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Lop Nur, located in the southeastern part of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is a well-known lake that has earned various titles such as the “Ear of the Earth” due to its shape resembling a human ear. Often called the “Sea of Death” or “Lop Nor,” it is also referred to as Lop Nao (罗布淖) in Mongolian, meaning “lake where many waters converge.” Historically, it has been known by several names including “Youze (幼泽)” and “Puchang Hai (蒲昌海)” among others.

Lop Nur is situated in the lowest area of the Tarim Basin (塔里木盆地) in the easternmost part of the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠). Its geographical coordinates are approximately 40.5°N latitude and 90.3°E longitude, with an elevation of about 780 meters. Once a prominent saline lake, Lop Nur became China’s second-largest saltwater lake with an area ranging from 2,400 to 3,000 square kilometers.

Historically, Lop Nur’s waters were abundant, especially before 330 AD, when it played a crucial role in the Silk Road as the site of the Loulan Kingdom (楼兰). However, due to changes in climate and human impact on water resources, its water level gradually decreased, and it eventually dried up, leaving behind vast salt flats. The area now has a hyper-arid and hot climate, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in summer and dropping below -20°C in winter.

Location and Geographic Features

Lop Nur is positioned at the eastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert and lies within the Tarim Basin (塔里木盆地). It is part of Ruoqiang County (若羌县) in the Bayingol Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (巴音郭楞蒙古自治州), located in the southeastern part of Xinjiang. The lake is surrounded by major rivers, including the Tarim River (塔里木河), Peacock River (孔雀河), Cherchen River (车尔臣河), and Shule River (疏勒河), all contributing to its water supply before it began to shrink.

Lop Nur was historically a significant body of water with an area as large as 5,350 square kilometers. However, as the region’s water supply decreased over time, it became increasingly smaller until it completely dried up in the late 20th century.

Historical Significance

Lop Nur has a deep connection to the ancient Loulan Kingdom that once flourished along the southern branch of the Silk Road. Founded around 176 BC, Loulan was a bustling hub that controlled access to the Silk Road until it mysteriously disappeared by 630 AD. The ancient texts, including the Records of the Grand Historian (史记), mention Loulan’s strategic position near the salt lakes, and the area was critical for trade routes.

Over the centuries, travelers and explorers, including Zhang Qian (张骞) during the Han Dynasty, passed through the region, leaving their marks on its history. Despite efforts to maintain water through river diversions and human engineering, the Loulan Kingdom ultimately succumbed to water scarcity. By the 4th century, the once prosperous city of Loulan faced severe water shortages.

Decline and Drying

The climate change and overexploitation of water resources, particularly from the Tarim River, led to the gradual desiccation of the lake. By the 1960s, as the water from the Tarim River continued to shrink, the Lop Nur region dried up significantly, and by the 1970s, it was completely dried out, leaving behind salt pans and desertification. The lake’s last dry portion had reduced to 450 square kilometers by 1972.

Climatic Conditions

The Lop Nur region experiences extreme climatic conditions characterized by excessive heat and dryness. The annual average temperature is 11.6°C, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C, while winter temperatures drop below -20°C. The area receives very little precipitation, with an annual rainfall of only 20 mm and evaporation rates exceeding 3,000 mm. Additionally, sandstorms and strong winds are frequent, especially from March to May and June to August, during which winds can exceed level 8, contributing to the region’s arid conditions.

Geological Features and Mineral Resources

Lop Nur is renowned for its rich potash salt reserves. It holds the largest potash deposits in China, particularly in the northern part of the lake, with an estimated 2.5 billion tons of potassium salt. These resources are critical for the country’s potash fertilizer industry, and Lop Nur is considered a major potential site for the largest potassium salt production base in China.

The region’s geological makeup includes calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate salt layers. These mineral deposits have been formed over millions of years, with rich brine layers found in the lake’s subsurface, particularly in the potassium-rich brine that holds an average KCl content of 1.4%.

Notable Sites in Lop Nur

Xiaohe Cemetery (小河墓地)

One of the most famous historical sites within Lop Nur is the Xiaohe Cemetery, which contains ancient tombs dating back thousands of years. The tombs, along with their well-preserved artifacts, offer valuable insights into the ancient cultures that once inhabited the region.

Loulan Ancient City (楼兰古城)

The ruins of Loulan, once a flourishing civilization on the Silk Road, are located near the lake. The city mysteriously disappeared around the 4th century and was rediscovered in 1900 by Swedish explorer Sven Hedin and his guides.

“Death Sea” (死亡之海)

After the lake dried up, the surrounding desert grew to engulf the region, and Lop Nur became known as the “Death Sea” due to its barren, lifeless landscape. It is now a vast salt flat with no vegetation and only the occasional remains of trees like Populus euphratica (胡杨), once considered the “guardians of the desert.”

Modern Impact

Lop Nur’s historical and ecological significance continues to capture global attention. In 1964, China’s first atomic bomb was detonated in the area, followed by the successful detonation of China’s first hydrogen bomb in 1967. These tests were conducted as part of China’s nuclear weapons development program.

Today, Lop Nur remains a haunting reminder of environmental change and human intervention, serving as a major site of both archaeological interest and mineral exploitation. While it no longer serves as a water resource, it holds significant historical value and continues to be a topic of fascination for explorers and scientists alike.

Geomorphology and Landscape

Western Shore of Lop Nur (罗布泊西岸)

The western shore of Lop Nur rises in steps, with an elevation of approximately 780 meters at the lakebed. The surface is covered by a layer of salt crust about 20-30 cm thick, formed after the lake dried up in 1962. This new salt crust extends westward, reaching 782 meters, marking the first lake accumulation terrace. The width of this terrace varies from just 2 km to more than 10 km, with the ground covered by an older, harder salt crust 30-40 cm thick, often interspersed with sparse Red Willow. The formation of this terrace occurred during the period when the lake expanded in the 1930s. Beyond this, to the west, lies a lake accumulation plain with an elevation of 784-785 meters, composed of light gray lacustrine clay and silt layers. This terrain shows wind erosion with a formation of ridges extending in a N40°E direction and low Yadan (雅丹) landforms.

Loulan Ancient City Area (楼兰古城)

The Loulan Ancient City area lies between coordinates 40°30′N to 40°39′N and 89°54′E to 90°01′E, with an elevation of about 789 meters. This area is characterized by a lake accumulation terrace, which has been deeply eroded, resulting in a 6-meter deep cut. The surface consists of gray and grayish fine clay interspersed with thin layers of silt, with wind erosion forming Yadan landforms stretching along a N45°E direction.

Eastern Shore of Lop Nur (罗布泊东湖北部)

The northeastern shore of Lop Nur features a series of islands with varying sizes. These islands, with tops at elevations of 781-785 meters, consist of salt crust about 30 cm thick on the surface, with gypsum-containing lacustrine clay beneath. These islands were formed by early lake accumulation terraces that were later eroded. In addition to the islands, the shoreline also has two levels of eroded terraces with heights comparable to the islands, where the surface is covered with wind-blown sand and salt crusts.

Dragon City Yadan Landforms (龙城雅丹地貌)

Located on the northern shore of Lop Nur, the Dragon City Yadan Landforms cover an area of about 1,800 square kilometers, with the highest peak reaching 815-820 meters. These landforms feature wide ridges 20-25 meters in width and 30-50 meters in length, oriented in a N20°–30°E direction, characterized by steep slopes. The upper layers consist of grayish-yellow gypsum-containing clay, while the middle layers contain a mix of greenish-gray fine clay and gypsum crystals.

White Dragon Mound Yadan Landforms (白龙堆雅丹地貌)

The White Dragon Mound Yadan Landforms lie around the northern depression area, covering about 1,000 square kilometers, with an elevation of 800-810 meters at the peak. The surface is deeply cut, ranging from 10-220 meters deep, creating ridges or mound-like shapes that extend NNE. The area is composed of gray-white and gray-yellow fine clay, with layers of gypsum, hence the name White Dragon Mound.

Three Ridge Sand Yadan Landforms (三垄沙雅丹地貌)

The Three Ridge Sand Yadan Landforms extend between the northern mountains of the East Lake and Yumen Pass. This area covers over 600 square kilometers, with the highest point around 805 meters. The ridges are made of brown-yellow lacustrine fine clay, with a relatively low 15-20 meters elevation, consisting of a mix of clay, silt, and sand.

Hydrology

The basin is fed by several rivers, including the Tarim River (塔里木河), Peacock River (孔雀河), Cherchen River (车尔臣河), and Shule River (疏勒河), which once converged to form a large lake. However, after the diversion of the Tarim River in 1921, the water volume decreased significantly, leading to the destruction of Loulan City (楼兰). In 1931, scholars measured the Lop Nur Lake area at 2,375 square kilometers, with water sourced from the Peacock River, which flowed from the northern end into the lake.

After 1921, when the Tarim River dried up, the lake water increased, reaching up to 3,000 square kilometers by 1942. However, by 1962, the area shrank to 660 square kilometers, and by the 1970s, the lake had dried up completely. The shrinking of the river’s flow, particularly due to increasing human demand for water, contributed to the final desiccation of Lop Nur.

Human Activity

Microlithic Period

During the Microlithic period, the Tarim River converged with the Kashgar River (喀什噶尔河), Yarkand River (叶尔羌河), and Hotan River (和田河), eventually flowing into the vast Lop Nur Lake. Archaeological findings in this period reveal a flourishing culture, particularly in regions like Gumugou Tomb (古墓沟墓地) and Xiaohe Tomb (小河墓地). The rise of city civilizations such as Loulan provided fertile ground for the development of agriculture and urban life.

Qin-Han Period

Before 77 BC, the Tarim River flowed from the northern region of Lop Nur into the lake. However, by 77 BC, the river changed its course, bringing water from the southern region, which resulted in the creation of fertile deltas and the rise of Shanshan Kingdom (鄯善国), which flourished with agriculture in the region.

Tang Dynasty to Yuan Dynasty

In the period from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Tarim River region experienced a gradual shift from fertile agricultural lands to desertification. This was largely caused by changing climatic conditions and the diversion of water for human use.

Qing Dynasty

From the 1820s to the 1950s, the lower Tarim River extended southward, creating a green corridor from Korla to Ruoqiang, linking the northern and southern regions of Lop Nur. The Qing government’s agricultural policies led to the transformation of the region from hunting and fishing to agricultural development.

20th Century Nuclear Tests

In the 1960s, China conducted 45 nuclear tests in Lop Nur, including the successful detonation of its first atomic bomb in 1964 and hydrogen bomb in 1967. These tests played a significant role in establishing China’s nuclear capabilities.

Scientific Exploration

In 2006, the results from DGPS measurements of Lop Nur confirmed that the region’s terrain was mostly flat with a shallow depth of just 5.2 meters. The Lop Nur “Big Ear” formation has been a subject of scientific inquiry, with researchers proposing that the ear-shaped appearance of the lake basin was caused by the overlying western West Lake covering the eastern part of the lake.

Radar Imaging and Discoveries

Using radar imaging techniques, researchers led by Shaoyun (邵芸) discovered that the Lop Nur “Big Ear” formation was the result of ancient lake deposits from the East Lake and West Lake. The radar data revealed that the ancient lake once extended far beyond previously measured areas, potentially covering over 10,000 square kilometers. The study of the lake’s shrinking process provides valuable insights into the climate changes and ecological shifts in the arid region over several millennia.

Scenic Spots and Historical Sites

Han Dynasty Beacon Tower (汉代烽火台)

Located about 60 km from Korla (库尔勒), this ancient beacon tower is relatively well-preserved. Scholars believe that the Western end of the Great Wall might have included this beacon tower in Weili County (尉犁县), suggesting it could mark the starting point of the Western Great Wall.

Yingpan Han Dynasty Ruins (营盘汉代遗址)

This well-preserved ancient site in the Lop Nur (罗布泊) area features a 300-meter-diameter circular city wall, remnants of a Buddhist pagoda to the west, and the foundations of ancient tombs. Yingpan was a military station that protected the Silk Road, with the Peacock River (孔雀河) flowing nearby, offering fertile land for farming.

Dragon City Yadan (龙城雅丹)

One of the three major Yadan landform groups in the Lop Nur area, Dragon City Yadan lies along the northern shore of Lop Nur. The landforms are arranged in an east-west direction, resembling a dragon in appearance, which led to the name “Dragon City.” It is also known as White Dragon Mound Yadan (白龙堆雅丹) and was ranked second among China’s most beautiful Yadan landscapes by China National Geography. It is famous for being “the most mysterious Yadan” due to its rare visibility.

Tu Yin (土垠)

This site was discovered and named by Chinese archaeologists as a Han Dynasty military station. Although only a few remnants remain, it once played a crucial role in the Silk Road defense system.

Sun Tomb (太阳墓)

Located on the northern bank of the ancient Peacock River (孔雀河) channel, the Sun Tomb was discovered in 1979 by archaeologists Hou Can (侯灿) and Wang Binghua (王炳华). The tombs form a sunburst pattern, with circular wooden stakes surrounding each grave. Radiocarbon dating places the tombs at 3,800 years old.

Ancient Poplar Forest (古胡杨林)

To the west of the Sun Tomb, along the northern bank of the ancient riverbed, is a dead poplar forest. The trees are arranged in uniform rows, a clear indication of artificial planting, with trunks about a foot thick.

Yu Chunshun Tomb (余纯顺墓)

Located near the Tieban River (铁板河) outlet, the Yu Chunshun Tomb marks the site where Yu Chunshun tragically died in 1996 from dehydration after becoming lost. He perished just 2 km from the supplies he had buried himself. The tomb commemorates his passing.

Lop Nur Lake Center Marker (罗布泊湖心标志)

In 1997, an engineer placed a marker at the center of Lop Nur’s lake according to map coordinates. While initially marked with an empty gasoline drum, a women’s exploration team from Guangdong erected the first wooden plaque in 1998, and multiple stone and wood plaques have since been added as commemorations for explorers.

Kumuk Taga Desert (库木克塔格沙漠)

This high-altitude desert, located between the Altun Mountains (阿尔金山) and the basin, is China’s third-largest desert. It is noted for its unique feather-shaped sand dunes.

Peacock River (孔雀河)

Originating from Bosten Lake (博斯腾湖), the Peacock River flows through Korla and Weili County, entering the Lop Nur desert. The middle part of the river has been filled with sand, with sparse poplar trees (胡杨树), reed beds, and red willows (红柳). The lower reaches are completely barren.

Loulan Ancient City (楼兰古城)

The ancient Loulan Kingdom flourished for over 800 years before mysteriously disappearing in the 4th century. After more than 1,500 years, it was rediscovered in 1900 by Swedish explorer Sven Hedin and local Lop Nur guides, gaining worldwide attention. The city is often called the “Eastern Pompeii” due to its historical significance.

Loulan Farm (楼兰农场)

Located near Milan Ancient City (米兰古城), Loulan Farm has been home to agriculture since ancient times, thanks to water from the Altun Mountains (阿尔金山). Modern irrigation systems have enabled agriculture, with descendants of the Lop people (罗布人) still living in this region.

Red Willow Gully (红柳沟)

Located on the southern shore of Lop Nur, Red Willow Gully is a unique desert landscape characterized by mounds of red willow trees, forming a striking Gobi Desert view.

Dunhuang Yadan (敦煌雅丹)

Part of the ancient Lop Nur, the Dunhuang Yadan landscape is located in the Dunhuang-Sulehe River Basin. This desert area experiences strong winds, extreme sunlight, and minimal rainfall, leading to the development of wind-eroded landforms. The Dunhuang Yadan is approximately 180 km northwest of Dunhuang and 100 km northwest of Yumen Pass (玉门关).

Cultural Significance

Local Customs and Ethnicity

The Lop people (罗布人) are considered one of the oldest ethnic groups in Xinjiang and belong to the Uyghur ethnic group. They lived along the Tarim River (塔里木河) and are known for their unique lifestyle, where they do not farm or raise livestock but rely solely on fishing. Their diet includes Lopma tea (罗布麻茶), and their clothing is made from Lopma fabric (罗布麻衣). The Lop people have a reputation for longevity, with many living to be 80-100 years old. Marriages in this community sometimes include a small lake (小海子) as part of the dowry.

Literary and Exploration Legacy

Lop Nur and the ancient Loulan Kingdom attracted numerous explorers and scholars throughout history. Marco Polo, Nikolai Przhevalsky, Sven Hedin, Godington, Stein, Jules Brunet, and many others conducted research and left vivid descriptions of Lop Nur. In the Qing Dynasty, Xu Song (徐松), a geographer, documented the Tarim River flowing into the Peacock River and eventually reaching Lop Nur.

Exploration and Controversy

In 1876, Russian officer Przhevalsky mistakenly identified Kara River and Kashun Lake as the ancient Lop Nur. His theories were supported by his students Kozlov and Stein but disputed by Friedrich von Richthofen. Sven Hedin later proposed the theory that Lop Nur migrated every 1,500 years due to periodic sedimentation and uplift, which remained a widely accepted idea until Chinese scientists proved it to be inaccurate. Recent studies show that Lop Nur is the lowest point of the Tarim Basin, and its water flow remains consistent, confirming that the migratory theory was an inaccurate assumption.

This fascinating history and the complex legacy of Lop Nur continue to intrigue scholars, explorers, and travelers today.

Lop Nur Travel Guide and Route Suggestions

Lop Nur (罗布泊) is an open area and does not require an entrance ticket, but it offers a vast and unique landscape for exploration, photography, and adventure. This desert is known for its historical ties to the Silk Road (丝绸之路) and ancient civilizations, particularly the Loulan Kingdom (楼兰王国).

Key Scenic Spots in Lop Nur (罗布泊景点)

The Lop Nur region is home to numerous scenic locations, each with its own unique features. The most photogenic areas are located closer to the Hami (哈密) end, while those seeking a more adventurous route can access the desert from Korla (库尔勒). Some of the most remarkable spots include:

Dahai Dao (大海道)

Sandao Ridge (三道岭) Uninhabited Area

Sandao Ridge Mining Area (三道岭矿区)

Xiao Nan Lake (小南湖)

South Lake Grand Canyon (南湖大峡谷)

Wild Man Valley (野人谷)

Aiskashar Ruins (艾斯克霞尔遗址)

White Dragon Mound (白龙堆)

Lop Nur Salt Lake (罗布泊盐湖)

Lop Nur Grand Canyon (罗布泊大峡谷)

Loulan Ancient City Ruins (楼兰古城遗址)

Xiaohe Cemetery (小河墓地)

Lop Nur Great Rift Valley (罗布泊大裂谷)

Best Routes for Exploration

For Scenic Photography: If you prefer breathtaking landscapes, it is recommended to enter from Hami (哈密), where most of the iconic photogenic spots are located.

For Adventure Seekers: If you enjoy adventure, entering from Korla (库尔勒) is the best option. The journey through this route is more remote and challenging, making it suitable for explorers.

Important Travel Note:

Exploring Lop Nur is not for the faint-hearted. The desert is vast, and there have been reports of people going missing in the area. Therefore, thorough preparation is essential before entering the desert. Solo travel is highly discouraged. Always travel with others or as part of a group.

Recommended Adventure Route

Korla to Lop Nur Lake Center (库尔勒—罗布泊湖心—库尔勒)
This route is often regarded as the quickest and most economical way to explore Lop Nur, and it’s convenient for visiting Loulan Ancient City Ruins (楼兰古城遗址).

Before heading into Lop Nur, it’s advisable to stay overnight in Korla to rest and prepare for the desert trek. Inside Lop Nur, camping is the only accommodation option, so be sure to bring tents, water, food, and other necessary supplies.

Detailed Scenic Spot Guide 

1. Dahai Dao (大海道) – The Great Desert

Location: To reach Dahai Dao, take the Lianhuo Expressway (连霍高速) from Hami (哈密) toward Turpan (吐鲁番) for 130 km. Exit the highway and drive 40 km into the desert to find the Dahai Dao Yadan Group (大海道雅丹群).

Historical Significance: This area once formed part of the Silk Road (丝绸之路) and used to be an ancient sea. Over hundreds of years, the sea turned into a desert due to natural erosion, leaving behind Yadan landforms (雅丹地貌) — a rare and striking geological feature.

Photography Tips:

• Sunrise and Sunset: The flat terrain and wide views make Dahai Dao a perfect location for shooting the sunrise and sunset.

• Star Photography: Due to the clear air and high altitude, the night sky here is spectacular. It’s ideal for capturing the Milky Way and star trails.

Attractions: The area features several ancient ruins such as fortresses, watchtowers, prehistoric human dwellings, fossil hills, mirages, and wild camels. The natural scenery is both surreal and awe-inspiring, offering unique photographic opportunities.

2. South Lake Grand Canyon (南湖大峡谷)

Location: To reach Xiao Nan Lake (小南湖), head 71 km and then 82 km along Halao Highway (哈罗公路), before turning right and driving 20 km into the desert.
The South Lake Grand Canyon (南湖大峡谷), also called Big South Lake (大南湖), can be accessed from Xiao Nan Lake.

Geographical Features: The South Lake Grand Canyon is a 5-8 km wide desert canyon, stretching for several kilometers. The unique and rare geological formations make the area look as though you’ve stepped onto an alien planet.

Photography Tips:

• Perfect for landscape photographers, the canyon provides dramatic views and geological features that will capture the essence of the desert.

3. White Dragon Mound (白龙堆)

Location: From Halao Highway (哈罗公路), continue towards Lop Nur and travel for 380 km to reach White Dragon Mound Yadan Group.

Description: Located to the north of Lop Nur Lake (罗布湖), the White Dragon Mound (白龙堆) is renowned for its serpentine hills that resemble dragons stretching across the desert. The dunes are curvaceous, some extending for several kilometers.

Photography Tips:

• This mysterious landscape, marked by winding hills and unique formations, offers stunning photos of natural beauty and sand dunes.

4. Loulan Ancient City Ruins (楼兰古城遗址)

Location: The Loulan Ancient City Ruins (楼兰古城遗址) are situated in Ruoqiang County (若羌县), in the northwest corner of Lop Nur (罗布泊), near the Tarim Basin (塔里木盆地).

Historical Background: The ancient Loulan Kingdom thrived over 100 million years ago, but it was submerged beneath a lake that eventually dried up. The ruins now stand as a silent witness to an ancient civilization, and the remnants of the city offer a glimpse into the past.

Important Tips:

• To visit the Loulan Ruins, you must apply for tickets in advance. The ticket price is 3000 RMB per person, with an additional 500 RMB preservation fee. Travelers of other nationalities must pay 300,000 RMB to access the ruins.

5. Lop Nur Salt Lake (罗布泊盐湖)

Location: Continue along Halao Highway to reach Lop Nur Town (罗布泊镇), home to the Lop Nur Potash Salt Mine (罗钾盐矿).

Description: The salt lake covers an expansive area of several square kilometers, with salt mounds resembling pearls scattered across the water’s surface. The tranquil environment and reflective surface make it an ideal spot for sky and landscape photography.

Photography Tips:

• The calm water acts as a mirror, creating a stunning reflection of the sky, which provides endless opportunities for scenic shots.

6. Xiaohe Cemetery (小河墓地)

Location: Situated about 175 km east of the Loulan Ancient City Ruins (楼兰古城遗址), Xiaohe Cemetery is a historical burial site.

Significance: This archaeological site has been recognized as one of the top archaeological discoveries in China. The cemetery consists of multiple layers of burials, with an oval sand mound standing out in the desert landscape.

Recommended Itinerary (推荐行程)

Day 1: Urumqi to Lop Nur

Route: Start from Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), stop in Shanshan (鄯善) for lunch, and head towards Lop Nur.
Set up camp by 19:00 at the Dahai Dao Yadan Group (大海道雅丹群) for a stunning desert sunset and search for gems.

Day 2: Lop Nur – Dahai Dao

Morning: For sunrise enthusiasts, wake up early to photograph the desert sunrise. Continue exploring Dahai Dao, have lunch at Suspended Stone by noon, and set up camp at 18:30.

Day 3: Dahai Dao – Devil’s Town – Urumqi

Route: Travel along the ancient Silk Road, visit ancient ruins, mirages, and wild camels. Leave Devil’s Town (魔鬼城) by 13:00 and return to Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) after lunch.

Important Notes (注意事项)

Travel with a Group: Lop Nur is a vast desert. Traveling in groups is essential as resources like water and food are scarce.

Vehicle and Equipment: Always ensure that you have enough fuel, water, and a well-equipped vehicle.

Extreme Temperatures: The desert can reach 50°C from April to August. Autumn and Winter temperatures can drop significantly, so pack suitable clothing.

Respect the Environment: Carry out all your trash, and avoid damaging ancient sites. Environmental protection is key in maintaining the desert’s natural beauty.