Why such a weird name for a topic? Well, because it is - in a way - an unlimited exploration: Due to the vast expanse that is the PR China I had to think about how I am going to do a low-and-slow exploration without crashing into the ground due to the fuel running out. So I decided to cut out the fuel problem and set it to “unlimited” for a greater exploration range in my small Pilatus PC-6 Porter.
Why PR China? I spun the globe with closed eyes, zoomed in and out a few times and landed near Golmud. So this will be our starting point.
I hope you enjoy this project. I don’t know how long it will take or how many parts there will be, but I think it’ll be interesting!
Exploration Flight 001: Golmud / ZLGM → Campsite CS-1 / Jinshuikou
Golmud sits in Qaidam Basin, a desert area in Qinghai Province. Flying east we saw its dunes stretch out before and around us. Only the distant mountain ranges reminded us of its borders.
Entering a narrow river valley we left Qaidam for the Kunlun Shan Mountains.
Following the valley into the mountains we came across a large plateau at about 13,000 ft. The western part consisted of mostly flat areas and dried out (probably seasonal) rivers.
Contrasting the previous impressions, the eastern part of the plateau was way more rugged with large valleys and multiple hill ranges.
Leaving the plateau at its easternmost point we passed over a mountain at about 16,000 ft and dropped into the valley beyond, which led us to the village of Jinshuikou, where we will end today’s flight and rest until tomorrow. Quite the scenic campsite, right?
