Qinghai Journey
Experience Qinghai's festivals, temples, and rich Thangka art traditions
Rebgong: The Original Place of Thangka Art
A journey of unity between knowledge and action, a healing experience for body, mind, and spirit.
Thangka art is a sacred Tibetan painting tradition known for its intricate detail, vivid mineral colors, and deep spiritual meaning. It is typically painted on cloth and depicts Buddhist deities, mandalas, teachings, and cultural stories, serving both as a devotional object and a living expression of Tibetan heritage.
In Rebgong, which is considered one of the original and most important centers of Tibetan Thangka art, the tradition has been carefully preserved through generations of master artists. Rebgong Thangka is especially admired for its refined craftsmanship and the use of natural mineral pigments such as cinnabar, malachite, azurite, and gold, which are carefully processed, ground, and mixed to create the luminous colors seen in traditional works.
Today, Thangka remains highly valued not only as a spiritual and cultural art form, but also as an important symbol of Tibetan identity, with its techniques, symbolism, and heritage continuing to attract students, collectors, and admirers from around the world.
Tour Background
Led by master artists from the Rebgong Thangka Art Institute, this immersive 10–30 day program offers a rare journey into the living heritage of Tibetan Thangka art. Participants will be guided through the full traditional process, including canvas preparation and an in-depth understanding of mineral pigment techniques, with demonstrations explaining how natural materials such as cinnabar and copper ore are transformed into vibrant colors. While hands-on pigment making may be limited, students gain valuable insight into the craftsmanship and artistic principles behind each stage.
Group courses are held every August, while private sessions can be arranged throughout the year with advance booking. Additional specialized forms, such as sand Thangka, are also available upon request.
Please contact us to tailor the course to your interests.
Experience annual celebrations and festivals when available.
Guided tour for Thangka murals inside sacred places.
Create your own Thangka and learn from master artists.
Meet the locals to embrace and learn about their culture.
Journey
Experience Qinghai's spirit through Rebgong's festivals
Reviews
What travelers say about our Qinghai tours
I found the Thangka course both inspiring and educational. The guidance was professional, and I gained a deeper understanding of the history and craftsmanship behind this heritage art form. Can't believe that I am now able to create my own Thangka!
Esther M.
Malaysia
The course offered a wonderful introduction to the art of Thangka painting. The instructors were knowledgeable and explained each step clearly, from canvas preparation to the use of mineral pigments. The best of it all, I brought home my Thanghka Art with me.
Miguel T.
France
