Live Your Best Lives
When it comes to Tibet, many people harbor dreams of it. Some say it's addictive; once you visit, you'll want to go back a second or third time... Ever since my first bike trip to Tibet during college, I've been captivated by the region. The old "just go" and "budget travel" phrases are fading away, as we've all moved past the age of reckless abandon. But going to Tibet sometimes requires that unwavering drive. Most people harbor a strange yearning and fear for Tibet: a yearning for the mysterious land, a fear of the legendary altitude sickness, which creates many concerns and obstacles. I've taken many guests on, and they all say they've wanted to visit Tibet for a long time, but fear of altitude sickness, coupled with the terrifying descriptions and advice from those around them, kept putting it off for years. Only when they finally arrived did they realize it wasn't as terrifying as they'd imagined.
Why are so many people afraid to visit Tibet? Are Tibet's infrastructure and living conditions still as poor as they seem? Are winters in Tibet really as cold as imagined? What are some things to do in Tibet during the winter? Let me answer all of these questions about Tibet.
Depart from Lhasa | 7 days and 6 nights
Winter Tibet Tour - Route A | 7-Day Tour to Gaze at Mount Everest and Explore the Sacred Winter Blue Ice
￥ Pre-registration starts from RMB 1479 people have registered Register nowWhy are people afraid to go to Tibet? Generally speaking, it's mainly because of "altitude sickness." Many people have a great fear of altitude sickness. In particular, people's misunderstanding and misinformation about altitude sickness have created an awkward situation where many people want to go but dare not.
While much has been written about altitude sickness, I must reiterate: altitude sickness is not a disease. If you think of the human body as a computer, then different systems operate at low and high altitudes. The body requires different parameters for the low pressure and hypoxia of the plateau. The discomfort experienced during this automatic system switch is altitude sickness. For an average person, this system switch takes one to two days. Some highly efficient individuals can do it in less than a day, while a few require two to three days. Once the human computer switches to plateau mode, any discomfort and discomfort disappears. Generally, 3,000 meters above sea level is the threshold for triggering this switch.
The most common discomfort reactions to altitude sickness include dizziness, headache, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Slightly more serious symptoms include purple lips, persistent headache, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Most people experiencing altitude sickness for the first time in Tibet experience varying degrees of altitude sickness (even those who have visited Tibet multiple times experience it). About 15% of people experience severe altitude sickness (based on the percentage of people who experience altitude sickness while leading tour groups to Tibet). If the symptoms are severe, drink plenty of water and, if necessary, use oxygen to alleviate them (China-TravelNote provides medical oxygen throughout all Tibet itineraries). If the symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately.
Just like Isatis root prevents colds, Rhodiola rosea and Gaoyuan An can also effectively prevent altitude sickness. However, they must be taken in advance to be effective. Start brewing Rhodiola rosea root cubes, powder, or capsules 7-10 days before your trip to the plateau. This will pre-activate your body's oxygen-carrying capacity and prepare you for the hypoxic environment.
★Try not to stay up late and stop your daily physical exercise one week before departure so that your body can adjust to the best condition and shorten the time it takes for your body to switch to plateau mode.
★After arriving at the plateau, for example, after landing in Lhasa after a direct flight, it is recommended that you get more rest, drink more water, do a small amount of exercise, eat small meals frequently, and eat until you are 50% full each time.
★A good, optimistic and positive attitude is also a necessary preparation for preventing altitude sickness. The more you worry about gains and losses, the more likely you are to induce or even aggravate altitude sickness. However, the probability of suffering from altitude sickness is obviously lower if you are carefree and let it take its course.
Mild altitude sickness is normal. It's best to acclimate yourself to the effects of oxygen, rather than relying on it. If you experience severe altitude sickness, you can seek oxygen, go to the hospital, or descend to a lower altitude if necessary.
Ps: Currently, there are many people from outside Tibet doing business. Many local Tibetan compatriots are also very friendly and kind. Tibetans in many areas are very simple. When I was cycling in the past, I was invited to their home to drink butter tea and eat tsampa. I like them very much.
Regarding this question, I'd say there will be some impact, but not a significant one. You'll experience altitude sickness no matter when you go, so it all depends on your ability to adapt and maintaining a positive attitude. Once you go, you'll find it's not as scary as you imagined.
Many people still think of Tibet as a relatively backward place, and they often ask about the living conditions there. Actually, the living conditions in most parts of Tibet are quite good now.
Most counties in Tibet now have 4G network coverage, so there's no need to worry about slow connections or no signal. In Nyingchi, there's generally good signal on the roads, though sometimes it's LTE or 3G. In Ngari, there's sometimes no signal or network. Border areas, aside from cities, generally have poorer service.
This is a question many people ask. After all, it's inconvenient to carry a lot of cash when you're out and about. Don't worry when you come to Tibet. WeChat Pay is now accepted in most cities and tourist routes in Tibet, so you don't need to bring a lot of cash. However, you should prepare some spare cash, usually around 500-1000 yuan. You'll also need some change, as many restrooms in Tibet charge 1-2 yuan for use.
Tibet's major cities offer a comprehensive range of amenities, including accommodation, restaurants, shopping, hospitals, and parks, much like other cities in China. Lhasa, Shigatse, Nyingchi, and Qamdo are particularly well-equipped with high-end hotels, shopping malls, a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and many unique places with distinct ethnic characteristics. If you visit, you absolutely must explore and experience the unique ethnic customs that distinguish them from other cities.
FOOD
Besides Tibetan cuisine, Sichuanese dishes are also popular in Tibet. In major cities, you'll find a wide variety of local delicacies, while in more remote areas, Sichuanese dishes and noodles are common. It's recommended to visit Tibet and try the local Tibetan cuisine.
stay
Accommodation facilities in major cities are comprehensive, ranging from high-end four- and five-star hotels and B&Bs to mid-range and low-end hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. More remote areas also offer standard hotels, guesthouses, and guesthouses. More challenging areas include Everest Base Camp (Tibetan tents with large bunk beds), Namtso (multi-person rooms in prefabricated buildings), parts of Ngari, border regions, and remote areas (multi-person rooms in Tibetan tents or prefabricated buildings).
Road conditions
Tibet's main highways are: National Highway 318 (Sichuan-Tibet), National Highway 219 (Xinjiang-Tibet), and National Highway 109 (Qinghai-Tibet). These three routes are also the primary routes for tourism in Tibet. Many other national highways, county roads, and township roads have also been paved, with repairs now gradually being made to more remote areas. Roads around Lhasa, in Nyingchi, and in much of Ngari are already in excellent condition.
Tibet, over 2,000 kilometers away, is a question that many tourists struggle with: how to get there most efficiently. There are three main modes of transportation to Tibet: plane, train, and car.
airplane
1. Currently, the airports in Tibet Autonomous Region that have opened flights are: Lhasa Gonggar Airport, Qamdo Bangda Airport, Nyingchi Milin Airport, Ali Kunsha Airport, and Shigatse Heping Airport.
2. Except for Lhasa Gonggar Airport, the other cities that can be directly reached from several other airports are mainly Chengdu and Chongqing, and there are relatively few flights per day.
3. Lhasa Gonggar Airport currently offers direct flights to the following cities: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Lanzhou, Changsha, and Hangzhou. Some cities require a stopover.
4. Most flights depart from Chengdu and Chongqing, with many daily flights available. For cities without direct flights, you can transfer in Chengdu or Chongqing.
5. If you need to travel to Tibet by air, you can purchase air tickets through online channels such as Ctrip and Qunar.
6. Two new routes have been added recently: On October 30, China Southern Airlines launched a direct round-trip flight from Shenzhen to Linzhi; on October 28, Tibet Airlines launched a direct round-trip flight from Lanzhou to Linzhi.
The air tickets to Tibet in winter are very cheap, and there are fewer people. The scenery is beautiful and is not inferior to the winter scenery in other places. It is a good choice.
train
There are seven cities that depart directly from Lhasa by train, namely: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Xining and Guangzhou.
Currently, all trains pass through Xining. If there is no direct train or tickets are limited, you can transfer in Xining. Visitors can decide where to take the train to Tibet based on their geographical location, convenience, and time.
You can buy train tickets on the official website: www.12306.com. If you need to grab tickets, you can do so on apps such as Ctrip and Qunar.
highway
There are four major routes to Tibet: Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, and Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.
At present, these four routes have become pilgrimage routes for outdoor enthusiasts.
Method: self-driving, cycling, hiking, hitchhiking, group tour
"Why go to Tibet in winter? It's on the plateau, and you'll freeze to death." Admittedly, I used to think so too. However, in reality, Tibet in winter boasts bright sunshine, warm weather, clean air, and azure skies, allowing visitors to enjoy nature's gifts and completely changing their impression of winter.
Tibet is a place you don't want to leave once you've been there. "Just like right now, while sipping tea and eating noodles, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, away from the busy work and complicated crowds, I can just quietly feel the quiet time of the afternoon, basking in the warm sun, savoring the local delicacies, a bowl of Tibetan noodles with a pot of sweet tea. Happiness can actually be so simple."
In Tibet, you can breathe freely without worrying about smog or buying anti-smog masks. In short, you can breathe freely. As long as your house faces the sun, the sunlight will quietly enter your house every morning, gently spreading on the floor, letting you know that this world is beautiful.
Winter in Tibet is indeed cold, but that only applies to the sunless nights. In this city blessed by the sun god, daytime is the perfect time for sunbathing. Lhasa, known as the City of Sunshine, averages over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, with midday temperatures reaching 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in winter. This, coupled with a relatively dry climate, makes it even more comfortable. One of my favorite things to do is sit in the Jokhang Temple Square in Lhasa, basking in the sun and daydreaming.
Dressing
The temperature difference between morning and evening in Tibet is low in winter, and the temperature at night remains below zero, so you must take good warming measures. Down jackets, cotton hats, warm shoes and socks, and warm underwear are essential.
★ Windproof, sun-proof and dry-proof
The bright sunshine brings warmth and comfort, but also brings ultraviolet rays. Moreover, the climate in the plateau area is dry and the wind and sand are strong, so sunglasses, headscarves, sunscreen, lipstick, hats, shawls, thermos cups and other windproof, sun-proof and dryness-proof measures are necessary.
★Important documents
Bring your ID card, bank card, passport, and border pass. Border passes are only required for travel to border areas or restricted zones such as Mount Everest, Medog, and Ngari. Apply in advance at the local police station or immigration bureau in your registered residence. You can also apply in Lhasa (for a fee), but if you're pressed for time, it's easier to apply at your registered residence. (China-TravelNote's "Winter Tibet Tour" itinerary requires a border pass.)
★Medicines
Altitude sickness: Rhodiola rosea and altitude sickness medicine need to be taken about one week in advance. However, the Rhodiola rosea purchased in the plains is mostly synthetic capsules, while the one in Lhasa is oral liquid, which can relieve altitude sickness in time after drinking. In addition, altitude sickness medicines such as Gaoyuanan are also effective.
Cold medicine and anti-inflammatory drugs: Catching a cold at high altitude is a very troublesome thing. In severe cases, it may cause pulmonary edema. If you find that you have a cold, you should take cold medicine in time.
Motion sickness medicine: The journey to other areas in Tibet is long, so prepare motion sickness medicine.
Others: stomach medicine, isatis root granules (the universal oil in medicine, which has certain effects on most common symptoms, including altitude sickness), vitamin C effervescent tablets (fruits are relatively expensive in Lhasa, you can bring an appropriate amount of vitamin C effervescent tablets to supplement vitamins), glucose is strongly recommended.
★Most people from outside Tibet will return to their hometowns in winter, so you need to make travel arrangements in advance.
Winter is Tibet's off-season, with few tourists. Han Chinese who operate businesses, run shops, or work in Tibet often return to the interior as tourists depart. The streets of Lhasa are less crowded and bustling with tourists than during peak season, and most visitors are smiling Tibetans chanting mantras. Winter in Tibet is ideal for slow travel, savoring the bygone days in the sunshine, as if turning around could stumble upon a thousand-year-old scene.
In September this year, preferential policies have been introduced, and the specific plans are as follows:
Promotion period:
November 1, 2018 - March 15, 2019.
Main policies:
Except for temple scenic spots, all state-owned 3A-level (including 3A) and above scenic spots in the region are free to visit, and the tickets for state-owned 3A-level and below and non-state-owned A-level scenic spots are halved based on the off-season price.
Tips:
Note: This winter tour policy does not include all temples in Tibet! This means that temples such as the Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery are not included. However, popular attractions such as the Potala Palace and Norbulingka are included.
| List of 3A and above free scenic spots participating in the "Winter Tour Tibet" in 2018 | |
| Scenic spot name | Belonging |
| 1. 5A-level scenic spots | |
| Potala Palace | Lhasa |
| Basongcuo | Nyingchi City |
| 2. 4A-level scenic spots | |
| Yak Museum | Lhasa |
| Norbulingka | Lhasa |
| Mount Everest National Park | Shigatse City |
| Sakya Ancient City Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon Scenic Area | Nyingchi City |
| Nanyigou Scenic Area | Nyingchi City |
| Lulang Scenic Area | Nyingchi City |
| Mangkang Salt Well Tourist Area | Changdu City |
| Shenshan Shenghu Scenic Area | Ngari Prefecture |
| 3. 3A-level scenic spots | |
| Niangre Folk Customs Park | Lhasa |
| Nimthunpa | Lhasa |
| Chengguan District Jingtu Zhizhao Industrial Park | Lhasa |
| Beauty is the key | Lhasa |
| Weapons Museum | Lhasa |
| Tibetan Grass Yisheng Biotechnology Park | Lhasa |
| Lebugou | Shannan City |
| Yamdrok Lake | Shannan City |
| Yadong Duoqing Lake Tourist Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Yongze Green Guanxiang Lake Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Karola Glacier | Shigatse City |
| Jifu Canyon | Shigatse City |
| Gabujiuga Ecological Folk Village | Shigatse City |
| Pala Manor | Shigatse City |
| Zongga Yajiang Secret Ecological Resort | Shigatse City |
| Kaga Hot Spring Tourist Town | Shigatse City |
| Nathula Rhododendron Sea Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Qiangmu Grottoes Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Beauty Lake Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Savage Valley Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Dobuza Lake Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Qiongzi Township Mucun Tulin Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Kading Tianfo Waterfall Scenic Area | Nyingchi City |
| Millennium Walnut King Scenic Area | Nyingchi City |
| Niyang Pavilion Scenic Area | Nyingchi City |
| Zhari Namtso Natural Scenic Area | Ngari Prefecture |
| Pangong Lake | Ngari Prefecture |
| Qionglong Silver City | Ngari Prefecture |
| Piyangdongga | Ngari Prefecture |
| List of half-price scenic spots below 2A participating in the "Winter Tour Tibet" in 2018 | |
| Scenic spot name | Belonging |
| 1. Scenic spots below 2A level | |
| Sijinlacuo Lake | Lhasa |
| Tsa Tsa Cultural Exhibition Hall | Lhasa |
| Qisheng Local Products Co., Ltd. | Lhasa |
| Ganlu Tibetan Medicine Industrial Park | Lhasa |
| Dezhong Hot Spring | Lhasa |
| Dapu Astronomical and Calendar Observatory | Lhasa |
| Zonggongbu | Shannan City |
| zhegu lake | Shannan City |
| Zhayangzong | Shannan City |
| Ouqu Mountain Scenic Area | Shigatse City |
| Zhuomalangcuo Lake Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| Yiri Canyon Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| Ranwu Lake Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| Meiyu Grassland Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| Meili Snow Mountain (North Slope) Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| Mangcuo Lake Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| Jirong Canyon Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| Dora Mountain Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| Gama Characteristic Cultural Corridor Scenic Area | Changdu City |
| 2. Other key scenic spots | |
| Namtso | Key scenic spot Lhasa (has passed the preliminary evaluation and applied for 4A) |
| Guge Dynasty Ruins | Key scenic area Ali area (has passed the preliminary evaluation and applied for 4A) |
Lhasa in winter belongs to the Tibetan people. Local Tibetans, resident for generations, hold prayer wheels in hand and descend upon the streets of Barkhor, circling the Jokhang Temple and chanting sutras. When they tire, they wander into a familiar teahouse for a cup of butter tea, nodding and smiling with acquaintances and strangers alike, chatting about family matters. Then there are the Tibetans who come from far away, from the canyons and forests of southern Tibet, the vast pastures of northern Tibet, or the fertile fields of Sichuan and Yunnan. They come to Lhasa to see the Potala Palace, and kowtow repeatedly in the streets of Barkhor. This is their greatest wish and the glory of their entire village. When you walk the streets of Lhasa, don't speak; just follow them: in front of the prayer wheels in Barkhor, in the sunshine of sweet teahouses, at the yogurt shops next to the Potala Palace, and as your feet and hearts gradually quiet.
★Free admission to the Potala Palace
First, let's take a look at the ticket prices for the Potala Palace during peak and off-season: 200 yuan per person in high season, 100 yuan per person in low season. This doesn't include various fees, and even then, tickets are often hard to come by. But now, don't worry; you can visit for free.
1. After 9:00 a.m. every day, please bring a valid ID (second-generation ID, active-duty military ID, etc.) to the Potala Palace ticket booking window (about 100 meters west of the main entrance of the Potala Palace) to receive a free ticket for the day. With your ID and ticket, you can directly enter the Potala Palace for a visit.
2. According to the staff of the Potala Palace Management Office, during the period of free admission, the visiting hours of the Potala Palace are tentatively scheduled from 9:00 to 15:00 every day. If the number of tourists increases, the visiting hours will be extended to 16:00.
3. To maintain good visitor order and avoid excessive pressure on the Potala Palace's wooden buildings due to concentrated visitor attendance, the Potala Palace will implement a ticket reservation system when visitor attendance reaches 4,000 or more. Visitors must reserve tickets one day in advance. Visitor attendance and ticket availability will be released in real time through the "Potala Palace News" section of the Potala Palace official website.
4. When visitor traffic exceeds the peak of 5,000, the Potala Palace will activate its emergency plan and open Route 2, increasing capacity by 2,000 visitors. Route 2 begins at Snow City (Treasure House, the Exhibition of Old and New Tibet, Longxia Residence, Kansu Residence, Mint, Snow Palkhong, Snow Prison, and Qiangcang), then passes through Deyangxia, the White House Portico, the East Hall, the West Hall, the Hall of the Vidyadhara, the Hall of the Fifth Gyalwa Mausoleum, and the Hall of the Avalokitesvara Jataka, a total of 15 attractions.
Potala Palace after snow
After it snows in Lhasa, the entire city will be covered with a layer of shining silver. At this time, you will find that you are in a snowy country.
★ Cruise along the Lhasa River
With the lake breeze blowing and the warm sun shining brightly, you can take a boat ride on the Lhasa River and overlook the majestic Potala Palace. You can also quietly watch the Drepung Monastery while the oars are sliding.
Tips:
Boarding location:
Riverside Park (at the Sichuan-Qinghai Highway Monument on Jinzhu West Road, Lhasa)
Number of passengers required:
The minimum number of people per boat trip is 8
Starting from November 1, the ticket price for the "Lhasa River Cruise" will be the off-season price, 60 yuan per person.
★ Tibetan New Year
February 5, 2019 is not only the Chinese New Year, but also the Tibetan New Year. Like the Spring Festival for the Han Chinese, the Tibetan New Year is also the most important festival for the Tibetan people. They will purchase New Year's goods in the mall on Barkhor Street, they will worship Buddha and pray for blessings in the Jokhang Temple, they will have New Year's Eve dinner with relatives and friends, they will change the prayer flags in the temple and at home, they will eat Kasai noodles, they will offer "Chema" and taste "Chema"... They celebrate the Tibetan New Year in their own way.
Tibet Bird Watching Season
Winter is the perfect time for birdwatching in Lhasa. Not only can you witness magnificent flocks of migratory birds, but you'll also be amazed by rare species like black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and ruddy shelducks. According to statistics, over 130 bird species can be found in Lhasa's urban areas and its various lakes and wetlands during winter. Consequently, among travel experts, there's a saying: "Come to Lhasa to watch birds in winter."
Tibet in winter
The sky is purer than ever
The lake water is clearer than ever
The snow-capped mountains are more dreamy than ever
The glaciers are more dazzling than ever
Snow-capped mountains and glaciers are the epitome of Tibet's natural beauty. However, in the summer, due to the warm and rainy weather, clouds often obscure the glaciers, preventing a true glimpse of them. This is not a problem in winter, thanks to the clear, dry climate and warm, bright sunshine.
Mount Everest
As we all know, the highest peak in the world is located in Dingri County, Shigatse, Tibet. Currently, most people go to the Everest Base Camp. For many people, this is the place closest to Mount Everest. The towering mountain is directly in front of you. Here, you can also see the sunset and starry sky of Mount Everest.
Ticket price: 180 RMB/person
To go to the Everest Base Camp, you need to apply for a border pass, which can be obtained in Lhasa or Shigatse.
Mount Namjagbarwa
The mysterious Shy Girl Peak is rarely seen, so there is a legend that only those who can see its entirety are extremely lucky.
Viewing locations: Sejila Pass, Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, Suosong Village
Best time: October to April
Mount Kailash
The sacred mountain in Tibet, the "center of the universe" in the hearts of Buddhists, is a sacred and mysterious place.
Location: Ali Tachin
Accommodation: Tachin, at the foot of Mount Kailash, most of the rooms are multi-person rooms.
Circumambulate the mountain:
1. Best months for circumambulating the mountain: July to September. October is also acceptable, but it gets quite cold. The mountain is closed in winter and cannot be circumambulated.
2. Requirements: Entrance fee (150 RMB/person), border pass (obtained in advance), and valid ID card.
3. Circumambulation route: For followers of the local Bon religion in Ngari, circumambulating the sacred mountain is counterclockwise, while Tibetan Buddhists circumambulate clockwise. Both groups coexist harmoniously, each pursuing their respective beliefs. Two
-Day Route:
Day 1: Tachin - Jeripu Monastery (approximately 22 kilometers, 6-10 hours)
Day 2: Jeripu Monastery - Tachin (approximately 34 kilometers, 9-14 hours)
Three-Day Route:
Day 1: Tachin - Jeripu Monastery (same as Day 1 of the two-day tour) (approximately 22 kilometers)
Day 2: Jeripu Monastery - tent accommodation near Zhongzepu Monastery (approximately 22 kilometers)
Day 3: Zhongzepu Monastery - Tachin (approximately 12 kilometers)
Tibet's most beautiful winter wonders are its frozen lakes, with the blue ice of Pumoyongcuo rivaling even Lake Baikal in beauty. While everyone knows Tibet's three sacred lakes, Pumoyongcuo is lesser-known. However, its stunning beauty during the winter ice season has captivated outdoor enthusiasts. Want to check it out?
Namtso
One of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, "Namtso" is Tibetan and its Mongolian name is "Tengri Sea", both of which mean "Heavenly Lake".
Location: Dangxiong, Tibet
Tickets: 120 RMB/person
Accommodation: We recommend staying one night on the Zaxi Peninsula in Namtso. Due to limited facilities, accommodations are provided in prefabricated dormitories.
Photography: We recommend climbing the rocks next to the accommodation, which is considered the best spot for sunset photos. For stargazing, you can find the best spots by the lake or on the rocks.
Dining: There are many options on the Zaxi Peninsula. While a bit pricey, it's a great experience after the daily Sichuan cuisine of the past few days.
Clothing: As with Mount Everest, you'll need to wear warm, windproof clothing.
Yamdrok Lake
One of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, Yanghu Lake is abbreviated as Yanghu Lake, which means "Jade Lake" in Tibetan.
Location: Shannan, Tibet
What to Do: The journey from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake takes about 2.5 hours. There are four viewing platforms (two on Gangbala Mountain for panoramic views and two near the lake). Yak rides and photos are available at the lakeside viewing platforms for 5-10 yuan per person. If you have time, you can walk along the southeastern shore of the lake and circle the lake (a border pass is required to circle the lake).
★Manabonga
One of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, also known as Mafamu Co, which means "Invincible Lake" in Tibetan, it has been regarded as a sacred place and "the center of the world" by Buddhists and Bon believers since ancient times. It is the source of four major rivers in Asia.
Location: Next to Taqin, Ali, Tibet
Best time to visit: June to October.
Ticket price: 150 RMB per person.
A ticket is required to enter the lake from the main entrance. Alternatively, you can visit Qiwu Temple, which doesn't require a ticket. Climb the hillside to see Mount Kailash. A border pass is required to reach Mount Kailash.
Laangcuo
The companion lake of Lake Manasarovar is known as the "Ghost Lake". At the lakeside of Lake Manasarovar, you can directly see Mount Kailash, and behind it is Mount Namunani.
Location: Next to Taqin, Ali, Tibet
Travel: It is not recommended to stay by the lake for too long. If you need to take pictures of the sunset, it is recommended to take measures to protect against wind and keep warm.
Basongcuo
Also known as Coggao Lake, which means "green water" in Tibetan, Basongcuo is covered with snow in winter, adding infinite beauty to this emerald plateau.
Location: Nyingchi, Tibet
Ticket price: 120 RMB/person
Accommodation: Recommend Himalaya
Travel: After arriving at Basongcuo, if conditions permit, it is recommended to go to Xincuo. You can hike lightly and it is very comfortable. (You need to take a local car, please contact us in advance)
Pumoyongcuo
"Pumoyongcuo" means a clear lake like a girl. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is very beautiful.
Location: Lhodra, Tibet
Freezing time: mid-January to the end of February
Play: It is recommended to be cautious when going on the ice, walk as slowly as possible, be careful of the slippery ice, and test the hardness of the ice first.
There are many glaciers in Tibet, especially near the Himalayas. There are large and small glaciers distributed on the border. Many places require off-road vehicles or hiking to reach, and many places cannot be reached directly. But there is no doubt that their charm is infinite and deeply attracts us.
Midui Glacier
The glacier is always sparkling with snow, creating a magical and charming scene.
Location: Bomi, Tibet
Ticket price: 50 RMB/person
Transportation: Midui Glacier is close to the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and is easily accessible. You can charter a car from Bomi County or Ranwu Town to reach Midui Village in about 2 hours. From the entrance of the scenic area to the glacier, it is about 7 kilometers away, which is a round trip walk of about 3 hours. Horseback riding is also possible.
Laigu Glacier
When you are in Laigu Village, you can see the Meixi Glacier, Yalong Glacier, Ruojiao Glacier, Dongga Glacier, Xiongjia Glacier and Niuma Glacier at the same time. Because all these glaciers surround Laigu Village, they are collectively called Laigu Glaciers.
Location: Ranwu, Tibet
Best photography season: April
Best photography locations: The glacial lake in front of the glacier tongue allows you to observe the details of the glacier up close; in the ancient village, you can capture the long depth of the glacier with a strong sense of layering.
Safety: Only in January and February does the glacial lake freeze over in thick layers, allowing photographers to walk directly onto the glacier from the lake surface. Avoid entering the glacier at other times, as it can be very dangerous.
★Qudennima Glacier
The full name of this glacier is "Dorje Qudeng Nyima", which means "Diamond Sun Pagoda". It is said that when a pagoda shipped from India passed through this place, the sun shone on the pagoda, so the glacier got this name.
Location: Gangba County, Tibet
Visit: Drive an off-road vehicle to the lake. After getting off the vehicle, you'll need to hike for about 30 minutes to the lakeside, and then another 15 minutes to the bottom of the glacier. Due to the high altitude, please be careful.
★Internet celebrity 40 glaciers
Glacier No. 40, also known as the Tsogyal Glacier, stands at an altitude of 5,300 meters in Nagarze County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, near the border with Bhutan. It is named after Boundary Marker No. 40, located adjacent to the China-Bhutan border. It is the most accessible land mountain glacier discovered, allowing for close encounters without specialized equipment.
Location: The border between Nagarze, Tibet and Bhutan
Recommended time: November to April of the following year
Visiting: You must obtain a border pass in advance. Normally, you'll need an off-road vehicle. In winter, a 15-seater commercial vehicle is available. You'll get up close to the glacier, but caution is advised. Due to its border location, aerial photography is not recommended. Sometimes, access may be impossible due to various uncertainties.
Tibet is a mysterious and great place that requires constant exploration. As you gradually get to know it, you will find that Tibet is so interesting, so charming, and so breathtaking. Tibet always has many unknowns that attract you, and in the end you will slowly become addicted to it and fascinated by it.
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