Overview
Xining – Qinghai Lake - Dulan – Golmud – Tuotuohe – Nachu – Namtso Lake - Lhasa
On this classic adventure ride, take in some of the most magnificent highland vistas on earth as we journey overland across from Tsaidam basin to Changtang Plateau through Qinghai-Tibet Highway. This world’s highest and longest asphalt road, parallels with the remarkable Qinghai-Tibet railway and stretches 1947 km from Xining to Lhasa winding its way among several huge mountains soaring more than 4000 meters high above the sea level. We pass the sparsely populated and spacious terrain, witness the irresistible rural view of grasslands, saline lakes, desolated Gobi, and cross many perennial snow mountains straddling by a few grand rivers, including the stupendous Kunlun Mountain (4,700m) and Tanggula Mountain (5,150m), gazing at a vast swatch of the barren fringe of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This is the gorgeous trip to experience the appealing landscapes as well as the extravagant mammals that are more plentiful here than in the Himalayas and other ranges including the Tibetan antelope, gazelle, wild ass, wild goat, wild yak, blue sheep and argali, brown bears, wolves and waterfowl on the saline lakes during the migratory season.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Xining & City Sightseeing
Day 02 Xining – Qinghai Lake (B)
Day 03 Qinghai Lake – Golmud (B)
Day 04 Golmud - Tuotuohe (B)
Day 05 Tuotuohe - Nachu (B)
Day 06 Nachu – Namtso Lake - Lhasa (B)
Day 07 Lhasa Sightseeing (B / D)
Day 08 Lhasa Sightseeing (B)
Day 09 Lhasa Departure or Extension (B)
Get Inspired
https://plateautours.com/destinations/qinghai-amdo/qinghai-tibet-overland-tour#sigProId2e3fcd3432
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Xining & City Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Xining airport or train station, you will be met by our local guide and driver and then transfer to the hotel. In Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, visit the Grand Mosque, one of the four largest mosques in China, worshipped by local Muslim.
Day 02: Xining – Qinghai Lake (B)
Head out the road westward to Qinghai Lake (Kokonor Lake). En the route, stop to visit Qinghai’s symbolic site of Kumbum Monastery. It is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect, and is also famous for the artworks of Yak Butter sculptures, frescoes and embossed embroidery made by lhama artists. Climbing over the Sun & Moon Mountain and get close to the Kokonor area, wonder around the Qinghai Lake, the China’s largest salty lake, enjoy amaze beauty of it. Many birds will stop here when they migrate across Asia. Spend a serene night at the lake side.
Day 03: Qinghai Lake – Golmud (B)
Wake up early morning to view the possibly sunrise over the Qinghai Lake. Then take the scenic drive across the dry, wild and flat Tsaidam desert, only occasional oasis on low sand-dunes and stony desert break the horizon. En-route, short stop by the Tsaka Salty Lake where is encased in salt. Mirages may be offered by chance. Overnight in Golmud, the biggest post before entering into Changtang Plateau.
Day 04: Golmud - Tuotuohe (B)
The highway leaves Golmud behind and crosses majestic Kunlun Pass (4767m), then it hits over Yangtze’s tributaries till the vast wildness of Hoh Xil Nature Reserve is in sight appearing with some valuable wild animals include Tibetan antelope. Later arrive in Tuotuohe by passing through the First Bridge over the Yangtze River.
Day 05: Tuotuohe - Nachu (B)
As the altitude increases, the road ascends steep and winding valley to cross over the 4837-meter-high Tanggu La Pass (5231m), where the highest point of Qinghai-Tibet Highway, also the watershed of Changtang Plateau. Later we enter into the high nomadic terrain all the way to Nachu.
Day 06: Nachu – Namtso Lake - Lhasa (B)
Drive on the heart of Changtang Grassland for Namtso Lake. Lying at the foot of Nyainqentanglha Mountain, is the highest lake in the world, considered as the holy lake in Tibet. Excursion at the lake side, step on Tashi peninsula for a small monastery. Drive head to Lhasa in the afternoon. On the route, enjoy the natural scenery of the terrestrial heat and hot springs at Yampachen.
Day 07: Lhasa Sightseeing (B / D)
Morning visit the Potala Palace, the world's highest construction. With the 13 stories and 119 meters in height, Potala Palace is composed by the two parts of the White Palace and the Red Palace with the different functions. The White one is used for Dalai Lamas’ living, working and studying. The Red one consists mainly of various chapels and stupas. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Monastery, which is located in the heart of Lhasa’s old section of Barkhor. Built in seventh century, Jokhang Monastery is the oldest monastery and is the earliest timber construction in Tibet. It is also the spiritual focus for the Tibetans, where you can see the most devotional pilgrims and worships from morning till dark. Encircling of the Jokhang, here is Barkhor Street, the pilgrims are walking around the temple for centuries already. Leisure walk around this crowding medieval street to witness the local lifestyle. Dinner will be served as the Tibetan food during Tibetan singing and dancing performances.
Day 08: Lhasa Sightseeing (B)
Morning visit Norbulingka, literally means “Jewel Garden”, was the summer palace for the Dalai Lamas. The palaces are shaded by the flourish and green trees, the murals on the main hall’s walls show a long history here. Later visit Drepung Monastery, one of the most important monasteries of Gelugpa sect. in Tibet. Built in 1416, Drepung Monastery gains the name of “Heap of Rice” due to its white structure appearance. Then visit Sera Monastery, one of the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. Except the treasures and well-preserved original murals in the monastery, you will also have a great chance to view the heated scriptural debates of the monks.
Day 09: Lhasa Departure or Extension (B)
Extend the tour to other parts of Tibet or transfer to the airport/train station for other destinations.
Experiences & Activities
- Experience the world’s longest and highest highway on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
- Passes spectacular & highland landscapes of huge snow mountains, desert, alpine lakes, rock terrain, grand rivers and wild grasslands
- Excursion at Qinghai Lake & Namtso Lake, two particularly large lakes on Tibetan plateau
- Visit the symbolic Kumbum Monastery, Potala Palace and other historical sites in Xining & Lhasa
- Get insight into unspoiled Tibetan nomads and some rare wild animals
