Itinerary design, registration, and guide for Xinjiang Dahaidao Expedition, add for consultation
Phone (same as the phone number), 09918585456
Introduction to Dahaidao
This crossing is a fully equipped and unguided trek. The leader, deputy leader, rear guard, and pathfinder are all experienced team members. Team members form teams voluntarily, with a minimum of 6 people. This crossing route is classified as a Level 5 route. All participants should do what they can and not push themselves too hard. Remember this!
Arrangement of the crossing route:
Depart from Urumqi (G7 Beijing-Urumqi Expressway) – in the direction of Hami – exit the expressway at Liaodun Parking Area – drive towards Liaodun Railway Station along the paved road (height limit of 2.2 meters along the way) – enter the unpaved road to the south – Core Area of Dahaidao – Mars One – Water Source – Mars Base – Dahaidao Canyon – Red Willow Beach – Dead Populus euphratica Beach (prone to getting stuck) – Wanfo Yadan Group – South Lake Populus euphratica Forest – Mudstone Beach – Kumtag Desert – Shanshan – (G7 Beijing-Urumqi Expressway) Urumqi
The entire off-road vehicle crossing takes 6 days.
Itinerary arrangement for crossing the uninhabited area of Dahaidao
Dinner at a Xinjiang-style restaurant the night before departure, and hold a pre-departure meeting
DAY1, Urumqi – Turpan – Shanshan – Core Area of Dahaidao [Camping]
DAY2, Core Area of Dahaidao – Mars One – Mars Base – Dahaidao Canyon – Red Willow Beach [Camping]
DAY3, Red Willow Beach – Dead Populus euphratica Beach – Wanfo Yadan Group [Camping]
DAY4, Wanfo Yadan Group – Sand Mountain – South Lake Populus euphratica Forest – Mudstone Beach [Camping]
DAY5, Mudstone Beach – Shanshan Gobi
DAY6, Shanshan Gobi – Kumtag Desert (Mirage) – Shanshan – Urumqi [Hotel]
This arrangement is based on normal conditions. It may be canceled or postponed in case of emergencies. Everything is subject to the actual itinerary.
You need to prepare your own tent and sleeping bag for this itinerary. If you can’t bring your own, please contact the leader in advance to rent locally. Detailed itinerary guide
Itinerary for Day 1
Depart at 08:00 AM Beijing time, drive south along the Hetan Expressway, enter the G7 Beijing-Urumqi Expressway, pass by Dabancheng Wind Farm, Salt Lake, Dry Gulch, Xiaocaohu, Turpan, Shanshan, exit the expressway at Liaodun Parking Area about 546 kilometers away from Urumqi (it takes about 6 hours to arrive at Liaodun Parking Area), then drive south towards Liaodun Railway Station along the paved road (the height limit is 2.2 meters throughout the journey) (about 30 minutes), after passing Liaodun or the station, continue driving south on the unpaved road (about 1 hour). Arrive at the core area of Dahaidao around 3:00 PM. After arriving, start lunch, and spend the afternoon freely exploring the core area of Dahaidao, you can climb up the mountain to capture the sunset of Dahaidao, and be sure to return to the camp before it gets dark. Each person going out must carry a walkie-talkie.
3.1.2 Meal Arrangements
Breakfast: On your own. Lunch: Roast meat, hand-grabbed meat, side dishes, self-heating rice, naan bread. Dinner: Special grab rice, special barbecue, side dishes, bonfire.
3.1.3 Itinerary Map
3.1.4 Scenery of the Dahaitiao Core Area
3.2 Itinerary for the Second Day
3.2.1 (The second day’s itinerary is relatively simple with a driving distance of no more than 50 kilometers and a duration of no more than 4 hours, allowing for play along the way.) Early morning, climb to the top of the mountain to shoot the sunrise at the Dahaitiao, then return to the camp for breakfast. Pack up the tents and luggage, load them onto the vehicle, check for any left-behind items, and depart for the first destination, Mars One. Then proceed to the water source. Remember, the water at the water source cannot be drunk, only used for washing. This is the only place where water can be used freely during the 6-day crossing of the uninhabited area. Due to the dry climate and lack of water, everyone can wash to their heart’s content here. Afterwards, water conservation will be necessary. After appropriate washing at the water source, proceed to the Mars Base. The Mars Base is a natural plain paved with black stones. From above, it looks like a Mars spacecraft has landed. Then enter the Dahaitiao Canyon, which takes about 30 minutes to cross. There is green vegetation and underground water in the canyon. After exiting the canyon, the next stop is Tamarix Beach, where we will camp for the second day. After lunch, freely explore Tamarix Beach and shoot the sunset. Be sure to return to the camp before it gets dark. Each person going out must carry a walkie-talkie.
3.2.2 Meal Arrangements
Breakfast: Milk tea, side dishes, naan bread, steamed buns. Lunch: Self-heating rice, instant noodles. Dinner: Big plate chicken, stir-fried vegetables.
3.2.3 Itinerary Map
3.2.4 Scenery of the Dahaitiao Crossing
3.3 Itinerary for the Third Day
3.3.1 Early morning shoot of the sunrise at the Tamarix Beach, then return to the camp for breakfast. Pack up the tents and luggage, load them onto the vehicle, check for any left-behind items, and take away the trash. On the day of departure from Tamarix Beach, we will face a severe challenge. There are no car tracks or roads, and we must rely solely on the leader’s experience to move forward. In the uninhabited area, everyone must unite. The vehicle may get stuck anytime during the day, so everyone must follow the leader’s instructions and try to get out of trouble as soon as possible. After passing through the stuck vehicle area, we will enter the dead Populus euphratica beach. Don’t think it’s over yet. The surface, which looks like it’s full of Populus euphratica wood, is actually sand. Self-driving vehicles must carefully follow the leader’s tracks. Once stuck, do not accelerate. Follow the leader’s instructions. Along the way, it will be difficult, but we will see the expected Wanfo Yadan Group. It is magnificent rather than individualistic. Each rock looks like a seated Buddha welcoming us. After arriving, set up camp. In the afternoon, freely search for shooting spots and wait for the sunset to illuminate each Buddha statue. At night, shoot star trails.
3.3.2 Dining Arrangements
Breakfast: Broth, Side Dishes, Steamed Mantou (bun); Lunch: Roast Meat, Pilaf, Milk Tea; Dinner: Roast Leg of Lamb, Barbecue, Vegetables, Beer, Bonfire
3.3.3 Third Day Itinerary Map
3.3.4 Scenery of Wanfo Xiaoyadan
3.4 Fourth Day Itinerary
3.4.1 Wake up late and pack equipment, depart for the Populus euphratica forest in South Lake, the only place with green vitality in the Gobi desert. Drive for about 1 hour, cross the Gobi, arrive at the Populus euphratica forest for free photos. There are many mosquitoes in the Populus euphratica forest, so be sure to be prepared for protection. The next destination is the Sand Mountain, about 1 hour’s drive away. Climb to the top of the mountain to enjoy the panoramic view of the entire Da Haidao. The shocking beauty is rare in one’s lifetime. After a simple lunch, proceed to the Mudstone Beach for about 1.5 hours. Along the way, you can see large and small Yadan groups everywhere, and you can stop and take photos at any time. Each place is different. We arrive at the Mudstone Beach campsite and are free to move around.
3.4.2 Dining Arrangements
Breakfast: Milk Tea, Steamed Mantou (bun), Nang (a type of bread), Side Dishes; Lunch: Simple Meal on the Way; Dinner: Fried Dishes, Large Tray of Chicken, Beer
3.4.3 Itinerary Map
3.4.4 Scenery on the Way on the Fourth Day
3.5 Fifth Day Itinerary
3.5.1 (Approximate driving distance of 100km, about 4 hours) At this point, the core and surrounding areas of the Da Haidao have been crossed. Driving west, we will head towards the direction of Shanshan Kumtag to cross. There will be more and more deserts, and the road conditions are also extremely difficult. The Yadan landform will become less and less, and vast Gobi deserts will come into view, constantly obstructing our convoy. This section doesn’t have too many surprises for everyone, only vast Gobi deserts.
3.5.2 Dining Arrangements
Breakfast: Milk, Nang (a type of bread), Steamed Mantou (bun), Side Dishes; Lunch: Self-heating Rice, Instant Noodles; Dinner: Large Tray of Chicken, Roast Meat, Beer
3.5.3 Itinerary Map
3.5.4 Scenery on the Way on the Fifth Day
3.6 Sixth Day Itinerary
3.6.1 (Approximate 60km desert journey, 3 hours of driving, and about 3.5 hours of high-speed driving over 300km) Crossing the Da Haidao uninhabited area, continue driving southwest through the Kumtag Desert, arrive at the mirage for photos. It’s completely desert terrain. Leave the Gobi desert and enter the sand dunes. Everyone can walk freely on the sand, take a dune buggy ride, and arrive at Shanshan County around noon. Leaving the uninhabited area and entering the city, congratulations on safely returning to the city. You can enjoy a delicious meal of your choice. After six days of crossing the Da Haidao uninhabited area, I believe everyone has a lot of feelings and is exhausted. After lunch, return to Urumqi along the Jing-Xin Expressway. You can rest well in the car. After arriving at the hotel in Urumqi in the afternoon, take a nice bath to wash away the dust and fatigue of the journey, and then lie down on the soft bed for a good sleep. At this point, the crossing of the Da Haidao uninhabited area has ended perfectly.
3.6.2 Meal Arrangements
Breakfast: Milk tea, milk, side dishes, naan; Lunch: Shanshan farmhouse cuisine, special meal; Dinner: Urumqi internet-famous specialty restaurant
3.6.3 Itinerary Map
3.6.4 Scenery of Kumtag Desert
IV. Itinerary Precautions:
4.1. Before each day’s itinerary, hold a meeting to discuss the route and ensure everyone knows the day’s itinerary and precautions.
4.2. Team members take turns being the rear guard and scout each day.
4.3. During the march, contact each other every half an hour to report the situation.
4.4. In case of special circumstances during the trip, such as the need to arrange withdrawal, stay, or take a detour, team members should contact each other immediately or gather at a relatively safe location.
4.5. For activities that require prior assembly, such as wading (with multiple people协作), passage is only allowed after assembly at the designated location.
4.6. In case of major issues such as route changes, adjustments can only be made after consultation among all team members.
4.7. During the trip, team members should assist fellow team members within their capabilities.
V. Equipment List
5.1 Necessary equipment: Note: If the quantity is not specified, it is considered as one piece (the number of sets depends on personal circumstances)
5.1.1 Clothing, shoes, and socks
Waterproof jacket and pants, fleece jacket and pants, quick-dry clothes, underwear and socks (6 sets), moisture-wicking underwear, high-cut hiking shoes, military boots, moisture-wicking socks (6 pairs), sun hat, thin gloves, sun-protective clothes, sun-protective sleeves,
5.1.2 Equipment
Backpack over 60L (put your things in), 4-season tent, moisture-proof mat, -10°C sleeping bag (all four must be present), headlamp, high-beam flashlight, 2 lighters (flint lighter or gas lighter), 1 gas canister, stove, compass (if you don’t know how to use it, skip it), walkie-talkie (digital FM with dual frequencies), mobile phone, cooking pot set (1 large one), 2 bowls, chopsticks, spoon, batteries (prepare as needed), rescue whistle, small mirror, pocket knife, thermal flask over 500mL,
5.2 Optional equipment (decided by individuals based on the situation)
Camera, handheld GPS, helmet camera, satellite phone, tent light, flint (magnesium rod), entrenching tool,
The above equipment (excluding personal items) can be brought by oneself or provided free of charge by the organizer.
VI. Food and Medications
6.1 Necessary food and medications:
4 packs of compressed biscuits, high-energy food, instant food, tea; Safflower oil, bandages, cotton swabs, alcohol or iodophor, Yunnan Baiyao, Huoxiang Zhengqi Capsules or Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, green ointment, water purification tablets, needles, cotton thread, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, personal specific medications (The above medications depend on personal conditions. If unable to prepare, please inform the team leader in advance)
VII. Safety Precautions
7.1 Camping:
7.1.1 Try to set up camp at traditional campsites. If it’s truly impossible to reach, choose another location.
Choice of Campsite:
7.1.1.1 Choose a sheltered location away from mountains with falling rocks.
7.1.1.2 Avoid valley areas and do not camp in riverbeds.
7.1.1.3 Avoid the foot of the mountain due to the risk of landslides and avalanches.
7.1.1.4 Avoid areas near animal water sources, especially water sources.
7.1.1.5 Do not camp at the pass between two mountains, as the winds in Xinjiang are very strong.
7.1.2 Precautions at the Campsite:
7.1.2.1 After using a campfire, clear the area to avoid igniting grasslands and forests. After use, bury the ashes.
7.1.2.2 Clear debris around the tent.
7.1.2.3 Make sure the tent pegs are securely driven in to stabilize the tent, or else you’ll be dancing with the wind!
7.1.2.4 Men’s tents should be set up on the outer circle, and women’s tents on the inner circle.
7.1.2.5 Be cautious with open flames inside the tent, and do not smoke.
7.1.2.6 Try to avoid mixed-gender tenting.
7.2 Wading:
There is little need to wade through water during this trip, but bring a pair of dry shoes just in case.
7.3 Crossing Process:
7.3.1 Help your teammates within your capabilities, but only after ensuring your own absolute safety.
7.3.2 At forks in the road, try to keep the car in front within your line of sight. If you lose sight of them, use the vehicle radio to call ahead.
7.3.3 Ensure you are with someone who has a tent.
7.3.4 Ensure you have a fire source and a pot (or a tea cup will do).
7.3.5 Bring enough dry food for an extra day.
7.4 Protection Against Animal Injuries
7.7.1 When passing through areas with dense vegetation, make some noise deliberately.
7.7.2 Stay close to the main group and do not wander off alone.
7.5 Environmental Protection and Fire Prevention:
7.5.1 Be careful with ashes after using open flames.
7.5.2 Do not litter, especially with used batteries.
7.5.3 Be cautious with cigarette butts after smoking.
7.5.4 Try to minimize food packaging.
7.6 Precautions Before Departure:
7.6.1 Physical Condition: Avoid physical strain that could cause injury, especially pay attention to protecting your knees, waist, and ankles.
7.6.2 Ensure sufficient sleep a week before departure, avoid getting a cold (or you’ll have to withdraw), and reduce physical activity to allow your body to recover.
7.7 Insurance Purchase:
7.7.1 Purchase specialized insurance that covers outdoor high-risk claims. General accidental injury insurance does not cover high-risk activities such as outdoor hiking. Please read the insurance contract carefully.
Compiled by: Pangdun
This guide is for reference only, and everything should be based on the actual itinerary.