Idyllic Pastoral Life in Tuo Gelunxia Village

🎈To fully experience the pastoral charm, I dedicated an entire day to Tuo Gelunxia Village. The village is small, with only one main road. On one side of the road, there are 'Pastoral Homestays' and Tajik-style houses, while the other side is lined with vast grasslands. Here, time seems to slow down. You can bask in the sun on a rooftop café terrace, gazing at the snow-capped mountains and dozing off; frolic on the golden grasslands; or patiently wait for a magnificent sunrise or sunset while listening to the tranquil flow of the Tashkurgan River. 🎈 ❗️Highlights of Tuo Gelunxia Village❗️ 1⃣ Golden Mountain at Sunrise and Sunset Tuo Gelunxia Village is flanked by mountains to the east and west. One side offers views of the golden mountain at sunrise, starting at 8:45 AM, while the other side showcases the golden mountain at sunset, beginning at 8:30 PM. I tried to catch the sunrise this time but missed it, which was a bit disappointing. However, since the village is close to Tashkurgan County, you can always stay there and return the next day if you miss it. 2⃣ Golden Grassland with Sheep and Cattle The golden grassland is located within Tuo Gelunxia Village. Morning is the time when villagers gather their livestock for grazing. By around 10 AM, the sheep start to appear, leisurely grazing and strolling across the grasslands. The scene of snow-capped mountains, wetlands, sheep, and grasslands creates a picturesque pastoral landscape. Taking photos with the sheep can be challenging as they are skittish and scatter when approached, so you'll need to capture them quickly. There are also many sheepdogs, with each flock having its own dedicated dog. 3⃣ Yurts by the River This spot is just outside Tuo Gelunxia Village, only 2-3 kilometers north of the village along the main road. It's a well-known landmark featuring a row of white yurts that are easily visible from the road. Here, you can get a closer look at the Tashkurgan River. The nomadic tents are scattered across the grasslands, nestled by the meandering river. The best photo spot is on a simple wooden bridge! I recommend heading down to the grasslands to the bridge for a closer view. ✅✅Tips 💓 Clothing: The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant. Wear a down jacket when it's cold and a short-sleeve T-shirt with a light jacket during the warm midday. 🧡 Altitude: Tashkurgan County and Tuo Gelunxia Village are at an altitude of 3,100 meters, with an oxygen level of 16%. I am prone to altitude sickness and have experienced it on the first day in Tibet and western Sichuan, but I felt fine this time. Still, I brought American ginseng slices, oral glucose solution, and a portable oxygen bottle from a pharmacy in Kashgar, just in case. 💚 Dryness: The area is very dry, causing dry lips, skin, and eyes. I brought eye drops and hydrating face masks, which I used daily, but I forgot to bring lip balm. On the bright side, laundry dries quickly here—jeans air-dried overnight—so washing clothes is convenient. 💜 Lunch in Tuo Gelunxia Village: Be mindful of the local schedule. Restaurants in the village often start serving lunch at 2:30 PM. I eventually found a café-style homestay that could prepare meals and stir-fried dishes. For more dining options, you can head to Tashkurgan County for lunch.