Riding through the Ali Uninhabited Area! This is the wildest ultimate crossing in Tibet
Crossing the Ali Uninhabited Area, encounter the ultimate solitude of the Third Pole of the Earth 🌍
This wilderness secret land, with an average altitude of 4,500 meters, is a pure land forgotten by God and a proving ground for the brave. Over a journey of more than 1,000 kilometers, there is no city noise, no crowded crowds, and even mobile signals become a luxury—only the boundless Gobi stretches to the horizon, snow-capped mountains pierce the clouds, sapphire-like lakes are embedded in the wilderness, and between heaven and earth, only the howling wind and the steady heartbeat in your chest remain. This ultimate solitude and grandeur are enough to shake the soul of every pilgrim.
Standing by Pangong Lake, the cold gravel beneath your feet, the continuous snow mountains reflected in the deep blue lake before your eyes, birds flying low over the lake surface in the distance, drawing shallow ripples that quickly return to calm. At that moment, time seems to stand still, and only you and this purity remain between heaven and earth. All fatigue and restlessness are quietly carried away by the wind of the wilderness.
🚙 Must-visit itinerary:
📍 Pangong Lake (Rutog County, Ali Prefecture, Tibet)
• Known as the "world's highest bird island," the magical landscape of half freshwater and half saltwater makes the lake water change into three layers of light blue, deep blue, and dark blue with the light. Standing on the viewing platform, the blue is transparent and healing.
• May to August is the golden season for bird watching, with tens of thousands of bar-headed geese and brown-headed gulls nesting and breeding here. It is recommended to bring binoculars to clearly see the lively scenes on the bird island; the prayer flag viewing platform by the lake is an excellent spot for photographing snow mountain reflections. At dawn or sunset, the lake surface is as calm as a mirror, with snow mountains and prayer flags in the same frame, creating a full atmosphere.
• If you want to get close to the lake water, you can walk along the wooden plank road to the lakeshore, barefoot on the cool shallows, watching the plateau naked carp swim freely underwater. Every shot is a masterpiece without filters.
📍 Mapam Yumco Lake (Ho'er Township, Burang County)
• One of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, revered by believers as the "center of the world." The lake water is so clear that visibility reaches 14 meters. Standing on the shore, you can clearly see the pebbles and aquatic plants underwater. The deep blue lake looks like an uncut sapphire, so pure that it feels sacred.
• Circumambulating the lake is an important local pilgrimage ritual, about 100 kilometers in total, taking about 4 days on foot. If time is limited, you can choose to drive along the lakeside road for a section or hike 1-2 hours near Ho'er Township to feel the tranquility and sanctity of the sacred lake. Along the way, you may encounter devout pilgrims, witnessing the power of faith.
• The Namucani Peak by the lake is an excellent backdrop. At sunset, the sun dyes the snow mountain golden red, and the lake reflects the golden peak. Every shot is breathtaking.
📍 Mount Kailash (Baga Township, Burang County)
• Recognized as the foremost of the four sacred mountains by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions, the main peak is 6,656 meters high, snow-covered year-round, shaped like a pyramid, shining brilliantly under the sun, exuding a sacred and solemn aura.
• Circumambulating the mountain is the ultimate tribute to faith, 52 kilometers in total, with large altitude differences and complex road conditions, requiring 2-3 days to complete. It is suitable for travelers with hiking experience and good physical condition. Non-professional climbers are advised to admire from the viewing platform in Baga Township. At sunrise, the first ray of sunlight shines on the golden peak of the sacred mountain, and the moment of golden light is enough to bring tears to your eyes.
• Along the circumambulation route, there are multiple supply stations and temples where you can feel a strong religious atmosphere and meet pilgrims from all over, sharing stories and faith.
📍 Zhada Earth Forest (within Zhada County)
• A unique landform formed by the Himalayan orogeny, water erosion, and wind carving. Over millions of years, it has formed hundreds of kilometers of earth forest canyons with varying heights and shapes, resembling an abandoned ancient castle, so spectacular it leaves one speechless.
• The best viewing spot is Xiayi Valley, where the earth forest colors are richest, with red, yellow, brown, and ochre tones intertwined, showing different textures under different light. Sunset is the golden hour for photography, with the setting sun dyeing the earth forest golden red, light and shadow flowing through the ravines like the surface of Mars. Every shot is an epic masterpiece.
• It is recommended to wear high-top hiking boots and walk along the trail deep into the earth forest canyon to touch the rock walls polished by time and feel the wonders of nature.
⚠️ Wilderness Survival Guide:
1. Must travel in groups of four or more, equipped with rugged off-road vehicles (4WD + high chassis), satellite phones (no mobile signal in the uninhabited area, essential for emergencies), walkie-talkies (for convoy communication), and a full set of off-road gear (2 spare tires, tire repair tools, tow ropes, anti-skid chains, etc.). Solo crossing is extremely risky.
2. There are almost no formal supply points along the way, so bring enough food, drinking water, and gasoline for 10 days in advance: choose compressed biscuits, beef jerky, chocolate, energy bars, self-heating rice, and other durable, high-energy foods; each person needs at least 3 liters of drinking water per day, supplemented with electrolyte water to replenish energy; gasoline must be carried in compliant fuel cans, fill up whenever you see a gas station to avoid running out mid-route.
3. Altitude sickness prevention is crucial! Take anti-altitude sickness medicine (Rhodiola, Altitude Sickness Relief) 1-2 weeks in advance. Each person should carry 2-3 oxygen bottles and glucose oral liquid. Control daily altitude difference within 500 meters, avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water, and rest more. If severe altitude sickness occurs, return immediately.
4. The best crossing season is September to October, when the climate is mild, precipitation is low, and road conditions are relatively good, avoiding the extreme cold of winter and the heavy rain and mudslides of summer. Check the weather forecast before departure and avoid bad weather.
5. The uninhabited area is home to rare wild animals such as Tibetan antelope, wild donkeys, and wild yaks. Maintain a distance of more than 300 meters when photographing. Do not chase, feed, or disturb them, especially wild yaks, which are aggressive and can be dangerous if not avoided in time.
6. Bring high SPF sunscreen (SPF50+), windproof and sunproof hats, sunglasses, and lip balm. The plateau has strong UV rays and dry climate, easily causing sunburn and chapped lips. The temperature difference between day and night is large, so prepare windproof and waterproof jackets, warm down jackets, and quick-dry clothes to cope with changing weather.
🏔️ About that lake and photography:
Standing by Pangong Lake, the whole world seems muted, leaving only the sound of wind and heartbeat. It is recommended to wear bright-colored jackets like red or orange for photos, which stand out against the vast Gobi and snow mountain background, instantly enhancing the visual impact of the photos. If you want to shoot starry sky masterpieces, be sure to bring a tripod. This place is far from light pollution, with a clear Milky Way at night and stars seemingly within reach. Combined with the lake’s reflection, it is breathtakingly beautiful.
Every scenery along the way is worth capturing: the highway shots on National Highway 219 (have companions shoot the moving vehicle in safe areas with distant mountains and Gobi as the backdrop), close-ups of light and shadow in the earth forest, prayer flags and reflections by the sacred lake. No complicated composition is needed; every shot tells a story of the wilderness.
This journey crossing the Ali Uninhabited Area has no comfortable accommodation, no delicious food, but the purest nature, the most stunning scenery, and the freest soul. It will make you realize that the true distance is not just a physical crossing but a meeting of the soul and nature. If you yearn for wilderness and freedom, dare to take this journey and embrace this lonely appointment at the Third Pole of the Earth.