Ali Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Seven magnificent and majestic snow-capped mountains within the territory of Tibet

The Roof of the World—the Tibetan Plateau, is not only home to the world's highest peak but also boasts a series of famous mountain ranges. These mountains, like a backbone, set up the grandeur and vastness of the Tibetan Plateau, carrying people's hopes and blessings. 1, 🏔 Mount Everest (elevation 8848.86 meters) It is the main peak of the Himalayas and the highest mountain in China and the world. In Tibetan, 'Zhumu' means 'goddess,' and 'Langma' means 'mother elephant,' which together signify 'Mother of the Earth.' Mount Everest has a giant pyramid shape, standing tall and majestic, reaching into the sky. As the world's highest peak, it attracts countless gazes. Its grandeur is imposing, draped in a thin veil of snow, resembling a celestial maiden. 2, 🏔 Mount Kailash (elevation 6656 meters) It is the second highest peak of the Gangdise mountain range, with its snow-covered summit shining golden in the sunlight. Its pyramid-like shape is distinct from the surrounding peaks and is also considered a sacred mountain by devout followers. 3, 🏔 Mount Kula Kangri (elevation 7538 meters) Located in Lhozhag County in the Shannan region of Tibet, it is known as one of the 'Four Great Sacred Mountains' of central Tibet. The entire snow mountain is composed of three peaks. Standing alongside Mount Kula Kangri are six peaks over 7000 meters high. From a distance, the peaks stand shoulder to shoulder, resembling a towering ice and snow barrier that reaches the sky. 4, 🏔 Namcha Barwa (elevation 7782 meters) It is the highest mountain in Nyingchi, Tibet Autonomous Region. As the sacred site of Tibet's oldest Buddhist tradition, 'Yungdrung Bon,' it is known as the 'Father of Tibetan Mountains.' Its massive triangular peak is perennially snow-covered, shrouded in mist, and rarely reveals its true face, earning it the nickname 'Shy Girl Peak.' 5, 🏔 Shishapangma (elevation 8027 meters) It is an 8000-meter peak entirely within Chinese territory. In Tibetan, Shishapangma means 'the weather is extremely cold, and the climate is harsh and variable,' but the Tibetan people praise it as an 'auspicious sacred mountain.' Its north slope has a glacier valley over 10 kilometers long, with a forest of ice towers shining like a 'crystal garden.' However, it is also covered with crisscrossing ice and snow crevasses and occasional massive ice and snow avalanches, making climbing extremely difficult. 6, 🏔 Mount Sajama (elevation 6956 meters) Located in Yangxiu Township, Biru County, it has stood here for thousands of years, surrounded by mountains, with its main peak revered as the king of local sacred mountains. Its highest peak is 6556 meters, also known as 'Sapuganglaga,' and is one of the sacred mountains of the Bon religion in Tibetan Buddhism. 7, 🏔 Cho Oyu (elevation 8201 meters) It is the sixth highest peak in the world, located on the border between China and Nepal in the Himalayas. 'Cho Oyu' in Tibetan means 'the great master.' Cho Oyu stands tall and mighty in the Himalayas. Cho Oyu has five main ridges, and its mountain is perennially snow-covered, surrounded by snow peaks, with layers of mountains presenting a spectacular view. Let's appreciate the photos of the snow-capped mountains taken by friends who travel to Tibet! 🏔

2017-10-17 Sichuan Yunnan Tibet Xinjiang Gansu Qinghai Sichuan

2023-10-17 It snowed a little bit this morning. You can hardly see Gang Rinpoche. Leaving Baga, we climbed to the top of the mountain in Qionglu Silver City. Qionglu Silver City should be a soil forest. There are also later artificial mountain roads. There are many caves on the mountain, which are probably for people to practice. In one of the rooms, there are incomplete murals inside. Not long after leaving, we passed a natural hot spring. The water temperature is not too high. We continued to walk towards Zada. We arrived at Zada National Soil Forest Park. We arrived in Zada after sunset. We stayed in Zada.

Mount Kailash | Experience the power of faith at the center of the world

Mount Kailash, the center of the world🌍 It is the place of longing in the hearts of countless pilgrims and explorers Every year, thousands of believers make a pilgrimage around the mountain🏔, believing that walking around this sacred mountain can cleanse a lifetime of sins. Countless tourists are attracted by the mystery and sanctity of this mountain, and they go on a pilgrimage year after year The journey around the mountain is long and rugged, but it can't shake people's pursuit of faith Perhaps, walking alone in the mountains, in the wind and rain🌧, can truly feel the tranquility of the heart 📅The best travel season for Mount Kailash is from April to October 📅The best season for making a pilgrimage around the mountain is from May to June or from September to October

Only those who have been to Ali have been to Tibet|Ali North Line Strategy Sharing

|Ali North Line Strategy Sharing. Without Ali, there is no Tibet, if you haven't been to the Ali region, it's like you haven't been to Tibet❗Only by walking it yourself, you will know what is the essence of Tibet!👏 · 🔸The routes in the Ali region are mainly divided into: Big North Line, Middle North Line, Small North Line and South Line according to the difficulty level · 🈯Today we will focus on the itinerary and strategy of the Small North Line~👋 ✨Travel time: Nine days and eight nights ✨Best travel season in Tibet: May to October · 💫Itinerary overview: Depart from Lhasa, via Shigatse, Coqen County, Wenbunancun, Nima takes 5-7 days.👋To Bangor County, then return to Lhasa via Namtso,✌you can take in the sights of Dajiacuo, Zarinnamucuo, Selincuo, Namtso, Dazecuo, Qia Guicuo along the way.👀 · 💫Highlights of the Small North Line: Cross the uninhabited area, one lake after another, Salongda+hang prayer flags, experience the essence of Tibet · 💫Detailed route: D1: Lhasa-Yang Lake-Karola Glacier-Manla Reservoir-Shigatse D2: Shigatse-Tashilhunpo Monastery-Jiaula Mountain Pass-Jiacuo La Mountain Pass-Rongbuc Monastery-Everest D3: Everest Base Camp-Shishapangma Peak-Peiku Lake-Zhongba-Payang D4: Payang-Maquan River Wetland Park-Gongzhu Lake-Zhada Earth Forest-Guge Dynasty-Taqin D5: Taqin-Mount Kailash-Manasarovar Lake-Namunani Peak-Laang Lake-Zhongba-Saga D6: Saga-Dagjia Fountain-Dajiacuo-Garongcuo-Palacuo-Coqen D7: Coqen-Zarinnamucuo-Dangreyongcuo-Wenbu Village-Dangqiongcuo-Nima D8: Nima-Dazecuo-Qia Guicuo-Selincuo-Cuoe Lake-Bangor D9: Bangor-South Bank of Namtso-Nagenla Mountain Pass-Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain-Lhasa · ✨Highlights: 🎈Three Sacred Lakes: Yang Lake, Namtso, Manasarovar Lake 🎈World's highest peak: Mount Everest 🎈Tibet's highest sacred mountain: Mount Kailash 🎈Land glacier: Karola Glacier 🎈Uninhabited area: Crossing the Qiangtang uninhabited area 🎈Civilization that disappeared overnight: Guge Dynasty · ⚠Things to know before entering Tibet Don't worry too much about altitude sickness before entering Tibet, your mindset determines the satisfaction of the trip! ·

Yamdrok Lake is truly breathtaking! Highly recommend visiting when the weather is good

🎫Ticket Prices: To view Yamdrok Lake, you need to pay 60 yuan for the Yamdrok Lake Viewing Platform, 5 yuan for the Langkazi Viewing Platform, and 20 yuan for the Samding Monastery entrance fee. Photography Fees: A photo with a lamb costs 10-20 yuan; a photo with a yak costs 20-40 yuan. ㊙Tips: If you choose to take photos by the lake near Samding Monastery instead of directly at the Yamdrok Lake Viewing Platform, you don't need to pay the viewing platform entrance fee! 🉑Must-Visit Photography Spots 1. Gampa La Pass: Offers the best panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, where you can see the S-shaped waterway area passing through the distant glaciers. 2. Samding Monastery: Known as the loneliest monastery in the world, the island where the monastery is located is like a gem guarded by the lake waters💎, and you can feel a 360° surround sensation on the island. 3. Karola Pass: Most visitors heading to Samding Monastery will pass through here, after which you can see the misty Yamdrok Lake. 4. Yongbu Dado Island: Known as the most beautifully singing island of Yamdrok Lake, the island is located in the central part of the lake and can only be reached by boat🛥. 5. Zhila Pass: Here you can overlook the shifting and changing lakeshore line, as if you've suddenly arrived at the Thousand Island Lake. ⚠Attraction Notices: The altitude of the Lhunzhub Ri Viewing Platform is nearly five thousand meters; avoid running and strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. The viewing platforms and the Samding Monastery area are windy and cold; you need to wear thick clothes for warmth. The ultraviolet radiation is strong in the plateau region; take sun protection🕶 measures to prevent sunburn. Friends who are driving should pay attention to traffic rules and remember to drive safely, especially to slow down on mountain roads at bends. Visitors can bring their own food🍊 and snacks, as shops and restaurants along the Yamdrok Lake are scarce. Reaching Samding Monastery requires walking; it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes👟. If you have a drone, remember to bring it, as drone📸 photography is the best way to appreciate the beauty of Yamdrok Lake.

The indescribable beauty of Yang Lake

💙 Such pure blue, as if a touch of paint poured down from heaven, dyed the entire Yang Lake into a beautiful painting. Standing by the lake, I was shocked by this purity, and an indescribable emotion surged in my heart. 🌊 Such clear lake water, clear to the bottom, as if you can see every pebble and every water plant at the bottom of the lake. The lake is like a mirror, reflecting the blue of the sky, the white of the clouds, and the outline of the distant mountains, which is intoxicating. 🌞 Under the sun, the surface of Yang Lake is sparkling with ripples, like countless diamonds jumping, dazzling. This interlaced scene of light and shadow makes me feel like I am in a dreamlike world, forgetting the passage of time. 💭 The beauty of Yang Lake is really hard to describe in words. It is not only a visual enjoyment, but also a touch of the soul. Here, I found that tranquility and purity, and also found the most sincere awe and love for nature. I hope that everyone who comes to Yang Lake can be moved by this beauty and feel the magic and charm of nature.🌟🌊💙

Romantic journey to Yamdrok Lake

All the copywriting is not as romantic and shocking as the moment you really set foot on Yamdrok Lake. ❣️ One of the three major holy lakes in Tibet, Yamdrok Lake is poetic and picturesque, making people yearn for it. "There is a kind of blue called Yamdrok Lake blue", this is absolutely right. Standing by the lake, the blue in front of you is deep and pure, as if it can wash away all the troubles of the world. The blue of Yamdrok Lake is the kind of blue that makes people fall in love at first sight, making people involuntarily intoxicated. In the past, Tibet was a distant dream for me, a place that could only be imagined in my heart. But now, I have finally set foot on this magical land, turning the place I yearn for into footprints I have walked. This feeling is really indescribable in words. Along the way, "one lake after another", I rushed to Yamdrok Lake in my heart. Here, I met the most beautiful scenery and also met the deepest part of myself. The wind blows gently, as if telling something. When I meet you, the wind has a shape, I am waiting for the wind, and also waiting for you. The journey to Yamdrok Lake is not only a pursuit of beautiful scenery, but also a baptism of the soul. Here, I found my own tranquility and romance. I hope that every person who loves to travel can find their own beauty and touch in Yamdrok Lake. 🌟💙

Journey to Yang Lake: An Encounter with Seagulls

Yangzhuoyong Lake, this beautiful lake, its seagulls no longer miss the sea. They have found a new home in this lake, flying freely, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this world. On the way to Yang Lake, we experienced eighteen bends in the mountain road, the ravines on the ground and the winding of the Yarlung Zangbo River system are interesting. Overcoming loess and glaciers, every step is a reverence and exploration of nature. But no matter how difficult the journey is, it will be healed by the ultimate blue of Yang Lake. Yang Lake, also known as Yangzhuoyong Lake, is located in Gongga County, Shannan City. Departing from Lhasa, it only takes more than 70 kilometers to reach this fairyland on earth. If time permits, you can also pair with Karola Glacier to complete a day trip and feel the beauty of the fusion of snow and lake. On the bank of Yang Lake, I was fortunate to meet a group of red-billed gulls. They fly freely under the Ningjin Kangsha Peak, as if they are meeting the snow mountain in a hurry. This unexpected encounter made me more fascinated by this land. The journey to Yang Lake is not only a pursuit of beautiful scenery, but also a close contact with nature. Here, I found the tranquility and peace in my heart. I hope that every person who loves to travel can find their own beauty and touch in Yang Lake.🌟🌊🐦🏔️

Zanda Earth Forest

Located in Zanda County, Ali Region, Tibet, the earth forest is currently the most typical and largest distribution area of the Tertiary stratum weathered earth forest in the world. The total area of the earth forest is about 2464 square kilometers, with gullies crisscrossing, like castles on the vast plain. These 'castles' were originally the lake basin sedimentary layers in ancient times, and they have been weathered and eroded over billions of years to form their current appearance. Xiayi Gully is located in Xiangzi Township, Zada County. It is a gully hidden between the mountains and the world's unique 'earth forest' landscape. After years of weathering, it has carved the shape of the earth forest with a wide top and narrow bottom. Because the soil layer contains a large amount of ore, it presents a colorful beauty under the sun. The terrain in the gully is complex, with overlapping mountains, rugged mountain roads, lush vegetation, and rich species. Xiayi Gully Scenic Area has been included in the 'Earth Forest National Geological Park' of Zada County since 2005. When we went there, cars could directly reach the earth forest without charge. It is said that protective walkways are being built now, which is a good thing, allowing this landscape to last forever.

The unmissable Ali Da North Line (16) - Zada Earth Forest

The Piyang Dongga Grottoes surrounded by the Zada Earth Forest are historical relics from the Guge Dynasty. It is both shocking and slightly regrettable that such a magnificent city was built under this kind of terrain. Most of the caves we saw were damaged and there were no historical remains to be seen. As we climbed close to the top and were about to return, it started to rain, followed by hail. At this time, these caves came in handy. While hiding from the rain in the cave, we faintly heard someone talking. When the rain eased a bit, we followed the sound and found an old man on the phone. The old man saw me and opened a small door next to him. I thought he was letting us in to shelter from the rain, but to my surprise, there was a different world inside the small door. First, there was a living room. After walking through this living room, there was another door inside. When this door was opened, history came rushing at us: inside the door was a cave with well-preserved murals! The old man told us that this set of murals has a history of more than 1,300 years, and what we saw was one of the only two well-preserved caves left.

Tibet Ali|Zada Soil Forest & The Disappeared Guge Dynasty

|Zada Soil Forest & The Disappeared Guge Dynasty. Tibet Ali|Zada Soil Forest & The Disappeared Guge Dynasty In addition to snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands, the Ali region also has a breathtaking alien landscape, which has a crisp and refreshing name: Zada Soil Forest. Walking in the labyrinth-like soil forest, I can't help but sigh how many springs, summers, autumns, and winters, and how much wind and sun, can create such a magical landscape. About the address: The Zada Soil Forest is located in Zada County, Ali Region, Tibet, and is the most famous geomorphological scenic area in Zada County. Tickets: Free. Transportation/route It is 90 kilometers away from Zada County. Navigate to the viewing platform of Zada Soil Forest National Geological Park from Zada County, drive along National Highway 565 for half an hour, or you can drive directly to the viewing platform on the top of the mountain to see the whole view of the soil forest. Tips: You need to apply for a border defense certificate to Zada County; The plateau climate is dry, the ultraviolet rays are strong, and the sand and wind are large, so you need to do a good job of sun protection; The altitude of the Ali region is high, so you should prepare drugs to relieve altitude sickness in advance. About the scenic spot: The address of the Guge Dynasty: 2 kilometers away from Zaburang District, Zada County, Ali Region, on the earth mountain Tickets: 65 yuan/person; explanation fee 100 yuan/person. Route/Transportation It is about half an hour's drive from Zada County, and it is recommended to play for 2-3 hours.

[Ali, Tibet] If the trip to Ali is the dream of every Tibetan who loves Tibet, the site of the Zadagug dynasty is also the climax of my once again Ali. 12 times into Tibet in 10 years, 3 times to Ali, I should draw a perfect ending for the trip to Tibet in my life journey. When to come again, maybe it is a distant waiting, but in At this time, in the land of Tibet, I will cherish every minute of every minute.

[Tibet Aliguge Dynasty ruins] 10 years ago, I accidentally saw a photo of the ancient city with golden light under the afterglow of the setting sun. I was surprised that there was such a place, and I was always looking for it. The direction. Later, I learned that this place is the site of the Guge Dynasty in Ali, Tibet. There is a saying that "the heart is in, the dream is in", almost 10 years later, I came here personally, and again and again. The ancient site of the Guge Kingdom is a plateau ancient city. It is located on a mountain hill on the bank of the Xiangquan River in the Zhabjang district of Ali Zanda. It covers an area of about 180,000 square meters and is one of the first batch of key cultural relics protection units in the country. Ancient buildings provide important material information. Every time I try to take pictures of everything I see in my eyes, no matter whether its dark or dark, I dont think its enough. I want to come here again. Im here. .

The site of the Guge Dynasty in Ali, Tibet, is located in the Xiangquan River Valley, 18 kilometers west of Zanda County, and stands on the steep hills. It used to be the seat of the kingdom of Guge. After hundreds of years of baptism and man-made destruction, it was almost ruined, leaving only a large number of palaces and Buddhist temples built in the eleventh century. Although it was already devastated, The momentum of the high is still there, and you can see the prevailing glory at a glance. The Guge Dynasty was destroyed by the invasion of the country in 1630, and the 100,000 subjects disappeared overnight. It became a mystery that has not yet been solved, attracting waves of tourists to come and sing.

The Guge dynasty, which has been for more than 700 years, disappeared mysteriously 400 years ago. This is a controversial topic throughout history and archaeology. What is left today is just some shards of sorrow. But even if these broken walls are left in the middle, you can still feel the power and glory of the Guge Dynasty. The Guge Dynasty site is located on the south bank of Xiangquan, northwest of Tolin Town, in the Zabulrang District of Ali Zada County, 19 kilometers from the county seat. Built for the descendants of the Tubo royal family who once owned a million people, it has been in this place for more than 700 years. It has been inherited for more than 20 generations of kings. It has a history of 1,300 years and died in the seventeenth century, but left behind for future generations. Numerous precious cultural relics and historical materials. is different from the ancient architecture we know, the mysterious Guge dynasty, from the foothills to the top of the mountain more than 300 meters high, housing buildings, Buddhist pagodas and caves are densely covered with mountains, reaching more than 600, forming a huge ancient architectural complex. From a distance, it is like a pyramid. Standing at the highest point of the Guge dynasty, the top of the pyramid overlooks the palace. The palace is always high. This aspect is for defense, and on the other hand it symbolizes the supremacy of the king. However, the war destroyed the castle and the yellow sand drowned the hero.

From Ali Shiquanhe Town, along the 219 National Road, about 140 kilometers to the Balbing Station, the station is 4,700 meters above sea level; the Balbine Station to Zada County, the road that needs to cross the Gangdese Mountains is above 5000 meters above sea level; After entering Zhada Highway, there is a colorful mountain. It is very charming when there are dozens of kilometers near Zada. There is a row of snow peaks standing there. It is the northern end of the Himalayas. About 20 kilometers away from Zada County. The Zanda Tulin is in front of you, and you can reach Zada County through the Zanda forest; the mysterious Guge Dynasty site is about 10 kilometers from Zanda County. Colored mountains of the Gangdese Mountains, brown and yellow, against the backdrop of distant snow-capped mountains and blue sky and white clouds, as if God's overturned palette. Looking from afar, a group of castles, a group of towers, a tent, a layer of palaces, staggering, ceremonial, marvel at the wonders of nature. Zanda The geomorphology is called the river-lake phase in geology, which is caused by millions of years of geological changes. According to geologists, more than one million years ago, between the land and the Pulan was a large lake with a radius of more than 500 kilometers. The Himalayan orogeny caused the lake basin to rise, the water level decreased, and the height of the "building" was washed out. After the erosion of the wind and rain, the statues of today's mountains are carved on the steep mountain rocks.

2023-10-16 Sichuan Yunnan Tibet Xinjiang Gansu Qinghai

2023-10-16 I arrived at Bagha very late last night. I went out at 8:30 this morning to take a look at Gang Rinpoche. Gang Rinpoche is the first sacred mountain in Tibet. The weather was bad. I quickly went to Mapang Yongcuo. Mapang Yongcuo is the first of the three sacred lakes. There are many birds living here. The weather changed after 5 o'clock. I originally came out to see the sunset of the Ghost Lake. The Ghost Lake is next to Mapang Yongcuo. Although the weather was bad, we also walked around the Ghost Lake for a while. I couldn't take pictures of the starry sky at night

Mapang Yumco | Finally took a picture of the house by the "sea"

| Finally took a picture of the house by the "sea". Mapang Yumco is one of the three major holy lakes in Tibet, it is the freshwater lake with the highest transparency, mainly replenished by glacial meltwater and rainwater, and there are many hot springs distributed around it. On the hill by the lake, there is a temple called Ji Wu Temple. The temple stands quietly on the high ground, the prayer flags outside the temple flutter in the wind, and the believers climb the mountain along the trail to worship. No matter how the clouds churn and the wind howls, it always gives people a sense of calm. There is a road next to Ji Wu Temple that winds down to the small village by the lake. The houses are white and yellow, and they look particularly bright next to the blue lake. I have always wanted to take a picture of the house and the sea in the same frame, and now it has been realized, it is a photo I really like. There is also a cliff next to Ji Wu Temple. I happened to meet a warm-hearted brother who helped me find the way and showed me the video he took. The Mapang Yumco under the cliff is really beautiful, reminding me of the white cliffs in England. Unfortunately, the wind was too strong at the time and the drone couldn't take it. But I saw the red-billed gulls flying against the wind, the stronger the wind, the more vigorous they flew, this is probably "Life is not about how to live through the storm, but how to dance in the rain". If the weather is good, you can also see the main peak of the Gangdise Mountains - Gang Rinpoche Peak and Namunani Peak of the Himalayas. 📍Location: Pulan County, Ali Region, Tibet 💰Tickets: The parking area next to Ji Wu Temple is free, if you want to go inside the scenic area by the lake, you need to pay 🚗How to get there: There is no public transportation, you can drive/charter a car to get there, just navigate to "Ji Wu Temple"

From Shiquanhe Town, the capital of Ali, to Pulan County, you will pass the Shenshan Gangrenboqi and the holy lake Mabiano. On the day, the weather is not good, the clouds are too thick, you can't see the true meaning of the mountain, only see the holy lake. The vast, quiet and clear Mabian Gyatso means the undefeated Jasper Lake in Tibetan language. It is the highest freshwater lake in the world. The lake is 4588 meters above sea level and the birthplace of the four major rivers in Asia. . As early as the Tang Dynasty, it was described by Gao Song Xuanzang in his book "Da Tang Xi Yu Ji" as "Xi Tian Yao Chi", and Buddhist believers regarded it as the "world center" of the Holy Land. Mabian is not only considered by the Tibetans to be a holy lake, but also the oldest and most sacred place in Hinduism and all the holy places of the religion. The blue lake reflects the mountains in the distance, quiet and magnificent.

Mabian Gyatso, Namtso and Yamdrok are the three holy lakes in Tibet. The Tibetan language means the undefeated Jasper Lake. It is a holy lake identified by many religions in the world and one of the most prestigious lakes in Asia and the whole world. The legendary Mabian Gyatso is the nectar of Shengle, and the holy water can cleanse the troubles and obstacles in the human mind. Therefore, the followers who have come to the lake all the year round have continued. Thuhu TIPS: 1, the best time to turn to the lake, July to October each year is the best time to travel in the Ali area, and the best time to turn to the lake. Ali's annual average temperature is 19 °C, the area is more than 5,000 meters above sea level, the temperature difference between day and night is very large, the summer daytime temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius, and at night it falls below zero degrees Celsius. The lake must bring enough clothing to keep warm. 2, there is no rule as to where to start turning to the lake, as long as you complete a closed circle clockwise. Because of the convenient transportation, most people start from the Wuwu Temple in the northwest corner of the holy lake. If it is only a trip, starting from the Wu Temple, it is also a good idea to go to the Hall counterclockwise through the Chugu Temple and the Color Hot Dragon Temple. 3, the small village at the foot of Jiwu Temple is the only place to go to the Pulan Highway. There are several unnamed hotels operated by Tibetans, and the accommodation costs 20 yuan per person. It is said that there is no electricity, and water needs to go to the water tank.