4-Day Qinghai Tour

• Qinghai Arrival
• 4+ stars Hotel
• None

As the airplane slowly lands on the runway of Xining Caojiabao Airport, (or the train steadily stops on the platform of Xining Railway Station), you have stepped into Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. At an altitude of 2,261 meters above sea level, this city is located in the vast, sprawling northwest of China and is known for its long history and magnificent natural beauty.

Your exclusive guide is waiting for you and will warmly meet you and organize the rest of your tour. Next, you'll travel through the city's bustling streets in a comfortable private vehicle to your luxury hotel in the center of town. There, you can easily check in and unpack your luggage.

After a short rest, you will have free time to acclimatize to the altitude of this highland city. Whether you are savoring Xining's culinary delights or enjoying the magnificent natural scenery, you are sure to have a fulfilling and enjoyable afternoon.

Recommend for nighttime optional programs

• Qinghai Lake - the Town of Caka Salt Lake
• 4+ stars Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, we will drive to Qinghai Lake. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the picturesque natural scenery of Riyue Mountain.

Qinghai Lake, which is 3200 meters high, is not only the largest inland lake in China, but also the largest saltwater lake. Its vast waters cover an area of more than 4,500 square kilometers, 105 kilometers long and 63 kilometers wide. It has been named China's most beautiful lake by National Geographic and attracts countless photographers every year to capture its unique charm.

The essence of the entire Erlangjian Scenic Area is shaped like a long sword that plunges deep into the lake. Walking on the trestle, you will be able to have a panoramic view of the far-reaching Qinghai Lake. The lake's water, with its different salt content, shows different colors under the sunlight, which is magnificent and charming. In addition, Qinghai Lake is also a holy place of Tibetan Buddhism, where many devotees come to worship every year.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of Qinghai Lake from a different angle, you may choose to take a cruise. In Erlangjian Scenic Area, you can choose either a high-speed cruise ship or a catamaran for your tour. The former offers you a one-way 25-minute trip from Erlangjian Pier to Erlangjian Peninsula for RMB 140, while the latter offers you a 50-minute round trip for RMB 180. Please note that these fees do not include your personal expenses on board, such as drinks, food, etc. (The cruise service is only available from May to October.)

Finally, we will drive about 150 kilometers (about 3 hours) to the town of Caka Town (3,100 meters above sea level) to check in.

Tips

1, The beauty of Qinghai Lake can be enjoyed in all seasons, but it is especially recommended that you come between May and October, when the weather is pleasant and most suitable for outdoor activities. Especially in July and August, rapeseed flowers bloom, forming a golden sea, is even more beautiful.
2. The sunshine of Qinghai Lake is strong, especially in summer. Be sure to bring sunscreen products such as hats, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
3, Although the plateau reaction of Qinghai Lake is not common, but if it is your first time to set foot on the plateau, you should still be vigilant. Avoid strenuous exercise and maintain adequate water intake are effective measures to prevent plateau reaction.

• Caka Salt Lake - Xining
• 4+ stars Hotel
• Breakfast

If the weather is fine and you are willing to hike, then wake up an hour early and you can enjoy a stunning sunrise in the town of Caka.

Caka Salt Lake, a magical place located at an altitude of 3,100 meters, is not only a geographical wonder on the ancient Silk Road, but also an important source of salt. Its salt products were once transported along the Silk Road, across thousands of mountains and rivers, to Tibet, Xinjiang and even Central Asia. For tourists, Chaka Salt Lake is a paradise for photographers, a starting point for romantic trips and an ideal place for refreshing experiences.

At Caka Salt Lake, we have a variety of ways for you to explore. To make the most of the view and avoid possible crowds, you will take a scenic train ride right to the center of the lake and then a leisurely walk of about 40 minutes back to the entrance. Of course, you can also take the scenic train back if you choose a more relaxed approach. Walking on the salt crystal lake is like being in a painting, but please note that due to the corrosive nature of the salt water, it is recommended that you wear shoe covers to protect your feet.

Leaving Caka Salt Lake, we will embark on the journey back to Xining, which is about 300 kilometers and is expected to take 3.5 to 4 hours. During this journey, if you see any scenery that makes your heart skip a beat or wish to stop for a short break, please feel free to let us know and we will arrange appropriate stopping time for you to take photos and rest. Upon arrival in Xining, you will enjoy a one-night stay in the booked hotel.

Recommend for Optional Programs (additional fees apply)

1, You can take a boat trip along the old aqueduct, which witnessed the long history of salt transportation in Lake Chaka, and the scenery and feelings along the way will surely make you gain a unique experience.
2, If you want to get a glimpse of the magnificent panoramic view of Lake Chaka and its surroundings, you may want to climb the sightseeing tower. Here, you can enjoy the width of the lake, the depth of the sky and the surrounding mountains, as if you were in a peaceful and magnificent world.
3, If you are interested in any of these activities, please feel free to talk to your guide and we will make arrangements and ensure you have the best experience possible!

• Kumbum Monastery - Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum - Dongguan Mosque - Departure
• None
• Breakfast

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of about 28 kilometers (40 minutes by car) to the famous Kumbum Monastery, which is a holy place carrying the deep cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism and is known as one of the "Six Great Monasteries of Gelugpa". The temple is not only sacred as the birthplace of Guru Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, but its architecture is a breathtaking blend of traditional Tibetan and Chinese art, with colorful and intricate decorations.

Afterwards, driving about 37 kilometers (about 50 minutes by car), we will arrive at the China Museum of Tibetan Medicine Culture, which is a door to the ancient and mysterious world of Tibetan medicine. The museum displays rich historical relics, from ancient surgical instruments to precious medical texts to unique astronomical and calendar calculation tools, each exhibit tells the long history of Tibetan medical culture. Particularly worth mentioning is the 618-meter-long gallery, certified by Guinness World Records, and more than 30,000 kinds of pile-embroidery patterns, which give people a deep sense of the diversity and richness of Tibetan culture while marveling at them.

After a break for lunch, we will head to the largest mosque in Qinghai - Dongguan Mosque, a pure land in the hearts of Muslim believers and one of the important Islamic cultural centers in northwest China. This mosque, built in the Ming Dynasty, covers an area of 13,602 square meters, and its architectural style reflects the flavor of traditional Chinese architecture, but also cleverly integrates Islamic elements, and the light lotus green exterior adds a bit of freshness and elegance to it.

As the sun sets, our journey will come to an end. Accompanied by your guide, you will arrive at the airport or train station ready to depart for your next destination. May this journey full of cultural flavor and religious feelings become an unforgettable memory in your heart.