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This sacred pilgrimage trek circles the 6,282m peak of Amnye Machen (阿尼玛卿), the most revered mountain in eastern Tibet and home to the protector deity Machen Pomra. The full kora takes approximately 11 days, traversing remote valleys, glacial rivers, and nomadic yak pastures at altitudes exceeding 4,000m
Qinghai Xining
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The 11-day Holy Mt. Amnye Machen Inner Kora circles the sacred 6,282m peak, eastern Tibet’s most revered mountain. Highlights include crossing the Tamchok Gongkar Pass (4,700m) for panoramic views, trekking through remote Golok Tibetan nomad pastures, visiting ancient meditation caves where pilgrims pray, spotting blue sheep and marmots, and walking the full clockwise pilgrimage route alongside devoted Tibetans. The journey traverses glacial valleys, rocky gorges, and alpine meadows—source region of the Yellow River. It’s a spiritually profound, physically challenging adventure into the untamed heart of Amdo Tibet.
Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Lake Kokonor (Qinghai Lake) , the largest saltwater lake in China and a sacred Tibetan site. Explore the lake’s stunning turquoise waters, observe local nomads, and learn about the region’s ecology. Continue to Chabcha town (capital of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) for overnight stay.
Drive from Chabcha across the high plateau to Lower Tawu in Golok Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The journey offers breathtaking views of the eastern Tibetan Plateau, passing through nomadic grazing lands and crossing several high passes. Arrive at the base of Mt. Amnye Machen, where your trekking team will set up the first camp.
Start the Amnye Machen Kora by visiting the Amnye Machen Cultural Centre (5km from Lower Tawu). Follow the ancient pilgrimage trail eastward, with the snow-capped massif dominating the northern sky. The path winds through rocky moraines and sparse grassland. Camp at Nakchok-Do, a traditional campsite used by generations of Tibetan pilgrims.
Trek through picturesque Amdo Tibetan grasslands, enjoying spectacular views of Mt. Amnye Machen. The trail follows the Dradui River through the Chablung Valley, passing yak herds and occasional nomad camps. Camp near the village of Chablong, where you may interact with local Golok herders.
Continue through the scenic Halung Valley along the Dradui River. The terrain alternates between flat river sections and gentle ascents. Views of the main peak become increasingly dramatic as you round the mountain’s eastern flank. Camp at Sherig-Do, a sheltered spot with good water access.
Continue trekking through the Gutrang Valley, where the landscape opens into broad alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers (July-August). The trail here is relatively flat, allowing for a good pace. Tsanak Kamdo marks the traditional halfway point of the full kora – a key milestone for Tibetan pilgrims.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Cross the Tamchok Gongkar Pass at 4,700m, the highest point of the entire kora. From the summit, enjoy panoramic 360° views of the Amnye Machen massif, surrounding peaks, and the vast Tibetan Plateau. Descend gradually to Langri-Chu for camp.
Today reaches one of the trek’s most spiritually significant locations: the Meditation Caves and cliffs of Goku Chenmo-3-7. These natural rock shelters are believed to mark the entrance to the palace of Machen Bomra (the mountain’s protector deity). Tibetan pilgrims often stop here to pray and leave offerings. Camp at Deleni in the Goku Thang Valley.
Descend through the scenic Chushen River Gorge to the Jomolangra Valley-3-7. This final section of the trek follows the river downstream, with the gorge walls rising steeply on either side. Meet your driver at the trailhead, marking the official end of the Amnye Machen Kora. Transfer to Lower Tawu for a well-deserved night in a guesthouse.
