The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World,” is not only a land of mystery and allure but also harbors deadly dangers. This region has become an attractive destination for many explorers, yet it conceals threats that few anticipate.
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Paradise and Nightmare
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, covering an enormous area of up to 4.5 million hectares, spans three provinces: Qinghai, Tibet, and Xinjiang in China. It boasts majestic natural landscapes with towering snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and magnificent glaciers, but it is also a perilous land. Here, extreme climatic conditions with temperature variations between day and night reaching up to 60-70 degrees Celsius, along with thin air, increase the risk of oxygen deprivation for humans.
Undrinkable saline lakes, marshy lands full of quicksand, and the threats posed by intense gravity and thick clouds mean that even advanced GPS devices can become useless. Once lost in this wilderness, the chance of survival diminishes, turning it into a “garden of demons” – beautiful yet full of danger.
The thin air here increases the risk of oxygen deprivation for humans.
Lighting Fires: A Dangerous Choice in the Freezing Night
As night falls over the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, lighting a fire seems like an obvious choice for warmth. However, this can turn into a deadly trap. With oxygen levels at only about 40% of normal, lighting a fire under these conditions not only reduces combustion efficiency but also consumes precious oxygen. Moreover, due to incomplete combustion in an oxygen-deprived environment, a significant amount of carbon monoxide is produced. This colorless, odorless gas easily binds with hemoglobin in the blood, leading to severe oxygen deprivation in the human body.
At high altitudes, the human body is already at risk of oxygen deficiency. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and even unconsciousness. In sub-zero temperatures, losing consciousness due to lack of oxygen can lead to death by freezing in a short time.
Not only is there a risk of oxygen deprivation, but the fire may also attract the attention of wild animals like plateau wolves, brown bears, or other predators. In the darkness of the wilderness, a bright fire can easily turn humans into prey.
Additionally, the fire accelerates the body’s dehydration and can cause altitude sickness. Smoke from the fire can irritate the respiratory tract and worsen symptoms of oxygen deficiency, making the situation even more dangerous.
Fire accelerates the body’s dehydration and can cause altitude sickness.
Survival in the Harsh Land
The uninhabited land of Qinghai-Tibet is not just a pristine wilderness but also a test of human limits. The significant temperature fluctuation from over 20 degrees Celsius during the day to minus 40 degrees Celsius at night poses a major challenge not only for the human body but also for equipment. Explorers must prepare meticulously, from choosing an all-terrain vehicle with good operational capacity to carrying enough fuel, repair tools, and other specialized equipment.
The weather on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is unpredictable. Hail and heavy rain can occur suddenly, altering the landscape and increasing the risk of getting lost or encountering natural disasters like flash floods. Strong ultraviolet radiation, due to the altitude and thin atmosphere, is also a serious hazard that can cause altitude sunburn and blizzards.
Altitude sickness is a common issue that anyone entering the Qinghai-Tibet region may encounter. Symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and fatigue can become life-threatening if not addressed promptly. To cope with these challenges, thorough preparation and a proper response strategy are essential.
The wilderness of Qinghai-Tibet features stunning landscapes but also challenges human will.
Lessons from Adventures
Veteran explorers have drawn many valuable lessons from their experiences. Choosing the right season, typically from May to October when the weather is more stable, is crucial. Selecting the appropriate all-terrain vehicle and adequately preparing fuel, repair tools, food, and high-calorie drinking water are key factors for survival.
Communication devices like satellite phones and GPS are also essential tools, but it is important to note that GPS can be disrupted in some areas. Additionally, medical supplies should be thoroughly prepared, including medication for altitude sickness.
Most importantly, never take the risk of going alone. Support from teammates in emergencies is vital. Caution and respect for nature are the best ways to protect oneself in this harsh environment.
The wilderness of Qinghai-Tibet, with its breathtaking yet challenging landscapes, tests not only physical strength but also the intellect and will of humans. Safe adventures are not about conquering nature but understanding it and living in harmony with it. Thorough preparation and respect for nature will allow us to fully experience the beauty of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau without sacrificing our lives.
