Xining –Koko Nor Lake(210km)
In the morning drive to Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si) of Gelukpa-sect, which was built in 1560 in Huangzhong County and also one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. Then cross over Sun-and-Moon mountain (Ri Yue Shan). The Sun-and-Moon mountain has always been an distinguish line between meadow and agriculture area. After that make a short trekking by the Koko Nor lake, the biggest salty lake in China, with an area of 4,500 square kilometers and an altitude of 3,194m high above sea level. The big lake is acclaimed as "pearl on the highland" and the scenery of which is unusually fascinating and appears different shapes even at the same time.
Koko Nor Lake – Dulan (320km)
In the morning drive to Dulan along the Koko Nor Lake, the biggest salty lake in China, with an area of 4,500 square kilometers and an altitude of 3,194 m above sea level. In addition a small island known as "the heaven of the birds" lies in the lake. After an approx. 200 km long driving make a short stopover by the Tsaka salty lake where even the wind should be salty. Late in the afternoon arrive in Dulan.
Dulan – Golmud (301km)
Drive through Tsaidam Basin, the road to Golmud is just along the foot of the mountais. On the way, you can see many oasis dotted in the desert, after saying goodbye to the last oasis in the desert-Xiangride oasis, arriving in Golmud in the late afternoon, where Tibetan and Han culture melt each other.
Golmud – Tuotuoheyan (410km,7-8hrs)
Today drive on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau along the road in the foot of Mt. Kunlun, go on upwards to cross over 4837m high Kunlun Pass, then pass by the First Bridge of Yangtze River, arriving Tuotuoheyan, which is lain in the head stream of the Yangtse.
Tuotuoheyan – Naqu (430km,7-8hrs)
Drive cross over Mt. Tanggula, en route, you can see the eagles, flocks and herds, yaks, snow mountains, tents of Tibetan farmers and herdsmen altogether forming a harmonious landscape, everything seems so relaxing here.
Nagchu / Namtso Lake (230km, 5-6hours)
Morning drive on the vast Qiangtang grassland to Namtso, cross the 5150m high Nagenla pass. Afternoon free walking along the lake. Tashi dor Monastery. Overnight at Namtso tent guest house.
Namtso / Yangbachen hot-spring / Lhasa ( 250Km, 3-4hours)
After the sunrise at Namtso, you will transfer to Yambajan hot spring and drive back to Lhasa. Incessant Tanggula snow mount, boundless stretch of north Tibet grassland, colorful flags waving in the air, graceful Namtso are elements that make the breathtaking view. On the way you can also overlook the main peak of Tanggula mount. In addition, enjoy yourself in hot spring of Yambajan.( Fyi, outdoor hot spring fee is RMB40/person or RMB60/person inside. Please bring your own swimsuit since its quite expensive buying there.), along the Lhasa river comes the sunlight city Lhasa.
