endeavours in leaving only footprints and taking only memories.

To Know More
Jeremiah Jenne PhD - your chaperon

Jeremiah is a writer and historian based in Beijing since 2002. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and taught Late Imperial and Modern Chinese History for over 15 years while also leading educational and research trips to every part of China. His essays and articles have appeared in The Economist, South China Morning Post, and numerous other publications. Jeremiah is the proprietor of Beijing by Foot, which organizes historic walking tours of Beijing's most famous sites and less-traveled byways, and leads workshops on history, culture, and cultural adaptation for students, embassies, companies, and community groups. Along with David Moser, Jeremiah is also the co-host of the podcast Barbarians at the Gate.

Benjamin Cubbage - your chaperon

Ben Cubbage, environment and local lore specialists has traveled and trekked extensively in Tibet and Nepal and has guided trips to the base camp of Mt. Everest, the headwaters of the Yellow River, and the base of Amnye Machen. He participated in and staffed multiple 90-hour Wilderness First Responder trainings. Ben has also thru-hiked the 2,150 mile (3,440 kilometer) Appalachian Trail along the east coast of the US and actively involved in conservation and sustainability in western China.

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