Golmud

A key hub on the Qinghai–Tibet route, the base for Kunlun Pass, Hoh Xil and Qarhan Salt Lake.

Golmud lies on the southern edge of the Qaidam Basin and is a major hub of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway and Highway and the gateway city for entering Tibet. Heading south through Kunlun Pass you reach Hoh Xil, with snow mountains, high-altitude wilderness and wildlife such as the Tibetan antelope; to the north, Qarhan Salt Lake is a famous salt-lake landscape. Summer is the best season for high-altitude areas, and you should acclimatize in advance. The gateways are Golmud Airport and Golmud Railway Station, linking toward Xining, Lhasa, Dunhuang and beyond.

Destinations

• Golmud & Qarhan Salt Lake
• Kunlun Pass & Hoh Xil
• Da Qaidam

Itineraries

• Western Qaidam Wilderness Crossing – A one-way journey from Xining to Dunhuang, passing through Hoh Xil, Water Yadan, Mangya, Eboliang, and Lenghu.
• Qinghai-Tibet Highway: Xining to Lhasa – Follow the Qinghai-Tibet Highway across Hoh Xil and the Tanggula Pass, passing Namtso to enter Lhasa.
• Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Classic Route – A closed-loop route starting from Xining, circling Qinghai Lake, Qaidam, Dunhuang, the Hexi Corridor, and the Qilian Mo…