Nuoertu Lake
诺尔图
A saltwater desert lake at the foot of Bilutu Peak, with herder settlements. Seven lakes can be seen from the peak, and it is the core camp for off-road crossings of the Badain Jaran.
Nuoertu Lake is one of the larger saline lakes in the heart of the Badain Jaran Desert, covering about 1.7 square kilometers. It lies next to Bilutu Peak, the world's tallest fixed sand dune, and has herder settlements along its shore. It is a common lunch stop and overnight camp on off-road routes. From the summit of Bilutu Peak you can see Nuoertu and six other lakes in the surrounding area; the water turns blue-green depending on the season and light, and the dunes reflected at dawn and dusk make the most striking pictures. Private cars cannot enter. Visitors must buy tickets at the south gate of the Badain Jaran Desert tourist area and ride scenic-area off-road vehicles or join a licensed off-road tour. The drive from the scenic-area entrance takes about 2 to 3 hours, and trips usually last two days and one night. Much of the desert has no mobile signal, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Opening hours
Off-road routes follow scenic area hours (about April–November)
Nearby sights
- Bilutu Peak
- Yindeertu Spring
- Badain Jaran Temple & Miaohaizi Lake
- Badan Lake
- Eribugai Grand Canyon
- Mandela Mountain Petroglyphs
- Haisenchulu Rock Forest