Qinghai Hoh Xil Nature Reserve in Yushu

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Qinghai Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, also known as Kekexili, is located in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China’s Qinghai Province. Covering an area of about 45,000 square kilometers, it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rugged landscapes.

Location and Geography: Qinghai Hoh Xil Nature Reserve is situated in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, spanning vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and high-altitude desert regions. It is one of the largest and highest nature reserves in the world, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 meters above sea level.

Unique Ecosystem: The reserve is characterized by its diverse and fragile ecosystem, which supports a wide variety of wildlife. It is home to rare and endangered species such as the Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild yak, wild Tibetan donkey, snow leopard, brown bear, and various species of birds. The area is also rich in biodiversity, with numerous endemic plant species adapted to the harsh high-altitude environment.

Conservation Significance: Qinghai Hoh Xil Nature Reserve is of great conservation significance due to its role in protecting the unique flora and fauna of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance. The reserve also serves as an important habitat for migratory birds and is part of the Three-River Source National Park, which protects the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong Rivers.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts: Despite its remote and pristine nature, the reserve faces various threats, including poaching, habitat degradation, and climate change. Illegal poaching of Tibetan antelope for their valuable wool, known as shahtoosh, has been a major concern, leading to conservation efforts to protect these endangered animals. Additionally, efforts are underway to promote sustainable tourism practices and community-based conservation initiatives to ensure the long-term protection of the reserve’s natural resources.

Visitor Experience: Due to its remote location and extreme weather conditions, visiting Qinghai Hoh Xil Nature Reserve can be challenging. However, guided tours and expeditions are available for adventurous travelers interested in exploring its rugged landscapes and observing its unique wildlife. Visitors can experience the breathtaking beauty of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau while contributing to the conservation efforts aimed at preserving this pristine wilderness for future generations.

Planning a trip to Hoh Xil is really a challenge for foreigners. The pandemic made it even harder. As a devout WHS traveller, I was determined more than ever to complete China this year, having been trapped inside the Covid bubble.

Planning

It would make sense to combine Hoh Xil with Lhasa/Tibet to minimize cost and maximize the experience. After all, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway already traverses the core zone.

It seemed straightforward at first. But not really. Even if I would consider a “pass by” as a WHS visit, it had to be during the day. I could not find information online about which train would do it. I had to calculate the predict the course based on the scheduled departure from the closest stop. Visiting in October, I also had to account for the shortened day length when the sun rises late and sets early.

The best chance would be the Z165 train departing from Lanzhou at 18:37 and arriving at Lhasa close to 25 hours later. This train would be in Hoh Xil core zone before sunset the next day.

Like most of us here, I would not be contented with just passing by. I want to actually be in Hoh Xil. Stand on its soil. Have an immersive experience with just me, the mountains and the sky.

It was not easy looking for an organized tour. Most of the agencies that offer tours for Tibet and Qinghai for foreigners did not offer any. The best chance would be to organize a driver from Golmud, the closest major city to Hoh Xil. The city even has direct flights from Beijing. Only one of the agencies that I asked was able to arrange a driver, for a steep 2800 RMB.

Given the pandemic situation, I put another hedge. In case my going train pass by Hoh Xil at night or if should there be a sudden change of regulations in Golmud, I would have another chance to see Hoh Xil if I take the train back to Xining. I deduced that the train leaving Lhasa at 9PM would pass by the core zone after sunrise.

Part 1: Journey from Lanzhou to Tibet

As fate would have it, this leg of the journey was a failure. My train was delayed for 16 hours due to heavy rains in Zhengzhou, way far in Henan.

We ended up passing by Hoh Xil at 9 PM. It was pitch black outside and I could not see anything. Just after Golmud Station, the train loudspeaker broadcasted information about Hoh Xil in both Mandarin and English.

Tip for would be traveller: Take a train to Tibet that starts at Xining, not the one coming from Beijing or Shanghai or Chengdu. This would minimize the risk of delay, which could be very long as what I experienced.

Part 2: Journey from Tibet to Golmud

Having not seen the core zone on the first train ride, I was so excited to board my overnight train from Lhasa to Golmud. I expected to be in the core zone around 7 in the morning

My Phone GPS would not work in and around Hoh Xil. It was difficult to ascertain if I was already inside the core zone. Studying the map, the key indicator upon entering the buffer zone is seeing Tanggula Town. The Tuotuo River (one of the headwaters of the Yangtze) would indicate entering the buffer zone panhandle and was flanked by the core zone on either side of the tracks. Luckily, the train broadcasted information about the river and its importance to China. It signaled my entry to the panhandle.

The “pass by” was certainly scenic. Hoh Xil is a high altitude plateau bounded by snow-covered mountains on both sides. I hoped to see Tibetan Antelopes but there were none. I did see some birds, wild donkeys and wild horses. My anticipation built up for finally stepping foot at Hoh Xil on the next day.

Tip for would be traveller: It would take roughly 10 hours train ride from Lhasa to Hoh Xil. Choose a train schedule with this in mind.

Part 3: Driving from Golmud to Hoh Xil

The driver arrived at the hotel at 9 am. After an hour driving the desolate landscape of Golmud, we met a highway checkpoint.

They checked everyone’s credentials to control entry of people, especially foreigners without permit to Tibet. I did not anticipate this. I was worried that my Tibet permit would no longer be valid. Upon checking my permit, I was relieved to find was the last day of validity. But the happiness was short lived. My driver and our vehicle had no permit to carry foreigners on the highway to Tibet. (I read online before visiting that foreigners need to get this permit at Goldmud police station. I thought my agent already settled it.)

I was furious and frantically called my travel agent. I insisted to get a full refund should I could not visit Hoh Xil. We stayed for 30 minutes around the checkpoint area as the driver tried to find a solution. Suddenly, he drove off-road along parallel to a river at the side of a cliff. We followed the course for roughly 30 minutes. The whole time I was telling my agent I did want to get arrested, especially not trying to smuggle myself into the highway to Tibet.

In my mind, part of me was excited. It gave another thrill to my completing of China WHS. Part of me was thinking of some creative excuses should we get detained.

After finding a crossing to the river, we drove towards the dam administration area which would allow us to join the main road. The gate was locked but a man approached us. My heart was pounding. My driver went out of the car and “talked” to the man. A few minutes later, he opened the gate.

I had a sigh of relief.

Tip for would be traveller: Make sure you have a valid Tibet Permit when driving to Hoh Xil. Also ensure that your agent arranges all the necessary permits.

Part 4: Setting foot at Hoh Xil

Entering the core zone from Golmude was just after the Yuzu Mountain sightseeing platform, right after passing through the Kunlun Mountains and before the vastness of the Hoh Xil plain. This area was busy, with travellers driving to Tibet making an obligatory photo stop. A few steps away from the platform,  I was able to set foot at the core zone for the first time. The view on this area is awesome, but similar to high altitude mountain scenery.

I told my driver to drive further and offroad, after noticing a trail where cars were going. He hesitantly obliged as it was not part of the deal. We drove a few kilometers, which gave me several opportunities to marvel at the vastness of the surroundings. I saw some wild donkey, birds and pika but no Tibetan Antelope.

The trail would have taken us to a “camp” area after 40 km further. This would have been a better experience. But my driver did not want to go.

We then proceed to Sonan Dhargev Station, which was also in the core zone.

Tip for would be traveller: Go offroad one you are in Hoh Xil. This is the only way to experience no man’s land. Maybe visit in summer or when the antelopes breed or potentially pitch a camp.

Part 5: Driving back to Golmud

Having skipped the check point going in, I was concerned that the police check will question on the way back. And it would be a big issue, a foreigner coming back on the road from Tibet and without permit.

My driver also thought of the same thing. As we approached the checkpoint, he asked me to lie low and hide in the back seat. My heart was pounding fast again. And my mind is playing different scenarios should we get caught. It would have been a double whammy – a foreigner getting smuggled out of Tibet-Qinghai highway during the pandemic when foreigners are viewed as the one spreading the virus in the mainland.

Luckily, there was no thorough check and after 30 seconds we were free to go to Golmud.

Part 6: Overall Experience

I had higher expectations of Hoh Xil. I thought it would be unspoiled with very arresting views. The vista was indeed pretty, but the highway was so busy. And there was trash, especially at the viewpoints.

Not seeing Tibetan Antelope was also a disappointment.

Maybe, it would have been a better WHS experience if I visited during the migration season. Or if I visited and was able to camp in the wilderness – which according to what I read was illegal.

The journey was still memorable. Especially the part where I was being “smuggled”.

Tip for would be traveller: Is setting foot on Hoh Xil worth the time, effort, money? Or is the train pass-by already ok? If you visit off migration season or if camping is still forbidden, train pass by is already sufficient. You will still see the same good views and see some wild animals too. And it is less hassle. But if you are a completist and would like to feel the earth under your feet, stand in the vast plain with just the sky and the mountains, you can follow my lead.