AMDO REGION, TIBETAN PLATEAU
2018 DATES:
MAY 9-14
OCTOBER 11-16
6-DAY IMMERSION (per person)
Shared Tent: $1,500 USD | Shared Family Cabin: $1,800 USD | Shared Cabin: $2,100 USD | Single Cabin: $2,900 USD
10,500 feet up (3,200 meters) on the grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau...
Nomads, Buddhist monks, and thousands of years of culture...
Connecting with yourself, nature, and the local community...
OVERVIEW
NORDEN CAMP
Norden Camp offers urbanites from around the world the rare opportunity to experience authentic Tibetan culture in complete comfort. Managed by and for the benefit of grassland nomads, Norden Camp operates sustainably, without compromising the existing Tibetan Buddhist culture or our spectacular natural environment. Located at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level, Norden Camp is situated 20 minutes outside of Labrang, the famous Tibetan monastic town in the Tibetan Autonomous Kanlho Prefecture, Gansu Province, China. The 11-hectare (27 acre) site borders a meandering river and is home to gazelles, hares, marmots and foxes, and visited by a vibrant array of migratory birds.
CUISINE
Norden Cuisine is based on the local pastoral lifestyle and the food derived from it. Ours is an innovative, culturally conscious menu rooted in tradition, based on local seasonal products, and suitable for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The area is untouched by development and the food that emanates from the pasture is organic by default. The milk from dris (female yaks) grazing in areas teeming with medicinal plants is known for its high nutritional value and reduced lactose content; it is the source of our healthy and delicious butter, yogurt and cream. The pasture in summer abounds in local herbs and mushrooms that can be collected daily and added to the menu. Bread is baked in traditional mud brick ovens and noodles are hand pulled and fresh at every meal.
TIMELESS TIBET: A DIGITAL DETOX
Disconnect from your electronic devices and the commotion of everyday life and retreat into the serenity of the Tibetan Plateau. Six days of mindfulness, purity, and timelessness to reconnect with oneself and nature will rejuvenate the mind and body, cleanse the spirit, and nourish the soul. Visit the historic Labrang Monastery, share meals with nomadic families, try your hand at yak riding and horse riding, hike the hills of the plateau, and quiet the mind with yoga and meditation. Great for individuals, couples, and families.
NORLHA TEXTILES
As part of the Timeless Tibet retreat visit the remote village of Zorge Ritoma and Norlha Textiles. Norlha, Norden's sister organization, is a groundbreaking social enterprise and one of the few luxury brands in the world merging cultural and environmental sustainability with the most sophisticated and enduring style. Norlha is internationally known for its innovation with yak textiles and its inclusion of local nomads in the entire process of transforming the yak. Tour Norlha's atelier and the village of Zorge Ritoma, and participate in a cultural exchange program with Norlha's local employees.
YOUR IMPACT
Our mission at Norden Travel and Norlha Textiles is to generate sustainable employment for former nomads while offering exceptional, uniquely Tibetan experiences and products. With nomadism on the decline and in an increasingly precarious state, many Tibetans are left with no choice but to move into the large cities in search of work. The training and employment provided at Norden and Norlha allow these Tibetans and their families to stay in their home villages, keep their traditions, and do work they can be proud of. Your participation in this retreat directly supports these important initiatives.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Staggered Airport Pickups, Arrivals and Orientation at Camp, Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Labrang Monastery Tour, Yoga & Meditation
Day 3
Visit with Local Nomadic Cooperative, Yak & Horseback Riding
Day 4
Visit Local Tibetan Village, Norlha Textiles Tour, Cultural Exchange Activities
Day 5
Hiking, Sauna & Massage
Day 6
Exit Orientation, Travel Departures
IMMERSION INCLUSIONS:
5 Nights Norden Camp
All Meals (Lunch/Dinner Day 1, Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Days 2-5, Breakfast Day 6)
All Local & Airport Ground Transportation
All Activities & Guides
TO BE ARRANGED BY GUEST:
Airfare
We recommend flights into:
Xiahe (GXH) - accessible worldwide via Xi'an or Chengdu, 30 minute drive to Camp
Lanzhou (LHW) - accessible worldwide via major Chinese cities, 4.5 hour drive to Camp
Visa
A Chinese visa is generally required to enter China (please consult your country's embassy and China visa policy). No Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.) special permit is needed to enter this part of the Tibetan Plateau.
Travel Insurance
Please consult your local travel insurance agency.
Incidentals
We recommend bringing extra spending money for additional food and alcohol, Norlha purchases, souvenirs, etc.
ACCOMMODATION
Yak Khullu Tent (2 person)
18 Square Meters, Two Twin Beds
Adjacent Detached Eco-Friendly Toilets
Stove Heating
Log Cabin (2-person)
24 Square Meters, Two Double Beds or King Bed
Ensuite Eco-Friendly Bathrooms
Stove Heating
Family Suite Cabin (4-person)
55 Square Meters, Two Bedrooms with Ensuite Bathrooms + Common Room
Two Double Beds + King Bed
Stove Heating
