A guide to legally crossing the Qiangtang No Man's Land! The most explosive crossing route to realize your ultimate off-road dream

Preface

There is a wasteland in everyone’s dream!

There is a place where death and beauty dance together, which is both exciting to explore and awe-inspiring.

It is listed by many people as a place that must be visited in one's lifetime, and being able to enter has become a source of bragging for many adventure enthusiasts.

This place is - Qiangtang!

What is the real Qiangtang like?

Is it legal to cross the Qiangtang? Is it dangerous?
What's the scenery like in the Qiangtang?
...
Read this article to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the area!

Where is Qiangtang?

Qiangtang, which means "northern highlands" in Tibetan, refers to the uninhabited area in northern Tibet in a narrow sense. It actually refers to the area from Kunlun Mountains to Hoh Xil Mountains in the north to Tanggula Mountains in the east, and the Nyainqentanglha Mountains and Gangdise Mountains in the south and southwest.

It is the second largest land nature reserve in the world after Greenland National Park, and also the largest uninhabited area in China!

Qiangtang covers an area of more than 700,000 square kilometers with an average altitude of 4,700 meters. It is the highest terrace in my country and is known as the "roof of the roof of the world."

The four no-man's lands of Greater Qiangtang, Hoh Xil, Altun and Kunlun Mountains are connected together to form a unique wasteland in the world, which is the last place for the pursuit of freedom.

Qiangtangcheck the details

Qiangtang! Meaning "northern highlands" in Tibetan, it narrowly refers to the uninhabited area of northern Tibet. It actually encompasses the area stretching from the Kunlun Mountains and the Hoh Xil Mountains in the north to the Tanggula Mountains in the east, and bounded to the south and southwest by the Nyainqentanglha Mountains and the Gangdise Mountains. It is the world's second-largest land nature reserve after Greenland National Park and the largest uninhabited area in China. Qiangtang encompasses over 700,000 square kilometers, with an average altitude of 4,700 meters. It is the highest terrace in my country and is known as the "roof of the roof of the world." The Greater Qiangtang, along with the Hoh Xil No Man's Land, the Altun No Man's Land, and the Kunlun Mountains No Man's Land, form a unique wilderness, the last hurdle of freedom.

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The entire terrain of the Qiangtang Plateau is high in the northwest and low in the southeast. It is mainly composed of low mountains and gentle hills and wide valleys in lake basins. It has gentle undulations. Due to the dry climate, except for the large mountain ranges around the plateau where large-scale glaciers have developed, there are only small-scale continental glaciers on a few peaks above 6,000 meters above sea level in the plateau.

However, periglacial landforms formed by frost weathering and freeze-thaw activities are more common in the areas where permafrost is most developed in the middle and low latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

In addition, in the southern limestone area, there are karst landforms such as caves, natural bridges, stone buds and isolated peaks, which are the products of the warm climate of the past interglacial period. Due to the uplift of the Qiangtang Plateau, the climate has become drier.

Most lakes have retreated sharply and the mineralization of the lake water has increased, evolving into saltwater lakes or saline-alkali lands, which are rich in rare metal elements such as table salt, potassium salt, borate gypsum, sodium sulfate, lithium, rubidium, and cesium.

Why is Qiangtang so mysterious?

"The road is confusing, and I walk all day in the dark. There are no distances, no place names, no mountains or rivers to remember. There is only yellow sand in the sky and ice and snow on the ground."

This is the description of the tragic journey in "Dreams in the Wilderness" by Chen Quzhen, the King of Western Hunan, when his troops retreated from Tibet and mistakenly entered the Qiangtang grassland, where they were on a life-or-death journey.

Many people may know about crossing the Qiangtang from a post by Yang Liusong on an outdoor forum in 2010, "The Empty Quarter in the North, Crossing the Qiangtang No Man's Land Alone". After watching the movie "77 Days", countless people have wanted to embark on the journey to the Qiangtang, but they always hesitate.

Is it legal to go to Qiangtang?

This is a question that many people are concerned about!

In 2017, the four major uninhabited areas jointly issued an announcement that any unit or individual who arbitrarily enters the protected area and crosses the area is illegal!

However, the national uninhabited area scientific expedition team and the uninhabited area crossings reported through relevant management departments can still proceed normally.

This Qiangtang Crossing route was developed with special approval from the Tibet Autonomous Region, in collaboration with the Shuanghu County Tourism Bureau, and co-published by China-TravelNote and its close partners. It's currently the only officially legal route in China that crosses the Qiangtang No Man's Land.

Key point - So follow China-TravelNote to go to Qiangtang: It is legal!

The Qiangtang you don’t know!

What do you think of Qiangtang?

Lone wild yaks and hungry wolves gradually become the most direct threats to life;

Lack of fresh water and insufficient food are the most severe tests for human body functions; sandstorms, snowmelt floods, and tornadoes may lead the protagonist to death at any time.

The actual Qiangtang:

During the golden season of Qiangtang, from June to October, the temperature can reach 7-12°C. The weather is sunny and windy, the grass is lush, and herds of cattle and sheep are everywhere, making the scenery particularly pleasant.

During this trip to Qiangtang, we also encountered the herdsmen’s horse racing festival. They sang and danced, and their melodious and beautiful songs lingered in our ears for a long time.

Is Qiangtang inhabited?

Actually there is!

The climate in northern Qiangtang is indeed unsuitable for human habitation. However, in the south, a dense belt of lakes stretching over 1,000 kilometers from east to west is home to this region, a paradise for wildlife and plants, and a fertile cultural site rich in sedimentary deposits.

In the 1960s, the government established the Shuanghu Special Administrative Region in southern Taiwan, relocating a large number of herders deep into the uninhabited area. However, since last year, the Tibet Autonomous Region government has been arranging the orderly relocation of herders to settlements around Lhasa and Shigatse. It is expected that by the end of this year, all but the government and conservation station staff will have moved out, effectively declaring the uninhabited area a truly "no-man's land."

Why cross the Qiangtang?

This trip we will overturn a misunderstanding of traditional off-road and photography circles about traveling in uninhabited areas!

A visit to Qiangtang isn't just about venturing through uninhabited areas. Despite its vast size, Qiangtang boasts a wealth of pristine scenery beyond the protected areas. Within the ecological redline, building on existing provincial, county, and township roads, we're developing tourist routes to showcase Qiangtang's unique natural and cultural landscapes. If you're willing, you can join us in protecting Qiangtang!

Qiangtang, what's there?

You can touch the Puruogangri Glacier, the world's third pole, up close, walk through the "Yicuo Zaicuo" (Icuo Zaicuo) with its various water colors, and create unforgettable memories...

The Third Pole of the World - Puruogangri Glacier

"Puruo" means "silver bowl" in Mongolian and "Gangri" means "snow mountain" in Tibetan.

Puruogangri is a key national scientific research scenic spot located in the core area of the Qiangtang Nature Reserve. With an average altitude of 6,600 meters and an ice sheet covering 422 square kilometers, it is the third largest glacier in the world after Antarctica and the Arctic! Hence, it is called the Third Pole!

Glaciers, lakes, and deserts coexist in harmony, forming a trinity. Puruogangri, bathed in sunlight, looks like a spotless snow lotus blossoming from the mud.

The landmark in the glacier: the Heart of Purogangri, symbolizes the oath of love for the earth.

Baling Township 80 million year old hot spring

Not far from Baling Township, there's a plateau geothermal spring that's been around for 80 million years. Enjoying these 80-million-year-old sulphur springs at an altitude of 5,000 meters is incredibly effective for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin conditions! It's a truly refreshing experience for both body and soul.

Selingcuo, the largest lake in Tibet

Image: Source @Fengshuiyin

Selin Co, the second largest saltwater lake in China and the largest lake in Tibet, means "the devil's lake with majestic splendor" in Tibetan. In the past decade, numerous glacial meltwater rivers and lakes have been connected, causing the level of Selin Co to rise sharply by nearly ten meters. The overall lake area has expanded by more than 700 square kilometers. By 2010, it had surpassed Namtso to become the largest lake in the vast Tibet.

At present, the area of Selintso is still expanding. The lake is wide and vast, and the shadows are cast on the lake. The light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds form a bright and shining interweaving with the water surface. The strong contrast is fascinating! One glance can lead to the soul.

A measure that cannot be missed

The Tso Lake in Qiangtang has a captivating blue, a blue that penetrates deep into the bones, a blue that melts everything, a blue that is enough to induce hallucinations...

Our crossing itinerary this time will cover 24 lakes scattered across the Qiangtang Plateau, including Selin Co and Nam Co, and experience crossing 11 lakes in a row in the uninhabited area in one day, including Zhuqu Co, Jiarebu Co, Changma Co, Norma Co, etc. You don’t have to miss it again!

Endless Plateau Elves

The Tibetan antelopes leaping happily in the snowfield, the yaks that look rough but are shy at heart, the wild donkeys that look docile but are wild at heart, the snow hares that are masters of camouflage, the tall and mighty brown bears, the aloof and cautious wolves... and the unspeakable surprises.

Besides living animals, dead animals are also one of the most common sights in Qiangtang. In this scene, you can understand the meaning of the cycle of life in a very special way.

Focus - Off-roading · Qiangtang No Man's Land

Next is the long-awaited wiring issue!

Due to the special conditions in Qiangtang, the route through the Qiangtang no-man's land can only be entered by off-road vehicles and has deservedly been included in the China-TravelNote off-road series.

1. Global legal crossing routes√

This is currently the only formal and legal route through uninhabited areas in China!

2. Absolutely professional field safety guarantee√

Provide complete safety protection throughout the journey, free medical and rescue measures, on-board emergency oxygen, and free professional Life Online SOS high-risk outdoor insurance!

3. Avoid camping risks! Sleep peacefully every night√

The best local accommodation conditions, 50% standard hotel rooms, 50% government 2-3 person rooms in a Tibetan-style sun-glass guesthouse (not open to the public)

4. Not only will you not be hungry, but you will also be able to enjoy a feast that will satisfy your appetite√

All meals are included during the trip, and we provide a complete outdoor picnic setup: a full set of tables and chairs, a Weber stove, Australian steak, foie gras, lamb chops, and a self-heating hot pot. No compromises on meals along the way!

5. Hardcore off-road escort√

Hard-core off-road vehicles lead the way, with 3 people per car! If the vehicle gets stuck or other accidents require rescue, the government will provide free rescue.

6. Professional guide to drive into the wilderness√

With many years of experience as an outdoor adventure leader and a member of the documentary team of "Into the Wilderness", he leads the team and allows you to travel and chase celebrities at the same time!

7. Multiple tour schedules for easy selection√

There are 4 groups per month, each group consists of 4 people, and we send out groups every week. You no longer have to worry about the small batch size and inappropriate time!

8. Preferential price√

Starting from 16,800 yuan/person

Follow China-TravelNote, this time, Qiangtang, no longer just a dream!

LNT traceless outdoor rules that cannot be ignored

I think everyone has their own awe for the Qiangtang No Man's Land: Qiangtang is too big, and what I do is still insignificant!

We will take concrete actions to protect and preserve the local ecological environment. China-TravelNote always supports the concept of "no trace" tourism. We leave nothing behind except footprints and take nothing away except photos and fresh air!

During this trip to Qiangtang, we will also fully promote "responsible travel" and pack up all non-organic garbage and take it away. We will not chase wild animals or pick up any stones in Qiangtang.

After the event, China-TravelNote will also issue each tourist with an environmental certification certificate from the Yaamu Conservation Station, the core area of the national Qiangtang Nature Reserve.

Everyone is an explorer of his own life. There is no advanced lifestyle in the world. The most splendid life is to glimpse the true nature of life when achieving one impossibility after another and challenging one difficulty after another!

Conclusion

In fact, the wilderness is a magnifying glass of human nature. If we have never been to the wilderness, we will never discover these pure faces.

If we had never come to the wilderness, we would not have known about these aid to Tibet stories; if we had never come to the wilderness, we would not have heard these touching stories; exploring the unique Qiangtang at the best time will surely be remembered by us in the years to come!