Camping with Nomads on the Grasslands

The grasslands of Tibet in the summer are amazing. They are bright green with many wildflowers mixed in with mountains in the distance. Many nomads are actually only semi-nomadic. Many live in a mud-brick home during the winter months and then live in tents in the late spring and summer. Nomad tents can often be found across the sprawling grasslands of Tibet. The above picture was taken near the Ganjia grasslands located between Rebkong and Labrang in eastern Amdo (near the Qinghai-Gansu province border).

Camping with Tibetans on the grasslands of Amdo can give you an up close look at nomadic Tibetan life that is quickly disappearing. You can help milk the yaks in the morning and then lead them up the mountains to graze (under the watchful eye of a local nomad of course). You can learn how meals are cooked over a yak dung fire and explore the vast grasslands by doing day hikes in the area. Most importantly, you can experience Tibetan hospitality which is second to none. The regions where nomadic camping is arranged are authentic Tibetan areas. They are NOT "special camps" that are set up for tourists like the one's found in other regions of Tibet and Mongolia. Living conditions are difficult with very few modern conveniences. There will be no bathrooms, showers, restaurants or wireless internet. Even without these things, your time will be a lot of fun and one that you will remember for a lifetime.

Summer is the best time to go camping with nomads. Most homestays are for 4 to 6 days. All nomad camping trips begin in the city of Xining which is the capital of Qinghai province (located in the far northeastern region of Amdo). Unless you can speak Tibetan, it is highly recommended to hire an English speaking Tibetan translator to go with you. For more information about camping with Tibetan nomads or information on other trips in the Kham and Amdo regions of Tibet, please email me at info@tibetanconnections.com

Comments

[Jack]

sounds like a great experience...becoming one with nature