Ali: Tibet within Tibet, civilization and sacred mountains on the wasteland

Ali is known as the "Tibet of Tibet," with an average altitude of over 4,500 meters. Eight days and seven nights, traveling between the sacred mountain, sacred lake, and the ruins of Guge, heading toward the end of the wasteland.

Rinpoche Kailash, a sacred mountain shaped like a pyramid, is revered as the center of the universe by Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Bon Buddhism. A 56-kilometer loop around the mountain is a lifelong wish for countless people.

At the foot of the mountain, Manasarovar and Laang Cuo are separated by only one road between a saint and one ghost. The former is azure and sacred, the latter is crimson deathly silent, and the dualism of nature is embodied here.

The ruins of the Guge Dynasty hang above the earthen forest, once at its peak, but suddenly vanished. Ruined murals and caves nail a lost chapter of history to the weathered cliff.

The Zada Earthen Forest resembles a giant natural sculpture park, with millions of years of wind carving out thousands of ravines. At dusk, the entire earthen forest burns into a golden-red hue, desolate and breathtaking.

Ali's emptiness pushes civilization to its limits. When you look up at the foot of the sacred mountain and suddenly feel as small as dust, you will understand: some landscapes are meant for the soul to see.