5 Days Luxury Tibetan Nomadic Camping Retreat at Norden Camp
Idyllic Vacation Beyond Words
Idyllic Vacation Beyond Words
"Welcome to Norden! A place between worlds, a place where Nomadic tradition dances with contemporary culture, ancient past evolves into a mindful future and a raw wilderness awakens the peaceful spirit, and a place where the journey begins upon arrival."
This is the sincere greeting from the Norden Camp’s founders - a Tibetan nomad Yidam and his Tibetan-American wife Dechen who are aiming to share the unknown splendors of Tibetan nomadic life with the outside world. So they founded Norden Camp, a wonderful nomadic-styled, luxury glamping camp.
Located on the winter pasture on the Sangke Grassland at 3,200 meters in altitude in Gansu Province, Norden Camp offers not only priceless natural luxuries like fresh air, Himalayan fed river water, vast grassland, rising snow peaks, but also back-to-earth camping experience with all the services, food and comfort more traditionally associated with 5-star luxury resorts. It also provides a rare opportunity to experience the authentic culture of Tibetan community. Only the lucky travelers have the rare opportunity to stay several nights at Norden Camp, as it is only operated in May~October and rooms are limited. You'd better book ASAP!
Day 1 Lanzhou - Norden Camp Arrival (D)
Lanzhou airport/train station pick up then transfer to Norden Camp
Today is free for you to take a flight or train to Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province. Upon arriving at Lanzhou airport or train station, you will be welcomed by our local staff, then transfer to Norden Camp by a private car. Norden Camp is located about 250 km away from Lanzhou city. It usually takes about 4~5 hours to get to Norden Camp. The rest time after arrival is free for you to relax.
Lanzhou arrival idea: you can easily find domestic flights from Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzheng, Chengdu, etc. to Lanzhou. Lanzhou can also be reached by high speed trains from Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, etc.
Tsepa Tent Home (accommodate 4 people)
Day 2 Sangke Grassland Visual Feast and Horse Riding (B, L, D)
Today's highlight: Sangke Grassland, Horse Riding, Lungta Cooperative Visiting
Wake up to the gurgling sounds of the river and birds singing at the camp. Your restaurant is already ready to serve your breakfast. You will be impressed by the milk which is rich in nutritional value and reduced lactose content, produced by local yaks who graze in areas teeming with medical plants.
Today you are going to explore Sangke Grassland’s natural landscape and enjoy some nomadic experiences. You will be provided rare opportunities to ride a Tibetan horse on the grassland and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, mountains and vegetation, also join local nomads from the Lungta Cooperative, and experience their daily lives by herding and riding yaks, and sharing traditional Tibetan dishes. The rest time is free for you to relax and have fun around the camp.
Lunch and dinners are provided at the camp.
Day 3 Tibetan Labrang Monastery Visiting (B, L, D)
Today's highlight: Labrang Monastery
Enjoy your breakfast at the camp. The rest time before lunch is free for you to have fun. After lunch, you will be taken to visit Labrang Monastery, one of the most influential Tibetan monasteries in the world. It is also famous for having the most complete Tibetan Buddhism teaching system in China. The monastery is large in scale and magnificent in architecture style, enshrining a lot of huge Buddha statues and various exquisite sculptures, murals and magical instruments. Its pilgrimage corridor has over 2000 prayer wheels, as the longest of its kind in the world. In the southwest corner of Labrang Monastery, there is an ancient wooden bridge. Walking crosses the bridge and walking up to the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Labrang Monastery and surrounding.
After the monastery visit, get back to your camp to have dinner and rest.
Day 4 Free Day (B, L, D)
Relax on your own or join activities you are interested in
You may need some personal time to explore things you are interested in or just want to lay down to enjoy the peaceful time here. So we won’t arrange any programs today. There are many experiences that Norden Camp offer, such as sauna, picnic, Norlha visiting (watching weaving, sewing, felting, product development and the outlet areas), etc.
Day 5 Departure (B, L)
Send you to Lanzhou airport/train station
Farewell to the Norden Camp holiday! You will be escorted to Lanzhou to catch your flight/train back home or to the next destination. Looking forward to seeing you again in Norden Camp in the future.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room or tent.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, room type, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Thank you Rita.
We are very sad that our trip is coming to an end. So far we have had a fantastic time and seen and done some amazing things.
I had a bit of spare time on the high-speed train so came up with this to help your customers. Up to you if you want to use it or make any adjustments (but I think it would be most helpful once people have booked) it reads as follows...
As part of your journey around fascinating and spectacular China, you will most likely take one or more of China Railways High Speed Trains.
These trains are both fast and efficient, enabling you to cover great distances quickly and in comfort.
You may be required to board the train without the assistance of a guide. This may occur depending on station regulations.
The following is suggested as information for travelers. Please note that this is not a definitive guide, as there may be differences depending on station and location, and may be subject to change.
First and most importantly, there are plenty of clean toilets at the stations, and the trains also have Western toilets in each carriage.
Whether you travel First or Second Class is up to you, but there is plenty of leg room in both classes. All trains are non smoking.
AT THE STATION.
Once at the station you will be required to go through security. You will need your passport for this. Your passport is linked to your ticket. We recommend wheeled suitcases or suchlike as luggage trolleys are not provided. Please note that your main bag will travel with you on the train. Unlike a plane where certain items can travel in the hold, prohibited items will be confiscated. Eg. Knives or souvenir swords.Check ahead for prohibited items to avoid disappointment.
You will need your passport, the train number, carriage number and seat allocation for your journey. This will be provided by your guide or on your itinerary. It will also pay to know your departure time.
There are departure boards in multiple places in the stations. These will link your train number with a boarding gate.
Your trains details will be in one of 3 colours.
Yellow: information stage
Green: boarding stage
Red: departure stage.
In order to run efficiently the trains do not wait. Please be in the correct place ready to board. Depending on the number of train carriages, there may be 2 boarding gates. Eg. 4A and 4B. These will correspond to the carriage number. Don't panic if you get it wrong, but it may result in having to walk a little further on the platform to get to your carriage.
You will need your passport to leave the station to go to the platform. There are lines for self check-in and another for passports/ assisted check-in. This may be detailed overhead, or look for the person manning the assisted check-in line. Use this line to proceed to the platform.
PLATFORM / TRAIN
If no train in platform: There are markings on the ground showing the approximate carriage location. You should wait there. If in doubt you can ask for help.
If train is at platform: Check the train number on the side of carriage.(in case two trains either side of platform)
Find your carriage number and board. Seat numbers are clearly labeled. Place your big luggage overhead. Some trains have additional storage at carriage end. Do not store drink bottles overhead as they may leak, due to cabin pressure.
Depending on the length of your journey some basic food may be available (cashless transactions.) You can take your own food if you wish. Hot water is also available on board.
Enjoy your safe and comfortable journey. Be sure to take in the scenery as you travel.
ARRIVAL
Not all train services may terminate at your destination. The next station is shown on a display at both carriage ends (in English also) . Knowing your arrival time will further assist you in getting off at the correct station.
If you are being met at the station your previous guide should give you directions where to meet, as the stations are normally large with multiple exits. You can also have your next guides name and phone number if you wish. You will need your passport again to exit the station terminal, at the manned checkout line.
Depending on the station layout you will be met at the terminal exit, or the arranged location. Your happy, smiling guide will have your name on a signboard to welcome you, and be ready to assist as required.
Dave
Hi Ariel,
It was really great! Thank you for organising!
Fritz
Hello Jack,
Good Morning!
Just a note to say thank you for organizing our Xinjiang tour from 9 April 24 to 24 April 24. We are now in Perth Australia.
Overall this was an amazing trip, we all enjoyed it so much. We are now working on a return visit to China and is looking forward to use your services again soon.
We will recommend you and your company to my family and friends.
Best regards
Alan and Lily
Dear Leo
I am writing this letter to express our thanks and gratitude to you for making our recent trip an unforgettable one.
The guides provided (David,Gila & Sally) were very professional and exhibited excellent attitude in providing a great service to us taking into consideration our needs and preferences. The group had a wonderful time thanks to your organisation and arrangement of the efficient team for us in this trip,
Overall this was an amazing trip, we all enjoyed it so much. We are now working on a return visit to China and is looking forward to use your services again soon.
On behalf of our group of 11 pax, we sincerely thank you for organising this wonderful trip for us.
Looking forward to more trips to China in the future with your company.
Best regards
Chan
Dear Rita,
Thank you for organising our tour.
We are satisfied with the service, especially day 1 tour in Beijing.
The guide was very professional and we enjoined the tour.
Wish you many more successful tours.
Best regards
Katarina
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Tsepa Tent Home (accommodate 4 people)
Duplicate Tsepa Tent (accommodate 2 people)
Shing Cabi Home (accommodate 4 people)
Horse-back journey on Sangke Grassland
Local Tibetan and their yaks
Family reading time at Norden Camp
Labrang Monastery is one of the most influential Tibetan monasteries
Buddhism debating in Labrang Monastery
Enjoy leisure time at Norden Camp
Milk is one of the specialties of Norden Camp's kitchen
Delicious Momo in Norden Camp
Norden Camp is located in Xiahe County, Gansu Province. The nearest airport is Xiahe Airport which only operates a few flights from Chengdu, Xian, Yinchuan, etc. One can take a flight or train to Lanzhou city(can be reached from all major cities in China) first, then drive to Norden Camp. We will send a private driver to escort you.
There are 13 tents and cabins in total including Tsepa Tents, Tsepa Tents Suite, Tsepa Tents Home, Shing Cabin Suite, Shing Cabin Suite, etc. All accommodations, including tents, have wooden floors and comfortable, quality bedding and private bathrooms. Please specify your preferred room types in your inquiry.
Your hotel fee includes breakfasts, lunches and dinners at the camp. All meals are cooked with local fresh ingredients with an exceptional mix of Tibetan and European cuisine. Chefs are well-trained.
Norden Camp is only open between May and October. May is comfortably warm with temperatures of 12-16°C. Wildflowers cover the landscape in June, July and August when days range from 15-25°C. Fall arrives in September with temperatures of 6-12°C. October’s crisp, clear 10°C days give way to considerably cooler nights.
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