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Located in Puzonggou, Yangxiu Township, Buxi County, Sapu Sacred Mountain has stood for thousands of years, surrounded by mountains. Its main peak is revered as the local king of sacred mountains. Its highest peak, also known as "Sapgun Lagabu," stands at 6,556 meters and is considered one of the sacred mountains of the Bon religion in Tibetan Buddhism.
In midsummer, the summit of Sap Mountain is capped with snow and shrouded in mist, while at its base, flowers bloom, grass grows green, and the water and grasses flourish. Due to the deep valleys and inaccessible access, this breathtaking glacier has remained hidden and little-known, a virgin tourist destination yet to be developed.
During midsummer, the top of Sap Mountain is covered with snow and shrouded in rain and fog, while the foot of the mountain is covered with red flowers, green grass and lush aquatic plants.
Every year on May 15th, a grand religious activity of circumambulating the lake and praying for blessings is held near the Sapu Sacred Lake. According to legend, the main lake will completely thaw overnight on May 15th, and will completely freeze again overnight on September 15th. This phenomenon is extremely magical and is the best time for people to travel.
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Sapu Sacred Mountain holds deep religious and spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered one of the holiest mountains in the region, often associated with mystical and sacred legends. It attracts pilgrims and spiritual seekers from all over Tibet and beyond.
Sapu Sacred Mountain is located in Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet. It can be reached by car or taxi from the city of Lhasa, with a travel time of approximately 5-6 hours. No metro service is available, and walking is limited to specific pilgrimage routes around the mountain.
The sacred mountain can be visited year-round, though the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is more temperate. Opening hours are typically from sunrise to sunset, with some sites near the mountain opening earlier for pilgrims.
The entrance fee for the Sapu Sacred Mountain area varies depending on the specific sites you visit. It is generally around 50-100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local tour operators in Tibet.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, though it is recommended during peak pilgrimage seasons. It is advisable to book tickets 1-2 days in advance, especially if planning to visit during festivals.
To fully explore Sapu Sacred Mountain and its surrounding sites, a 1-2 day trip is ideal. If you plan to hike or take part in spiritual rituals, you may need additional time.
Guided tours are available in Tibetan and Mandarin, with some guides offering services in English. Audio guides may be available at certain sites, though English-language guides are limited.
Start by visiting the base of the mountain and exploring the monasteries. Then, take the pilgrimage route around the mountain, culminating at the summit for panoramic views. If time allows, visit the sacred caves and other minor shrines along the route.
Night visits are not typically available due to the remote nature of the area. However, during certain festivals, there may be special religious ceremonies or light displays in the surrounding monasteries.
The area can get crowded during the Tibetan New Year and other major religious festivals. The least crowded times to visit are outside of these periods, particularly in the spring and autumn months.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available at the base of the mountain and near major monasteries. Food and water can be purchased from local vendors, though options may be limited. Rest areas are available for pilgrims, but accommodations can be basic.
The pilgrimage routes and hiking paths around Sapu Sacred Mountain may not be easily accessible for elderly or disabled visitors due to the rugged terrain. However, children and elderly visitors can enjoy the base area and nearby monasteries.
Cash is necessary, as credit cards and mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) are rarely accepted in the remote area around Sapu Mountain.
There are a few basic Tibetan restaurants and cafes near the base of the mountain offering traditional Tibetan food such as tsampa (roasted barley flour) and yak meat dishes.
Vegetarian options are available in local Tibetan restaurants, although vegan and halal options may be limited due to regional food customs.
Souvenir shops near the base sell Tibetan religious artifacts, prayer flags, jewelry, and handicrafts like Tibetan carpets and wooden carvings.
