It's very easy, as long as you don't mind long bus rides! The bus really is the only way to get there. Go to the bus terminal, where you can buy tickets (cash only) any time up to departure for the bus to Xiahe. If you have time, you can also go along and buy them in advance and return for the journey. Many of the Lanzhou city buses go to the terminal, but it's not that far from the main city centre. I think (but I don't entirely recall) it's called the South Bus Terminal. The journey is long and isn't entirely comfortable. No toilets on board, but they do make stops. The bus terminal in Xiahe is on the main drag and thus you can usually just walk to one of the many hotels, although in the winter, that won't be much fun. Sorry I don't remember the price of the bus ticket now. I did it in October. However, it's not expensive. You can also take private taxis for (if I recall right) about 200 USD. If you can find people to share, that's not a bad price, although it's not much faster. That's 200USD each way. The bus is way, way, way cheaper. It was FREEZING in Xiahe in October, so I won't even guess how cold it would be there now. Wrap up warm. Have fun!

Don't know. We only visited the monastery mid-afternoon.

Should be quite crowded. For the monastery it should be OK, but it's better to book accommodation in advance

Hi Joan, when I was there, in Aug, they were mainly renovating the roads. All the buildings were available for tourists. The renovation work was absolutely not a problem. Actually it was part of the experience for me... to see how they do it...who works there... Have to say that I was personally very happy that there was renovation at that time... it gave me an interesting Picture of Tibet, where all the young boys sit and pray ... and those who do the work are... you'll be surprized... enjoy Your trip. I am sure you will love the experience. Kind regards, KAsia