“May 1, 2012, setting off to cross the Altun Mountain Nature Reserve in Xinjiang. I’ll keep detailed records during the 10-day journey.” Lei Diansheng wrote this on the first page of his diary, and then began his journey into the Altun Mountains.
Lei Diansheng, known as China’s foremost long-distance hiker, rose to fame after spending a decade trekking across the country. Years ago, when he first faced the Altun Mountain Range, he had to turn back due to the harsh natural and geographical conditions as well as insufficient backup equipment. This time, teaming up with Gore, he faces the Altun Mountains once again. Lei Diansheng said that he could finally personally “unfold the rolled parchment scroll” of the Altun Mountains and put an end to the regret from years ago.
At 11:30 AM on May 1, Lei Diansheng and his team arrived in Urumqi, and then transferred to a flight to Korla.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 — Sunny turning to cloudy, with blowing sand
“Departed from Korla at 10 AM. The route passed by the Peacock River, deserts, Gobi Desert, poplar forests, and the world’s longest brick-paved highway. Arrived in Ruoqiang County at 5:50 PM. In the evening, we purchased essential supplies for entering the no-man’s land, while the support vehicle was fully stocked with fuel, food, and other necessities.”
Thursday, May 3, 2012 — Dusty weather, snowfall in the afternoon, wind force level 5
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