Traverse salt lakes and wilderness, touch China's vastness and resilience at the foot of Kunlun

[5 Days 3 Nights, RMB 6800 per person! Golmud Guide: Gateway to the Plateau, an Epic Journey Through Kunlun and the Wilderness]

Day 1: Fly to **Golmud Airport** (direct flights recommended from Xining/Xi'an), check into a comfortable downtown hotel (e.g., Kaituo International, GreenTree Inn, RMB 800/night × 3 = RMB 2400). Acclimatize to the altitude (2800 meters), take a leisurely stroll through [General's Mansion Park] to learn about General Mushengzhong's heroic feat of building the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. For dinner, try authentic Kangguo Lamb, Niangpi, and Tianpei.

Day 2: Charter a car to [Kekexili Sonam Dargye Protection Station] (approx. 2.5 hours one way, round-trip car fare RMB 900) – spot Tibetan antelopes and wild donkeys from afar, paying tribute to the protectors. Along the way, pass through [Kunlun Pass] (4768 meters, parking fee RMB 20), check in at the "Majestic Kunlun" monument, and gaze at the snow-capped Yuxu Peak. On the return journey in the evening, admire the red water scenery of the Chumar River.

Day 3: Explore [Qarhan Salt Lake] (admission RMB 100) – China's largest salt lake, with vast expanses of crystals resembling a mirror-like land, perfect for capturing a "hardcore" version of the "Sky Mirror." Walk on the salt bridge boardwalk and watch the Qinghai-Tibet Railway traverse the lake. In the afternoon, visit the [Salt Lake Museum] to learn about the legendary potash fertilizer industry.

Day 4: Head to [Dongtai Jinair Lake] (2.5-hour drive, round-trip car charter approx. RMB 1000) – Tiffany blue lake water + white salt flats, like a Martian wonderland. En route, pass through the [U-shaped Highway] (classic section of G315 National Highway) to capture stunning photos of the road entering the lake. Pay attention to safety and do not stay for long periods.

Day 5: Ascend [Kunlun Sacred Temple] (free admission) – a modern, antique-style architectural complex offering panoramic views of Golmud. Visit the [Qinghai-Tibet Railway Memorial Hall] to experience the spirit of the "Sky Road." Return as appropriate.

💰Budget Breakdown:
Flights RMB 3200 + Accommodation RMB 2400 + Car Charter & Transportation RMB 1200 + Dining & Admission approx. RMB 400 + Shopping Reserve RMB 200 ≈ **RMB 6600**

📌Tips:
- The G315 section has many loose stones and strong winds; be careful of vehicles when taking photos.
- The salt lake has large temperature differences; bring windproof and warm clothing.
- Illegal entry into Kekexili is prohibited; only designated areas are open for viewing.

⚠️Avoid:
❌ "Low-cost entry to Kekexili" often involves illegal private cars, which carry extremely high risks.
❌ The salt crusts by the lake are brittle; do not venture deep or step on them.

Five days and three nights, step into Golmud. This is not the end, but the starting point for journeys to Qiangtang and Lhasa. Come here, traverse salt lakes and wilderness, and at the foot of Kunlun, touch China's vastness and resilience.