Xining, Kumbum & Qinghai Lake · 4 days
Four days: one great Tibetan monastery and one vast alpine lake. Perfect for a long weekend.
Xining, Kumbum & Qinghai Lake is a private tailor-made route in Qinghai, running 4 days, best from Year-round. China Custom Tours (chinacustomtours.hk) arranges a dedicated vehicle and a Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking guide; the vehicle serves your party only and there are no shopping stops.
- Duration
- 4 days
- Best season
- Year-round
- Region
- Qinghai
- Group size
- 4–12, private
- Shopping stops
- None
- Arrival cities
- Any Chinese city with an airport
Xining, Kumbum & Qinghai Lake private tour
Qinghai does not need a full week. Four days covers the essentials: Xining itself, the great Gelug monastery at Kumbum, and Qinghai Lake two hours west. Short drives, low intensity, fine for children and elders.
| Duration | 4 days |
|---|---|
| Best season | Year-round |
| Region | Qinghai |
| Suits | Families, elderly parents, first visits |
| Shopping stops | None |
Last updated 2026-10-13 · maintained by the China Custom Tours editorial desk
How this route runs.
Arrive Xining
Xining · Kumbum Monastery
Xining → Qinghai Lake
Sunrise → Xining departure
The full day-by-day detail, including stops, driving times and hotel options, is sent with your personalised itinerary.
What you see along the way.
Butter sculpture, murals and appliqué thangka — the butter sculptures alone are worth the trip.
Free entry. The painted pottery and thangka collection is the best introduction to the region.
One of northwest China's four great mosques, mixing Chinese halls with Islamic detail.
Skip the crowded Erlangjian pier and walk a quiet stretch of shoreline instead.
Itemised, with nothing hidden.
Included
- Private vehicle and driver throughout
- Licensed guide (Cantonese or Mandarin)
- 3 nights hotel accommodation
- Admission to Kumbum Monastery and Qinghai Lake
- Fuel, tolls and driver/guide expenses
Not included
- Flights (bookable on request)
- Meals and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Questions about Xining, Kumbum & Qinghai Lake.
Is four days enough?
For the essentials, yes. If you also want Chaka Salt Lake, allow five days — otherwise day three becomes tight.
Does Kumbum Monastery need a ticket?
Yes, and we arrange both the ticket and a guide. Some halls do not allow photography; your guide will tell you in advance.
Can I go outside summer?
Yes. Xining and Kumbum are open year-round and the lake freezes in winter, which is a sight in itself. From November to March temperatures are low, so bring proper winter clothing.
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Rebuild this route around your dates.
Send us your dates and group size — a draft itinerary and a clear price within one working day.