The Grand Gansu Qinghai Loop Expedition (11Days 10Nights)

Day 1： Kuala Lumpur/Singapore ✈ Xining (Meal on board)

Arrive in Xining and check into the hotel. The first day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization. At an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters, Xining offers a relatively mild environment, making it an ideal starting point for entering the high plateau.

Stay: Xining

Day 2： Xining (B,L)

Enjoy a full-day tour of Xining. Visit Ta'er Temple (including shuttle service), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, renowned for its "Three Unique Arts" — butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué work, all exquisitely handcrafted and visually striking. Continue to Dongguan Grand Mosque, originally built in the early Ming Dynasty, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. Its grand prayer hall accommodates thousands of worshippers, while the Tibetan-style minaret and Chinese pavilion create a distinctive architectural contrast.

Afterward, explore a local market to experience authentic daily life in Xining and sample a variety of regional snacks. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Stay: Xining

Day 3： Xining – Qinghai Lake (Journey: 2.5hrs) – Chaka (Journey: 3.5hrs) (B,L,D)

Qinghai Lake is China's largest inland saltwater lake, situated at an elevation of 3,196 meters and covering an area of over 4,400 square kilometers. Its deep blue waters change with the light, creating beautiful views alongside distant snow-capped mountains. Visit the Erlangjian Scenic Area, where a boat cruise is included, offering a unique perspective of the lake's vastness and pristine beauty, often referred to as the "blue jewel of the plateau." After the visit, continue by road to Chaka, and check in to the hotel after dinner.

Stay: Chaka

Day 4： Chaka – Geermu (Journey: 6.5hrs) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, visit Chaka Salt Lake, known as the "Mirror of the Sky" (including a mini train ride). On clear days, the lake reflects the sky and clouds like a giant mirror. A small train runs through the scenic area, allowing visitors to travel deeper into the lake, where shimmering salt crystals lie beneath your feet and snow-capped mountains meet the horizon, an ideal setting for photography. After the visit, continue by road to Geermu.

Stay: Geermu

Day 5： Geermu – Kekexili – Geermu (B,L,D)

Today, we switch to a 4WD vehicle and head into the Kunlun Mountain National Geopark. Known as the "Ancestor of All Mountains," Kunlun offers vast landscapes of glaciers, canyons, and alpine meadows, giving a real sense of remoteness and adventure. The area is rich in cultural mythology and is home to wildlife such as Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks, living in this untouched environment. Along the way, we will visit Kunlun Sacred Spring, famous for its clear water that never freezes. We then continue to Wuxi Longfeng Palace, a cultural site blending traditional Chinese and Taoist elements, set against the dramatic mountain scenery. Finally, enjoy a panoramic view of the remote Kekexili wilderness from the memorial monument.

Stay: Geermu

Day 6： Geermu – Dunhuang (Journey: 7hrs) (B,L,D)

Visit Chaerhan Salt Lake (including shuttle service), the largest salt lake in Asia and the second largest in the world. Under the bright plateau sunlight, the lake comes alive with stunning colors. Different mineral content and microorganisms create shades of emerald green, turquoise, and deep blue, forming a landscape that feels almost unreal. Some areas look like flowing green waves, while others shine in rich blue tones, giving the lake its nickname, "nature's color palette." After the visit, continue by road to Dunhuang.

Stay: Dunhuang

Day 7： Dunhuang (B,L)

Today's full-day tour in Dunhuang begins with a visit to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (including shuttle service). Known as one of the world's greatest collections of Buddhist art, the Mogao Caves showcase centuries of history and are considered a highlight of the Silk Road. In the afternoon, visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. Experience the striking contrast between the desert dunes and the clear spring that has never dried up (including a camel ride and a one-way shuttle). In the evening, visit Shazhou Night Market, sample local specialties such as donkey meat noodles, apricot drink, and lamb skewers, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Stay: Dunhuang

Day 8： Dunhuang – Guazhou (Journey: 2.5hrs) – Jiayuguan (Journey: 3.5hrs) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart Dunhuang and visit the "Children of the Earth" sculpture group in the desert of Guazhou. These large-scale artworks set against the vast desert create a striking visual impact, blending artistic expression with a sense of solitude and stillness. Continue to Jiayuguan Pass (including round-trip shuttle). As the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall, it is known as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven." The fortress is well preserved, with its walls, inner city, and watchtowers still intact. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Qilian Mountains and the Gobi Desert, and picture its role as a key military gateway in the past.

Stay: Jiayuguan

Day 9： Jiayuguan – Zhangye (Journey: 3.5hrs) (B,L)

Upon arrival in Zhangye, visit the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (including shuttle service), one of China's most spectacular landscapes. The hills are layered in vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange, and green, creating a striking, rainbow-like effect. Several viewpoints offer great photo spots. In the evening, head to Ganzhou Alley Food Street, a popular local hub that combines dining, leisure, and nightlife. Enjoy a variety of regional specialties such as hand-grabbed lamb, grilled skewers, beef noodles, liangpi (cold skin noodles), and chao paozhang, among other local delicacies.

Stay: Zhangye

Day 10： Zhangye – Xining (Journey: 5hrs) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, set out for the spectacular Mati Temple Grottoes (including shuttle service), one of the Hexi Corridor's most treasured cultural and artistic landmarks. With a history spanning more than 1,600 years, this remarkable site is famous for its unique blend of ancient cave temples and dramatic cliffside architecture. The highlight is the breathtaking Thirty-Three Heaven Grottoes, carved directly into a sheer cliff, connected by a maze of narrow passageways, tunnels, and wooden walkways clinging to the mountainside. Following lunch, begin the scenic journey back to Xining. En route, pass by the vast Qilian Grasslands. Upon arrival in Xining, enjoy dinner before checking in to the hotel for the night.

Stay: Xining

Day 11： Xining ✈ Kuala Lumpur/Singapore (B)
End of the tour, transfer to the airport.

第一天： 吉隆坡/新加坡 ✈ 西宁（机上用餐）

抵达西宁后入住酒店，第一天主要是休息和适应环境。西宁海拔大约2200米，相对温和，很适合作为进入高原的第一站。

住： 西宁

第二天： 西宁（早午）

今天展开西宁一日游，前往塔尔寺（含电瓶车），这是藏传佛教非常重要的寺院之一。它最吸引人的地方就是三绝艺术——酥油花、壁画和堆绣，细节非常精致，很多都是纯手工制作，看起来很震撼。接着去东关清真大寺，始建于明初，融合了中国传统建筑与伊斯兰风格。大殿可容纳数千人同时礼拜，殿顶藏式宣礼塔与中式阁楼相映成趣。之后逛一逛当地市场，可以感受到很真实的西宁生活，还有不少特色小吃可以尝试，晚餐在市场自理。

住： 西宁

第三天： 西宁 – 青海湖（车程：2小时半）– 茶卡（车程：3小时半）（早午晚）

青海湖是中国最大的内陆咸水湖，湖面海拔3196米，面积达4400多平方公里。湖水随天色变幻，由浅蓝至深蓝，与远处雪山构成绝美画卷。参观青海湖二郎剑景区（含游船）特别安排游船体验，从湖面视角感受"高原蓝宝石"的浩瀚与纯净。行程结束后驱车前往茶卡，晚餐后入住酒店。

住： 茶卡

第四天： 茶卡 – 格尔木（车程：6小时半）（早午晚）

早餐后前往茶卡盐湖，被誉为"天空之镜"（含小火车），湖面如镜，完美倒映天空、云朵与人影。景区内设有小火车轨道，可乘火车深入湖心，脚下是晶莹的盐晶，远处是雪山与天际线交融，是摄影爱好者的天堂。行程结束后驱车前往格尔木。

住： 格尔木

第五天： 格尔木 – 可可西里 – 格尔木（早午晚）

今天换乘越野车，走进昆仑山国家地质公园。探访"万山之祖"昆仑山，沿途欣赏冰川、峡谷、高原草甸等原始地貌。昆仑山在中国文化里一直很神秘，这里不仅风景壮阔，还有很多传说色彩。这里是藏羚羊、野牦牛等珍稀动物的家园。这里最大的吸引点就是"原始"和"辽阔"，几乎没有人为开发的痕迹，很有探险感。沿途参观昆仑神泉，四季不冻，水质纯净，被誉为"昆仑圣水"。无极龙风宫是昆仑文化与道教意象结合的一处人文景观，建筑风格融合了传统中式元素与高原地区的独特环境特征，在辽阔的昆仑山背景下显得格外醒目。此外，在纪念碑前远眺，可望见可可西里无人区的广袤荒野。

住： 格尔木

第六天： 格尔木 – 敦煌（车程：7小时）（早午晚）

参观察尔汗盐湖（含区间车），它是亚洲第一，世界第二大的盐湖。在高原阳光的照射下，察尔汗盐湖展现出令人心醉的色彩。因矿物质浓度和微生物分布的不同，湖面呈现出翠绿、蔚蓝、碧绿等斑斓色彩，宛如一块巨大的翡翠镶嵌在戈壁瀚海之中。有的盐田呈现"翡翠绿波"，有的则泛着宝石般的青蓝色，被游客形象地称为"天然调色盘"。行程结束后驱车前往敦煌。

住： 敦煌

第七天： 敦煌（早午）

今天展开敦煌一日游，首先参观莫高窟世界文化遗产（含区间车+实体洞窟），它是世界上现存规模最宏大、历史最长久、内容最丰富、保存最完好的佛教艺术宝库，可以说是丝绸之路文化的精华。下午去鸣沙山月牙泉（含骑骆驼+单程电瓶车），沙漠与清泉共存的自然奇观。鸣沙山沙鸣如雷，月牙泉形似新月，千年不涸。晚上我们前往沙洲夜市逛一逛，自由品尝驴肉黄面、杏皮水、羊肉串等特色美食，还可以选购各种丝路纪念品，体验敦煌的烟火气息。

住： 敦煌

第八天： 敦煌 – 瓜州（车程：2小时半）– 嘉峪关（车程：3小时半）（早午晚）

早餐后出发，途中参观位于瓜州荒漠中"大地之子"雕塑群，这些作品建在荒漠中，很有视觉冲击力，也有一点艺术感和孤独感的结合。之后参观嘉峪关城楼（含往返电瓶车），明长城西端起点，被誉为"天下第一雄关"。城楼三重城垣、瓮城、箭楼等防御体系保存完整，登楼远眺，祁连雪山与戈壁荒漠尽收眼底，可以想象古代边关的防御场景，很有历史代入感。

住： 嘉峪关

第九天： 嘉峪关 – 张掖（车程：3小时半）（早午）

抵达张掖后参观七彩丹霞（含区间车），中国最美的丹霞地貌之一，彩色山体层理分明，红、黄、橙、绿、白等色彩交织如彩虹铺展。景区设多个观景台，是摄影爱好者的天堂。傍晚前往甘州巷子美食街区，是当地非常有人气的一条集美食、休闲与夜生活于一体的特色街区。自由品尝各种本地小吃和特色餐饮，比如手抓羊肉、烤串、牛肉面、酿皮、炒炮仗等等。

住： 张掖

第十天： 张掖 – 西宁（车程：5小时）（早午晚）

早餐后驱车前往马蹄寺石窟（含区间车），它被誉为河西走廊三大艺术宝库之一，距今已有约1600多年历史。其最大特色是石窟与悬崖建筑融为一体。其中"三十三天石窟"依百米绝壁开凿，多层洞窟通过栈道和隧道相连，极具视觉震撼力。午餐后驱车返回西宁，途经祁连大草原。回到西宁后，晚餐及入住酒店。

住： 西宁

第十一天： 西宁 ✈ 吉隆坡/新加坡（早）
行程圆满结束，送机离开西宁。