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The Yarlung Zangbo River, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, is China's longest plateau river and one of the world's highest major rivers. Its abundant hydropower reserves are second only to the Yangtze River in China. The sparsely populated upper reaches of the Maquan River Valley offer a veritable animal paradise, home to Tibetan antelopes, blue sheep, wild donkeys, wild yaks, bears, wolves, foxes, rats, rabbits, and other animals. The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, at the Yarlung Zangbo River's Great Bend, is the world's largest canyon. The entire canyon region is exceptionally humid, covered in dense forests, and home to countless rare treasures.
This world-class canyon was selected by China National Geographic as one of China's ten most beautiful canyons. The most precipitous and central section, stretching nearly 100 kilometers from Baima Gouxiong, is so difficult and dangerous that it has been dubbed "Humanity's Last Secret."
Embracing the towering mountains of Mount Namjagbarwa, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, capped by ice and snow, cleaves the mountain barrier that separates the Tibetan Plateau from the Indian Ocean, continuously transporting moisture into the interior, transforming the southeastern part of the plateau into a verdant landscape. The canyon offers a diverse range of natural landscapes, from tropical to frigid, and boasts a rich collection of biological resources, making it a truly exceptional natural museum.
plateau climate;
Summer and autumn are the best times to travel
free
All day
The Yarlung Zangbo (Tsangpo) Grand Canyon is often cited as the deepest and one of the longest canyons on Earth, cutting through the eastern Himalayas in Tibet. It spans over 500 km in length, diving between mountain ranges and descending from high plateau to lower elevations. It juxtaposes extreme vertical relief, climatic zones, and biodiversity. Geologically, it is a dramatic product of uplift and river erosion. Culturally, the canyon region is remote, inhabited by Tibetan communities, and seen as a “last secret land” of Tibet. ([turn0search2],[turn0search6],[turn0search18])
The canyon lies in southeastern Tibet, primarily in Nyingchi Prefecture, spanning Milin, Nyingchi, Bomi, and Motuo counties ([turn0search6],[turn0search18],[turn0search3]).
To reach it: you typically fly or travel by land to Nyingchi (Linzhi). Nyingchi has an airport with flights from Lhasa, Chengdu, Chongqing, and other Chinese cities. ([turn0search7]) From Nyingchi / Bayi, you drive toward Mainling and onward to Pai town / Pei to reach the canyon viewing zone. ([turn0search7],[turn0search3]) Within the canyon area, travel is by shuttle vehicles, short hiking trails, boats where available, and local transport. ([turn0search0],[turn0search3])
The scenic area typically opens early (around 6:00) and closes by evening (18:00) in many parts. ([turn0search1],[turn0search3])
The best time to visit the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon is from early June to mid-October, when trails and roads are more accessible and snow or heavy rains are less problematic. ([turn0search3],[turn0search0]) Some sources include April–May and September–October as good windows (lower rain, fewer landslides) ([turn0search0],[turn0search3]).
In the Upper Gorge / scenic area around Pei, a base entrance fee is ~ 150 CNY. Additional charges apply for shuttle vans (~ 80 CNY) and full combined tickets including river cruises (~ 449 CNY) in some parts. ([turn0search1])
It is advisable to go with an authorized Tibet travel company that arranges all permits and tickets. For the canyon area including shuttle seats or river cruise combos, booking in advance (several days to a week) is recommended, especially in peak season. For basic entry, onsite ticketing is common in many parts. ([turn0search1],[turn0search3])
To visit the main accessible Upper Gorge viewpoints and do short hikes or boat segments, plan 1 to 2 full days. More adventurous segments or deeper exploration might require 3+ days with rugged hiking. ([turn0search9])
Because foreign travel in Tibet is regulated, tours operate via licensed Tibetan travel companies. Guided tours in English (and often Chinese) are included in many package itineraries. Audio guides may not be standard in remote canyon areas. All excursions must comply with permit rules. ([turn0search3],[turn0search7])
Night visits or light shows are generally not offered in the canyon. The region is remote and safety or permit restrictions limit after-dark access. Some guided tours may include evening cultural programs in lodging bases (e.g. in Pei or Nyingchi), but canyon sights are daytime only.
The canyon is highly remote and thus rarely crowded compared to mainstream tourist sites. Peak season (summer / dry months) sees more tours. The least crowded times are early in the shoulder seasons (June start, October end) and weekdays. Off-peak or rainy seasons limit access. ([turn0search3],[turn0search0])
Parts of the Upper Gorge road and viewpoints are accessible by vehicle, suitable for many visitors with moderate mobility. However, many hiking trails are steep and rugged, not suitable for those with limited mobility. Children can enjoy viewing points, but caution is needed near edges. Deep canyon or remote hiking is for more adventurous visitors. ([turn0search3])
In remote Tibetan areas, cash (Chinese Yuan, CNY) is more commonly used in villages, ticket booths, and for shuttle services. In more developed towns (Nyingchi), card payments may be accepted, but always carry local cash. Tours and lodging may include some payment via tour operator arrangements. ([turn0search7],[turn0search0])
In villages like Pei / Zhibai, there are small local eateries, guesthouse dining; in Nyingchi / Bayi many restaurants and cafés serving Tibetan, Chinese and fusion cuisine. Tour lodgings often include meals. ([turn0search7],[turn0search0])
Tibetan and Chinese food in the area often include vegetable dishes, soups, and staples like barley, potatoes, greens. Strict halal options may be limited, especially in remote villages, so check ahead. Lodgings often cater to standard dietary needs. ([turn0search0])
Accommodation is limited in canyon villages. Pei / Zhibai area may have small guesthouses (e.g. “Grand Canyon Inn” in Zhiba) ([turn0search0]). The base accommodations are often in Nyingchi / Bayi, from which you travel daily into the canyon. Hotels in Nyingchi offer more comfort and services. ([turn0search7])
Souvenir shops are mostly in Nyingchi / Bayi and in tourist service centers, offering local Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, yak wool items, local herbal products, and art. In the canyon villages, small stalls may sell simple local goods. Tour operators sometimes include souvenir stops. ([turn0search0])
