Nima County

What are the most recommended things to do in Nima County?

Explore the Tibetan plateau landscapes and high-altitude grasslands around Nima County.
Visit local Tibetan monasteries and temples to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
Experience traditional Tibetan nomadic life, including yak herding and local festivals.
Hike in nearby mountains for scenic views and photography opportunities.
Interact with local communities and experience traditional Tibetan crafts and cuisine.

Introducing Nima County

"Nima," meaning "sun" in Tibetan, is a county under the jurisdiction of Nagqu Prefecture in Tibet, with an average elevation of over 5,000 meters. Although Nima County, the heart of the Qiangtang Grassland, gave birth to Tibetan civilization 16,000 years ago, the county's annual tourist traffic remains limited due to poor transportation and a harsh environment.

Areas such as West Ali in northern Tibet and the western part of the northern Tibetan Plateau are often uninhabited for hundreds of miles, and the northern part of the Qaidam Plateau north of Hei Agong is even called "no man's land", thus becoming a natural protection area for rare wild animals. It includes the vast area north of the Gangdise-Nyainqentanglha Mountains and south of the Kunlun Mountains.

There are countless sacred mountains and holy lakes, and great rivers flowing in all directions. There are vast grasslands and glaciers, hot springs, and geothermal energy that are too numerous to mention. The Northern Tibetan Plateau is the roof of the roof of the world.

Climate and best time to travel

Nima County has a plateau subarctic semi-arid monsoon climate and a plateau cold arid climate, which is characterized by thin air, little rainfall, abundant sunshine, low temperature, and frequent snow and wind.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Qiangtang Grassland

North of Shuanghu and Rongma Township in Nima County lies the core area of the Mayigangri Range in the Qiangtang Nature Reserve. One of China's five largest pastures, it lies between the Kunlun, Tanggula, and Gangdise mountain ranges, covering approximately two-thirds of the Tibet Autonomous Region. With an average elevation of over 4,500 meters, it is not only a paradise for wildlife but also a fertile cultural site with rich sedimentary deposits.

Daguo Snow Mountain

The Dagu Snow Mountain in the territory is said to be the gathering place of the ancient Zhangzhung gods and the main range of the 360 peaks in the Zhangzhung area. Dangre Yongcuo at the foot of the Dagu Snow Mountain is one of the three major Yonghu Lakes in Tibet and is revered as a sacred mountain and holy lake by people.

Zhangzhung Palace Ruins

It is located on the east bank of Dangre Yumco Lake in Qiongzong, Wenbu Township, Nima County, Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region. It was a tribal state that dominated the Tibetan Plateau before the Tubo Kingdom, with a history dating back 18,000 years.

Dangreyongcuo

This sacred lake, considered sacred by Bon believers, lies at the bottom of a deep lake basin in Wenbu Township, Nima County, Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, adjacent to Dangqiong Co. It is said that the lake changes three colors in a single day. On the eastern shore, a continuous crimson cliff faces a clear record of the lake's repeated declines. Stairs carved by the lake's waters circle from the lakeside hilltop to the lakefront.

Recommended play time: 1 day

Most Popular FAQs for Nima County

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Nima County is part of Nagqu Prefecture in northern Tibet. It is significant for its high-altitude Tibetan culture, traditional nomadic lifestyle, and pristine plateau landscapes. The county provides insight into rural Tibetan life and preserves cultural heritage such as monasteries, festivals, and handicrafts.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located in northern Tibet, Nima County is accessible by road from Nagqu city. Visitors typically travel by private car, taxi, or organized tour. There is no metro; local buses may be available for regional routes. Walking is required to explore villages and monasteries.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Sites and villages are generally open during daylight hours, roughly 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The best times to visit are from May to September when weather is milder and roads are more accessible.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Most cultural sites, monasteries, and natural areas have small entrance fees ranging from 10–50 CNY. Tickets are purchased on-site; online booking is generally not available.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking is generally not required except for guided tours. If booking tours, 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

At least 1–2 days to explore the main towns, monasteries, and surrounding natural landscapes.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Local Tibetan monasteries and temples
Nomadic settlements and yak herding areas
High-altitude grasslands and scenic plateau landscapes
Traditional markets or village squares

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available through local operators in Tibetan, Mandarin, and sometimes English. Audio guides are generally not provided.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Plateau landscapes at sunrise or sunset
Monasteries and prayer flag areas
Nomadic camps and yak herding sites
Mountain passes and rivers near the county

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start from Nima town, visit local monasteries, explore surrounding nomadic settlements, hike in nearby scenic spots, and finish with sunset photography over the plateau.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not typical. Special tours may be arranged through local guides for festivals or cultural experiences, but these are limited.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Nima County is generally quiet and not crowded. Weekdays outside festival periods are the least crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic restaurants and tea houses in Nima town
Limited public toilets near towns and monasteries
Local shops for snacks, water, and handicrafts
Rest areas are minimal; visitors should prepare accordingly

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Accessibility is limited due to high altitude and rugged terrain. Elderly and disabled visitors should take precautions; children can visit with supervision.