Chaka Town
茶卡镇
A highland town beside the salt lake and a common overnight stop on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, known for guesthouses, mutton dishes and Chaka green salt.
Chaka Town belongs to Ulan County in Haixi Prefecture. It lies on the north side of Chaka Salt Lake at the junction of G109 and G6 (Beijing–Tibet Expressway), at an elevation of about 3,100 meters. The town's name means 'salt pond' in Mongolian. It is one of the most common overnight stops on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, with many guesthouses, hotels and Qinghai restaurants along its streets. Chaka mutton, including hand-grabbed mutton and mutton soup, is famous, and you can also buy Chaka green salt, small salt-sculpture souvenirs and goji berries. The town has Chaka Railway Station on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway (Xining–Golmud section), with buses to Xining and Delingha. Staying in town lets you enter the salt lake right at opening time to photograph reflections and avoid the midday tour-group rush. In summer, room rates rise significantly during peak season, so book ahead. Nights at high altitude are cold, so dress warmly.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Chaka Salt Lake
- Chaka Salt Lake Sightseeing Train & Salt Sculptures
- Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area
- Mohe Camel Farm
- Dulan Monastery
- Xiangpi Mountain Pass
- Hariatu National Forest Park