Pre-Trip Preparation
Like many others, I used to think traveling with pets was troublesome. That was until I took this trip around Qinghai Lake with my Golden Retriever, Lucky. As a travel blogger with 8 years of dog ownership experience, I want to share this unforgettable journey with you.
The most crucial preparation was Lucky's health check. A month before the trip, I took him for a comprehensive examination, got all necessary vaccinations, and ensured both internal and external deworming were completed. The climate and environment of plateau regions differ greatly from plains, so the dog's health must be guaranteed.
Additionally, I prepared special travel gear for Lucky: a collapsible carrier, portable water bowl, altitude-specific dog food, and basic medicines. Notably, I got Lucky a custom GPS-enabled collar, which proved very useful later in the journey.
Route Planning
We chose a counterclockwise direction for our lake tour, starting from Xining and passing through Heimahe, Jiangxigou, Xiangpishan, and Jinshawan. Why this direction? I found it allowed Lucky to enjoy lake views from the car, and the parking spots were better for photography.
I recommend planning rest stops carefully as I did. We stopped every 1-2 hours at suitable places for Lucky to walk and relieve himself. We planned 12 rest stops around the lake, each with relatively flat ground for dog activities.
Altitude Adaptation
Upon reaching Xining on the first day, I noticed Lucky's reactions: slightly rapid breathing and decreased appetite. These were normal altitude reactions - both humans and dogs need time to adjust.
We stayed in Xining for two days to acclimate. During this time, I strictly controlled Lucky's exercise, limiting walks to 15 minutes and increasing water intake. By the second afternoon, Lucky was noticeably more active, which gave me confidence to start our lake journey.
Adventures Along the Way
In Heimahe Town, we had an interesting encounter. A local Tibetan elder greeted Lucky warmly in Tibetan. Despite the language barrier, Lucky played joyfully with him. This made me realize that animals might be better than humans at crossing cultural boundaries.
The sunrise at Jiangxigou left a deep impression. At 4:30 AM, I took a sleepy Lucky to the viewing platform. When the first rays of sunlight hit the lake, Lucky suddenly stood straight, gazing intently at the distance. I could see the amazement in his eyes.
Accommodation Experience
Finding suitable accommodation took considerable effort. I screened nearly 50 pet-friendly places across various platforms, finally selecting 6. Interestingly, these accommodations varied greatly, from luxury hotels to farmhouses, but all had dog-loving hosts.
At a Tibetan guesthouse at the foot of Xiangpishan, the owner not only prepared a special bed for Lucky but also offered homemade yak jerky. Lucky's first taste of this delicacy was amusingly enjoyable.
Handling Emergencies
Travel inevitably involves unexpected situations, especially with dogs. At Jinshawan, Lucky got sand in his eyes, which scared me. Fortunately, I had saline solution handy for immediate washing. This incident reminded us that a travel medical kit is equally important for dogs.
Once, we encountered a sudden rainstorm. Lucky became anxious, so I quickly found shelter and put on his prepared waterproof coat. This experience taught me the importance of being prepared for changeable plateau weather.
Photography Tips
Photographing dogs is completely different from photographing people. Lucky rarely cooperated with my composition, but these natural moments were the most authentic. I found the best shooting opportunities were when he was resting after exercise, relaxedly gazing into the distance.
I used several new techniques: placing treats near the lens to attract his attention, using high-speed continuous shooting to capture fleeting expressions, and choosing soft lighting during twilight hours. These techniques resulted in many surprising photos.
Environmental Awareness
Environmental responsibility is crucial when traveling with dogs. I carried biodegradable dog waste bags to avoid burdening the local environment. In scenic areas, I kept Lucky on a leash to avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging vegetation.
Notably, many locals appreciated our civilized travel approach. Several tourists asked about proper pet waste disposal, which was gratifying.
Cultural Experience
The Tibetan culture around Qinghai Lake added unique color to our journey. I noticed locals had special feelings towards dogs, considering them symbols of loyalty and protection. Near some monasteries, we even saw shrines dedicated to dogs.
Lucky seemed particularly interested in prayer wheels, sniffing them whenever we passed. A lama told me this might be due to the lingering yak butter scent. This discovery deepened my understanding of Tibetan culture.
Post-Trip Sharing
After returning, I shared our journey on social media. I was delighted that many followers were inspired to plan trips with their pets. People asked about handling altitude sickness and route planning, which I gladly answered.
These interactions made me realize that pet travel isn't just a lifestyle choice but a responsibility. It teaches us to better care for our companions and discover new possibilities in the world.
Deep Reflections
This journey deepened my understanding of "pet-human sharing." While we always talk about giving pets the best life, that shouldn't be limited to a comfortable home but should include opportunities to experience the wider world.
I also realized that traveling with pets isn't just about their happiness but a process of self-improvement. It teaches us patience, responsibility, and how to live harmoniously with the world.
Have you considered taking an impromptu trip with your pet? Perhaps now is the perfect time. I hope to meet you and your furry friend by Qinghai Lake.
