Walking through these thousand-year-old multi-storied mud structures feels heavy and real. Skip the casual selfie-taking and drop the cash for the half-day cultural tour. You gain entry to spots regular tourists don't see and learn why the community protects their privacy so fiercely. Go early in the morning to beat the desert heat. Don't expect a polished museum experience; this is a living, breathing community. Respect the signage, put your camera away when asked, and listen.
