Qinghai, People's Republic of China
Mangya et Qaidam occidental
The notebook of Mangya et Qaidam occidental
Breathe higher, look further.
Mineral sources, salt lakes and bare mountains make up the most isolated end of the Qaedam basin.
At your own pace
Identity summary
2 to 4 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn
Recommended car
Desert · Lake · Mountain · Nature
Limited accessibility
Modular rhythm
General presentation
Mangya et Qaidam occidental
Mineral sources, salt lakes and bare mountains make up the most isolated end of the Qaedam basin.
Source Aiken, Altun Shan and Mangya Salt Lakes give the most telling landmarks of Mangya and Western Qaeda. Together, they make up a destination where desert areas, shores and lakes, mountain reliefs and natural spaces meet, with atmospheres that change over the stages rather than just one uniform decor.
See all
For a stay of 2 to 4 days, it is better to balance visits and travel times. Also to be anticipated: very remote sites and rare services and altitude, wind and sometimes closed roads. A car is usually the easiest way to connect the different sectors. However, some sites require more walking, elevation or preparation.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Source Aiken
- Altun Shan
- Mangya Salt Lakes
Before you choose
- Very remote sites and rare services
- Altitude, wind and roads sometimes closed
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Mineral source
Source Aiken
The Aiken spring lifts up a water loaded with sulphur and minerals that draws orange, green and ochre rings in the grey soil. The eye effect is especially noticeable from the permitted points of view; you must stay on the arranged paths, because the wet crusts are fragile and unstable.
Salty lake
Lacs salés de Mangya
Around Mangya Several hypersalin tablecloths take turquoise shades when the light passes through mineral deposits. Marketed access under the name of Lake Emeraude can evolve with exploitation and development; it is better to confirm the open road rather than following an unauthorized trace.
Mountain and desert
Altun Shan occidental
The reliefs of the Altun Shan close the horizon to the northwest of the Qaedam by a succession of bare folds, cones of scrambles and dry valleys. Their beauty is read from the authorized axes: the Altun Shan reserve and several border or mining tracks are not free hiking spaces.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
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