Gannan–Northern Sichuan Loop
A loop from Lanzhou through the Amdo Tibetan areas of Gannan and northern Sichuan, linking Labrang Monastery, Sangke Grassland, the First Bend of the Yellow River, Langmusi, Zoige and Zhagana.
The Gannan–Northern Sichuan Loop is a route through the Amdo Tibetan areas, starting from Lanzhou and crossing the Gannan region and the Zoige Grassland of northwestern Sichuan. The total distance is about 1,800 kilometers. A common route runs from Lanzhou via Linxia to Rebgong in Qinghai. From there, head to Labrang Monastery in Xiahe and the Sangke Grassland, then travel south via the Milarepa Buddha Pavilion in Hezuo to Luqu and Gahai. In Maqu, see the First Bend of the Yellow River and the Awancang Wetland, then continue to Langmusi on the border between Sichuan and Gansu. Next, enter Zoige to see Flower Lake and the First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River at Tangke. Heading north, pass Zhagana in Diebu and the Lazikou, then reach Guane Gully in Tanchang, and finally return to Lanzhou via Yeli Pass.
The highlights of the route are its monasteries and grasslands. Labrang Monastery, Langmusi and the monastery cluster in Hezuo represent Amdo Tibetan Buddhist culture. Gahai, Flower Lake and Maqu are high-altitude wetlands. Zhagana's stone village and terraced fields, and the gorges and forests of Guane Gully and Yeli Pass, offer a different kind of scenery. The Lazikou has sites from the Red Army's Long March.
The route runs at about 2,800–3,600 meters, with grassland high points and passes at around 3,800 meters, which makes it a good introduction to high-altitude travel. Allow 6–9 days. Towns are 100–250 kilometers apart. The roads are generally in good condition, but many county and township roads are narrow and winding, and cattle and sheep often wander onto them. Hongyuan can be added as an extension south of Zoige. Respect the rules on turning prayer wheels and taking photos at monasteries.