Amdo Tibetan Festival Tours

Introducing Shaman Festival in Tongren (Repkong)
Shaman Festival is celebrated by the Tibetans and Ethnic Tu people living in the 24 villages of Tongren (Repkong) to show their devotion and gratitude to the Mountain God. It is presided over by Shaman from the local villages. During the festival, the villagers dress up in their holiday best. Females are done up in ornate, dazzlingly embroidered holiday costumes, which are adorned with gems. They assemble at the Temple of the Mountain God, singing and dancing to entertain the Mountain God. Ceremonies and activities include ritual dances, the beating of holy drums, the singing of folk songs, and Shaman going into trances. You will see the ritual piercing of cheeks of young men, men dancing with pierced backs, and Shaman in trance climbing the dragon pole then cutting his forehead with a knife.

Tour Highlights
• Enjoy Devine Dance during Shaman Festival at Tiewu village & Suheri village
• Enjoy Military Dance during Shaman Festival at Gomar village and Xiazhuang village
• Enjoy Dragon Dance during Shaman Festival at Yinzhamu village
• Worship Kumbum Monastery, birthplace of Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism)

Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Day 1 Aug 11, 2020: Arrival in Xining, Airport or Train Station Pick-up, Transfer to Tongren (Repkong)
• Day 2 Aug 12, 2020: Tongren (Repkong), Tiewu Village (Devine Dance), Gomar Village (Military Dance)
• Day 3 Aug 13, 2020: Tongren (Repkong), Xiazhuang Village (Military Dance), Yinzhamu Village (Dragon Dance)
• Day 4 Aug 14, 2020: Tongren (Repkong), Suheri Village (Devine Dance)
• Day 5 Aug 15, 2020: Drive to Xining, Kumbum Monastery
• Day 6 Aug 16, 2020: Departure from Xining, Transfer to Xining airport or train stations

Hotels & Meals
• 4 nights of accommodations at local 3-star Hongfengde Hotel in Tongren or similar
• 1 night of accommodation at local 4-star Sanwant Hotel in Xining or similar
• Daily buffet breakfast at hotel
• 9 meals (lunch & dinner at local restaurants)

Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you have booked your own hotel, if you want to stay at other hotels or if you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact us by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour for you.

Price Remarks
• Prices are based on sharing in double/twin/triple room at proposed hotels.
• S/S (Single Supplement) fee is charged for staying at single room.
• S/S fee for less than 10 adult travelers: USD ; S/S fee for over 10 adult travelers: USD.

Price Inclusions
• Hotel accommodation with daily hotel breakfast
• Professional English language speaking guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• All government taxes

Price Exclusions
• Your personal expenses
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

Additional Info
• Departure: Aug 11, 2020 in Xining
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that all travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in a traveler not being able to join the tour, or for the entire group to be denied access to sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations made 31 days or more prior to the scheduled departure date, will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations made within 22 - 30 days will incur a 10% fee.
• Cancellations made within 15 - 21 days will incur a 30% fee.
• Cancellations made within 8 - 14 days will incur a 50% fee.
• Cancellations made within 0 - 7 days will not receive a refund.
• After the tour has commenced, there is no refund for canceled services due to non-participation, missed days on tours.
• The confirmed cancellation date is determined based on the supplier's local time (Beijing Time).
• Please allow 2-5 business days to process and confirm your cancellation request. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

Introducing Shaman Festival in Tongren (Repkong)
Shaman Festival is celebrated by the Tibetans and Ethnic Tu people living in the 24 villages of Tongren (Repkong) to show their devotion and gratitude to the Mountain God. It is presided over by Shaman from the local villages. During the festival, the villagers dress up in their holiday best. Females are done up in ornate, dazzlingly embroidered holiday costumes, which are adorned with gems. They assemble at the Temple of the Mountain God, singing and dancing to entertain the Mountain God. Ceremonies and activities include ritual dances, the beating of holy drums, the singing of folk songs, and Shaman going into trances. You will see the ritual piercing of cheeks of young men, men dancing with pierced backs, and Shaman in trance climbing the dragon pole then cutting his forehead with a knife.

Tour Highlights
• Worship Kumbum Monastery, birthplace of Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism)
• Enjoy Devine Dance during Shaman Festival at Tiewu village & Suheri village
• Enjoy Military Dance during Shaman Festival at Gomar village and Xiazhuang village
• Enjoy Dragon Dance during Shaman Festival at Yinzhamu village
• Experience Tibetan life by visiting a normad's family
• Visit Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) Sect in Tibet
• Climb the tallest stupa in Amdo, the Milarepa Palace
• Enjoy a boat ride on the Yellow River (Liujiaxia Reservoir)
• Admire the Bingling Temple Grottoes, one of the five most famous Buddhist grottoes in China

Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Day 1 Aug 10, 2020: Arrival in Xining, Airport or Train Station Pick-up
• Day 2 Aug 11, 2020: Kumbum Monastery, Drive to Tongren
• Day 3 Aug 12, 2020: Tongren (Repkong), Tiewu Village (Devine Dance), Gomar Village (Military Dance)
• Day 4 Aug 13, 2020: Tongren (Repkong), Xiazhuang Village (Military Dance), Yinzhamu Village (Dragon Dance)
• Day 5 Aug 14, 2020: Tongren (Repkong), Suheri Village (Devine Dance)
• Day 6 Aug 15, 2020: Drive to Xiahe, Tibetan Normad's Family, Labrang Monastery
• Day 7 Aug 16, 2020: Drive to Lanzhou, Bingling Temple Grottoes,
• Day 8 Aug 17, 2020: Departure from Lanzhou, Transfer to Lanzhou airport or train stations

Hotels & Meals
• 1 night of accommodation at local 4-star Sanwant Hotel in Xining or similar
• 4 nights of accommodations at local 3-star Hongfengde Hotel in Tongren or similar
• 1 night of accommodation at local 4-star Civil Aviation Hotel in Xiahe or similar
• 1 night of accommodation at local 4-star Gansu International Hotel in Lanzhou or similar
• Daily buffet breakfast at hotel
• 12 meals (lunch & dinner at local restaurants)

Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you have booked your own hotel, if you want to stay at other hotels or if you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact us by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour for you.

Price Remarks
• Prices are based on sharing in double/twin/triple room at proposed hotels.
• S/S (Single Supplement) fee is charged for staying at single room.
• S/S fee for less than 10 adult travelers: USD ; S/S fee for over 10 adult travelers: USD.

Price Inclusions
• Hotel accommodation with daily hotel breakfast
• Professional English language speaking guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• All government taxes

Price Exclusions
• Your personal expenses
• Tour guide for arrival & departure tranfers.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

Additional Info
• Departure: Aug 10, 2020 in Xining
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather. However, we guarantee that time of visiting at each destination will remain unchanged.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that all travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in a traveler not being able to join the tour, or for the entire group to be denied access to sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations made 31 days or more prior to the scheduled departure date, will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations made within 22 - 30 days will incur a 10% fee.
• Cancellations made within 15 - 21 days will incur a 30% fee.
• Cancellations made within 8 - 14 days will incur a 50% fee.
• Cancellations made within 0 - 7 days will not receive a refund.
• After the tour has commenced, there is no refund for canceled services due to non-participation, missed days on tours.
• The confirmed cancellation date is determined based on the supplier's local time (Beijing Time).
• Please allow 2-5 business days to process and confirm your cancellation request. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

Tour Overview
Monlam Festival (The Great Prayer Festival, Losar Festival or Tibetan New Year Festival) is the grandest religious festival in Tibet. Monlam in Tibetan means great prayer, Losar is the Tibetan word for New Year, therefore Monlam Festival is also called the Great Prayer Festival, the Losar Festival or Tibetan New Year Festival. Monlam Festival has its origin in a prayer meeting organized by Tsong Khapa, the founder of Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism at Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa in 1409. Monlam Festival is a time of monastic dancing, village-wide celebration, and ceremonies infused with incense on snow-covered highlands by Tibetan monasteries. This 6-Day Amdo Tibetan Monlam Festival Tour will give you a chance to join Tibetan monks and colorfully dressed pilgrims in a variety of religious ceremonies at Tibetan monasteries in Amdo. The highlight of the festival will be the 'Sunning of the Buddha' ceremony, during which a huge thangka of Buddha (usually measuring 90 feet by 60 feet) will be unfurled on a hillside. The festival will be accompanied by lively Cham dances and prayer assemblies throughout the entire period of two weeks. Join this GoGrandChina Monlam Festival tour and feel the excitement of pilgrims as they gather to view the pulsating rhythms of monastic Cham dancing, prayer assemblies and Basking of the Buddha ceremonies.

Tour Highlights
• Celebrate Tibetan New Year in Amdo with local Tibetans
• View Sunning the Buddha ceremony at Gomar Monastery
• Join local Tibetans for a milk tea breakfast at Gomar Monastery
• Enjoy Cham Dance by Tibetan Monks at Gomar Monastery and Lower Wuntun Monastery
• Admire Kumbum Monastery, birthplace of Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism)

Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Day 1 Jan 20, 2021: Arrival in Xining, Airport or Train Station Pick-up, Transfer to Tongren
• Day 2 Jan 21, 2021: Tongren, Gomar Monastery, Sunning the Buddha
• Day 3 Jan 22, 2021: Tongren, Lower Wuntun Monastery, Cham Dance
• Day 4 Jan 23, 2021: Tongren, Gomar Monastery, Cham Dance
• Day 5 Jan 24, 2021: Drive to Xining, Kumbum Monastery
• Day 6 Jan 25, 2021:  Departure from Xining, Transfer to Xining Airport or Train Stations

Hotels & Meals
• 4 nights of accommodations at local 3-star Hongfengde Hotel in Tongren or similar
• 1 night of accommodation at local 4-star Sanwant Hotel in Xining or similar
• Daily buffet breakfast at hotel
• 9 meals (lunch & dinner at local restaurants)

Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you have booked your own hotel, if you want to stay at other hotels or if you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact us by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour for you.

Price Remarks
• Prices are based on sharing in double/twin/triple room at proposed hotels.
• S/S (Single Supplement) fee is charged for staying at single room.
• S/S fee for less than 10 adult travelers: USD ; S/S fee for over 10 adult travelers: USD.

Price Inclusions
• Hotel accommodation with daily hotel breakfast
• Professional English language speaking guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• All government taxes

Price Exclusions
• Your personal expenses.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

Additional Info
• Departure: Jan 20, 2021 in Xining
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather. However, we guarantee that time of visiting at each destination will remain unchanged.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that all travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in a traveler not being able to join the tour, or for the entire group to be denied access to sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations made 31 days or more prior to the scheduled departure date, will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations made within 22 - 30 days will incur a 10% fee.
• Cancellations made within 15 - 21 days will incur a 30% fee.
• Cancellations made within 8 - 14 days will incur a 50% fee.
• Cancellations made within 0 - 7 days will not receive a refund.
• After the tour has commenced, there is no refund for canceled services due to non-participation, missed days on tours.
• The confirmed cancellation date is determined based on the supplier's local time (Beijing Time).
• Please allow 2-5 business days to process and confirm your cancellation request. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.