Example Itinerary

Nomadic Travels through Qinghai Province: Xining to Guide

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Off the Grid, Amazing Landscapes, Open Spaces
Destinations
China

Feel as if you’ve adopted a nomadic lifestyle, as you experience this eight-day journey from China’s Qinghai province, through Xining, Xinghai, Maduo, Huashixia, Maqen, Qabqa and Gui'De, sleeping in simple guesthouses, trekking through stunning landscapes enveloped by some of the world’s freshest air, and interacting with local nomads whose lifestyles have remained relatively unchanged over the centuries. This thrilling journey will no doubt inspire you and give you a new perspective on what life is like for these traditional people.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Open Spaces: Qinghai, one of the least populated and visited corners of China, is known for its vast and beautiful landscapes, from towering mountains and broad valleys to extensive flat meadows filled with grazing horses and lakes. It is a destination to truly escape into nature.
  • China's Largest Lake: Qinghai Lake is a sight to behold in both its impressive expanse and scenery. Enjoy the surrounding lush environs and observe or meet the nomadic herders with their yaks and sheep.
  • Cultural Crossroads: Owing to its location on the Tibetan Plateau and near the Silk Road, Qinghai is home to many minorities including Tibetans, Mongols, Chinese-Muslims and even few Kazakhs.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Xining

Arrive in Xining, the capital of China’s Qinghai province, and home to over two million people. You’ll be greeted at the airport, and taken to your vehicle. From here, you’ll embark on a scenic drive (about 90 minutes) to the south shore of China’s largest lake, Qinghai Lake. Marvel at the lush, colorful vegetation that surrounds it, and the thriving fish population it contains. Visit the nomadic herders, with their yaks and sheep, and learn about their traditional way of life.

Hotel Options
About

Guests may enjoy their time at Qinghai Lake, the largest inland and salt water lake in China, with a stay at the Qinghai Lake Hotel. Situated steps from the lake’s south shore, the hotel features stunning views and a prime location for those looking to soak up the sun.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

A journey along the Northern Silk Road leads you to the doors of the Sofitel Xining, where European luxury combines with Chinese hospitality. The building is 19th-century style, with a neo-Gothic facade, while interiors emulate French refinement with high ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and marble detailing.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Dredzong

Today you’ll be driven up the verdant hills that surround the lake, where you can enjoy incredible views. Get back on the road, to Dredzong Monastery, which contains plenty of hermitages and meditation caves in its remote, mountain setting, over 3,600 meters above sea-level. If you feel up to it, explore more of the surrounding areas on a hike through the mountainside.

Hotel Options
About

Experience Chinese remote village life in a charming guesthouse. Visitors are welcomed warmly to the humble and simple guesthouses here, which are sometimes no more than a small number of very basic rooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Dredzong
Dredzong

Day 3

Maduo

Leave Dredzong today and head to Maduo, a small town at lofty heights, 4,350 meters in the sky. Once you check in to your simple guesthouse or hotel, spend some time exploring this remote area, particularly the plethora of prayer flags that blanket the hillside.

Hotel Options
About

Experience Chinese remote village life in a charming guesthouse. Visitors are welcomed warmly to the humble and simple guesthouses here, which are sometimes no more than a small number of very basic rooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Huashixia

Wake up to the fresh, mountain air today. You’ll be traveling to Kyaring/ Ngoring Lake, which feeds the mighty Yellow River. Here, you’ll catch sights of wild donkeys and Tibetan antelopes, so make sure to have your camera ready. The afternoon will consist of a short hike along the hill between the two lakes, where you’ll get spoiled by even more incredible views from your spot 4,500 meters above sea-level. Overnight in Huashixia at a simple but comfortable guesthouse or hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Experience Chinese remote village life in a charming guesthouse. Visitors are welcomed warmly to the humble and simple guesthouses here, which are sometimes no more than a small number of very basic rooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Maqen

Today, your journey will take you to the north side of Amnye Machen, the highest peak of the incredible mountain chain by the same name, also known as the holiest and most beautiful snowcapped mountains in the area. Say hello to the nomads who inhabit the surrounding grasslands. Check in to a simple guesthouse for the night.

Hotel Options
About

Experience Chinese remote village life in a charming guesthouse. Visitors are welcomed warmly to the humble and simple guesthouses here, which are sometimes no more than a small number of very basic rooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Maqen
Maqen

Day 6

Qabqa

Depart Maqen this morning, and hit the open road once again, passing fields upon fields of rolling grasslands. Today’s destination is Qabqa - a trading town. Here, you can explore the town, which isn’t particularly large or particularly small, heading to the markets, and enjoying a bite to eat, before checking in to your guesthouse for the night.

Hotel Options
About

Experience Chinese remote village life in a charming guesthouse. Visitors are welcomed warmly to the humble and simple guesthouses here, which are sometimes no more than a small number of very basic rooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

Gui'de

Leave Qabqa today, heading towards Gui'de, an ancient city once part of the Ming Dynasty. Here, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Yellow River, said to be the cradle of Chinese civilization. Check in to a guesthouse in Gui'de for the night, and relax for the evening.

Hotel Options
About

Experience Chinese remote village life in a charming guesthouse. Visitors are welcomed warmly to the humble and simple guesthouses here, which are sometimes no more than a small number of very basic rooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Gui'de
Gui'de

Day 8

Departure

Today will be the last day of your journey, and you’ve still a few sights to visit before you depart. Stop by Kumbum Monastery, the famed birthplace of the man known for reforming the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Upon arrival in Xining, you will be transported to the airport in time for your onward journey.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.