Things To Do
in Golmud

A local market where vendors sell fresh produce, dried meats, dairy, and street snacks — try skewers, simple noodle soups, and yak yogurt here.

Small clusters of food stalls near transport hubs and market streets offering grilled meats, fried bread, and quick noodle or rice dishes.

When visiting monasteries or prayer sites, dress modestly, remove hats if asked, walk clockwise around mani walls and stupas, and avoid loud behavior or flash photography where prohibited.

Many locals are willing to be photographed but always ask first; offering a small gift or a polite greeting in Mandarin or Tibetan helps.

Use polite Mandarin phrases, accept tea when offered, and avoid wasting food — sharing dishes is common and finishing your plate is not always required but is polite if you were offered a special portion.

The plateau environment is fragile: follow leave‑no‑trace principles, don’t collect geological or cultural artifacts, and dispose of waste responsibly.

Tipping is not customary in most local shops and small restaurants; for hotel porters or tour guides a small tip is appreciated but not expected. In tourist services (guides, private drivers) tipping is more common and can be offered discretionarily.

Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely used in China, including many Golmud businesses; carry some cash (RMB) for remote stalls, taxis and rural purchases. International cards may be accepted at larger hotels but are less common in small shops.

Cool to cold with strong winds; snow may persist on higher ground. Days can be pleasant but nights are chilly — pack layered clothing and expect occasional road disruptions from late snow.

Brief and mild with the warmest daytime temperatures, large diurnal swings (warm days, cold nights) and patches of wildflowers at lower elevations; this is the most approachable time for travel but UV is intense.

Clear, crisp weather with beautiful golden light; temperatures drop quickly after sunset and early snow is possible by late autumn — ideal for photography and trekking before winter.

Long, cold and dry with frequent subzero temperatures, icy roads and reduced services; excellent for serious winter scenery but travel can be difficult and many attractions are less accessible.

Majority population engaged in administration, trade, industry and services.

Significant minority with strong cultural and religious presence — monasteries, traditional dress and pastoral lifestyles are visible in surrounding areas.

Smaller but important communities: Hui merchants and restaurateurs, Mongol pastoralists and families contribute to the region’s cultural mix.

Seasonal pastoralists who graze yaks, sheep and goats on plateau grasslands around Golmud.