Snowstorm on Tanggula, a frozen otherworld at 5,231 meters above sea level

Snowstorm on Tanggula, a frozen otherworld at 5,231 meters above sea level The moment the wheels sank into the glacier crevice, outside the window was a no-man’s land at minus 20 degrees Celsius. I stood at the Tanggula Pass, 5,231 meters above sea level. The wind took shape—snow driven by the wind cut across my face like blades, yet also flowed like a light veil over the road. Only white and yellow remained between heaven and earth; the endless snowfields had softened the mountains’ sharp edges, leaving only majestic contours. Core experiences of the trip: · Stunning icy lake sunset: Near the pass, we discovered a frozen lake. The ice surface was covered with magical cracks, and as the sun set, the reflection of distant mountains was clearly mirrored on the ice, as if revealing a parallel world. · Harsh natural challenges: We experienced the reality that “getting stuck is common.” Our vehicle once got trapped in the glacier, waiting for rescue amid the cracking ice sounds. On the way to the Yangtze River source, visibility was only 10 meters, and in the blizzard, the extended power poles became the only “road signs.” · Marks of life’s resilience: In the endless wilderness, we suddenly encountered herds of Tibetan antelope. These plateau spirits added a touching vitality to this extremely cold land. Important tips for winter travel · Extreme environment: Winter (November to April) is the snow accumulation period, often accompanied by blizzards, strong winds, and extreme low temperatures (from -30°C to -45°C). It is highly inadvisable for ordinary travelers to venture deep into the area during this time. · Legal areas: Ordinary tourists can only operate within the buffer zone along National Highway 109 (such as from Golmud to Tanggula Town). Entry into the core protected area is strictly prohibited. · Essential equipment: You must drive a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle and carry rescue tools such as snow chains, satellite phones, high-strength tow ropes, and shovels. Individuals should prepare sufficient cold-weather clothing (recommended for -30°C), altitude sickness medication, and sunscreen. · Safety first: The itinerary must be filed in advance, preferably led by guides or professional teams familiar with local conditions. Never travel alone or take risks entering unknown areas. This journey deeply made me realize how small humans are in front of the Tanggula Mountains. It is not a gentle tourist destination but a wilderness to be respected. If you yearn for the pure and magnificent third-level land on Earth, please be fully prepared and choose safe and legal ways to explore. Only by respecting nature can you appreciate its most breathtaking gifts.