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Surrounded by rising peaks that stretch out to the horizon, the Norden Camp is a hidden charm in the rustic Gansu Province of China. It lies an impressive 10,500 feet above sea level, set amidst an area of stunning natural beauty. The camp covers a vast area in which vivacious wildlife enveloped by abundant vegetation year round. Although, just 30 minutes from Labrang Airport, it is more convenient to access the camp by a four-hour drive from the Gansu capital of Lanzhou, easily reached via any major Chinese city. Untouched by outside development, visitors will instantly feel a connection with the distinctive Nomadic heritage in these picturesque surroundings, making an idyllic setting for exploring the local culture and opening up to the allure of outdoor beauty. Adding to this, there are two unique accommodation options within the camp, where guests can rest in luxurious comfort and style while sleeping under the stars. An authentic cuisine, based on local nomadic lifestyles and prepared using traditional recipes, completes the rustic ambiance here. Guests can enjoy a stay tailored to them, from relaxing in the sauna to riding on horseback across the plains.
Location: Located in rural China, approximately 20 minutes from Labrang, the Norden Camp is set in an area of remarkable and pure natural beauty. Surrounded by effervescent wildlife and lush greenery, it’s a stunning destination to connect with unspoilt landscapes and local culture.
Service: Guests can enjoy a tranquil retreat in the comfort of stylish and authentic accommodation, while having every need catered for by a group of friendly staff, on hand to deal with any request.
History: After traveling the world, a Tibetan Nomad was inspired to share the beauty of this location along with its rich cultural heritage. He founded the Norden Camp to continue the nomadic values prevalent in this region, combined with ecological and cultural respect.
The camp features 11 well-appointed ‘ glamping'-style rooms across two accommodation options. Each are built using indigenous materials and are uniquely finished with Norlha accessories and local antiquities. A stay in comfort and style is guaranteed with luxurious bedding, wooden furnace and solid wooden flooring.
The camp features eight luxury log cabins, made from pine logs inspired by those found in Tibetan woodland. With a large living area, double bedroom and outdoor patio, these rooms are fully appointed and finished with vernacular style furniture for an austere feel.
Still continuing with the nomadic theme, these traditional-style tents are made from hand-spun yak hair and keep the warmth in with their innovative yak-felt insulation. They have a spacious interior and feature a wash basin inside and a eco dry Finnish-style toilet outside.
A range of facilities are available for guests at their leisure. There is something to suit every taste; from adventurous opportunities to explore the Tibetan surroundings to relaxing evenings enjoying the peace and tranquility of this region.
In a location so rich with wildlife, bird watching is a popular activity. Guests can watch the huge range of species make their home here, including pheasants and cranes, around the camp, although they may not have to wander too far from their rooms to catch a glimpse of these wild birds.
Guests can enjoy long evenings, marvelling at the surreal surroundings with the welcomed warmth of a bonfire. The nights are also a great opportunity to gaze up at the sky, spectacularly lit with thousands of dazzling stars.
The site is a place of stunning natural beauty that remains untouched by civilization. It’s a beautiful location, covering 27 acres, and is perfect for hiking at any time of year. The views from the nearby hills are breathtaking, with views full of blooming trees and flowering plants all the way to the horizon.
Horseback riding is a great way to explore this unforgettable region and become immersed in nomadic culture. The Tibetan horses of this region are accustomed to traversing rivers and crossing uneven terrain to provide an unusual-yet-entertaining experience.
The camp’s sauna is nestled amongst dense vegetation and is the perfect setting for spending a relaxing afternoon, high on this Tibetan plateau. It provides a tranquil retreat, fresh with the scent of pine and outdoor hints for a rejuvenating experience.
Norden Camp features three dining areas to provide a truly exceptional dining experience. It offers a range of different cuisines, including traditional nomadic, Western and Chinese dishes, with locally-sourced ingredients that are selected upon the season. It’s an exquisite affair, serving delicious, healthy dishes that are renowned for their high nutritional value.
In the comfort of this typically-furnished tent, guests can enjoy delectable dishes that are freshly-prepared for each serving. A variety of meals along with local staples are meticulously prepared in traditional clay-brick ovens. The ingredients are strictly organic, collected from the nearby pastures which are filled with medicinal herbs and plants.
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