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 Sanjiangyuan (Three-River Source).

This route follows the main southern Qinghai highway, gradually ascending to Madoi before descending to Yushu, which is gentler and safer than rushing straight from Xining in a single day. The highlights are the Gyana Mani Stone Castle, the Lebagou Valley, and the cliffside monasteries along the Mekong River (Lancang River) gorges in Nangqian. Chartering a car is the standard way to travel, as the mountain roads to Gaden Monastery and Dana Monastery are narrow. The return journey flies from Yushu back to Xining, saving two days of driving. The Ngoring Lake Ox-Head Monument is not included due to the complex permits required.

Accommodations are tight around the Horse Racing Festival in late July; mountain passes may accumulate snow in autumn.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Xining & Acclimatize

Xining（Dongguan Great Mosque、Mojia Street & Shuijing Lane）

Walk or take a taxi in downtown Xining, exploring only the area around the Dongguan Mosque. Rest early tonight to prepare for the journey south.

Stay: Dongguan Mosque Area

Day 2 · Cross Laji Mountain to Guide

Guide（Laji Mountain Pass、Guide National Geopark (Ashigong Danxia)、Yellow River Qing National Wetland Park）

Drive from Xining over Laji Mountain to Guide (approx. 120 km, ~2.5 hours). Spend the afternoon viewing the Danxia landforms and the clear Yellow River.

Stay: Around Guide Old Town

Day 3 · Ragya Monastery to Dawu (Golog)

Maqên（Lhagya Monastery、Gesar Square, Dawu）

Drive south from Guide via Ragya to Dawu in Maqên (approx. 340 km, ~5 to 6 hours).

Dawu sits at an altitude of about 3,700 meters. Keep physical activity to a minimum on your first night and avoid taking a shower.

Stay: Dawu Town

Day 4 · View Mount Amne Machin en route to Madoi

Maqên（Amnye Machen） → Maduo & Yellow River Source（Huashixia）

Drive west from Dawu along the Dema Expressway. Pass through Xueshan Township for views of the sacred peak, then continue via Huashixia to Madoi (~4 hours).

Madoi is at about 4,200 meters, making this the highest overnight stay of the trip. Keep supplemental oxygen handy.

Stay: Machali Town (Maduo County Seat)

Day 5 · Cross Bayan Har Mountains to Yushu

Maduo & Yellow River Source（First Bridge on the Yellow River） → Bayan Har Mountain Pass

Drive from Madoi over the Bayan Har Mountain Pass to Gyêgu Town in Yushu, mostly via expressway (~4 to 5 hours).

Stay: King Gesar Square

Day 6 · Gyana Mani Stone Castle & Jiegu Monastery

Yushu（Gyanak Mani Stone Mound、Jyekundo Monastery、Yushu Earthquake Memorial、Yushu Prefecture Museum）

Take short taxi rides or charter a car within and around Gyêgu Town. Most sites are within a 20-minute drive.

Circumambulate the Mani Stone Castle clockwise. Do not step over or take any carved stones.

Stay: King Gesar Square

Day 7 · Lebagou Valley & South to Nangqian

Yushu（Leba Valley、Princess Wencheng Temple、Thrangu Monastery、Batang Grassland） → Nangqian

Drive through Lebagou Valley from east to west (~25 km), then continue via Batang to Nangqian (~150 km). The total driving time for the day is about 5 hours.

The road from Yushu to Nangqian features long slopes and high passes. Snow can cause major delays, so complete this drive during daylight hours.

Stay: Xiangda Town

Day 8 · Baizha Salt Pan & Gaden Monastery

Nangqian（Baizha Ancient Salt Fields、Gar Monastery Canyon、Gar Monastery）

Drive from Nangqian county seat through the Baizha Forest Farm to Gaden Monastery (~70 km). The mountain roads are narrow and steep, making this a full-day round trip.

The final winding mountain stretch is only wide enough for two cars to pass with difficulty; it is safer to leave the driving to a local chauffeur.

Stay: Xiangda Town

Day 9 · Dana Monastery & Upper Mekong River

Nangqian（Gebchak Nunnery、Dana Monastery、Nangqian Tibetan Black Pottery Workshops）

Drive west from Nangqian county seat via Gaijia Jiumu Temple to Dana Monastery (~3 hours one way), returning on the same day.

Confirm road conditions before the rainy season. Keep quiet when visiting nunneries.

Stay: Xiangda Town

Day 10 · Return to Yushu & Fly to Xining

Yushu

Drive from Nangqian to Yushu Batang Airport (~2.5 to 3 hours), then catch an afternoon flight to Xining or Chengdu.

Road conditions can be highly unpredictable in winter, spring, and during snowstorms. Avoid booking flights that are too early in the morning.

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