The notebook of Dachaidan and the Qaidam lakes
Follow the reliefs to the silence.
Colourful salt lakes, yardangs and desert trails make up a spectacular but very dispersed area.
At your own pace
Identity summary
2 to 5 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Recommended car
Desert · Lake · Nature
Variable accessibility
Sweet rhythm
General presentation
Dachaidan and the Qaidam lakes
Colourful salt lakes, yardangs and desert trails make up a spectacular but very dispersed area.
Lake Emerald of Dachaidan, Salt Lake of Xiaochaidan and Yardangs of the Qaedam give the most telling landmarks of Dachaidan and Qaedam lakes. Together, they make up a destination where desert areas, shores and lakes and natural spaces meet, with atmospheres that change over the stages rather than just one uniform decor.
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For a stay of 2 to 5 days, a quiet rhythm works well. Also to be anticipated: dachaidan currently banned from access to foreigners according to France Diplomacy and check the authorizations before any reservation. A car is usually the easiest way to connect the different sectors. Accessibility varies from site to site and deserves to be verified step by step.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Lake Emerald of Dachaidan
- Salty lake of Xiaochaidan
- Yardangs du Qaidam
Before you choose
- Dachaidan currently banned from access to foreigners according to France Diplomacy
- Check authorizations before booking
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Lake
Lake Emerald of Dachaidan
Old salt basins have highly mineralized green and blue waters. Season, wind and water levels greatly alter the experience; fragile banks and possible local restrictions must also be respected.
Lake
Salty lake of Xiaochaidan
A vast shallow lake borders the highway at the foot of arid reliefs. The season, wind and water level greatly alter the experience; we must also respect the fragile banks and any local restrictions.
Place indismissible
Yardangs du Qaidam
The wind has carved clay alignments in the deserts of the basin. An early visit allows to better observe the local usages and details of the place, while avoiding some of the groups and traffic.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
Escaped to discover
Golmud and the Kunlun Mountains
Qinghai, 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China
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Similar destinations
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