In the north of China, between Tibet and Gansu lies Qinhai. The Qinghai Lake, located 3,200m above sea level, is the largest salt-water lake of China. The beauty of its salty vastness and the remote peace that it instills attracts travelers as much as the colors that can be found around the lake. They are of purity and contrasts. One of the lake’s highlights is the Bird Island, a peninsular located in the westernmost part of the lake. For most of the summer rare species can be seen here in great multitude.

About 25km southeast from Xining lies the former home of the current Dalai Lama, the Ta’er Si Monastery. It attracts droves of pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai and Mongolia. They present a startling picture with their rugged features, huge embroidered coats and chunky jewelry.

Highlights

*Enjoy the tranquility and peace of Qinghai Lake and its surrounding
*Observe the big number of rare birds ad Bird Island
*See the Tibetan influenced culture and customs of the ethnic minorities living here.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Xining, capital of Qinghai
Fly to Xining in the evening and stay overnight in a Xining hotel.

Day 2: Bird Island / Qinghai Lake / Tibet Town
Drive to the Bird Island along the north line of Qinghai Lake to see large groups of birds and seagulls (only available in June) and the scenery of Qinghai Lake, the largest salt lake in China. Then visit Tibetan Town, a family and Shatuo Temple on the way.  Stay overnight at a hotel beside Bird Island.

Day 3: Bird Island / Xining / Fly out
View Bird Island in the morning, then appreciate the beautiful lake again when we drive to Xining along the south line of Qinghai Lake, and pass Sun and Moon Hill on the way. In the afternoon, we will visit Ta'er Si, the largest and oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Qinghai. Fly out.