Ranwu Lake, the Pearl of Eastern Tibet, a jade mirror embraced by snow-capped mountains

Ranwu Lake is located in the southwest corner of Baxoi County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is the largest lake in Eastern Tibet. Here is a travel guide for Ranwu Lake😉:

Transportation Guide

- Self-driving: The preferred choice for experienced drivers on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway🚗. It takes about 4 hours from Nyingchi and about 7 hours from Lhasa. In winter, prepare snow chains due to heavy snow. Car rental costs about 500 yuan/day (including insurance), fuel costs extra.
- Chartered car: You can find local Tibetan drivers in Bomi or Nyingchi to guide you. A 5-seater car costs about 800 yuan/day (can share with 4 people). The driver can also act as a guide to explain Tibetan legends🎙.
- Shuttle bus: There are direct buses from Bomi Passenger Station to Ranwu, costing 30 yuan per person. There are only 2 buses daily, at 8 AM and 12 PM.

Best Time to Visit

The most beautiful season at Ranwu Lake is from March to early May. At this time, the lake water is clear and emerald green, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding snow mountains and forests, creating a picturesque scene🎨.

Recommended Attractions

- Zhongranwu Lake Viewing Platform: Drive along National Highway 318, before reaching Ranwu Town, turn onto National Highway 559 after seeing the Ranwu gas station sign. About 1 km past the gas station is Zhongranwu Lake. Continue about 3 km to the viewing platform, which has a boardwalk offering stunning views of the water and sky🌊.
- Xiudeng Monastery: Navigate to Kangsha Village. Upon arrival, you can see Xiudeng Monastery nearby. Drive along the winding road up to the monastery to overlook the entire Upper Ranwu Lake, a spectacular view🙏.
- Ranwu Lake Self-driving Camping Site: Return from National Highway 559 to 318, pass through Ranwu Town to reach this main viewing spot for Lower Ranwu Lake. However, the view is somewhat limited, and most of National Highway 318 has guardrails, making parking inconvenient🚗.
- Ranwu Lake National Forest Park Viewing Platform: Continue along National Highway 318 to the "Ranwu Lake National Forest Park" stone monument. Here, the view of Lower Ranwu Lake is wider. Further ahead is the outlet of Ranwu Lake💧.

Accommodation Recommendations

- Baxoi Songtsam Laigu Mountain Residence: Offers stunning views outside the window, a high-end lodging choice that makes you feel like you are in a fairyland😎.
- Jingshang Resort Hotel (Baxoi Dorashenshan Branch): Comfortable mountain view rooms with complete facilities, ensuring a safe and pleasant stay🏨.
- Jimi Hotel (Ranwu Lake Branch): Breakfast with a view, convenient parking, close to Ranwu Lake, a cost-effective choice😜.

Notes

Ranwu Lake is at an altitude of about 3850 meters. Be mindful of altitude sickness; avoid washing hair and bathing on the first day. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so carry a down jacket. There are few ATMs in town, so it is recommended to bring enough cash💰.