qinghailaowai

getting to Yushu is definitely easiest from Xining or Chabcha (Gonghe) and isn't easy from RG at all. That said, you can get from Rebgong...

Tongren has plenty of places to stay...I'd recommend the Xueshan Binguan 雪山宾馆 (tib = Gangri Dronkang) or the Rongwo Hotel, both on the back...

Can't speak to all the points below, but can speak to some....

Why not travel in Amdo/Kham (Qinghai and western and northern Sichuan provinces)? Fascinating Tibetan areas without the permit hassles....

spend years here and you'll barely scratch the surface......

the old station won't be running until late 2013 at the earliest. The new (temporary) train station is actually west of the city (rather...

Qinghai is not the easiest province in which to travel without Chinese/Amdo or Kham language skills. People are incredibly friendly - which...

This area is currently open, and there's no reason it would close - but usually out here things happen with or without a reason. Some...

Strongly recommend anywhere in china's northwest for the "less touristy" vibe if that's what you want. I am partial to Qinghai (I live here...

Labrang is open to foreigners, as is most of Gannan prefecture. Bus stations in Xining or Rebgong/Tongren are more likely to sell tickets...

Cell service is decent in most places; however, in some remoter areas of Nangchen my phone didn't work. That, and there's really very few...

Xinghai is a beautiful place, but I prefer (if I'm going to Yushu) to do the whole trip at once to minimize the pain/conscious hours of...

I would second s. Gansu and also add Qinghai (I'm biased) to your itinerary for pleasant weather and awesome sights/scenery. Just sayin'.

Agreed - a hidden gem tucked away in a remote industrial park....

WITHOUT going to a Tib. area? I'd recommend getting onto the plateau for trekking - it's the best place! All of Qinghai is absolutely...