Day by day
- Day 1 — Arrive Xining; welcome dinner of Qinghai lamb.
- Day 2 — Kumbum Monastery, Riyue Pass, Qinghai Lake sunset.
- Day 3 — Chaka Salt Lake at dawn, drive to Dachaidan.
- Day 4 — Emerald lakes and the desert highway across the Qaidam.
- Day 5 — Cross the Altun Mountains into Dunhuang; night market.
- Day 6 — Mogao Caves in the morning, dunes and Crescent Lake at dusk.
- Day 7 — Jiayuguan fortress and the Overhanging Wall.
- Day 8 — Zhangye Danxia at golden hour.
- Day 9 — Qilian grasslands and Menyuan, back to Xining; departure.
What is included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- English-speaking local guide throughout
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast (twin share)
- All entrance tickets listed in the itinerary
- Airport / railway station transfers
- 24/7 WhatsApp support line during the trip
Not included
- International flights and China visa
- Lunches and dinners not listed
- Travel insurance (required)
- Tips for guide and driver
Runs clockwise or anti-clockwise. July–August are greenest; late September is clearest.
