Taer Monastery
Yellow River Source
Rongwo Monastery
Wutun Monastery
Qinghai tours From Xining Tongren to Yushu
Xining is located on the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the upper reaches of Huangshui River. It is the political, economic, scientific and technological, cultural and traffic center of Qinghai Province with an average altitude of over 2,200 meters (about 7,217 feet). The activities of human beings in this region can be traced to 2,100 years ago.
During the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, owing to the development of agriculture, Xining was paid more attention due to its economic and martial significance. As well as being the important hinge between the central plains and the western part of China in ancient time, Xining was the most common passing channel of the famous Silk Road. Until now, it is still the only road by which to enter the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Ta'er Lamasery derives its name from the Golden-roofed Lamasery's silver tower built in memory of Zongkaba,the founder of Huangjiao (the YellowSection). The silver tower is called 'Gunbenxianbalin', inTibetan, meaning "a Maitreya Lamasery where 100000 lions roar at a Buddha Portrait."Ta'er Lamasery is located in the Lianhuashan (Lotus) Mountain Valley in the southwest ofLusha'er Township in Huangzhong County.It is the most important sight-seeing sport of Qinghai and one of the cultural relics under thestate protection
During the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, owing to the development of agriculture, Xining was paid more attention due to its economic and martial significance. As well as being the important hinge between the central plains and the western part of China in ancient time, Xining was the most common passing channel of the famous Silk Road. Until now, it is still the only road by which to enter the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Ta'er Lamasery derives its name from the Golden-roofed Lamasery's silver tower built in memory of Zongkaba,the founder of Huangjiao (the YellowSection). The silver tower is called 'Gunbenxianbalin', inTibetan, meaning "a Maitreya Lamasery where 100000 lions roar at a Buddha Portrait."Ta'er Lamasery is located in the Lianhuashan (Lotus) Mountain Valley in the southwest ofLusha'er Township in Huangzhong County.It is the most important sight-seeing sport of Qinghai and one of the cultural relics under thestate protection
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$1813.00
Duration: 8 Days
Tour Code: CE-XN-8D01
Departure Date: Every Day
Tour Attractions:Taer Monastery, Wutun Monastery, Zhaling Lake, Eling Lake, the source of the Yellow River, Princess Wencheng Temple, Nimaqing snow mountain, the mani stone pile, Longwu Temple
Feature：Historic Sites
Tour Type: /English speaking guide + driver + meals + hotel
Tour Code: CE-XN-8D01
Departure Date: Every Day
Tour Attractions:Taer Monastery, Wutun Monastery, Zhaling Lake, Eling Lake, the source of the Yellow River, Princess Wencheng Temple, Nimaqing snow mountain, the mani stone pile, Longwu Temple
Feature：Historic Sites
Tour Type: /English speaking guide + driver + meals + hotel
D1: Xining Airport – Ta’er Monastery – Xining
Upon arrival at Xining Airport, your private guide and driver will meet you and begin your Qinghai adventure.
Your first visit is Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), located about 25 kilometers southwest of Xining. It is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Qinghai and an important center of Tibetan Buddhist culture in northwestern China. The monastery covers a large area and is renowned for its grand Buddhist halls, murals, sculptures, butter sculptures, and other examples of traditional Tibetan Buddhist art.
Take time to explore the monastery complex and learn about its religious and cultural significance.
After sightseeing, your guide and driver will transfer you back to Xining and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey or take a walk around the city at your own pace.
Overnight in Xining.
D2: Xining – Maduo County
After breakfast, set out from Xining for Maduo County, located on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and known as an important gateway to the source region of the Yellow River.
The journey is approximately 500 kilometers and takes around 8 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. Although it is a long drive, the spectacular scenery along the route makes the journey an important part of the experience. As you travel westward, the landscape gradually changes from the urban surroundings of Xining to vast grasslands, mountains, valleys, and high-altitude plateau scenery.
Arrive in Maduo in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Maduo County.
D3: Maduo – Zhaling Lake – Eling Lake – Qumalai
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and continue toward the source region of the Yellow River.
Visit Zhaling Lake, a large freshwater lake in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. Surrounded by vast grasslands and high-altitude mountains, the lake is an important wetland habitat and attracts numerous birds, particularly during the warmer months.
Continue to Eling Lake, another major freshwater lake in the Yellow River source region. Located about 15 kilometers from Zhaling Lake, the two lakes are often referred to as the “Sister Lakes” because of their close geographical relationship and their important role in the upper reaches of the Yellow River.
Enjoy the magnificent plateau scenery around the lakes before continuing your journey to Qumalai County.
The drive to Qumalai takes several hours. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest.
Overnight in Qumalai County.
D4: Qumalai – Source of the Yellow River – Qumalai
Today, travel deeper into the high plateau to explore the source region of the Yellow River.
The landscape here is very different from the image many visitors have of the Yellow River. Instead of a broad and powerful river, the upper reaches begin as small streams and gentle flows surrounded by vast grasslands, wetlands, mountains, and open wilderness.
This remote region offers an opportunity to appreciate the natural environment of the Yellow River’s headwaters and the spectacular scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The source region also holds great cultural significance, as the Yellow River has played an important role in the development of Chinese civilization for thousands of years.
After the excursion, return to Qumalai County for the night.
Overnight in Qumalai County.
D5: Qumalai – Princess Wencheng Temple – Yushu
After breakfast, drive toward Yushu, a culturally rich area in southern Qinghai known for its Tibetan heritage and spectacular mountain landscapes.
On the way, visit Princess Wencheng Temple, located in a dramatic valley surrounded by mountains. The temple is traditionally associated with Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty and her historical connection with Tibet. The main shrine features a revered image of Princess Wencheng seated in the lotus position.
Take time to explore the temple and enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery before continuing to Yushu.
Upon arrival in Yushu, check in to your hotel and relax.
Overnight in Yushu.
D6: Yushu – Amne Machin Snow Mountain – Maqin
After breakfast, leave Yushu and travel toward Maqin County to explore the magnificent Amne Machin (Animaqing) Snow Mountain.
Amne Machin is one of the major mountain ranges in the source region of the Yellow River and is an important sacred mountain in Tibetan culture. Its snow-covered peaks rise dramatically above the surrounding plateau, creating one of the most impressive landscapes in southeastern Qinghai.
The mountain is traditionally regarded as a sacred place by Tibetan communities, and its changing weather and high-altitude environment add to its distinctive character. Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so sightseeing plans may need to be adjusted according to local conditions.
Continue to Maqin after the excursion.
Overnight in Maqin County.
D7: Maqin – Tongren
After breakfast, begin the journey from Maqin to Tongren.
The distance is approximately 300 kilometers, and the drive may take around 8–9 hours depending on road and weather conditions. Rather than simply being a transfer, today’s journey provides an opportunity to experience the changing landscapes of Qinghai, from high-altitude grasslands and mountains to the culturally rich region around Tongren.
Upon arrival in Tongren, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Tongren.
D8: Tongren – Wutun Temple – Xining Airport
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Wutun Temple, one of the most important centers of Thangka art and Tibetan Buddhist artistic traditions in Tongren.
The temple and surrounding area are famous for their rich collection of religious artworks, including exquisitely painted Thangka works, sculptures, murals, and other traditional Tibetan Buddhist art. The region has developed a distinctive artistic tradition over centuries, making Wutun an excellent place to learn about the relationship between Tibetan Buddhism and traditional art.
After visiting Wutun Temple, begin the drive back to Xining.
Upon arrival in Xining, your guide and driver will transfer you to Xining Airport for your onward flight.
End of your 8-day Qinghai adventure.
| Group size | 1 pax | 2-3 pax | 4-5 pax | 6-9pax |
| price | 5394 | 2788 | 2495 | 1813 |
Our prices included:
1. Seven lunches and seven dinners.
2. Seven nights accommodation.
3. Xining pick-up and drop-off.
4. Air-conditioned tour vehicle.
5. English speaking tour guide.
6. Entrance tickets.
Our prices not included:
Tips to the guide and driver.
1. Seven lunches and seven dinners.
2. Seven nights accommodation.
3. Xining pick-up and drop-off.
4. Air-conditioned tour vehicle.
5. English speaking tour guide.
6. Entrance tickets.
Our prices not included:
Tips to the guide and driver.
If you require, we can book hotels in Chengdu, and make private airport and city tour necessary.
Are you interested in this itinerary? Send us a message and let us help you plan and book your China vacation based on this sample. Response within 24 hours. Contact our Travel Consultant.
Are you interested in this itinerary? Send us a message and let us help you plan and book your China vacation based on this sample. Response within 24 hours. Contact our Travel Consultant.
