Answer: Traveling from Qinghai Lake to Chaka Town can be a bit tricky using public transportation, as the connections are limited and schedules can change frequently, especially in May. Here’s an overview of your options:
Answer: Qinghai is a high-altitude region, with much of the province averaging between 3,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level. Traveling there with elderly parents, especially those aged 75–80 or who are not very fit, carries a risk of altitude sickness, which can range from mild headaches and nausea to more serious complications.
Answer: Yes, foreigners can generally travel freely from Xining to Zhangye on their own, especially if you are taking regular public transport like trains or buses. Both Xining and Zhangye are open to domestic and international travelers, and there are no special permits required for the areas you plan to visit in Qinghai and Gansu provinces, as long as you stay on standard tourist routes.
Answer: Your plan for a day trip around Xining is quite sensible. Both Ta’er Monastery and Riyue Mountain are relatively close to Xining, making them ideal for a relaxed day trip without long travel times. Qinghai Lake, as you mentioned, is much farther (around 150 km / 3 hours one way), so visiting it in a single day trip would be rushed and tiring.
Answer: Hiring a private driver from Xining for a 2-day trip to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Flats is a common and practical option, especially for a group of 4 passengers. These attractions are located quite far from Xining, and public transport options are limited for flexible sightseeing, so a private car and driver ensures convenience and allows you to travel at your own pace.
Answer: Given that you only have 2 full days in Qinghai, trying to cover Kumbun Monastery, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Lake is indeed very ambitious. The distances and travel times are significant: Xining to Kumbun Monastery is around 2-3 hours one way, Xining to Qinghai Lake is about 3-4 hours, and Chaka Salt Lake is roughly 4-5 hours from Xining. Adding in return trips and sightseeing time makes it very tight to fit all three destinations comfortably.
Answer: Hi — you’re asking about cycling independently along the G109 Highway from Golmud (in Qinghai Province) south towards the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), on the high plateau of the Changtang. Specifically you’re thinking of maybe ~300 km or more south of Golmud, after the intersection with the G215, toward the pass. Here’s a breakdown of what I found (and did *not* find) — please treat as general info, not a guarantee of entry or safety.
Travel FAQ list for qinghai
Qinghai
Question: How to get to Chaka town from Qinghai Lake?
Answer: Traveling from Qinghai Lake to Chaka Town can be a bit tricky using public transportation, as the connections are limited and schedules can change frequently, especially in May. Here’s an overview of your options:
View MoreQinghai
Question: Problems with high altitude or other problems
Answer: Qinghai is a high-altitude region, with much of the province averaging between 3,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level. Traveling there with elderly parents, especially those aged 75–80 or who are not very fit, carries a risk of altitude sickness, which can range from mild headaches and nausea to more serious complications.
View MoreXining
Question: Can foreigners travel freely from Xining to Zhangye?
Answer: Yes, foreigners can generally travel freely from Xining to Zhangye on their own, especially if you are taking regular public transport like trains or buses. Both Xining and Zhangye are open to domestic and international travelers, and there are no special permits required for the areas you plan to visit in Qinghai and Gansu provinces, as long as you stay on standard tourist routes.
View MoreXining
Question: Day Trip to the surroundings of Xining
Answer: Your plan for a day trip around Xining is quite sensible. Both Ta’er Monastery and Riyue Mountain are relatively close to Xining, making them ideal for a relaxed day trip without long travel times. Qinghai Lake, as you mentioned, is much farther (around 150 km / 3 hours one way), so visiting it in a single day trip would be rushed and tiring.
View MoreXining
Question: Private driver from Xining for 2 days
Answer: Hiring a private driver from Xining for a 2-day trip to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Flats is a common and practical option, especially for a group of 4 passengers. These attractions are located quite far from Xining, and public transport options are limited for flexible sightseeing, so a private car and driver ensures convenience and allows you to travel at your own pace.
View MoreXining
Question: 2 days for Kumbun monastery, Qinghai Lake , Chaka Lake
Answer: Given that you only have 2 full days in Qinghai, trying to cover Kumbun Monastery, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Lake is indeed very ambitious. The distances and travel times are significant: Xining to Kumbun Monastery is around 2-3 hours one way, Xining to Qinghai Lake is about 3-4 hours, and Chaka Salt Lake is roughly 4-5 hours from Xining. Adding in return trips and sightseeing time makes it very tight to fit all three destinations comfortably.
View MoreQinghai
Question: Qinghai to TAR border - indipendent travel (bike)
Answer: Hi — you’re asking about cycling independently along the G109 Highway from Golmud (in Qinghai Province) south towards the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), on the high plateau of the Changtang. Specifically you’re thinking of maybe ~300 km or more south of Golmud, after the intersection with the G215, toward the pass. Here’s a breakdown of what I found (and did *not* find) — please treat as general info, not a guarantee of entry or safety.
View More