Ultimate Guide to a One-Day Tour of Hoh Xil

Location: Western Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province (accessible via Golmud)
⚠️ Important Warnings:
► National-level nature reserve, illegal crossing is strictly prohibited! One-day tours are limited to brief stops along the G109 Qinghai-Tibet Highway.
► Average altitude of 4600 meters, high risk of altitude sickness; assess your physical condition carefully.
► No cell signal, no supply points, and presence of wild animals (wolves/bears).
🚗 Itinerary (Round trip from Golmud):
⏰ 5:00 Depart from Golmud → ⏰ 7:30 Arrive at Kunlun Pass (altitude 4768m)
⏰ 9:00 Visit Sonam Dargye Protection Station → ⏰ 11:00 Stop at Hoh Xil Viewing Platform
⏰ 13:00 Return to Golmud (look for Tibetan antelopes along the way)
🌄 Recommended Stops (Strictly stay on the highway):
Kunlun Pass: Take photos of the "Hoh Xil World Heritage" monument and hang prayer flags (bring your own).
Sonam Dargye Protection Station: Learn about Tibetan antelope conservation efforts and donate supplies (e.g., stationery).
See rescued baby Tibetan antelopes (may not be visible during non-open hours).
Wu Ji Long Feng Temple: The world's highest-altitude Taoist temple (altitude 3800m), briefly adapt to altitude sickness.
⚠️ Life-Saving Precautions:
Vehicle Requirements:
Four-wheel-drive SUV + full-size spare tire (G109 has many potholes).
Fill up the tank (Golmud → Hoh Xil round trip is 500km with no gas stations).
Supply Checklist:
Medical oxygen bottles (2 per person) + altitude sickness medication.
Self-heating meals + 5L drinking water (protection station does not provide supplies).
Strictly Prohibited:
❌ Leaving the highway (fines starting at 5000 RMB + criminal liability).
❌ Feeding/chasing wild animals (Tibetan antelopes may die from shock).
📸 Photography and Safety Tips:
Photographing Tibetan Antelopes:
Use a telephoto lens of 400mm or longer, maintain a distance of 500 meters.
Best time: Early morning 7-9 AM (when animals drink water).
Photographing Snow Mountains:
Kunlun Mountain Yuzhu Peak (G109 Highway, 2919km marker).
🏠 Essential Preparations:
Border Pass: Obtain from your place of residence or Golmud (specify "Hoh Xil").
Guide and Driver: (1100 RMB/day).
🚩 Traveler Advice:
Hoh Xil is a life-restricted zone; one-day tours are limited to highway stops. If you see "Crossing Hoh Xil" tourism products, report them immediately! True reverence is observing from afar without disturbing.
Golmud · Haixi Wu Ji Long Feng Temple