Q I N G H A I   T R I P  2 0 0 4   

In May/June 2004, Rachel and Adrian decided to travel to the wild west again. Mountains and pastures were waiting to be explored. This time, we stayed for three days with a nomad family near the lake. Afterwards, we decided to visit the mountainous Southeast, where we reached mountain passes up to 4,800m altitude (15,750ft). Having survived all our adventures, we are back alive to present you our photos. (view map of Qinghai)

The beautifully snow-capped mountains in late May

Small village nestled under the mountains close to Qinghai Lake

Our first adventure with the nomad family we stayed with was a motorbike ride to lakeshore

Local herder (Adrian) herding his host's sheep. All part of preparing for his studies in Cambridge :).

Morning has broken. The flocks are still safe in the clay walled pen.

Even from a young age nomad children help with the herding

Our host with his flock of sheep

Another macho Tibetan wrestling his sheep to the ground

Traditional dress of the Western Qinghai Lake Amdo Tibetans. One's wealth is displayed by their dress and jewelry.

Rachel and Adrian had the privilege to dress up in the family's most valuable traditional clothes

The nomad family's home was beautifully situated on the shore of Qinghai Lake

Making mian pian, a traditional Qinghai noodle soup

Our host's brother herding a yak back home

One traditional style of traveling in Qinghai, but we choose to use a jeep instead for our adventure to Southeastern Qinghai

On the way we passed through beautiful scenery and many small towns

This particular valley had most exquisite rock formations

A large Tibetan Buddhist monastery near the Yellow River

Even in June, the streams are still frozen at this altitude

Local hangout in the market area

[NEXT >> ]