About
Golmud (格尔木) is a high-altitude city in Qinghai Province in western China. It lies on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, and travellers often pass through it on the way to Tibet. Its position makes it a practical stop for anyone whose route runs between the two regions.
Why visit
Golmud serves as a gateway to Tibet, so many visitors use it as a base before continuing onward. It is also the usual starting point for expeditions into the Kunlun Mountains, which rise to the south and west of the city. For travellers interested in high, open landscapes, the city offers a way into this rugged country.
What to expect
- Altitude: The city sits high on the plateau, so allow time to adjust and take it easy on arrival.
- Mountain trips: Expeditions into the Kunlun range typically leave from Golmud, making it a natural place to organise a trip.
- Onward travel: Because it sits on the route toward Tibet, it suits those planning a longer journey across the plateau.
Golmud is less a destination to linger in than a place to plan from. Visitors who come for the mountains and high plateau will find it a useful and well-placed stop, with the wider landscape of Qinghai and Tibet close at hand.