Tibet, People's Republic of China
Shuanghu et Changtang central
The notebook of Shuanghu et Changtang central
Follow the light on the ridges.
High-altitude lakes and steppic immensity surround an extreme settlement of the Tibetan north, without guaranteed tourist access.
At your own pace
Identity summary
3 to 6 days
Summer
Recommended car
Lake · Mountain · Marshes and wetlands · Nature
Limited accessibility
Rhythm supported
General presentation
Shuanghu et Changtang central
High-altitude lakes and steppic immensity surround an extreme settlement of the Tibetan north, without guaranteed tourist access.
Shuanghu Lakes, Changtang Lakes and Purog Kangri Lakes give the most telling landmarks of Shuanghu and Central Changtang Lakes. Together, they form a destination where the shores and lakes, mountain reliefs, wetlands and natural spaces meet, with atmospheres that change over the course of the stages rather than just one uniform decor.
See all
For a stay of 3 to 6 days, you must plan a fairly long day. To anticipate also: Tibetan permits and local permits indispensable and Kangri purog is not accessible to tourists. 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
- Shuanghu Lakes
- Changtang
- Purog Kangri
Before you choose
- Tibetan permits and local permits required
- Purog Kangri is not accessible to tourists
- Extreme Altitude and no improvised autonomy
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Altitude lakes
Lacs de Shuanghu
The territory Shuanghu is punctuated by large salty or brackish lakes, laid in the middle of a steppe well above 4,500 meters. Their observation depends entirely on the roads, permits and instructions of the moment; the banks serve first as habitat for wildlife and must not become improvised tracks.
Nature reserve
Plateau du Changtang central
The central Changtang combines cold steppes, marshes, lakes and low chains, including kiangs, gazelles and Tibetan antelope. Much of the area is protected: the interest lies in the scale of the landscape observed from the permitted routes, never in the pursuit of off-road wildlife.
Non-visitable ice cream
Glacier de Purog Kangri
Purog Kangri forms an immense radial ice field north of the Tibetan plateau, studied for its recent climate archives and retreat. It is listed here as a major geographical landmark, not as an excursion: the environment is extremely hostile and available sources indicate that it is not accessible to tourists.
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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