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Geji, meaning "beautiful and fertile land" and "auspicious, prosperous, and well-developed" in Tibetan, is a quiet town and a beautiful and tidy county seat in Ngari Prefecture. Located in western Tibet, at the source of the Shiquan River, Geji lies within the great lake basin of the Qiangtang Plateau, with an average altitude of over 4,800 meters, earning it the nickname "Roof of the World."
Geji County is one of the three pure pastoral counties in Ngari Prefecture. It has relatively rich natural resources. There are three temples and two Kangs (Zhajia Temple, Zhire Temple, Zhaxi Qulin Temple, Jiawula Kang, and Xianglu Kang) within the county.
Geji County belongs to the plateau sub-arctic arid climate zone, with abundant sunshine, strong wind and cold weather.
The main gathering place for wild animals in Yare Township is in the summer pasture of Quezang Village in Yare Township. The best time to see them is from September to October every year.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Geji County is a culturally significant region in Tibet, known for its deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist traditions and picturesque landscapes. It is an important area for local Tibetan life and spirituality.
Geji County is located in the southeastern part of Tibet. The best way to reach it is by car or taxi from Lhasa, with a long-distance bus also available from major towns in the region.
Geji County itself does not have specific opening hours, but the best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is milder, and outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing are ideal.
Entry to most of the attractions in Geji County, such as monasteries and scenic spots, is free. However, some sites may charge a small entry fee, which can typically be paid on-site.
Booking in advance is not usually required, but it’s recommended to book any tours or accommodations at least 1-2 weeks in advance if visiting during peak tourist seasons.
Typically, 2-3 days are sufficient to explore Geji County, allowing time to visit the monasteries, local villages, and enjoy the outdoor landscapes.
Guided tours are available in Geji County, with guides typically speaking Mandarin and Tibetan. English-speaking guides may be available if arranged in advance.
Start your visit with the monasteries in the morning, then take a scenic hike in the afternoon. Spend the evening interacting with locals in the villages to experience Tibetan culture first-hand.
No, there are no night visits or light shows in Geji County. Daytime visits to monasteries and villages are the best way to experience the region.
Geji County is not overly crowded. Weekdays, especially in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), tend to be quieter than weekends or the peak summer months.
Basic facilities, such as toilets and food, are available at monasteries and in some villages. However, rest areas and shops are limited, so it's best to bring your own supplies, especially if venturing into remote areas.
The rugged terrain and high altitude may make it challenging for elderly, children, or disabled visitors. It’s recommended to assess health conditions and physical fitness before visiting.
Cash is generally preferred, as credit cards and mobile payments are not widely accepted in Geji County, especially in remote areas.
Local Tibetan restaurants and eateries are available in nearby villages, offering traditional Tibetan dishes like momos, yak meat, and butter tea.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Tibetan cuisine. However, halal food is not as common in this region.
Basic guesthouses and small hotels are available in nearby towns and villages. For more upscale accommodations, consider staying in Lhasa and taking day trips to Geji County.
Small souvenir shops are available in nearby towns, where you can buy Tibetan handicrafts, prayer beads, yak wool products, and Tibetan jewelry.