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Visit Kunlun Pass for scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is famous for its natural beauty and is a great place for photography, hiking, and enjoying the rugged landscape. Make sure to take time to appreciate the unique geography of this high-altitude location.
Kunlun Pass is located in the southwest of Qinghai, in the middle section of Kunlun Mountain, 160 kilometers south of Golmud City. It is the only way for Qinghai and Gansu provinces to reach Tibet. It is also a major pass on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. It is named after the valley pass and is also called "Kunlun Mountain Pass".
Kunlun Mountain is a symbol of the Chinese nation and the cradle of Chinese myths and legends. Ancient Chinese revered it as the "ancestor of all mountains" and the "ancestor of dragon veins," earning it the title "Mother of the Nation's Mountains." In Tibetan, it's called "Amani Muzhan Musong," meaning "ancestral mountain." The vast Kunlun Mountains are majestic, blanketed in snow throughout the cold winter. The mountains stretch endlessly, reaching the clouds. Reaching the mountain pass, the towering Kunlun Mountains' myriad peaks and valleys resemble galloping horses clad in silver-gray armor, rolling forward with the wind and clouds.
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Nachitai
Nachitai, a must-go place on both the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and the railway, is also the first stop on the journey into the Kunlun Mountains. Nachitai Spring, also known as "Kunlun Spring," is located along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, approximately 94 kilometers southwest of Golmud City, between the Shasong Ula and Bokalek Tager Mountains of the Kunlun Mountains. "Nachitai" is a Tibetan translation of its name, meaning "tableland in the swamp," on the north bank of the Kunlun River.
Kunlun Spring
Kunlun Spring is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, in the center of Nachitai, a famous town at the foot of Kunlun Mountain, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. It is an excellent natural mineral spring.
Kunlun Bridge
Kunlun Bridge, also known as the "One Step to Heaven" Bridge, is built atop a dangerous cliff. It's only four meters long. The Kunlun Bridge's grandeur lies not in the bridge itself, but in the sheer cliffs and deep ravine beneath it.
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Kunlun Pass is a historically important mountain pass in the Kunlun Mountain range, located in Qinghai Province. It has been a key route for travelers and traders over the centuries, connecting various regions of China. The pass also holds cultural significance, with local folklore and religious importance attributed to the surrounding mountains.
Kunlun Pass is located in the Kunlun Mountain range in Qinghai Province, China. To reach the pass, you can travel by private car or bus from Xining, the nearest city. There are no metro services, so taxis or private vehicles are the best options for reaching the area.
Kunlun Pass is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (April to October) when the weather is milder, and snow is less likely to block the roads. The winter months can be harsh, with snow and cold temperatures making access more difficult.
There is no formal entrance fee for Kunlun Pass as it is a natural landmark. However, there may be small charges for specific areas or for guided tours. Tickets, if necessary, can be purchased at local visitor centers or through tour agencies in nearby cities like Xining.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically necessary for Kunlun Pass. However, it is recommended to book guided tours or specific activities in advance, especially during the peak tourist seasons (summer). A few days in advance should suffice for most visitors.
Exploring Kunlun Pass can take a half-day or full day depending on the activities you wish to engage in. A quick visit for photography and sightseeing can take about 3-4 hours, while a more leisurely exploration, including hiking and deeper immersion into the natural surroundings, may take the entire day.
The must-see highlights of Kunlun Pass include the stunning panoramic views of the Kunlun Mountains and the surrounding high-altitude terrain. The pass itself offers a unique vantage point for photography, and the natural landscape is incredibly dramatic, with snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows.
Guided tours are available at Kunlun Pass, typically in Chinese, although some guides may speak basic English. These tours usually cover the history of the pass and provide insight into the local flora and fauna. Audio guides are generally not available.
The best viewpoints are along the main route through the pass, especially from the top where you can capture sweeping vistas of the Kunlun Mountains and surrounding valleys. The alpine meadows and rocky formations provide excellent photo opportunities as well.
The most common route is to begin from the base and gradually ascend towards the pass. Along the way, take in the stunning views and stop at key viewpoints for photos. The path can be walked leisurely, with time to appreciate the natural surroundings and enjoy the serenity of the mountain landscape.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Kunlun Pass, as it is primarily a natural attraction for daytime exploration. The area is known for its quiet, remote beauty, best experienced during daylight hours.
Kunlun Pass is not usually overly crowded, but it can become busier during the summer tourist season. The least crowded times to visit are during the spring or autumn months, particularly on weekdays.
There are limited facilities at Kunlun Pass. Toilets are available at key locations along the route, but food, water, and shops are sparse. It is advisable to bring your own water, snacks, and supplies before heading to the pass.
Kunlun Pass is a high-altitude location with rugged terrain, which may be challenging for elderly, young children, or disabled visitors. While some parts of the pass are accessible, hiking and exploring the higher elevations may require a certain level of fitness and mobility.
Cash is recommended, especially in more remote areas like Kunlun Pass. While mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are common in cities, they are less likely to be accepted in remote locations. Carrying local currency is a good idea for small purchases.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at Kunlun Pass. The nearest restaurants are located in Xining, where you can enjoy a variety of local and Chinese cuisine. It is advisable to pack food and drinks for your trip to Kunlun Pass.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in Xining, particularly in Tibetan restaurants. Halal food is also widely available, especially given the Muslim population in the region.
There are several hotels in Xining, which is about a few hours' drive from Kunlun Pass. Accommodations range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. For those seeking a more rustic experience, guesthouses in nearby villages are also an option.
Nearby attractions include Qinghai Lake, Ta'er Monastery, and the Tibetan Plateau. These are great additions to your itinerary and can be visited as part of a day trip from Xining, offering a blend of natural and cultural experiences.
Souvenir shops can be found in Xining, where you can purchase Tibetan crafts, thangkas, jewelry, and textiles. Local handicrafts, religious items, and artwork are popular souvenirs.
After visiting Kunlun Pass, the best options for continuing your trip are by train, bus, or private car. Xining is the main transportation hub for the region, and from there, you can travel to other attractions in Qinghai or Tibet.
