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Tibet is a book you can never finish reading, and a landscape you can never finish photographing. The sacred snow-capped mountains, the colorful prayer flags, the ancient civilization... these are all reasons why many people yearn for it.
This is my third time in Tibet, the place I long for. This time we set out from Lhasa and traveled west along the Fanni Ancient Road for six days to see the scenery along the way!
D1: Chengdu - Lhasa Gonggar Airport - InterContinental Hotel Lhasa - Jiamusa Tibetan Banquet
D2: Lhasa - Former Residence of Thunmi Sambhota - Birthplace of Nyingchi Tibetan Incense
Day 3: Shigatse - Lazi Rapeseed Flowers - Jiacuo La Mountain - Wula Pass - Everest Base Camp
Day 4: Everest Base Camp - Pekutso - Shishapangma Peak - Gyirong Town
D5: Jilong Town - Naixia Village - Kaire Waterfall - Tang Dynasty Imperial Envoy Monument (Zhaoti Fortress) - Tingri
D6: Tingri - Shigatse - Lhasa Gonggar Airport - Return
You can choose to fly to Lhasa or Shigatse from all over the country. If you have enough time, you can also choose to drive or take a train. The altitude goes from low to high, so it is not easy to get altitude sickness.
The conditions in Lhasa and Shigatse are better, and there are more hotels to choose from. This time I chose to stay in a tent at the Everest Base Camp. I heard that the conditions are much better than before, but it is still acceptable.
The altitude of this trip is ups and downs. The highest is about 5200 meters at the Everest Base Camp, and the lowest is more than 2800 meters in Jilong Town, the back garden of Everest. When you arrive at the plateau, do not do strenuous exercise, eat small meals frequently, do not catch a cold, and always have oxygen ready with you.
The temperature in Tibet fluctuates significantly this season, so short-sleeved shirts are fine during the day, but long-sleeved jackets are recommended at night due to the chilly wind. A jacket is essential at Everest Base Camp, and if you plan to take photos of the starry sky and sunrise, be sure to pack plenty of clothing. Tibet's high altitude also means strong UV rays, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and more.
Sichuanese people don't worry about food in Tibet at all, as Sichuan cuisine is everywhere. Also, when you're in Tibet, remember to try some Tibetan food. For self-driving trips, be sure to pack plenty of glucose and milk clams, as travel time is unpredictable and meal times are difficult to schedule.
Many people may not know that on the plane from Chengdu to Lhasa, you can see Mount Namjagbarwa from the left. Unfortunately, there were no window seats left when I arrived at the airport this time, so I didn’t get to take any pictures.
On my trip to Lhasa, I chose to stay at the InterContinental Lhasa Paradise, one of the few high-altitude hotels in the world. Quietly situated beside a serene blue lake, the hotel's three symmetrical white triangles create a staggered, snow-capped mountain silhouette.
Walking into the hotel lobby, you will see the white watchtower designed based on the Potala Palace, with red pillars, black windows, sun, moon, auspicious clouds, wind horse flags and other decorations, which are arranged in an orderly manner and have a very Tibetan style.
The hotel rooms are luxuriously appointed, fully incorporating Tibetan charm. They're equipped with a central oxygen system, individual humidification systems, and American Agri toiletries. Most importantly, the hotel's 18-hour central oxygen supply is truly wonderful.
In the evening, I chose to experience a Tibetan restaurant called "Jiamusa", which means Princess Wencheng in Tibetan. The restaurant's layout is very Tibetan.
I highly recommend the special Tibetan hotpot, which is made with beef, marbled beef, mushrooms, cabbage and lettuce, and the taste is very much to our liking.
There are also traditional Tibetan snacks such as tsampa, lamb chops, and Tibetan steamed buns, all worth trying. In addition, you can enjoy Tibetan song and dance performances while eating, which directly enhances the atmosphere.
The journey started on the second day. Our destination today was Shigatse. We were supposed to go to Yamdrok Lake, but unfortunately we were unable to do so due to road construction. Our itinerary was changed to Tunda Village in Lhasa.
Thonmi Sambhota was a legendary figure born into a powerful Tibetan family. He was an early Tibetan linguist, translator, and creator of the Tibetan language. Like Tang Sanzang, he went to India to study and eventually became a minister in front of the emperor. His story is still remembered today.
The former residence of Thunmi Sambhota has a history of over 1,300 years. The first floor of the residence is used as a cattle and sheep pen, serf housing, and a barley frying kitchen. The second floor houses the housekeeper's room, the master's room, a granary, and a scripture hall.
Tunda Village is a renowned Chinese historical and cultural village, also known as a "paradise" in the rural valley. The village is dotted with water-mills, the source of Tibetan incense. Strolling through the village, you'll be greeted by towering ancient trees, gurgling streams, and birdsong, perfectly showcasing the pristine natural beauty of the ancient village.
This is also the birthplace of Nyingchi Tibetan incense. This time, we visited Baciren's home to observe their incense production. Many people may not know much about Tibetan incense, so here's a brief introduction. Tibetan incense is typically handcrafted using cypress and elm bark, along with dozens of other natural, pollution-free Tibetan herbs like saffron, musk, and agarwood, all in appropriate proportions. This production process has now been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Day three was our most anticipated trip, departing from Shigatse and heading to Everest Base Camp. Passing through Lhaze, we encountered stunning rapeseed fields. The golden blossoms, swaying in the breeze, resembled a flowing painting.
Continuing towards Everest Base Camp, we'll pass Gyatso-La Pass, also known as Dingri Boundary, marking the entrance to the Everest National Nature Reserve. A large sign for the reserve stands along the highway, and many people take photos and check in. At 5,248 meters, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind beneath a blue sky and white clouds.
Continue forward and you will arrive at the gate of Mount Everest, which is the ticket office. You can stop here and take pictures.
Continuing forward, you will reach the Gaula Pass, a pass on the way to the Everest Base Camp, also known as the Everest Viewing Platform.
There are only 14 snow-capped peaks in the world exceeding 8,000 meters, 10 of which are located in southwestern China. This is the only viewing platform from which you can see five of these 8,000-meter peaks (from left to right: Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma). There are countless snow-capped peaks exceeding 7,000 meters!
There are also 105 winding turns arranged neatly in a spiral pattern. After walking through them, you'll understand what it means to be at the top of the world. I've seen countless famous mountains and rivers, but Mount Everest, known as the Earth's Third Pole, is the place I long for most. Mount Everest is the Tibetan translation of Mount Everest, also known as "Mount Everest," meaning "Goddess Third." Standing at 8,848.86 meters, it's considered the world's highest peak. Its summit is perennially covered in snow, giving it a pyramid-shaped shape.
This time, we arrived at Everest Base Camp, at an altitude of 5,200 meters. We stayed in a tent there that night, rested briefly, and then took my second starry night photo with a friend. Although we were incredibly tired, the moment we saw the photos, we felt that life was worth it. We started shooting the sunrise at 6 a.m., but unfortunately, we didn't make it. I look forward to seeing you next time.
On day four, we traveled from Everest Base Camp to Jilong Valley, known as the "Backyard of Everest." Passing by, we'd see Shishapangma, 8,027 meters high. Shishapangma is the last of the world's 14 8,000-meter peaks and the only one entirely within Chinese territory. It lies in the central Himalayas, 120 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest.
We couldn't see it fully on our way to Jilong Valley; the upper part was obscured by clouds. But on our return the next day, Shishapangma was fully visible. Gazing from afar, the snow-capped peak, bathed in sunlight, was a majestic spectacle. The clouds were unpredictable, but fortunately, just as we were leaving, Mount Everest also came into view in the distance. At that moment, I thought, we were truly blessed.
Along the way, you'll also see Pekutso, Shigatse's largest lake, nestled at the foot of Mount Shishapangma. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the lake boasts a vast, unfathomable basin. Known as one of the three sacred lakes of the Snow Region, Pekutso's waters remain emerald blue year-round. Its clear, azure waters seem to cleanse the soul, allowing you to let go of distractions and desires.
Known as the "Backyard of Mount Everest," Gyirong is a stunning hidden gem deep in the Himalayas. The discoverer of Shangri-La called it a second paradise. From Gyirong County, you'll cross the Gyirong Tsangpo Grand Canyon to Gyirong Town. Here, you'll find the secret village of Naixia, boasting Swiss-style scenery, small towns with distinctive Nepalese architecture, Nepalese cuisine, and the incredibly rare Kaire Waterfall, rivaling the Yangpi Cave. If you can't travel abroad for the time being, Gyirong is one of your best options.
During the journey from Tibet to Shigatse, my favorite place is Jilongnai Village. It is close to the national border and can be said to be the last secret village in Jilong, Tibet. There is a natural viewing platform here, with snow-capped mountains and glaciers, flying clouds and rosy clouds, grasslands and wetlands, pagodas and prayer flags.
This place is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Everyone who has been there loves it. We didn't originally plan to visit this place, but when we saw the photos of this place, we were deeply attracted. We decided to charter a car and go there. Although we only spent an hour here, it was really fascinating.
On the way back to Jilong County from Jilong Town, there are continuous snow-capped mountains on both sides, and many alpine lakes. Due to factors such as rising temperature and increased dissolved water, the lake water will suddenly rush down, passing through the forest and over the rocks, forming many rapids and waterfalls, like white hadas, floating on the high mountain cliffs on both sides.
Kaire Waterfall is the largest of the Jilong Valley waterfalls, comparable to the incredibly popular Yangpi Cave. A viewing path is currently under construction, so be sure to watch your step.
This time, when we retraced the Fanni Ancient Trail, we passed the Zhaoti Barrier, which is also the most important part of the Fanni Ancient Trail. You can see the sign here on the roadside. Continue walking along the trail, with yew trees on both sides. When you get to the front, you will see the four words "Zhaoti Barrier" on the cliff.
Tibet is a place worth visiting countless times. Some say there's no destination in Tibet; the most beautiful scenery is found along the way. Indeed, Tibet offers endless sights, offering surprises at every turn. Looking forward to seeing an even more beautiful Tibet next time!
