Yushu

The core of Sanjiangyuan and the heart of Kham Tibetan culture, with monasteries, horse-racing festivals and unspoiled plateau canyons.

Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture lies in southwestern Qinghai. The Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang (Mekong) rivers rise in or flow through it, making it the core area of Sanjiangyuan National Park, at a high average altitude. Around the prefectural seat of Jyekundo (Gyegu Town) are Jiegu Monastery, the Lhabu Valley cliff carvings and the Princess Wencheng Temple. Nangqên County lies on the upper Lancang River and has ancient monasteries such as Gar Monastery and deep-cut canyons. Summer is the best season, especially around the horse-racing festival in July. The gateway is Yushu Batang Airport, and you can also drive long-distance from Xining; be mindful of altitude sickness.

Destinations

• Yushu
• Nangqian
• Kunlun Pass & Hoh Xil
• Maduo & Yellow River Source

Itineraries

• Golog, Yushu & Nangqian: 10-Day Deep Kham Itinerary – Head south from Xining via Guide, Maqên, and Madoi to Yushu and Nangqian, venturing deep into the Kham region of the Sa…
• 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.