Traveling in Gannan like this, no problem!
Gannan's natural landscapes are rich and colorful, featuring snow-capped peaks that pierce the sky, vast grasslands, expansive deserts, lush secondary forests, magical green lakes and springs, southern-style natural scenery, and unique flowers and fruits of the northwest. Gannan is also a place that integrates Tibetan culture and Buddhist art, where visitors can appreciate unique culture and art, such as Labrang Monastery and Langmu Temple.
🛬【Itinerary】:
✈️Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou, taste a bowl of authentic Lanzhou beef noodles, and start your journey in Gannan.
📷Day 2: Visit Labrang Monastery, known as the "World Tibetan Academy," and feel its profound cultural heritage.
🌄Day 3: Head to Langmu Temple, known as the Little Switzerland of the East, stroll around, and hike the Namo Grand Canyon.
🙏Day 4: Arrive at Seda, the Buddhist kingdom, and immerse yourself in the strong religious atmosphere.
🛣Day 5: Traverse the grassland scenery belt and enjoy the beautiful sunset at the first bend of the Yellow River.
🌼Day 6: Encounter Flower Lake in Ruoergai and feel the charm of nature.
🤩Day 7: Explore Zhagana and appreciate the enchanting natural scenery.
🍩【Must-Eat Foods】:
Gannan Tibetan Hotpot: Made with beef, mutton, vegetables, mushrooms, etc., it has a delicious taste.
Gannan Roasted Whole Lamb: Made with lamb, salt, cumin, etc., it has a rich flavor.
Gannan Butter Tea: Made with tea leaves, butter, salt, etc., it has a rich flavor.
Gannan Tsampa: A traditional staple food of the Tibetan people in Gannan, it is a dish with strong ethnic characteristics.
Gannan Hand-Grasped Mutton: Known for its tender and delicious meat.
Yak Bone Meat: Tender and juicy, with a rich flavor, made by boiling yak bones for 6 hours, from free-range yaks in Maqu grassland.
🏨【Accommodation Guide】:
Gannan is developed late, and the accommodation conditions are not as good as in big cities. In some inconvenient places, the conditions may be relatively tough, so friends with cleanliness habits should be mentally prepared.
The peak tourist season in Gannan is during the Buddha Sun Festival in January and from June to August, so it is recommended to book rooms half a month in advance.
During the off-season, some hotels may suspend operations, so it is necessary to call in advance to inquire. In winter, pay special attention to whether the heating is sufficient.
The Tibetan homestays in Zhagana may not be very comfortable, but you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the simple folk customs.
Most hotels in Xiahe and Langmu Temple do not have air conditioning or hair dryers, and standard rooms do not have private bathrooms, mostly shared bathrooms.
The facilities of Dongxiang Minda International Hotel are good, with a large area and separate wet and dry bathrooms, and the price is not expensive, suitable for family stays.
🚌【Transportation Guide】:
Most of Gannan does not have train access, so it is recommended to go to Lanzhou first, then choose to join a tour group, rent a car, or charter a car to go.
🧡【Tips】:
There are the following precautions for traveling in Gannan:
Gannan is located on the plateau, and visitors may experience altitude sickness when going there. It is recommended to do some physical exercise before the trip to improve physical fitness and bring some medicine to prevent altitude sickness, such as Rhodiola, aspirin, etc., to alleviate the discomfort of altitude sickness.
The natural environment in Gannan is very fragile, so visitors should pay attention to environmental protection and hygiene during the trip, do not litter, and try to use biodegradable items. At the same time, pay attention to personal hygiene and maintain good public hygiene habits.
Dress appropriately when entering temples, do not touch Tibetan children's heads casually, and do not step on the threshold when entering Tibetan people's homes.