How to get to Golmud

When planning a trip to Golmud, you are setting off for a key transport hub in Qinghai province, located in the picturesque western part of China. This city serves as the main gateway to the Tibetan Plateau and attracts tourists with its unique salt lakes and desert landscapes.

Deciding how to get to Golmud is straightforward: thanks to developed logistics, you can fly here by plane, arrive by train, or use the bus service. The city makes for a convenient starting point for those eager to witness the region's natural wonders and experience the atmosphere of the high mountains.

For travellers who value their time, flying is the optimal solution. The city is served by Golmud Airport (GOQ), which receives regular flights from various regions of China. The air hub ensures reliable connections with major transport centres, making the journey here quite comfortable.

Although the airport is not massive in size, it offers passengers all the necessary services. The terminal's location allows you to reach the city centre fairly quickly to begin preparations for your excursions or your onward journey into Tibet.

It is worth noting that the nearest alternative airports in neighbouring cities are at a significant distance—often more than 400 kilometres away. Given the scale of the region and the time required for ground transfers, a direct flight to Golmud remains the most rational choice for the majority of tourists.

Golmud plays a strategically important role in the regional railway network, being a key node on the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway. For many travellers, the train becomes the preferred mode of transport, allowing them not only to arrive in comfort but also to enjoy unique highland scenery along the way.

Regular services connect the city with the provincial administrative centre, Xining, as well as with Lanzhou. Travelling along these routes opens up views of harsh yet mesmerising landscapes. Golmud Station receives various trains and serves as an important transit base for those heading further to Lhasa or planning to explore the natural beauty of Qinghai.

Intercity buses are an excellent way to get to Golmud while watching the landscapes change outside the window: from sand dunes to vast highland steppes. One of the most popular routes is from the famous oasis of Dunhuang: covering the 530 kilometres through desert terrain usually takes between 7 and 9 hours.

Connections are also established with the city of Jiayuguan, from where the journey takes about 10–12 hours. On this route, tourists are often offered buses with sleeping berths, making the overnight transfer more comfortable.

For travellers heading from the depths of the Tibetan Plateau, there is a long-distance service from Yushu. This is a true adventure covering over 1,000 kilometres, which can last from 15 to 18 hours, allowing you to see the wild and rugged nature of the region in all its glory. Most buses arrive at the city's main bus station, conveniently located near the railway station, which significantly simplifies further logistics across China.

Travelling by car to Golmud allows you to fully experience the scale and rugged beauty of northwest China. One of the most popular and scenic routes is the road from the city of Dunhuang: covering approximately 540 kilometres on a high-quality highway usually takes about 7 hours.

For those prepared for longer journeys, the route from the city of Jiayuguan, which lasts approximately 11 hours, is suitable. An even more serious journey would be the drive from Yushu: this route requires endurance, as the travel time often ranges from 12 to 14 hours. Given the significant distances and the specific conditions of the high altitude, many tourists prefer to hire a taxi or rent a car with a local driver to enjoy the views of the Tibetan Plateau in comfort.

Preparing for a trip to Golmud requires attention to detail, as it is a high-altitude city with a harsh climate. To ensure your journey through this part of China goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled the most important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The golden rule here is layering. Due to the significant temperature difference between day and night, even in summer, you will need a warm fleece jacket and a windproof coat. Be sure to pack sunglasses and high-SPF cream in your luggage: at high altitudes, UV radiation is very active.
2. Transport: Within the city itself, it is easiest and cheapest to get around by taxi. However, for visiting remote natural attractions, such as the salt lakes, public transport is not well-suited. The best solution is to hire a car with a local driver for the entire day.
3. Finances: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan. International bank cards are rarely accepted, mostly only in major hotels. We strongly recommend carrying a sufficient supply of cash or installing and setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay applications in advance, which are used for payments everywhere here.
4. Health and Safety: The city is located at an altitude of about 2,800 metres above sea level, so unaccustomed tourists may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, move smoothly, and give your body time to acclimatise. Pharmacies are available in the city, but it is better to bring your familiar medicines with you.
5. Communication: English is practically not used in this region. Before your trip, be sure to download an offline translator to your smartphone. It is also very useful to save the names of your hotel and attractions in Chinese (characters) to show to taxi drivers.
6. Local Etiquette: The region is home to a mix of diverse cultures, including a significant Muslim population, so please behave with modesty and respect. It is customary to greet locals with a nod. Do not photograph people or religious sites without explicit permission.
7. What to Avoid: Never drink tap water; use only bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Also, avoid excessive physical exertion during the first 24 hours after arrival to prevent oxygen deprivation.
8. Additional Tip: If you are heading to the Qarhan Salt Lake, take care of your footwear. The salt crust and brine can ruin good shoes, so many tourists wear thick shoe covers or rubber footwear that is easy to wash.

By following these simple practical tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on contemplating the rugged beauty of the Tibetan Plateau and the region's unique landscapes.