[2025 Golmud Attraction] Travel Guide for Tanggula Pass (Updated Mar)

Tanggula Pass is located in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is a high mountain pass with an altitude of over 5,000 meters. The scenery of Tanggula Pass is unique. The top of the mountain is covered with snow all year round, it is surrounded by towering peaks, and there are streams in the valley. Tanggula Pass is an important wildlife reserve where many rare animals live, such as Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild donkeys, Tibetan birds, golden eagles, etc. In this peaceful land, people can feel the power of nature and the pulse of life. It is known as the "forbidden zone of life" on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. #Mainland China Attractions

Some people say that Tibet is a pure land for the soul and a paradise of beautiful scenery, but most people don’t know that there is such a magical place in Qinghai. Here you can find sacred mountains, holy lakes, grasslands, beliefs, etc. that are comparable to those in Tibet. All your fantasies about Tibet can be satisfied here. Apart from the Tibetan areas, this is the place where you can best experience Tibetan culture. This is Golmud, the second largest city in Qinghai and known as the Pearl of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Golmud, in Mongolian, means "a place with dense rivers". It is located in Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, connecting Lhasa in the south, Dunhuang in the north, Xining in the east, and Xinjiang in the west. It is a strategic fortress leading to Tibet, Xinjiang, and Gansu, and an important transportation hub in western my country. The Qinghai-Tibet, Qinghai-Xinjiang, and Dunhuang-Golmud highways meet here. To the east of Golmud is Xining, to the north is Dunhuang, and to the south is Lhasa. Its geographical location is very important, and it is a transit station to Xinjiang, Tibet and other places. Golmud is rich in tourism resources, with unique natural landscapes such as the source of the Yangtze River, the thousand-meter salt bridge, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, Kunlun snow scenery, sunrise over the vast sea, and desert forests. Today, let’s take a look at the most beautiful attractions in Golmud. 『Chaluhan Salt Lake』 Chaluhan Salt Lake is located in Golmud City, Qinghai Province. It is the largest salt lake in China and one of the most famous inland salt lakes in the world. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway passes through it. It is difficult for any green plants to grow in the Qarhan Salt Lake, but it has given birth to magical salt flowers that are as crystal clear as jade and have various shapes. Salt flowers are the name of the beautiful crystals formed when salt crystallizes in the salt lake. During the crystallization process of brine, due to different concentrations, different durations of time, and different components, salt flowers of various shapes are formed, which are like the work of nature. 『Kunlun Mountain Pass』 The Kunlun Mountain Pass is located in the southwest of Qinghai, in the middle section of Kunlun Mountain, 160 kilometers south of Golmud City. It is a must-pass place for Qinghai and Gansu provinces to Tibet, and is also a major pass on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. It is named after the valley pass and is also called the "Kunlun Mountain Pass". Kunlun Mountain is the symbol of the Chinese nation and the cradle of Chinese myths and legends. The ancients revered it as the "ancestor of all mountains" and the "ancestor of dragon veins", and thus it has the beautiful name of "the mother of national mountains". In Tibetan, it is called "Amani Muzhan Musong", which means ancestral mountain. The vast Kunlun Mountains are majestic and magnificent. In winter all year round, the mountains are covered in silver, and the sky is high in the sky. Climbing to the top of the mountain, the thousands of peaks and valleys of the majestic Kunlun Mountains are like herds of galloping horses in silver-gray armor, rolling forward with the wind and clouds. 『Yuzhu Peak』 Yuzhu Peak, also known as Kekesaijimen Peak, is 6,178 meters above sea level. It is located 10 kilometers east of Kunlun Pass, 160 kilometers south of Golmud, Qinghai. It is the highest peak in the eastern section of Kunlun Mountains. It is gentle in the south and steep in the north. The end of the glacier on the south slope is about 5,100 meters above sea level; the glacier on the north slope extends to 4,400 meters. The top of the mountain is covered with ice and snow all year round, with no exposed rocks. The snow and ice slope is relatively gentle. The glaciers below the grain snow basin are retreating continental glaciers due to the high annual temperature, rapid melting, little precipitation, and greater melting than accumulation. 『Hoh Xil』 Hoh Xil means "beautiful girl" in Mongolian. It is located in the northwest of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, sandwiched between the Tanggula Mountains and the Kunlun Mountains. It is one of the main source areas of the Yangtze River. The Hoh Xil Nature Reserve is one of the areas in the world with the most perfectly preserved original ecological environment. It is also one of the largest, highest-altitude and most abundant wildlife resources nature reserves in China. The climate in Hoh Xil is harsh and the natural conditions are adverse, making it impossible for humans to live there for a long time. It is known as the "forbidden zone of life." However, precisely because of this, the plateau has created unique living conditions for wild animals, making it a "wildlife paradise" and the Tibetan antelope is called the pride of Hoh Xil. 『Tanggula Pass』 Tanggula Pass is the boundary between Qinghai and Tibet provinces, with an altitude of about 5,231 meters, and is the highest point on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. "Tanggula" means "mountain on the plateau" in Tibetan. Due to the wind and snow all year round, it is known as the "wind and snow warehouse". Tanggula is the dividing line between Qinghai and Tibet, with an altitude of 5,231 meters. There are monuments and signposts at the mountain pass. It is the only way to enter Tibet along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and is the source of the Yangtze River. This is the highest highway in the world. 『Summary』 Golmud, the pearl on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has attracted countless travelers to explore with its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. Whether it is the magnificent natural scenery or the rich cultural history, Golmud can bring you an unprecedented travel experience. If you want to take a trip on a whim, Golmud is definitely a destination not to be missed.

Today, I'm taking you to a place full of sacredness and magnificence - Tanggula Mountain Pass! It stands at the border of Qinghai and Tibet, a shining pearl on the Qinghai-Tibet Line, and a must-visit destination for countless travelers. Whether you are a brave adventurer eager to challenge high altitudes, a photography enthusiast obsessed with plateau scenery, or an explorer curious about Tibetan culture, Tanggula Mountain Pass can meet your unique travel expectations. Now, let's unveil its mystery and embark on this soul-stirring plateau journey! Natural Scenery As you approach Tanggula Mountain Pass, the first thing that catches your eye is the rolling, snow-capped Tanggula Mountains. The peaks rise into the clouds, and under the sunlight, the snow on the mountain tops glistens like a sacred temple wrapped in silver. The sky here is exceptionally blue, and the clouds are as white as snow, complementing the snow-capped mountains to form a stunning picture. The grassland at Tanggula Mountain Pass is vast and boundless, with tender green grass swaying gently in the breeze. Herds of yaks and sheep graze and stroll leisurely, adding vitality and energy to the grassland. In the distance, the lake is like a giant mirror, reflecting the snow-capped mountains and blue sky, creating a breathtaking view. In different seasons, the scenery of Tanggula Mountain Pass varies. In spring, wildflowers bloom on the grassland, creating a colorful scene; in summer, the grass is lush, and the climate is pleasant; in autumn, the golden meadows and white snow-capped mountains intertwine like an oil painting; in winter, the whole world is covered in silver, like a fairy tale world. Cultural Significance Tanggula Mountain Pass holds an important position in Tibetan culture and is regarded as a sacred symbol. Many Tibetans offer khatas when passing by, praying for peace and good fortune. There are also prayer flag arrays at the pass, with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Each flutter represents a blessing, expressing people's longing for a better life. The mani stones here are also a major feature, with stones engraved with scriptures and Buddha images. They are the spiritual sustenance of Tibetans and an important carrier of Tibetan culture. Travel Experience Photo Opportunities: Every corner of Tanggula Mountain Pass is a perfect photo backdrop. Stand next to the iconic stone tablet at the pass, with the majestic snow-capped mountains behind you, and take a photo that will surely be a highlight in your travel album. You can also photograph the prayer flag arrays, mani stones, and the cattle and sheep on the grassland, capturing the grandeur and mystery of this place with your camera. Hiking: Stroll along the paths on the grassland, feel the breeze on your face, breathe in the fresh air, and let your body and mind relax completely. You can observe the lives of yaks and sheep up close, listen to their calls, and feel the harmony and beauty of nature. However, due to the high altitude, be sure to control your pace and avoid strenuous exercise while hiking. Stargazing: The night at Tanggula Mountain Pass is exceptionally quiet, and the starry sky here is dazzling. Without the light pollution of the city, you can clearly see the Milky Way spanning the sky, with twinkling stars. Lying on the grassland and gazing at the starry sky, you feel as if you are embraced by the universe, a feeling of awe and emotion that is indescribable. Travel Tips Travel Routes One-day Tour (Passing through the Qinghai-Tibet Line): If you are driving or taking a bus along the Qinghai-Tibet Line, you can stop and visit Tanggula Mountain Pass. Depart from Golmud in the morning, enjoy the plateau scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Line, and arrive at Tanggula Mountain Pass around noon. Take photos at the pass, hike, and enjoy the natural and cultural scenery; then continue your journey to Lhasa or other destinations. Multi-day Tour (In-depth Experience): You can plan a few days to explore the surrounding areas with Tanggula Mountain Pass as the center. On the first day, depart from Xining and arrive in Golmud to acclimate to the plateau environment; on the second day, depart from Golmud, pass through Kunlun Pass, Hoh Xil, and other places, and arrive near Tanggula Mountain Pass in the evening for accommodation; on the third day, spend the whole day at Tanggula Mountain Pass, enjoying the scenery at different times, and stargazing at night; on the fourth day, head to Nagqu or Lhasa, continuing to enjoy the plateau scenery along the way. Precautions Prevent Altitude Sickness: Tanggula Mountain Pass is at an altitude of 5,231 meters, making altitude sickness likely. Take preventive measures in advance, such as taking anti-altitude sickness medication, getting enough rest, and avoiding strenuous exercise. If you experience symptoms like headaches or difficulty breathing, seek oxygen or medical attention promptly. Keep Warm: The temperature in the plateau area is low, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, bring enough warm clothing, such as down jackets, windbreakers, scarves, and gloves. Sun Protection: The UV rays here are strong, so be sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and other sun protection items to avoid sunburn. Protect the Environment: The ecological environment at Tanggula Mountain Pass is fragile, so take care of the environment during your visit, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean and beautiful. Do not damage the prayer flag arrays, mani stones, and other cultural landscapes, and respect local religious beliefs and customs. The grandeur and sacredness of Tanggula Mountain Pass await your personal experience. Pack your bags and come here for a romantic encounter with the plateau!

Guangzhou✈️Xining🚞Lhasa You can spend a few hours in Xining during the day 164 and 165 are the same train, but the train changes from non-oxygen to oxygen in Xining. The schedule is different from before⏰ The best scenery in Hoh Xil is missed in the first half of the journey We recommend choosing a train that departs later We only got a soft sleeper the night before departure - 🎬The scenery is beautiful during the day, but you can't see the beauty of Hoh Xil 19:26 Depart Xining 20:30 Arrive at Qinghai Lake (it's dark) 01:34 Arrive at Golmud 5:00 Hoh Xil no man's land 4,600m 7:20 Tuotuo River, the source of the Yangtze River, 4,533m (the sun is just rising) 09:40 Tanggula Pass, 5,072m 9:58 Anduo 10:35 Cuona Lake (you can see the white monument), 4,800m 11:20 Nagqu (you can see the sentry saluting) 12:20 Northern Tibet Grassland (you can see yaks, sheep, and horses) 13:20 Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains 15:05 Arrive in Lhasa -