Practical Tips

Summers are pleasant but the winters are very cold and dry. The best time to visit is spring and summer as the weather is comfortable and scenery at its most impressive.

There's not much of an English speaking population so communication can be a bit of a problem. It's advisable to bring a Chinese phrasebook to help you communicate.

You might need a day or two to get acclimatized to the lower levels of oxygen due to Qinghai's high elevation. It's not as serious as going to Tibet, but take it easy for the first few days. The climate here can be rough, a strong sun, gusty winds, dry air and dramatic changes in temperature – be prepared.

Be sensitive of local customs while in Qinghai. The ethnic Tibetans have their own etiquette; some of their rules include not eating dog, horse or donkey meat. It's considered polite to accept a toast from a Tibetan, but if you don't drink, then it's best to decline politely. If you're offered a hada, a long white silk scarf, it's considered good form to place it around your neck using two hands. Local Muslims don't eat pork, horse or dog meat; they don't smoke or drink either.