Alar Grassland
阿拉尔草原
A high-altitude wetland grassland beside Gas Hure Lake, criss-crossed by streams and contrasting with the surrounding gobi and snowy peaks; a rare patch of green in Mangya.
Alar Grassland lies west of Huatugou town, beside Gas Hure Lake. It is one of the few wetland pastures on the western edge of the Qaidam Basin. The land is flat, and the Alar River and several streams wind across the grass. In summer there are cattle, sheep and waterbirds, and the backdrop is the snowy peaks of the Altun and Kunlun Mountains. There are no established visitor facilities, so it suits stopping by the road to take photos, strolling and birdwatching. It can form a half-day trip with Aikenquan Spring and Gas Hure Lake. At this altitude the UV is strong and mosquitoes are plentiful. Do not drive onto soft wetland, and respect herders' pastures.
Opening hours
All day