Live Your Best Lives
Donggar Piyang is a cave mural site discovered in 1992, located 40 kilometers north of Zhada. Donggar and Piyang are the names of two neighboring villages. Donggar Piyang is located on a rocky cliff near these two villages.
The Donggar site is a group of caves and is the largest ancient Buddhist cave site discovered in China.
The Piyang site, encompassing 12,000 square meters and containing nearly 2,000 caves, is the largest Buddhist cave site in China, boasting nearly three times the number of caves found in Dunhuang. No historical records exist from that era. Comprising temples, castles, grottoes, and a forest of pagodas, the site is larger than Donggar. Many caves have collapsed due to erosion. It is said that each cave housed a practitioner, who silently guarded their faith.
Zhada County belongs to the plateau subarctic arid climate zone, with long sunshine hours, thin air, dry and windy weather.
Recommended play time: 3-4 hours
25 yuan/person
8:00 - 19:00
Donggar Piyang is a high-altitude lake in Tibet known for its pristine natural environment and cultural significance. It is valued for its ecological importance, scenic beauty, and proximity to Tibetan pastoral communities that have maintained traditional lifestyles for centuries.
Donggar Piyang is located in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. Visitors typically reach it via Lhasa by road or private vehicle. There is no metro or public bus access; local taxis or guided tours from Lhasa or nearby towns are recommended. Walking is the primary mode of exploration around the lake.
The lake and surrounding areas are open year-round. The best times to visit are from May to October when the weather is milder, and roads are more accessible. Winter months can be very cold and snowy.
There is typically no formal entrance fee for Donggar Piyang itself. Any guided tours or vehicle rentals are arranged offline through local tour operators or accommodations.
It is recommended to arrange transportation or guided tours at least a few days in advance due to limited access and remote location.
Half a day to one full day is sufficient to explore the lake and surrounding areas, including short hikes and photography stops.
Guided tours are available through local operators, usually in Mandarin and sometimes English. Audio guides are not commonly provided.
Arrive in the morning, walk along the main lakeshore, hike a short trail for panoramic views, visit nearby villages if possible, and return by late afternoon. Allow time for photography and relaxation.
Night visits are not commonly organized due to limited facilities. No light shows exist. Special tours may include cultural village visits or wildlife observation arranged by local guides.
The area is very remote and rarely crowded. Weekdays and the early season (May–June) are the least visited periods.
Facilities are extremely limited. Visitors should bring their own food, water, and basic supplies. Rest areas are minimal, and there are no commercial shops nearby.
The terrain is generally uneven, making it less accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the area with supervision, but caution is advised near water and trails.
Cash is needed for any local services. Card and mobile payment facilities are generally unavailable in this remote area.
There are no formal restaurants or cafes nearby. Meals are usually provided by guesthouses or arranged by local guides.
Options are limited. Visitors with specific dietary needs should plan ahead and bring supplies.
Accommodations are sparse, mostly simple guesthouses or homestays in nearby villages. Advanced booking is recommended.
Nearby Tibetan villages, small lakes, and highland pastures can be visited on short trips. Some scenic trails connect to adjacent natural landmarks.
Souvenir options are minimal. Visitors can purchase handmade crafts or local Tibetan items from villages.
Return travel is usually via private vehicles or guided tour transport back to Lhasa or nearby towns. Roads are the primary option, as public transport is limited.
