Tibet Ali 13-Day Ultimate Loop Itinerary: A Paradise for Pilgrims and Adventurers

A "Demystified" Survival Guide Based on Hard-Learned Lessons! Cross the Qiangtang no-man's-land, uncover the Guge Kingdom, conquer Mount Kailash, and discover exclusive real-world experiences and photography tips. This guide has it all! 🗺 Itinerary Overview ⏰ Duration: 13 days, 12 nights (an epic endurance challenge) 🚙 Transportation: SUV in a small group (4 people + driver, approx. CNY 8,000 per person for transportation) 📅 Best time to visit: May-June (snowmelt), September-October (stunning autumn scenery) ⚠ Life-or-Death Situation: Average altitude of 4,500m+, requires a health certificate from a county-level hospital 📅 Hardcore Daily Itinerary 🏔 Day 1-3: First Taste of Sacred Lakes and Glaciers 📍 Yamdrok Lake ✔ Lakeside West Road photo spot: Use a 200mm telephoto lens to compress the distance between the snow-capped mountains and blue ice. ⚠ Warning: Don't buy tickets for the viewing platform! Drive 3km further for free panoramic views. 📍 Mount Everest Base Camp ▪ 2025 New Regulations: Electric vehicles can go directly to Rongbuk Monastery (gas vehicles require a transfer to an eco-friendly bus). ▪ Starry sky photography: Lights off after 22:00, use a star tracker to capture the Milky Way arch. 🌋 Day 4-6: Trekking the Western Himalayas 📍 Lake Raksas Tal ✔ Off-road vehicle slope coordinates: N29°45'12", E84°56'33" ⚠ Requires a border defense permit + registration at the wildlife protection station. 📍 Mount Kailash Pilgrimage ▪ Shortcut: Take the scenic bus to the prayer flag square (saves 6km). ▪ Zhiruo Temple accommodation: Book a room with a view in advance! Capture star trails over the sacred mountain at dawn. 🗿 Day 7-9: The Lost Civilization Zone 📍 Guge Kingdom ✔ Sunrise photo spot: Earthen slope on the east side of the kingdom ruins (requires overnight stay in Zanda). ⚠ Bring a headlamp for cave exploration! Beware of hidden pits and collapsing weathered rocks. 📍 Xiayi Valley 📸 Drone flight registration: Register in advance on the "Civil Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Management Platform". 🌌 Day 10-13: The Ultimate Battle of the Lakes 📍 Lake Zabuye ✔ Wear fluorescent clothing! The salt lake reflects UV rays and will "wash out" colors. ⚠ Avoid midday! The salt crust melts and vehicles can get stuck. 📍 Lake Dangra ▪ Sacred site of Bon religion: Circle the lake counterclockwise, do not point at the sacred mountain. ▪ Wenbunan Village accommodation: Choose a lake-view room for stunning starry sky reflections. 🚨 Cautionary Tales 1⃣ Tour Traps ✘ Fake SUVs: Confirm the vehicle is a Land Cruiser/Tundra (don't believe in the so-called "upgraded Prado"). ✘ Fake border defense permits: Must be obtained in person with your ID card at your registered residence. 2⃣ Photography Taboos 🚫 No drones allowed at Mount Kailash (CNY 5,000 fine if caught). 🚫 Photography strictly prohibited at the sky burial site (equipment will be confiscated). 3⃣ Survival Guide ✔ Car-mounted oxygen concentrator > oxygen tanks (daily consumption of 6 tanks is not enough). ✔ Sun protection essentials: Face mask + snow goggles + SPF50+ sunscreen (UV index routinely exceeds 10). 📸 Tips for Stunning Photos 🌟 Creative Photography ➊ Capture star trails at the Guge Kingdom using long exposure on your phone (enable RAW format). ➋ Dress in Hanfu and take epic photos at the Zanda Earth Forest (bring smoke cakes to create a misty atmosphere). 🌟 Equipment List ▪ Camera freeze protection: Attach hand warmers to spare batteries, wrap lenses in plastic wrap to prevent frost. ▪ Phone drop protection: Neck strap + protective case (screens are prone to cracking in low temperatures). 🛏 Accommodation Recommendations 🔥 Recommended ▪ Tashkorgan "Mount Kailash View Hotel": Start and end point of the pilgrimage, oxygen-enriched rooms available. ▪ Wenbunan Village "Xiangxiong Guesthouse": The owner can guide you to ancient Xiangxiong ruins. 💣 Avoid ▪ All accommodations in Rendo Town: Dry toilets + limited electricity, bring your own sleeping bag. 🍜 Culinary Survival Guide 🔥 Must-try: ▪ Shigatse "Wuerduo Kitchen" Yak Meat Pie (perfect with sweet tea). ▪ Shiquanhe "Xinjiang Kashgar Barbecue" Red Willow Skewers (CNY 12/skewer). 💣 Be cautious: ▪ So-called "Guge secret meals" are often pre-packaged. ▪ Avoid fish and shrimp dishes at roadside Sichuan restaurants (often frozen).