Qinghai Tour
Located on the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai is a province in China surrounded by Gansu Province on the north and east, Xinjiang Province on the west, Tibet on the south and Sichuan on the southeast. It is named after Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China.
Qinghai is relatively unknown to foreign travelers. This huge area is home to many Tibetan monasteries, vast grasslands, the headwaters of the three of Asia largest rivers - the Yellow River, the Yangtze River and Mekong River. It also boasts of a mosaic of ethnic groups, including Tibetan, Mongols, Tu, Goloks and Hui with a vibrant religious life.
For foreign travelers, Qinghai is one of the frontiers of adventure travel in China, a springboard for China' wildest travel for Lhasa by rail, Yushu by road, Gansu and Labrang Monastery by road, and further westward the ancient silk road to Xinjiang.
Many of the easy tourist attractions are located in and around Xining, the capital city of Qinghai. Qinghai Lake is the most tourist attraction in Qinghai as well as Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), which is considered one of the six great monasteries of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism.
Summer is the best time to visit Qinghai due to the fact that this is when the road to Yushu, Golmud, Xinjiang, Tibet, Gansu and Sichuan is open, and its climate is mild and friendliest to its visitors. The climate of Xining in July and August is quite mild and comfortable, making the city an ideal summer retreat.
Qinghai Travel Route Map
| Table of Contents |
 Authentic Tibetan Culture Travel
We organize pre-arranged and tailor-made authentic Tibetan treks and campings, creating authentic journeys to the off-beaten-path locations in Tibet.We are committed to high-quality, environmentally sustainable travel services |
Qinghai Highlight Tours Qinghai highlight tours bring you to the major attractions and sights in Qinghai such asQinghai Lake,Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery, Chaka Salt Lake, Kunlun Mounains, Tuo Tuo River and so on. |
| Qinghai Travel Information If you prefer to travel independently as an individual traveler, we've summed up some useful travel information on Qinghai, helping you arrange your own trip. |
Questions & Answers If you have any questions, just drop a line. One of our staffers will contact you for the details. |
Authentic Tibetan Culture Travel
|
|||
 |
Tour Code: TTC-01 Destinations: Xining, Kumbum Monastery, Qinghai Lake South Shore Duration: 2 Days Tour Type: Private Tour Itinerary & Price Enquiry |
||
|
|||
 |
Tour Code: TTC-02 Destinations: Xining,Mengda Lake, Xunhua and Rebkong Duration: 4 Days Tour Type: Private Tour Itinerary & Price Enquiry |
||
|
|||
 |
Tour Code: TTC-03 Destinations: Xining, Rebkong, Labrang and Langmusi Duration: 7 Days Tour Type: Private Tour Itinerary & Price Enquiry |
||
|
|||
 |
Tour Code: TTC-04 Destinations: Xining,Rebkong and Nomad Camping at Tsekog Grasslands Duration: 5 Days Tour Type: Private Tour Itinerary & Price Enquiry |
||
Top Qinghai Tours
| » Xining 3 Day Tour | |
 |
Tour Code: QHPT-01 Xining: Qinghai Lake, on the way, Mt. Sun and Moon, Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery, Qinghai Provincial Museum Way of Travel: Private transfer + private car or van + hotel + private local tour guide + entrance fees + Meals as listed Departure Date: Daily Customizable: Yes! Tour Code: QHPT-01 from US$220 p/p |
| » Xining Lhasa 7 Days Train Tour | |
 |
Overview: Xining: Qinhghai Lake, Ta'er Monastery Lhasa: The Potala Palace, The Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulingka,Tibet Museum, Sera Monastery Way of Travel: Private transfer + private city tours + hotels + air-conditioned car or coach + private tour guides + Entrance fees + Meals as listed + Inter-city train tickets Departure Date: Daily Customizable: Yes! Tour Code: CRPT-03 |
| » Qinghai Tibet Mysterious Plateau Discovery 10 Day Tour | |
 |
Destinations: Xining, Qinghi Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Kunlun Mounains, Tuo Tuo River, Naqu, Lhasa Way of Travel: Private transfer + private vehicle + hotel + private local tour guide + entrance fees + Meals as listed Departure Date: Daily Customizable: Yes! Tour Code: QHPT-02 |
| » Qinghai Gansu Sichuan Jiuzhaigou 9 Day Tour | |
 |
Destinations: Xining, Tongren, Xiahe, Songpan, Jiuzhaigou and Chengdu Way of Travel: Private transfer + private vehicle + hotel + private local tour guide + entrance fees + Meals as listed Departure Date: Daily Customizable: Yes! Tour Code: QHPT-03 |
| » Qinghai Ningxia 7 Day Tour | |
 |
Destinations: Xining, Qinghai Lake, Zhongwei, Yinchuan
Way of Travel: Private transfer + private vehicle + hotel + private local tour guide + entrance fees + Meals as listed Departure Date: Daily Customizable: Yes Tour Code: QHPT-04 |
| » Qinghai Gansu Xinjiang 11 Days Tour | |
 |
Destinations: Xining, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan and Urumqi Way of Travel: Private transfer + private vehicle + hotel + private local tour guide + entrance fees + Meals as listed Departure Date: Daily Customizable: Yes! Tour Code: QHPT-05 |
Qinghai Travel Information
| How to Visit Qinghai Lake | Sunrise Over Qinghai Lake | See Autumn Leaves in Qinghai | Top 10 Xining Attractions |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Kumbum Monastery | |||
 |
Choose the best time to visit Qinghai, mainly in terms of the two aspects - the local climate and festivals. The climate of Qinghai is a typical seasonal tourist destination. The average temperature below zero degrees Celsius in the region takes up almost half year in Qinghai.
Qinghai's Winter is cold and windy. Especially in Southern Qinghai, with the threat of high-altitude hypoxia, it is absolutely not suitable for travel in winter. A digital camera and GPS under 35 degrees below zero won't work. For Qaidam Basin (Chaidamu basin) is sandy both in winter and spring, travelers should not visit during these two seasons.
The local major activities and events in Ginghai include flower festivals Fahui, will, Nadun Festival as well as the theme tourism activities organized by local tourism bureaus. Annual flowers will usually fall on June and July, the most beautiful season in Qinghai.
In summary, the short summer is the best time to visit Qinghai ranging from the May to September. In mid-May or so, the grasslands are gradually turning green. All kinds of migratory birds gradually flock to Qinghai Lake. With high snow mountains melting, the plateau enter into the vibrant period.
July is the hottest month in Qinghai, the Qaidam Basin Chaerhan area reaches the temperature of over thirty degrees Celsius, while the eastern part of Qinghai is cool and moist, ideal for summertime. But if you go to the southern areas in Qinghai, such as Yushu or Tanggula other places, still pay special attention to the cold prevention.
When summer is the best time to travel in Qinghai. You still prep up for the possibility of worse road conditions caused by the intense rainy season landslides, floods and other problems blocking your roads. Aside from the cold weather and rainy season, you should also consider other aspects like the poor visual effects of scenic attractions, the unstability of buses, poor tourism service facilities and other weak factors.
By the way, at the end of July and early August, you can have the chance to see Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race held here every year!
In short, before you make your your decision to visit Qinghai, you should search for more information on the destinations you are going to explore.
Most travelers would first arrive at Xining by bus, by train or flight to start a trip to Qinghai. So Xining serves both as the capital of Qinghai Province and a springboard for your further travel within the province. From Xining, you will travel to the surrounding sights and more remote areas. Within the large region of Qinghai Province, taking a long-distance bus is the most common way of transportation. You may travel for a few days without seeing other tourists.
At the time of research, Xining, Golmud and Yushu have airports with flights in and out of Qinghai Province.Xining has flights inclduding Golmud, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xian.Golmud has the flights for Xining and Xian. Yushu has flights for Xining and one flight for Xian.
The Lhasa trains pass by Xining, which connects Lanzhou，Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The destinations for the buses starting Xining include Lanzhou, Maqin, Ping,an, Tongren, Xiahe, Yushu and Zhangye; Golmud has the long-distance for Dunhuang and Lhasa.
Kumbum Monastery (塔尔寺): It is one of the greatest monasteries of Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Qinghai Lake (青海湖)： Qinghai Lake is the largest inland and salt water lake in China.
Tongren（Repkong 同仁): Tongren (Repkong) is well famous for Tibetan' best thangkas and painted statues. Longwu Monastery (Rongwo Gonchen Gompa) is the main monastery in Tongren.
Huzhu County（互助): This only TUZU autonomous county is well known for Youning Monastery (佑宁寺), Huzu Beishan National Park and Tuzu Gutu Garden.
Guide (贵德): The Yellow River winds across the historical town, a ancient city wall largely enclosed old town sitting on the bank. Jade Temple and Confucious Temple are the main attractions in the town. Guide National Geopark is the hightligh of Guide County.
Yushu (玉树): Yushu is a remote area well known for its genuine Tibetan culture and the numerous monasteries dotted in the region. Horse race festival is also a big draw in July and August.
Golmud (格尔木): No tourist sights in Golmud, it is an important transportation hub for Dunhuang and Lhasa.
Chaka （茶卡）: Chaka Town is famous for its beautiful Chaka Salt Lake in the eastern part of the Caidamu Basin.
Zhajian（扎尖): Zhajian is well known for Kanbula National Forest Park (坎布拉森林公园), unique Kanbula red-cloud landforms featured by wonderful peaks.
Haiyan (海晏）: Haiyan is noted for its grassland by Jinyin Beach which borders Qinghai Lake on the west. The beach grassland is crossed by Mabi River and Lijin River.
Menyuan (门源）： Menyuan Hui Autonomous County is featured by Snow-covered mountains, icy peaks, deserts, wild pastures and glistening lakes.
Hotels in Xining
Jinjiang Inn (Xining Dashizi): No.37-9 Yinma Street, Chengzhong District, Xining
Jianyin Hotel: 55 Xidajie, Xining Tel: 0971-8261539
Yinlong Hotel: No.38 Huanghe Road, Chengxi District, Xining
Chenglin Hotel: Dongdajie, Xining Tel: 0971-4911199
Lete Youth Hotel: 16th Floor, Building No.5, International Village Appartments, 2-32 Jiancai Lane, Xining Tel: 0971-8202080
Sunshine Pagoda International Youth Hostel: Wenmiao Square 3rd floor, Wenhua Street, Xining Tel: 0971-8215571
Hanting Express (Xining Dashizi): No.53 Dongda Street, Chengdong District, Xining
Hotels in Tonngren
Huangnan Hotel: 18 Zhongshan Road, Yushu Tel: 0973-8722293
Tongren Holiday Hotel: Dehelong North Road, Yushu Tel: 0973-8728277
Hotels in Golmud
Dongfang Hotel: No.07, Bayi Road, Golmud Tel: 0979-8410011
Golmud Hotel: 33 Yinbin Road, Golmud Tel: 0979-8450968
Qinghai populace is mainly composed of different ethnic minorities including Tibetan, Hui, Tu, Mongols, Tu, Goloks and Hui. So You can find many of the great culinary traditions of China represented by these minority groups.
Xining is a paradise of food with a wide selection of culinary delights. For Tibetan fare, you may go to the Tibetan restaurants around the train station; for muslin food, you may go to Dongguan Avenue , not far from the Great Mosque.
The local flavors in Qinghai include Mian Pian square flat noodles), Niangpi (Flour Peel) and Lamb Kebabs.
Qinghai has a good choice of local products in terms of medicine herbs, unique stones, carpets and Qinghai tibetan knives.
Xining is the delightful place your shopping. It has a huge free market called "Shuijing Alley Market". The market runs from north to south between West Avenue and Nangyan Street in West Gate (Ximen) District of Xining. The market has a wide spectrum of stuff from food and drink to articles for daily use. You can find the products not only from the local vendors, but also from Anhui, Shaanxi, Henan, Shandong, Gansu, Xinjiang, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hunan, and other places in China.
Qinghai's nightlife is mainly focused on Xining, the capital city of China. Xining's bar district centers on a central square just off of Wenhua Jie, where you'll find three floors of bars, cafés and Tibetan teahouses. If you are a movie fan and you do not want to miss the latest films on your trip, the cinemas in Xining will certainly satisfy your interests.
Questions & Answers:
Here is only for Questions and Answers. ( For anyone who wants to have an enquiry or customized tour, please email us to 
. )
