Sign in with Facebook- Join for free
- Sign In
Sign in with Facebook
Helpfulness
I have not seen these, but staff at the glacier managment park insists that there are Mongolian wild asses (Equus hemionus luteus) [or possibly the Gobi khulan - E.h. khulan?]in the southern part of the valley that runs due south from the management office (i.e. NOT the valley that leads up to the glacier).
Unfortunately, time did not allow me to explore further.
Now this would seem unlikely as the Mongolian wild ass and the kulan (both sub-species of the Asian wild ass) are not recorded as being in this area, but further north in Mongolia and possibly in northern Inner Mongolia. However, the staff are very insistent and the area is certainly within earlier broad ranges for these animals.
The confirmation of these Critically Endangered (khulan) and Vulnerable (luteus) animals in this area would be a major, major discovery for someone interested in making a name for themselves! I still remain sceptical, but local peopleoften are the last to be asked by scientists about the whereabouts of wild animals. It would not be particularly surprising that a herd or two had survived simply because these 'hidden valleys' between Gansu and Qinghai have never been inhabited and were only explored in the 1950s. Even the current sparse population of Tibetan and Yugur families have migrated to this area only in the last 35 years or so.
For more information about these rare and beautiful animals see the ARKive factsheet.
Updated Feb 17, 2006
Helpfulness
I have not seen these, but staff at the glacier managment park insists that there are Mongolian wild asses (Equus hemionus luteus) [or possibly the Gobi khulan - E.h. khulan?]in the southern part of the valley that runs due south from the management office (i.e. NOT the valley that leads up to the glacier).
Unfortunately, time did not allow me to explore further.
Now this would seem unlikely as the Mongolian wild ass and the kulan (both sub-species of the Asian wild ass) are not recorded as being in this area, but further north in Mongolia and possibly in northern Inner Mongolia. However, the staff are very insistent and the area is certainly within earlier broad ranges for these animals.
The confirmation of these Critically Endangered (khulan) and Vulnerable (luteus) animals in this area would be a major, major discovery for someone interested in making a name for themselves! I still remain sceptical, but local peopleoften are the last to be asked by scientists about the whereabouts of wild animals. It would not be particularly surprising that a herd or two had survived simply because these 'hidden valleys' between Gansu and Qinghai have never been inhabited and were only explored in the 1950s. Even the current sparse population of Tibetan and Yugur families have migrated to this area only in the last 35 years or so.
Written Feb 17, 2006
Helpfulness
The road from Jiayuguan and Jingtieshan join together about 3km south of the glacier park entrance, and follow a broad valley up to the side valey which provides access to the glacier itself. At the gate there is a small management office and a Mongolian-run restaurant in tents.
After payig a small fee, you drive a further 1km along a graded road to a car park.
The path up to the glacier starts up an immense flight of steps to a path, turning left and up the south side of the valley. The path is smooth and dry for the most part, but there are a few boggy stretches. The terminal moraine is about 3/4km wide and the snout of the glacier is hidden behind it. The last part is on steps constructed from the boulders and rock scree and is slow-going. Most visitors stop once they get level with the glacier although the path continues - less steeply - for more than a kilometre to where the glacier turns sharply.
It is advisable not to start the walk after about 3pm to allow time to get up and back again in daylight. Personally, I would want to get most of the way back to Jiayuguan in daylight as well as the direct road is in poor condition as it crosses two passes (although it is being renovated in 2005 and 2006).
There are two Portaloo toilets outside the management office, but if you get a sudden rush of "the cramps", speak to the warden or one of his staff. There are indoor toilets at the back of the management office; they are kind and friendly people here. Outside the May and October Golden Weeks, there are only a handful of visitors each day, so bringing that day's newspaper from Jiayuguan will go down very well with them!
If, when you arrive at the gateway and feel uncomfortable (shortness of breath), either ask to be accompanied by a ranger (for a small fee) with an oxygen bag or be happy with seeing the glacier from below at the car park 1km further on.
Written Feb 17, 2006
1 - 3 of 3
Reviews and photos of Jingtieshan attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Jingtieshan sightseeing.
The road from Jiayuguan and Jingtieshan join together about 3km south of the glacier park entrance, and follow a broad valley up to the side valey which...
Our members can help!
1
Jintieshan is best known for the discovery of huge reserves of iron ore in the late 1950s which gave rise to the construction of the Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company's factory at Jiayuguan. However,...
Build your own Jingtieshan page
