Exploring Kham

The people of Kham, in Eastern Tibet, have long had an strong independent streak, bucking the powers that be, whether in Lhasa or Beijing.  This may very well be due, in no small measure, to the dynamically rugged landscape of the Kham countryside, which has certainly played a role in fostering the rebellious spirit of its people.  Indeed, Kham was a hotbed of rebellion during the Tibetan uprising in the 1950s, and even under Tibetan rule was often ruled by a variety of political and religious leaders who shunned Lhasa’s attempts at controlling the region.  Despite their sense of independence, however, the people of Kham, including the rough and tumble Khampa, are among the most hospitable and friendly people you will ever have the pleasure to encounter.  As we make our way up from the plains of Szechuan into the mountains of Kham, we will witness firsthand the breathtaking lands that have inspired this combination of toughness and friendliness that make the people of Kham so wonderful.

In addition to the fantastic folks we will meet, this journey also features one of the most superb drives in the world of travel.  As we leave the bustling metropolis of Chengdu, we begin a dramatic ascent from the flatlands of Szechuan into the eastern bulwark of the Himalayas, winding our way steeply up through the awesome lands of Kham.  Although Kham is now divided between the Tibetan Autonomous Region and the province of Szechuan, all of this area was considered part of the traditional nation of Tibet.  In towns such as Derge, which we will visit during out journey, we will experience the Tibetan flavor of this region that remains strong despite the incursion of other ethnic groups.  On our summer excursion, we will also have the great fortune of spending two days at the famous Litang Horse Festival, where we will have the unique opportunity to experience one of Asia’s great cultural gatherings.  In addition, optional extensions to the historic city of Lhasa can be added to the end of your tour.

If you are interested in taking an unparalleled driving tour, meeting an incredible group of people, and discovering one of the most scenic regions in all of Asia, then you need to be Exploring Kham.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA

Day 2: En route to Beijing or Hong Kong where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3:  Early morning transfer to airport where you will fly to Chengdu and be met upon arrival. The balace of the day is spent visiting sites in Chengdu.

Day 4:  Today we will enjoy sightseeing in Chengdu, the main gateway for travelers visiting Eastern Tibet.  It is also one of the former capitals of China and where the Ming Dynasty palace once stood.

Day 5: An easy day as we drive from Chengdu to Kangding through the Erlang mountain tunnel. As easy day as we acclimate to the high altitude.

Day 6:  Today we will travel by car to Tagong and visit the Tagong Monastery and other noteworthy sites.

Days 7 & 8: Another five-hour drive brings us to Gyanze where we spend two days acclimating, while we explore the high grasslands of Tibet.

Day 9:  We will depart Gyanze destined for Serchin where we will stay overnight at the monastery guest house.

Days 10 & 11:  In the morning we will depart for Derge, considered the cultural and geographical heart of Kham where we will have two days to visit Derge Monastery and the celebrated Derge Parkhang Printing Press.

Day 12: We will leave Derge today on our way to the grasslands of Litang (see banner photograph) to witness the ceremonious Horse Festivals and visit Litang Chode.

Day 13:  Today we have another day in Litang, in which to enjoy the equestrian skills of five townships and observe the local customs attributed to the Litang Horse Festival.

Days 14 & 15:  We depart Litang, destined for Gyalthang, with an overnight stop in Shodu. To its west, south and east, Gyalthang is bound by the ever-bending course of the Yangtze.

Day 16: We have the day to explore the region around Gyalthang. It was here, amid the peaceful valleys and majestic peaks that James Hilton was inspired to write his acclaimed novel, "Lost Horizon" and coin the word, "Shangrila."

Day 17:  Fly to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan.  Enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner celebrating our travels together.

Day 18: Arrive USA.

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.