Why the lakeside feels colder than the forecast
The lake sits high, at roughly 3,200 metres, and high ground loses heat quickly once the sun goes down. Even in July the night temperature can fall to around five to ten degrees, and the wind off the water makes it feel colder still. Sunrise in particular catches people out, because they step outside before the day has warmed.
What we arrange
We choose lakeside hotels with heating and a location that makes the water easy to reach on foot, so you sleep warm and can walk to a viewpoint without a long drive in the dark. If cold is a real concern for you, say so and we will prioritise the warmer properties.
- Bring a windproof jacket or a light down layer, even for a summer trip
- Add a hat and a scarf for sunrise and after sunset
- Keep the warm layer near the top of your bag, not buried at the bottom
- Tell us if you feel the cold, and we will pick warmer rooms
Sleeping well at altitude
A cold night and a high bed can add up, so it is worth keeping the first lakeside evening calm. A warm drink, an early night and a room that holds its heat all help, and the descent into Gansu on the following days brings easier sleep as the altitude drops.
None of this needs to be a hardship. With the right layer and a well-chosen hotel, the lakeside nights are among the most memorable of the trip, and the clear air after dark is part of the reward.
Dressing for the water's edge
The lakeside rewards proper layering more than most places on the route. A windproof shell over a warm mid-layer keeps the wind off, and a hat, gloves and a scarf make the difference at sunrise and after dark, when the temperature drops fastest. Sturdy closed shoes beat sandals even in high summer, because the ground by the water is cold once the sun has gone.
If you are unsure what to pack, tell us the month you are travelling and we will suggest a short list based on that year's conditions, rather than a long one that covers every possibility and weighs you down.
When to just ask us
If you are travelling with someone who feels the cold, tell us and we will select accommodation with better heating and, where it helps, suggest which nights are best spent lower down.
This question comes from Qinghai Lake & Chaka Salt Lake
