Less popular autumn viewing spots, October to November, Nyingchi offers nature's splendid autumn colors

Autumn in Nyingchi is a treasure not to be missed. From mid-October to mid-November is the most beautiful season for colorful forests in Nyingchi. Along the Niyang River, in the forests around Basongcuo Lake, and on both sides of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the entire Nyingchi is painted with vibrant autumn colors, with a golden autumn viewing period lasting up to 50 days.
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is one of the most stunning autumn scenes in Tibet, featuring multiple vertical natural zones. The canyon tears through and divides the mountain ridges on both sides. From the valley floor to the mountain peaks, the lower areas have endless stretches of colorful forests, while the higher elevations are deep green, clinging close to the snow line. Autumn days in the canyon are very cool, making it an ideal time for outdoor hiking.
Lulang Forest
A breathtaking alpine pasture with unique Tibetan pastoral scenery. The autumn colors of Lulang Forest stand out due to its vast area, especially the forests surrounding the town, covered in yellow. Mist lingers among the mountains, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and winding streams. When you come here, don’t miss the local specialty, stone pot chicken.
Basongcuo Lake
From the lakeside to the forest, the layers of autumn colors create a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere. Looking out, the emerald lake is like a clear mirror, reflecting the surrounding layered mountains and colorful trees, from golden yellow to deep red, each shade telling the story of autumn.
Xincuo
A secret forest hidden within Basongcuo Lake. Hiking in Xincuo offers a gentle and quiet experience, like a peaceful paradise. Among the dense rolling forests, snow-capped mountains stand tall, streams babble, and meadows spread out, immersing visitors in the beauty of southern Tibet.
Suosong Village
In spring, see peach blossoms; in autumn, see snow-capped mountains. Suosong Village is the best place to capture autumn colors with Mount Namjagbarwa in the background. The hills are covered with autumn colors, and the ancient, tranquil village sits on a cliff. Autumn marks the beginning of the dry season in Nyingchi, with dry climate and pure air, providing excellent conditions for sightseeing and photography. Mount Namjagbarwa is more likely to reveal its magnificent full view during this season.
Fozhang Sand Dunes
Fozhang Sand Dunes are a lesser-known magical landscape on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, where snow mountains, forests, and sand dunes appear in the same scene. Located in the strong wind zone of the middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the sand is blown, transported, and accumulated year after year. The exposed river sand during the dry season forms this unique landform.
Niyang Riverbank
The delicate colors of the Niyang River flow in green or milky green waters. Forests in red, orange, yellow, and green stretch along the mountains on both sides. Golden grasslands and farmland lie on the riverbanks, with water birds playing in the water, and herds of horses and sheep nearby. The waters of the Niyang River Valley bring a rare highland autumn to this area.
Bomi
Bomi is famous as the land of glaciers, with hundreds of glaciers within its borders. During the crisp autumn season, glaciers stand tall, countless silver lights sparkle under the blue sky, and the surrounding forests enhance their vitality. Midui Glacier preserves ancient ice and snow millions of years old, with sparkling ice basins and cliffs, and long dark blue ice tongues, far more breathtaking than imagined. Autumn and winter are the best times to visit.
Starting in September, the area around Bomi Gang Spruce Forest gradually welcomes autumn colors. From early October to early November is the peak of autumn colors in Bomi, especially along the National Highway 318 section in Bomi. Glimpses of glaciers along the road are even more striking against the colorful autumn backdrop.
Motuo
The most hidden part of Nyingchi, the last county in China to be connected by road. Passing through the Galongla Tunnel, the altitude steadily decreases, and the natural scenery along the way seems to return to summer. This is a sacred place where different mountain forest vegetation types develop, ranging from tropical to cold temperate zones.