9 DAYS JOURNEY AROUND THE SECRET LAND OF QINGHAI

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel

You will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.

Ta’er Monastery

This morning, we embark on a drive to Ta’er Monastery (approx. 30km/40min). Also known as Kumbum Monastery or Ta’er Temple in Chinese, the monastery holds a significant place amongst the Six Greatest Tibetan Gelug Monasteries. It is revered as the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect. With its rich history, noble statues, and remarkable “Three Arts,” this monastery is honoured as “the Second Lumbini Garden” for worshippers worldwide, and stands as a prominent landmark for travellers.

Beichan Temple

At the foot of a barren hill on the north side of Xining, this Taoist temple may seem unremarkable at first glance. However, as you ascend the steep climb towards the summit, you’ll encounter cave temples and shrines believed to date back to the year 386. At the top, a pagoda awaits, offering magnificent views of the city below.

Drive to Chaka Salt Lake via Qinghai Lake

Embark on a drive to Chaka Salt Lake (approx. 300km/6h) and make a stop at Qinghai Lake.

It’s worth noting that among Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists, there are four sacred lakes: Lake Manasarovar, Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, and Qinghai Lake (with the first three located in Tibet).

Exploring Chaka Salt Lake

Chaka Salt Lake, situated approximately 151km west of Qinghai Lake, boasts a stunning oval-shaped landscape renowned for its reflective salt lakebed. Serving as a key salt mine in Qinghai, it possesses abundant salt resources. With crystal blue waters, white salt crust, and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, the heavenly scene draws millions of visitors and photographers each year. During our visit, we will indulge in a 50-minute scenic train ride into the heart of the salt lake, offering an unforgettable and surreal view. (In case of unfavourable weather, we will reschedule the train ride for our return from Golmud).

Car Transfer to Golmud via Dulan

After breakfast, we will proceed to Golmud (520km/approx. 6h). During the journey, we will delight in the landscape’s transition from grassland to Gobi.

We will make a stop at the Beike Liang Ruins in Dulan. This remarkable site features a 30-meter-high, 5-kilometer-long mountain range composed of billions of shells dating back 2.5 million years. The presence of these ancient shells serves as evidence that the Qaidam Basin was once an ocean.

Qarhan Salt Lake Excursion

We will embark on an exploration of Qarhan Salt Lake (220km/approx. 4h, round trip). This remarkable lake holds the distinction of being the world’s second largest salt lake, surpassed only by Uyuni in Bolivia. As the largest salt lake in China, it spans an area five times that of Chaka Salt Lake. During our visit, we will drive across the Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge, constructed from thick layers of salt over the lake, offering a unique and mesmerising experience. Additionally, we will venture into the surrounding paths to admire the stunning array of colours reflected in the lake.

The Remote Kunlun

Today, we embark on a journey towards Hol Xil (Kekexili) in Kunlun Mountain, an isolated region nestled in the northwest part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the third least populated area in the world.

We will stop at Limitless Dragon and Phoenix Palace, the highest Taoist temple globally, and dedicated to the Three Goddesses.

Continue to the Jade Pond of the Queen Mother of the West, a natural plateau lake holding sacred significance for Taoist believers.

In the late afternoon, we will return to Golmud (240km/approx. 4.5h).

Please note: There will be no phone signal in this remote region, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the untouched beauty of nature.

Car Transfer to Chaka

Depart Golmud with a long drive from Golmud to Chaka (520km/approx. 6h). Along the journey, we will have the opportunity to revel in the scenery unfolding along the road.

Upon arrival in Chaka, we will check into your accommodation for the night. If weather conditions permit, catch the sunset over the mirror lake, adding a touch of natural beauty to the evening.

Car Transfer: Chaka to Xining via Qinghai Lake

Transfer to Xining (400km/approx. 5.5h). Along the way, we will pass by Gangcha Old Town and marvel at the beauty of Qinghai Lake.

Driving along the west bank of Qinghai Lake, we will visit Cangyang Jiacuo Culture Square and the Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area, known for its narrow and pointed peninsula resembling a sword. This area serves as a dazzling pearl in the Qinghai Lake tourist region.

In the evening, arrive in Xining and check into your accommodation for the night.

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport

You will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.