Anye Machen Trek
Duration: 18 days
Months offered: Spring, Summer, Fall
Costs:
From $ 3000
Located in Qinghai province's Amdo region of north eastern Tibet, is
a group of peaks known as the Anye Machin. They form the extreme eastern
end of the Kun Lun mountains. None of the barren desert harshness of
central Tibet is found here. Instead, the region is covered by vast
rolling hills inhabited by Golok nomads and yaks. The Anye Machin peaks
are considered to be the abode of the protector god Machin Pomri. This
region, known locally as Golok, is sacred because of these holy mountains
that rise abruptly out of the grasslands and the abundance of medicinal
wild herbs growing in the area. The many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries
that cover the region attest to the inherent sanctity of Amdo. While
trekking around the peaks we will be following recently translated
Tibetan guidebooks to the mountains pilgrim route which greatly add
meaning to the hike as well as insight into the Tibetan idea of pilgrimage.
From Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, we travel two days to
the town of Machin. From Machin, a half day ride brings us to the trail
head. Eight days of trekking results in a full circle around the peaks.
The gentle landscape of the trekking route makes this an ideal choice
for those looking to experience mountain landscape with moderate daily
trekking. While traveling to and from the peak we will stop at several
ancient Buddhist monasteries in the region. These monasteries are in
areas closed to foreign tourists, and in some cases have not been visited
by outsiders since the beginning of the 20th century.
"We Golok are returning from up there,
returning from Tibet.
We overturn
the command of
Tibets king of religion.
We Golok put our trust in the
sky.
The blue sphere above is the trust of the Golok.
We Golok are returning
from down there,
returning from China.
We overturn Chinas worldly laws.
We Golok press down on those
who press
with the law.
We are the law pressers of Madza
Thangshawa.
We Golok are
returning from over there,
returning from Hor Yameybuta.
We meat eating
Golok like meat
We Golok are the guardians of the ones we like."
- Golok
nomad tribal song
