Complete Guide to the Secret Realm of Sapu Sacred Mountain

In-depth Travel Guide to Sapu Sacred Mountain

Destination Overview
Sapu Sacred Mountain is located in Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Nagqu City, Tibet. It is a little-known secret realm in eastern Tibet. The main peak stands at 6,956 meters and is called the "King of Snow Mountains" due to its unique pyramid shape. Surrounded by glaciers and lakes, it features lush green grass in summer and stunning blue ice in winter, making it an excellent place for photography, hiking, and pilgrimage.
Best Travel Time:
May to October (mild climate, suitable for hiking)
November to April (blue ice season, but road conditions are more dangerous)

Itinerary (5 days 4 nights, budget 5,000 RMB)
Day 1: Lhasa → Biru County
Morning: Depart from Lhasa by charter or shared car (about 8 hours, shared car fee about 400 RMB/person).
Afternoon: Pass through the northern Tibetan grasslands and Nujiang Grand Canyon, overnight in Biru County (hotel about 200 RMB/night).

Day 2: Biru County → Sapu Sacred Mountain
Morning: Head to Sapu Sacred Mountain (about 3 hours by car), enjoy Tibetan villages and prayer flags along the way.
Afternoon: Arrive at the outer lake of Sapu, photograph the mountain’s reflection, hike to the glacier foot (horse riding available, about 100 RMB/person).
Evening: Stay at a Tibetan family home in Sapu (about 150 RMB/person, including simple meals).

Day 3: Deep Exploration of Sapu Sacred Mountain
All day: Hike to the inner lake, get close to the glacier, or circumambulate the lake (guide required, about 200 RMB/person).
Evening: Return to Biru County for accommodation (about 200 RMB/night).

Day 4: Biru County → Skull Wall → Nagqu
Morning: Visit Biru County’s "Skull Wall" (entrance fee 80 RMB), experience Tibetan views on life and death.
Afternoon: Drive to Nagqu City (about 4 hours), overnight in Nagqu (hotel about 250 RMB/night).

Day 5: Nagqu → Lhasa
All day: Return to Lhasa (shared car about 300 RMB/person), end of trip.

Budget Details (per person)
Item Costs
Transportation
Round-trip shared car between Lhasa about 1,000 RMB
Accommodation
4 nights about 800 RMB
Meals
5 days about 500 RMB
Tickets/Guides
Skull Wall 80 RMB + horse riding/guide 300 RMB
Others
Oxygen tank, snacks, etc. 200 RMB
Total:
About 2,880 RMB

With a 5,000 RMB budget, you can upgrade your experience:
Charter car for a flexible trip (about 4,000 RMB/car, cheaper if shared by 4 people)
Drone aerial photography (advance registration required)
Extend the trip: add visits to Zizhu Monastery or Puyu Glacier

Travel Tips
Altitude Adaptation: Acclimate in Lhasa for 1-2 days in advance, prepare glucose and ibuprofen.
Road Conditions: The last 30 kilometers to Sapu are gravel roads; an off-road vehicle is recommended.
Accommodation: Tibetan family homes have no private bathrooms; bring your own sleeping bag.
Respect Beliefs: Circumambulate the lake clockwise, do not step on prayer flags or mani stone piles.

Optional Trip Extensions
Sapu + Zizhu Monastery (7 days, explore the most rugged Bon religion monastery in eastern Tibet)
Sapu + Puyu Glacier (6 days, visit the "Third Pole of the World" glacier)
Wishing to see the true face of the sacred mountain, Tashi Delek!