Hala Lake

Hala Lake lies high in the Qilian Mountains on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. This enclosed salt lake receives water from numerous streams descending from the surrounding mountains, including meltwater from glaciers. With no outlet to the sea, its waters collect in an elevated basin beneath snow-covered peaks. The cold, dry climate and the mountains surrounding the lake distinguish it from the lower deserts of the Qaidam Basin to the south.