Have you used Windows XP? Then you will know what the sights on the road to Qinghai lake would look like. I mean the default screen when XP loads up is the kind of scenery you will see when you go to Qinghai Lake.
Let’s start with some facts to amaze you. The lake is at 3194m and that ‘s high. At that level some get altitude sickness.
The lake is huge. Really huge. If that is any guide it is the largest saltwater lake in the world. It covers 4473 square meters. How else to describe it but to say that it will take a day for you to circle round in a car. But you will enjoy it just as much as I did. I did not get to circle round as there was not enough time. The next time I go there, which I hope is soon, I would love to stay there a few days.
The air is crisp and clean. You can see all the way as far as the eye can see. That’s how clear the air is.
Getting there - the easiet way is to catch a flight to Xining the provincial capital. I took a train from GuangZhou which was a 30+ hour ride. (Really this one is an experience in itself ). You can take this option but be warned, get a seating ticket.
Why I mentioned Guangzhou is because it is the easiet and least hassle point. Once you arrive you can check in at any of the hotels. If you are an alien (all non Chinese nationals are aliens) your choice of hotels would be limited to the few allowed. Do not expect star service though.
Allow yourself a day or two to acclimatize to the altitude. Xining is not that high but if you come from the lowlands, the thin air might hit you.
The best is to hire a car to take you to the lake. You may have to fork out 5000 or so yuan which is not too expensive. Plan with your driver to spend some time at the various stops along the way and have lunch at the local restaurant. There aren’t many around so your driver would know.
While lunching, try the local rice wine. It is sweet aromatic and smooth. Don’t miss it.
Try too to arrange with your driver to stop by the Ta’er or Kumbum Monastery of Lama Tsongkapa a great Tibetan saint. Built in 1379, it was undergoing renovations when I was there a few months ago. They are always doing that, the Chinese, as the last time I was there in 2002 they were doing something else. It is now very touristy which is not good for me.
There’s more if you follow this link:
http://myinnerjourney33.blogspot.com/2009/08/long-train-journey-to-west.html
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh 5000 yuan is a lot of money. The one we paid was around 800 yuan only I think. And that took us to Qinghai Lake, Kumbum Monastery and Princess Wen Cheng’s pavilion. And not forgetting some eating and tea drinking places. The van that took us right into Yushu only cost 2,000 yuan so the Qinghai Lake trip should just be a fraction of the long ride to Yushu
oops..Sorry there. I must have mixed up the fares with that of another leg. Thanks for the correction.