6-Day Qinghai & Dunhuang Silk Road Explore Tour

Arrival in Xining--Free Time

4+ stars Hotels

Upon arrival in Xining, an IntoExplore advisor will arrange a private transfer to pick you up at the airport or railway station and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Xining sits at an altitude of 2,275 meters (7,464 feet), making it an ideal place to begin acclimatizing to the highland environment. The remainder of your day is free for personal exploration. We recommend visiting the lively Mojia Street (莫家街), the city's most famous food street, where you can sample authentic Qinghai cuisine. This evening, take it easy and rest well – tomorrow begins your incredible journey through the stunning landscapes of Northwest China. The dry climate and strong UV rays mean you should start applying moisturizer and preparing your sunscreen for the days ahead .

Travel Tip:

There are very few direct international flights to Xining Caojiabao International Airport. It is recommended to transit through major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Xi'an, or Guangzhou before flying into Xining.

Ta'er Monastery--Riyue Mountain--Qinghai Lake

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast

Your adventure begins with a drive to the renowned Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), one of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Located about 30 minutes from Xining, this magnificent complex features exquisite Buddhist murals, intricate butter sculptures, and the grand silver pagoda commemorating the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect. The monastery's unique architecture blends Han and Tibetan styles, creating a visually stunning spiritual haven. After exploring the monastery, continue your journey westward, passing by Riyue Mountain (Sun and Moon Mountain), a historic pass that marks the boundary between the agricultural regions of eastern Qinghai and the vast pastoral grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau.

Your destination is Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saltwater lake, covering an astonishing 4,500 square kilometers. At the Erlangjian Scenic Area, you'll board a cruise to experience the lake's vastness up close – the deep blue waters stretching to meet the sky create a breathtaking sight often called the "sapphire of the plateau." The lake sits at an altitude of 3,100 meters and is surrounded by lush green pastures where Tibetan nomads graze their yaks and sheep. Tonight, you'll stay near the lake. Note that the high altitude calls for avoiding strenuous activity and dressing warmly for the cool evening temperatures.

Qinghai Lake--Chaka Salt Lake

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast

Wake up early this morning for a truly unforgettable experience – watching the sunrise over Qinghai Lake. As the first rays of golden light creep across the vast expanse of water, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, you'll understand why this place holds such spiritual significance.

After a brief moment to savor the tranquil beauty, you'll journey onward to Chaka Salt Lake, often called China's "Mirror of the Sky." This extraordinary landscape features shallow, crystal-clear brine that perfectly reflects the heavens above, creating surreal, dreamlike images. The lake spans over 100 square kilometers and contains 450 million tons of salt – enough to supply the world's population for 1,000 years! On sunny days, the reflection effect is most dramatic in the morning (before 10 AM) and late afternoon (after 5 PM), when the light is softer. We recommend renting shoe covers to protect your feet from the coarse salt crystals, which can feel like walking on a reflexology mat. Walk about 300 meters into the lake to escape the crowds and capture those iconic reflection photos. The stark white landscape against deep blue skies creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Tonight, you'll stay in Chaka Town, a small settlement that has grown around this natural wonder.

High-Speed Train to Dunhuang--Free Time

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast 

Today features a unique transportation experience as you return to Xining and board a high-speed train bound for Dunhuang (scheduled 13:16–19:26). This 6-hour rail journey takes you across the Hexi Corridor, the historic artery of the ancient Silk Road. Watch through the windows as the landscape transforms from highland pastures to rolling hills, then to the vast, empty expanses of the Gobi Desert. 

Upon arrival at Dunhuang Railway Station, your local driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Dunhuang, a desert oasis with over 2,000 years of history, was a crucial stop for traders, pilgrims, and travelers along the Silk Road. The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. If you have energy remaining, consider visiting the Shazhou Night Market, where you can sample local specialties like Apricot Skin Water, a refreshing local drink, or Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles, a Dunhuang delicacy. 

Mogao Caves--Mingsha Mountain--Crescent Lake

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast

Prepare for a day of profound cultural discovery and natural wonder. Your morning is dedicated to the magnificent Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's most significant repositories of Buddhist art. Also known as the "Caves of a Thousand Buddhas," this complex features 735 caves carved into a cliff face, adorned with over 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,415 painted sculptures spanning a millennium of Buddhist artistic development. Your visit begins at the Mogao Caves Digital Center, where you'll watch introductory films before taking a shuttle bus to the caves themselves. Led by expert guides, you'll tour a selection of the caves – photography is not permitted inside to protect the fragile artworks. Marvel at the Flying Apsaras, celestial beings depicted in flowing robes, and hear stories of the Silk Road travelers who funded these artistic treasures.

In the afternoon, experience the stark contrast of the desert at Mingsha Mountain (Echoing Sand Mountain) and the miraculous Crescent Moon Spring. Here, towering sand dunes surround a spring that has never dried up, forming a crescent shape against all odds. We recommend entering the park around 5 PM to avoid the intense midday heat and to experience the magical sunset hours. Optional activities include a camel ride across the dunes – a quintessential Silk Road experience – or sandboarding down the steep slopes. As dusk falls, climb to the top of the dunes to watch the sun sink below the horizon, painting the desert in warm hues while the crescent-shaped pool reflects the last light of day.

Departure from Dunhuang

Breakfast 

On your final morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your departure. Your driver will meet you at the scheduled time and provide a comfortable transfer to Dunhuang Mogao International Airport for your onward flight. This concludes your 6-day journey through Qinghai and Dunhuang. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of sacred highland lakes, ancient Buddhist art, and the timeless spirit of the Silk Road. Safe travels!