What are the highlights of Hoh Xil?

It is one of the world’s best-preserved primitive ecological regions and one of the last remaining wild lands in its original state. With no natural barriers around, the terrain is lofty, and the average altitude exceeds 5,000 meters.

Harsh natural conditions make long-term human habitation impossible here, yet the reserve is a true paradise for wildlife. Unique species native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, such as wild yaks, Tibetan antelopes, wild asses, white-lipped deer and brown bears, add extraordinary charm to this pristine land.

Photography is prohibited within the reserve. Visitors may camp on site, or stay at Wudaoliang or Budongquan nearby.

To get here, take the Qinghai-Tibet route: travel by train to Golmud first and then rent a vehicle. Alternatively, board a long-distance coach from Golmud to Lhasa and alight at the protection station before Wudaoliang.

Hoh Xil rose to fame largely because of Tibetan antelopes and the heroic deeds of the Wild Yak Team, which was established to protect these rare animals. These touching stories have made this mysterious land even more appealing to travelers.

Drive about 30 kilometers past the Fenghuo Mountain Pass on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway to reach the 84th Road Maintenance Station. Turn west off the highway here to enter the core area of Hoh Xil.

Continue west for over 30 kilometers and you will see Gulu Tso Lake at an altitude of 5,167 meters. Around 40 kilometers west of the lake lies the former No.4 campsite of the Hoh Xil expedition team.

Proceed west along the Ulan Ul Mountains and pass No.5 campsite, a frequent habitat of wild yaks. Ulan Ul Lake sits roughly 50 kilometers northwest of No.5 campsite, with No.6 campsite of the expedition team on its eastern shore.

Head north from Ulan Ul Lake, follow the southern bank of Mirror Lake to the southern shore of West Jin Ulan Lake, and cross the small river connecting West Jin Ulan Lake and Shuihong Lake to reach No.7 campsite. Natural hot springs here offer pleasant water temperature for washing.

Around 52 kilometers from No.7 campsite lies Lexiewudan Lake, home to wild yaks, Tibetan wild asses, brown bears and wolves. Standing at over 5,400 meters above sea level, it serves as No.8 campsite.

To the east of Lexiewudan Lake is Sun Lake. Flanking the lake are Malan Mountain (5,790 m) to the south and Bukadaban Peak (6,860 m) to the north. No.9 and No.10 campsite are located on the southern shore of Sun Lake and the eastern side of Bukadaban Peak respectively.

Travel about 152 kilometers east from Sun Lake and you will arrive at Zonai Lake, the final lake on this route. Its tributaries originate from Wufeng Snow Mountain (5,577 m) in the northwest. No.11 campsite, the last stop of the expedition, is on the eastern shore of Zonai Lake.

Reaching Zonai Lake marks the end of this cross-Hoh Xil trek. Drive around 106 kilometers east from No.11 campsite to rejoin the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, which is about 15 kilometers north of the Chumaer River Bridge near Wudaoliang.

The straight, flat highway will make you deeply appreciate how tough traveling is inside Hoh Xil. There are no formal roads, and travelers often get vehicles stuck or have to cross icy rivers.

Final reminder: Never venture into this remote and mysterious wilderness of Hoh Xil without proper preparation.