Amnye Machen...Pilgrimage of a Lifetime

Amnye Machen is one of the four main holy mountains of Tibet along with Kailash, Gongga and Meili Xue. Located in Golok prefecture in Amdo, it rises to 6282m / 20,605 feet. In 1929, adventure traveler/botanist Joseph Rock incorrectly measured the mountain at over 9000m / 29,520 feet, making it the world's highest mountain for a short time. Later, the mountain was remeasured at its current height.

This lesser known holy mountain is equally as important to the Tibetan people as the more well known Mt. Kailash (Gang Rinpoche). Amnye Machen attracts Tibetan pilgrims from all across eastern and northern Tibet during the summer months. The only people found around the mountain are nomad Tibetans. A trek around the holy mountain normally takes 7 to 10 days. There are many rivers and streams to cross over so having yaks and horses are essential. Most of the trek is above 4600m / 15,090 feet. The best time to do the trek around the mountain is from July to September. Even during these months, nights can be very cold. During the winter, the lows can reach -30C making it a bad time to do the trek.

Trekking around Amnye Machen can be difficult without having a guide who is familiar with the area. To reach the mountain independently, the launching point is the small town of Machen (known as Dawu in Chinese). From Machen you can hire a vehicle to take you out to Xue Shan Xiang (translated as Snow Mountain Village). Another option is to take the Xining-Jyekundo highway to the town of Huashixia. From Huashixia a road cuts down to the southeast towards the town of Darlag (known as Dari in Chinese). About   60kms after leaving Huashixia, you will cross a mountain pass with an excellent view of Amnye Machen. For the adventurous, you can get off here and trek on your own around the mountain.  This is only recommended if you are familiar with the area and are experienced in high elevation trekking.

Amnye Machen is the mountain that symbolizes Amdo and the northern region of Tibet. It is a great trek with amazing scenery. We can arrange 7 to 10 day treks around the mountain. We offer yaks, horses, tents, guides, cooks, food...you name it we can probably provide it for the trek. For more information about Amnye Machen, please email info@tibetanconnections.com

These pictures used with permission from past customers.

 

Comments

[Jorge Garcia Sanchez]

Amnye Machen was the best trip I have ever taken. The scenery was stunning. The nomad Tibetans around the mountain were so kind to our group. I hope to go back again in the future.

[Creexulge]

this much it is
necessary , for people

[Creexulge]

this much it is
necessary , for people