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2024 Banbar Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Today's Weather
Cloudy -12-6℃
Early morning to Sapu
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💞Reasons to Recommend:
The car drove to the position where you can just see the snowy mountain.
It's still dark.
As soon as I looked up, I saw the towering snowy mountains at hand. I immediately decided to get out of the car and slip from the hillside to the lake. Maybe it was because it was dark or I was shocked by the scenery.
That slope is very steep.
When I saw it again on the way back, I couldn't believe how I walked along the lake. I've seen the Rizhao Golden Mountain and the shadow of the lake. I will never forget it in my life.
In the early morning, setting off for Sapu, Tibet in China is an exciting adventure.
Sapu is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. As you make your way there in the early hours, you might be greeted by the soft glow of the rising sun casting a golden hue over the vast landscapes. The air is fresh and crisp, filled with the scent of the mountains and the promise of new discoveries.
The journey to Sapu can be a memorable one. The roads wind through majestic mountains, past crystal-clear rivers, and alongside colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Along the way, you might catch glimpses of yaks grazing in the meadows and nomads going about their daily lives.
Once you arrive in Sapu, you'll be immersed in a world of unique culture and stunning scenery. The traditional Tibetan architecture, with its colorful murals and intricate carvings, is a sight to behold. The local people are warm and friendly, always ready to share their stories and traditions.
Whether you're exploring ancient temples, hiking through the mountains, or simply taking in the views, Sapu offers a truly unforgettable experience. So, set out early in the morning and embark on a journey to this magical place in Tibet, China.
A sacred mountain in Tibet offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers in winter
Location: Mount Sapu
💰Average cost:
The ticket price is 150 yuan per person, half price for students (available on Xue Xin Wang), and you need to bring your ID.
👍Most recommended:
It is recommended to stay in Yangxiu Township. There is a hotel with a good environment in the township government, about forty minutes away from Mount Sapu.
If you choose to stay in the scenic area, after buying the ticket and entering, go straight to the bus stop. The bus runs every half an hour. It takes about ten minutes to get to the outer lake by bus. There are two guesthouses at the drop-off point, which are dormitory-style, and the beds are relatively small, 100 yuan per person.
If you choose to camp, the outer lake is a good choice. The internet-famous bridge is also near the drop-off point of the outer lake. Secondly, don't bring food with a strong smell, it will attract bears.
🌟Highlights:
The inner lake is more spectacular, the scenery is much better than the outer lake, there are also two guesthouses, you can see more snow-capped mountains, black soil and blue lake water, giving you the illusion of being in the North and South Poles.
🗓Itinerary:
The internet-famous bridge is about a hundred meters to the left of the drop-off point, but the slope is very steep, it is recommended to walk a few more steps forward to bypass it. Secondly, the shooting angle of the internet-famous bridge is limited, it is more recommended to find an angle on the iron bridge above the internet-famous bridge.
From this direction, continue to walk up the mountain to the inner lake, about five kilometers of mountain road, the altitude is nearly five thousand meters, people with good physical strength can try hiking.
If you don't want to hike, there will also be local villagers at the drop-off point of the outer lake who will drive you into the inner lake for a fee of 100 yuan per person, free for the elderly, and you can bargain. It's about a twelve-minute journey, round trip.
After they take you to the inner lake, they will wait for you at the original place (if you don't go far). Walk straight into the inner lake, cross the bridge, and there is a ridge ahead. It's a great place for photos, but there are few glaciers.
📝Tips:
If you want to see the glaciers alone, it is not recommended to go in. Because there are many dogs and bears inside, be careful not to get close.
Xianggelila Glacier, Tibet | A paradise bluer than Iceland.
🏔Xianggelila Glacier, also known as Puyu Glacier, is located in Bianba County, Changdu, Tibet, close to the famous Tricolor Lake Scenic Area. It is a little-known glacier. The scenery of Xianggelila Glacier is unique. Hidden in the clouds, the snow-capped mountains stretch into the ice lake, like a giant ice dragon, exuding a majestic aura.
.❄️It takes thousands of years for glaciers to form, but they may melt in just a few decades. No one knows how long this beautiful glacier will last. So, hurry up and set off now. The brave will enjoy it first.
From Bianba County to Xianggelila Glacier, you will pass the beautiful Tricolor Lake.
📍Location: Navigate to Bianba County, Tricolor Lake.
🎫Tickets: Free
🚙Transportation: You can take a round-trip motorcycle for 200 per person, which takes 1 hour. A round-trip hike takes 6 hours.
Essentials: Warm clothes, non-slip shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
⌚️Time: It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the glacier lake to the glacier.
🏨Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Bianba County, or in a homestay or hotel near the glacier.
🍚Dining: There are no restaurants or shops, so you need to bring your own food and water.
Historically, Xianggelila Glacier is a sacred place in the hearts of the Tibetan people. They revere this glacier and regard it as a symbol of the power of nature.
Mount Sapa | The Land of the Gods.
Head to Sapa at dawn
When the car reaches the point where the snow-capped mountains first appear
The night is still deep
Looking up, the majestic snow-capped mountains seem within reach
We didn't hesitate to stop the car and slide down to the lake from the mountainside
Maybe it's because of the cover of night
Maybe it's because of the stunning scenery
The slope is extremely steep
When we returned, it was hard to believe how we got down
Stroll along the lakeshore,
Witness the golden mountain in the sunlight,
Admire the reflection on the lake
Such an experience,
I'm sure I'll never forget it in this life.
Self-drive tour of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (14) - Lesser-known attractions: "Three-color Lake" and Xianggela Glacier.
Self-drive tour of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (14)
Lesser-known attractions: "Three-color Lake" and Xianggela Glacier
Chamdo, Tibet - Naqu
September 13, 2024
Weather: Overcast to cloudy, temperature: 7-22°C, highest altitude of the day: 5,072 m, National Highway 317 - National Highway 558.
"Three-color Lake" and Xianggela Glacier are located in Puyu Village, Bianba Town, Bianba County, and are one of the stops on National Highway 349, the secret of eastern Tibet (Figure 1). The scenic area has a gate and a visitor center, but no one is on duty and no tickets are required. Self-driving cars can follow the main road (584 County Road) in the scenic area, a two-way cement road, and drive 24 kilometers to the deepest part of the Xianggela Glacier (Figure 2).
When I arrived yesterday evening, I saw that the weather was good, so I hurried to "Three-color Lake" and Xianggela Glacier to take a look. I returned to my residence when the sun set. Early this morning, I went to the scenic spot to take pictures as soon as it was light. It is very convenient and efficient to live in the scenic area.
"Three-color Lake" is divided into Black Lake (Figure 3), White Lake (Figure 4), and Yellow Lake (Figure 5), among which Black Lake is the largest. Under the sun, the colors are different, so it is called "Three-color Lake". In fact, Yellow Lake is worthy of its name, and the other two lakes have no special colors. The three-color lakes are arranged in an irregular "品" shape, and the lakes are separated by low mountain platforms. They are all formed by the accumulation of ice and snow in the low-lying areas of the valley for many years (Figure 6).
On the hillside by the Black Lake, there is the "Dazong Site", which is the office of the old Tibetan government, and its buildings have obvious defensive structures (Figure 7).
The Xianggela Glacier in the deepest part of the scenic area is rarely visited and amazing. After a summer, when the surrounding mountains are not covered with ice and snow, it is still crystal clear and shining. There are still floating ice scattered on the glacial lake in front of the glacier (Figure 8), which is really magical.
This morning, I also took a photo of "Sunshine on the Golden Mountain" (Figure 9) when I entered the glacier for the second time, but the clouds were not ideal.
The real beauty often appears after a long journey, hard work, and deep exploration. Yesterday's fatigue suddenly disappeared.
I left the scenic area in the morning, took National Highway 558, and successively crossed the Ga's La Mountain Pass (altitude 4,998 meters) and Xiala Mountain Pass (altitude 5,072 meters), creating a new high. The next new high is expected to be the Nagenla Pass of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains in three days.
Compared with yesterday, today's National Highway 558 is much easier to walk. Although the altitude is above 4,000 meters, it is also a gravel road, but it is not as difficult as Provincial Highway 302.
Stay in Biru County tonight (altitude 3,950 meters). Go to Naqu tomorrow after visiting two small attractions along the way.
Self-driving tour of the North and South Sichuan-Tibet Line (13) The twists and turns are also a precious memory.
Self-driving tour of the North and South Sichuan-Tibet Line (13)
The twists and turns are also a precious memory
Changdu, Tibet
2024.9.13
Cloudy to cloudy, temperature 7-24 degrees, the highest altitude of the day is 4809 meters; National Highway 317-Provincial Highway 302-National Highway 349.
It was late when we arrived at the hotel yesterday, so I'm making up for it now.
First, I'd like to correct the location mentioned in the previous article. Bianba County, where we arrived yesterday, is still part of Changdu. Today, we entered the second city-state of Tibet - Nagqu.
Don't people often say, "Walk all the bends today, and life will be smooth from now on"? In fact, this is just a good wish and blessing. Travel is like life, smooth and fulfilling, and rugged and bumpy, always go hand in hand, as was the case on the way yesterday.
If you continue to drive west from Dingqing on G317, you can reach Nagqu relatively smoothly, but there are not many attractions along the way. We took in the advice of fellow travelers and temporarily left G317 to take a less traveled route, adding difficulty and being mentally prepared.
We set off from Dingqing to Bianba around 8:00 am yesterday. The information on Gaode and Baidu navigation was different, and after asking several local people, we finally confirmed that we would take the "shortcut" along Provincial Highway 302 (Figure 1). Of the 234 kilometers, nearly 200 kilometers were "washboard roads", winding through mountains and valleys, crossing the highest point of the Walashan Pass at 4809 meters (Figure 2, refreshing the height), turning left and right, winding up and down, the road was not only bad but also dangerous (Figure 3). Due to natural disasters during the previous rainy season, many sections of the road were damaged by mudslides or subsidence (Figure 4), and although emergency passage was available, it was still difficult to drive. In some places, there were cliffs and abysses below, and even experienced drivers drove carefully and with trepidation (Figure 5). There were also showers on the way, making the situation even more complicated. The difficulty was beyond expectations, and it was the most difficult and longest self-driving trip we had ever taken, thrilling and unforgettable.
This Provincial Highway 302 is unlikely to be paved and repaired in the near future. If you are planning to visit nearby, it is recommended to avoid this road during the rainy and snowy seasons (Figure 6).
The Nu River accompanied us on our way (Figure 7); after crossing the bridge in the distance, we entered Bianba County from Dingqing County (Figure 8); barley fields on the opposite hillside and farmhouses completely different from the style of most Tibetan houses here (Figure 9).
Around 4:00 pm, we finally "broke out of the siege", having driven for more than 8 hours, with an average speed of only over 20 kilometers.
As soon as we arrived at Bianba County, we turned onto National Highway 349 and soon arrived at the "Three-Color Lake" scenic area and checked in. I will post the tour information later.
The Most Sacred Mountain in Tibet: A Journey to Inner Purification
Located in southern Tibet, Mount Sap is one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism. This towering snow peak, standing at an altitude of 5,630 meters, exudes a mysterious and solemn aura under the blue sky and white clouds. From the summit, you can overlook the magnificent glaciers and snow scenery, feeling the great power of nature. Additionally, during the climb, you can visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and experience the rich religious atmosphere. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, but you can also find inner purification and tranquility here. This sacred mountain is indeed a must-visit for anyone traveling to Tibet.
After 5 months, this place has reopened
Land of Idyllic Beauty, Mount Sapo
It is the highest peak on the eastern side of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, a sacred mountain in the snowy region filled with many legends, a rarely visited paradise on earth
It is also the sacred mountain that believers aspire to pilgrimage to throughout their lives. The so-called paradise is nothing but this
Elevation: Lake surface elevation: 5000, Mount Sapo elevation: 6956
Ticket: 150
Location: Inside Puzong Gully, Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Naqu City, Tibet, about 900 kilometers from Lhasa
Travel: There is no public transportation, it takes about 10 hours to drive from Lhasa
Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in Biru County, there are homestays about 3 kilometers from Mount Sapo, but the conditions are relatively poor, wooden cabins.
❤Recommended Reasons:
1 Flower Meadows
In summer, the blooming flowers and meadows fill the valleys, as if putting a floral long dress on the snowy mountains, most touching
2 Pyramid Shape of the Sacred Mountain
Mount Sapo has stood here for millions of years, its perfect pyramid peak shape is eye-catching! It is enough to shock every pilgrim, at the foot of the sacred mountain, all things have spirits
3 Continuous Glaciers
Walking into it, you enter a dreamy Antarctica! The majestic glaciers, like dragon scales, emit a piercing cold light, not the polar regions but as impressive as them
4 Azure Sacred Lake
The lake under the snowy mountain is emerald green like jade, the water appears to have a viscous feeling, like a sea of milk, especially peculiar
5 Sunlight on the Golden Mountain
A myriad of golden rays descend from the sky onto the summit of the snowy mountain, nature stages a golden visual feast, extremely spectacular! This generally only happens on clear days at sunrise or sunset
6 Vast Starry Sky
While you are still crazily working overtime in front of the computer late at night, two thousand kilometers away in Tibet, the Milky Way arch bridge spans the earth, emitting a brilliant light
7 Winter Blue Ice
Seeing the blue ice that rivals the Arctic Circle, with its radiant blue light, as if the color of the sky, is the most sacred
8 Enjoy Freedom
It is too pure, hidden away for many years unknown! Walking into it, you enter the greatest wilderness on Earth
Mount Sapo is truly breathtakingly beautiful
🏔Mount Sapo
Located in Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Naqu City, Tibet
🌄 Elevation: 4800 meters
■Best viewing season: May to September
1️⃣Day1: Lhasa to Biru to Yangxiu Township by car takes 10 hours. Depart in the morning, passing through Damxung with a stop at the Nyenchen Tanglha Viewpoint for photos; lunch in Naqu City, and in the afternoon, pass through Biru with an optional visit to the Skull Wall Scenic Area, which is not highly recommended due to its cost-effectiveness. Arrive in the well-known Cordyceps county, Biru County, around six or seven in the evening, have dinner, and then continue on. The upcoming road will be winding and possibly driven at night during the ascent, so safety is paramount. Around eleven o'clock, when passing through the Shalashan Pass (elevation 5700), you'll be lucky to see the visible Milky Way and even capture a life photo with your phone (long exposure 10s/30s). After another hour's drive, you'll reach the accommodation for the night.
The first day's journey is longer to catch the sunrise on Mount Sapo the next morning, so it will be relatively tough.
-
2️⃣Day2: Yangxiu Township - Sapo Scenic Area - Outer Lake - Inner Lake - Return to stay at Outer Lake
The drive takes 1.5 hours
Ticket price is currently unknown due to new regulations
The highlight is next!
Mount Sapo is divided into Outer Lake and Inner Lake. It is recommended to view the sunrise on the mountain from Outer Lake for a more comprehensive and intuitive experience. It takes about 2 hours to walk from Outer Lake to Inner Lake, with lush aquatic plants and wildflowers along the lake shore, and the feeling of gradually approaching the snow mountain is incredibly awesome! At Inner Lake, you can see glaciers and meadows up close, and you can also continue to climb up the hillside to the temple (not recommended for those with average physical strength, as it is difficult and far).
In the evening, you can return to Outer Lake to take photos of the sunset and the famous bridge.
Accommodation can be chosen at Outer Lake, which is convenient for night photography of the stars.
3️⃣Day3: Sapo to Lhasa
On the third day, you can also choose to get up early to see the sunrise on the mountain, but due to weather conditions, we only saw the great scenery on the second day.
⚠️Precautions:
■The scenery of Mount Sapo is very dependent on the weather, so try to choose your travel dates based on the weather forecast;
. The 3-day, 2-night itinerary is for reference only and can be extended to include other routes in Tibet;
■Protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility
Discover the wonders of Sapu and experience a breathtaking fairyland!
✨Sapu, you are simply a paradise on earth😍! The pristine snow-capped mountains🏔️, the deep blue lakes💧, and the vast grasslands🌱, all come together to form a stunningly beautiful tapestry🎨! Every view is intoxicating😵, as if you are in a fairy tale world🌈! Here, time seems to stand still, everything is so peaceful and wonderful🥰!
🎉Sapu Travel Guide🎉
🚗Transportation: You can choose to drive yourself or hire a car🚗, which allows you to better appreciate the scenery along the way🌈.
🏔️Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is better and the scenery is more beautiful🥰.
📋Itinerary:
Day1️⃣: Arrive at the Sapu scenic area, enjoy the scenery along the way, and check into a local inn🏨.
Day2️⃣: Get up early to watch the sunrise over Mount Sapu🌅, then hike around to explore nearby attractions and experience the charm of nature💪.
Day3️⃣: You can choose to camp by the lake🏕️, enjoying the tranquil night and the beautiful starry sky✨.
🍔Food Recommendations: There are unique Tibetan dishes such as butter tea and yak meat🥩, be sure to try them😋!
⚠️Precautions:
1. Be aware of altitude sickness and take preventive measures in advance💊.
2. Bring warm clothing as the temperature can vary greatly between day and night🧣.
3. Respect the local culture and customs🙏.
Crossing the sky, a pure pact with Mount Sapo
The May Day reopening, but it is not recommended to visit the secret destination of Tibet, Mount Sapo, because the starting point of the scenery is too high, which will make other attractions seem tasteless!
⛰【Travel Guide】
📍Detailed address: Puzong Gully, Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Nagqu, Tibet
🚗Transportation strategy: There is no public transportation, self-driving or carpooling and car rental are options, and the road conditions are not difficult to navigate
💰Ticket price: 100💰(reference from previous years)
🌟Seasonal selection:
April/September-December: Super suitable for trekking, viewing snow-capped mountains, and lakes
July-August: More precipitation, but it is the blooming season with flowers in full bloom
January-March: The lake water is frozen, suitable for viewing snow-capped mountains and blue ice
📌Little Tips: ①Prepare for wind and cold on the plateau, bring a windbreaker, down jacket, and hiking shoes
②Wild animals are nearby, please pay attention to safety
③The road conditions from Yangxiu Township to Sapo are not good, it is recommended to choose a vehicle with a higher chassis (especially during the rainy season)
My goodness, where is this place? I want to go
The morning trip to Sapu
The car drove just to the point where the snow-capped mountains are visible
It was still dark
Looking up, the towering snow mountains were within reach
I decided to get off the car and slide down the hillside to the lakeside
It might have been because it was dark
Or perhaps the scenery was so stunning
That slope was particularly steep
Looking back at it on the return trip, I could hardly believe how I had made it down
Walking along the lakeside, I saw the sunlit golden mountains, I saw the reflections on the lake surface
I suppose I will never forget this in my lifetime
·
Mount Sapu
A day-long ice cave exploration + glacier trekking, truly unfiltered! I heard that the Kongga Ice Cave is the largest ice cave discovered in Tibet to date
I thought I would see magnificent blue ice, but in reality, the light inside the ice cave is quite dim, making it look greyish. Despite this, the landscape inside the ice cave still arouses a sense of freshness and curiosity.
The inner walls of the Kongga Ice Cave are like fish scales, as if they've been scraped by an ice cream scoop. On the horizontal plane, the layered patterns are clearly visible. If you look closely, you'll find objects encapsulated within the ice, adding to the mystery of the ice cave. It's like a giant time machine, capturing every moment and allowing us to glimpse into that distant and mysterious world.
The blue ice of the Xianggelila Glacier attracts many visitors. Glacier trekking is a great experience, tiring yet joyful!
Walking on the ice, you can see white ice bubbles within the ice layers. The ice blocks in front of the mountain are like a huge sapphire embedded in the snow. When you cross over hills and slopes, you'll find ice caves that haven't fully solidified. You can even walk up to the massive ice walls and admire the natural wonders.
📍Location: Puyu Village, Bianba County, Changdu City, Tibet
💰Cost: No entrance fee, motorcycle 200 yuan/person, local guide 200 yuan
🚗How to get there: Self-drive/join a tour group
⏳Recommended duration of visit: 1 day
【Recommended ways to play】
1️⃣ Morning: Take a motorcycle to the vicinity of Kongga Ice Cave - Trek to the ice cave - Visit and take photos in the ice cave - Return by motorcycle
2️⃣ Afternoon: Xianggelila Glacier trekking
【Tips】
🌟Kongga Ice Cave is quite far away, it is recommended to take a motorcycle, the road is bumpy, remember to hold on tight
🌟It is advised to wear a safety helmet when visiting the ice cave to prevent ice from falling
🌟The Kongga Ice Cave is not very long, but there are many ice blocks on the ground, the path is difficult, and the light is dim
🌟For glacier trekking, it is recommended to hire a guide to avoid getting lost, safety first
🌟For glacier trekking, remember to bring ice claws, do not walk on thin ice, safety first
🌟Try to return before dark, safety first
🌟For accommodation, it is recommended to choose in Bianba County, where conditions are better
Sapushan Mountain Nanny-level Guide
Ticket: 150/person, valid for three days. Includes round-trip sightseeing car fare from the scenic area parking lot to the Outer Lake (about 10 minutes). The road from Outer Lake to Inner Lake is under construction and is currently not allowed for self-driving.
Tour route:
1. The average altitude of Sapushan Mountain is about 4400 meters. If you are not in good physical condition, you can stroll around the Outer Lake and take photos at the popular wooden bridge.
2. You can walk to the Inner Lake along the left side of the Outer Lake, watch the sacred mountain up close, and feel completely different from the Outer Lake. The one-way journey is about 5 kilometers, takes about 1.5 hours, is beginner-friendly, and there are many small mice and ground squirrels to feed along the way. Walking inside to avoid the crowd for photos is also very beautiful.
3. After reaching the Inner Lake, there are other hiking routes. You can go around the lake (if the lake is frozen in winter, you are lucky to enter the blue ice glacier cave), go to the temple Sapulakang under the snow mountain (I love it), and the small ice lake under the feet of Princess Sapu. But these routes are at a higher altitude, with many slopes, so you need to measure your strength.
Accommodation: Stay in a homestay in Yangxiu Township, the closest to Sapushan Mountain, the night before. You can see bears, very close only a dozen meters away, do not go out at night; you can also choose to stay in the county town, about 3 hours drive to Sapushan Mountain, you need to arrange your time. There are 3 places to stay in the Inner Lake of Sapushan Mountain, all of which are large beds in the style of herders' homes at 100/person, the environment is simple, and there is no signal in the house, and washing is a bit troublesome.
1. Wear a thick coat when entering the mountain, as the temperature difference between day and night is large. If you are hiking, it is best to wear waterproof shoes, as there are some places with standing water and small streams on the road.
2. If you want to stay in the Inner Lake, bring dry food!! The accommodation conditions in the Inner Lake are limited, the herders' Chinese is not very good, communication is not very smooth, and the food is basically instant noodles. I stayed in Sapushan Mountain for three days and stayed in the Inner Lake for two days. I saw the sacred mountain in cloudy, rainy, snowy and sunny days, which is quite satisfactory.
I went to the temple at the foot of the snow mountain -- Sapulakang in the afternoon of the first day. There are basically no tourists going up to this small temple. We learned about this road from two Tibetans who were delivering supplies up the mountain (if you want to offer some incense money, bring some change, there is no QR code payment here).
It took forty to fifty minutes to climb the mountain. The temple keeper on the mountain was really nice. Seeing that we were tired, he poured us butter tea, ate cakes and milk residue, and taught us how to say these in Tibetan. After eating, we sunbathed on the back mountain with the temple keeper. The sun was warm on our bodies, and our whole soul could calm down.
Only after seeing the beauty of Tibet do you feel that the world is worth it (with guide)
Tibet Travel Guide|Explore the Mysterious Holy Land
Tibet, a place that countless people dream about. Here you can find magnificent natural scenery, a long history and culture, and simple Tibetan people. Today, let's take a look at some of the attractions in Tibet, come and take a look!
🗿Sapu Sacred Mountain—Located in Puzong Gully, Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Nagqu, its main peak is revered as the king of the local sacred mountains, and the surrounding mountains make this place full of mystery.
🌊Sacred Elephant Heaven Gate—Located on the north shore of Namtso, it is a sacred place hidden in the legend. When you stand on the high cliff and look at the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains in the distance, the breathtaking magnificent scenery is fascinating.
🏞️Yarlung Zangbo River—The largest canyon in the world, its rushing flow witnesses the power of nature and is also one of the sources of Tibetan culture.
🏙Lhasa River—Located in Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region, the river here is clear and the scenery along the coast is beautiful.
🛶Cotong Cui Lake—Located in Mangkang County, Chamdo, the lake here is like a green gem embedded in the snow-capped mountains.
🕍Potala Palace—Located on the Red Hill in the center of Lhasa City, it is one of the most representative buildings in Tibet and a World Cultural Heritage.
🙏Tagong—Located in Tagong Town, Kangding City, here are the famous Tagong Grassland and Tagong Temple, the Buddha statues and murals in the temple are of great artistic value.
🗣Travel suggestions:
Day1: Arrive in Lhasa, adapt to the plateau environment, and visit the Potala Palace.
Day2: Go to Namtso, visit the Sacred Elephant Heaven Gate, and enjoy the beautiful lakes and magnificent mountains.
Day3: Go to Yangxiu Township, visit Sapu Sacred Mountain, and experience the local religious culture.
Day4: Drive along the Yarlung Zangbo River and enjoy the spectacular canyon scenery.
Day5: Arrive in Mangkang County, visit Cotong Cui Lake, and feel the tranquility of the snow-capped mountains and the lake.
Day6: Go to Kangding City, visit Tagong Grassland and Tagong Temple, and feel the charm of Tibetan culture.
2024 Tibet North Ring Line: See blue ice and explore ice caves
Shangri-La Glacier is located in the eastern section of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, with an altitude of 4240 meters, a length of 9 kilometers, and a width of 1 kilometer.
It takes 1.5 hours from Bianba County to the glacier. After getting off the car, walk along the frozen lake to several blue ice walls at the end of the ice tongue, there are multiple blue ice surfaces!
The lake surface is wet and slippery, it's best to wear ice claws!
After viewing the glacier and ice lake, return to the teahouse in Puyi Village One, wait for the motorcycles to go to Gongga Ice Cave, quickly drive through the fields, cross the iron bridge, pass through a bush along the edge of the pasture, enter the dried-up stone beach, arrive at the parking spot in 20 minutes, walk through tens of meters of stone road, reach the small entrance of the ice cave (or climb over two gentle slopes to reach the big entrance of the ice cave), walk about ten meters to see the blue entrance, beautiful!
Gongga Ice Cave is at the other end of Shangri-La Glacier, about 165 meters long and about 15 meters high.
The round-trip cost of the motorcycle is 200 yuan, to be paid after return. If you walk there, it's more than 3 kilometers one way, basically a flat stone road, not difficult to walk.
Mount Sapo
Sapo, named after the snow leopard, means 'deep in the snow leopard gorge'. The main peak is revered as the king of the local sacred mountains, with the highest peak reaching 6956 meters. It is one of the sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism's Bon religion, and the highest peak in eastern Tibet. Located in Biru County, Nagqu, Tibet, there are 12 peaks surrounding the main peak. Every midsummer, the top of Mount Sapo is covered with snow and shrouded in mist, while the foot of the mountain is filled with colorful flowers, lush grass, and abundant water plants. Due to the melting of the snow and ice, a mirror-like lake has formed at the foot of Mount Sapo. The 'glacier + sacred lake' scenery attracts more and more tourists. There is a certain risk for vehicles to enter, especially deep into the lake, where the mountain road is extremely dangerous. Moreover, the altitude is high, the facilities are very simple, and it is said that there are black bears active, so people dare not go far to the toilet at night. And there is only one large room, where men and women have to live together, with one bed per person, which can accommodate about twenty people. But the scenery is really good.
Exploring the sacred mountain in the Tibetan area, praised by netizens as a unique secret realm, the scenery is comparable to Antarctica
After wandering around, I finally came to the Sapu Sacred Mountain. The scenery here is indeed shocking. The so-called pure land is probably like this. Sapu Sacred Mountain is one of the four sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. It was not until 2017 that it was discovered by donkey friends. This pure land was known to the world. So it suddenly became the "unique secret realm", "Eden in the depths of the snow mountain", and "Ice Peak Peach Blossom Source" in the eyes of travelers.
The sacred mountain covered with snow presents a perfect isosceles triangle state, which makes people sigh at the magic of nature's creation. Of course, its charm is not only that mountain, but also the sacred lake and meadow under the mountain, and the magnificent glacier.
Standing by the sacred lake, there is a feeling of being in Antarctica. Blocks of ice are stacked and staggered in the lake, coupled with the black sand on the shore, the polar scenery is presented in front of you. If you don't have enough time to go to Antarctica, you may be able to appreciate a bit of polar scenery in this magnificent glacier.
When I went there, it was midsummer, the glacier began to melt, and the car could not continue to move forward, we could only stop here. The snow mountain that looks like a knife and axe is already close at hand, shining with a cold luster under the sun, but I can't get closer. In the end, we didn't get closer to the sacred mountain, but we were able to feel this pure land up close, how lucky~
【Annual Review】Do you know these niche attractions in Nagqu, Tibet?
❗️In 2023, we spent half a month self-driving in Nagqu, Tibet. Let's take a look at the attractions in Nagqu that impressed us. These seven places are worth exploring❗️
1️⃣Sapu Sacred Mountain Pictures 1-2:
🌟Highlights: The highest peak in the eastern section of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, the snow peak shape is a rare equilateral triangle, presenting different beautiful scenery in different seasons!
📍Detailed address: Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region.
2️⃣Namco West Bank Picture 3:
🌟Highlights: On the west bank of Namco, you can see the shocking plateau scenery composed of lake water and the distant Nyainqentanglha snow mountain, and the key is that it is free here!
📍Detailed address: Namco West Bank, Bange County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region.
3️⃣Bamco Picture 4:
🌟Highlights: It is a sister lake with Namco, although it is smaller in size, but when driving on National Highway 317, you will be brightened by the scenery of Bamco after a turn!
📍Detailed address: Next to National Highway 317, Bange County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region.
4️⃣Serling Co Picture 5:
🌟Highlights: The largest lake in Tibet! On a sunny day, overlooking Serling Co from the high ground on the south side, you will understand the phrase "Don't look at the lake when you return to Tibet"!
📍Detailed address: Next to National Highway 317, Bange County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region.
5️⃣Dangre Yongco Picture 6:
🌟Highlights: The deepest lake within the territory of our country! The blue of Dangre Yongco is a standard blue!
📍Detailed address: Wenbunan Village, Nima County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region.
6️⃣Zhang Naico/Gomang Co Picture 7:
🌟Highlights: Every autumn, the lake water of the two lakes will show different colors, and you can experience the magical side of nature by driving through the highway between the two lakes!
📍Detailed address: About 40 kilometers south of Nima County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region.
7️⃣Maidika Wetland Picture 8:
🌟Highlights: Natural alpine grassland wetland, many animals, the provincial road passing through the wetland is a classic off-road route!
📍Detailed address: At the junction of Biru County and Jiali County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region.
The small county town by the Nujiang River, with a vast territory, the snow mountain scenery is unforgettable
Tibet has always been called a mystery by people, because there are many places where few people set foot hidden on that vast plateau, because of the sparse population, they have preserved their most natural appearance.
Biru County in Nagqu is hidden in the valley of the upper reaches of the Nujiang River, built along the river, with steep mountain scenery on both sides. There are too many worth visiting spots in this county town, the most famous of which is of course the skull wall of Damu Temple in the western suburbs. This is the living fossil of the local 'sky burial' culture, with skulls piled into walls, to be honest, it was a bit creepy when I first went.
Sapu Mountain is located in Biru. This sacred mountain was discovered by donkey friends a few years ago, which attracted many tourists to explore. I especially like the lake water and meadows under the Sapu snow mountain, which gives people a feeling of paradise. It is said that there are primitive forests in the southeast of Biru County, but this trip was too hurried to go. Every visit to Nagqu is a new exploration in life, and I believe the next encounter will bring me more surprises.
The hidden gem of eastern Tibet, the king of the sacred mountains, Sapu
Sapu Sacred Mountain is located in Puzong Gully, Yangxiu Township, Biru County, and has stood here for thousands of years, surrounded by mountains, with the main peak being revered as the king of the sacred mountains in Bianba and Biru. Its highest peak is 6556 meters, also known as 'Sapu Gunlaga Bu', one of the sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism. The Sapu Sacred Mountain is composed of a group of peaks, its members, from left to right, include: Sapu's wife, Sapu's wife's illegitimate son, Sapu's second son, Sapu's eldest son, Sapu, Sapu's daughter (Figure 16). The mountain shapes of Sapu's wife's illegitimate son and Sapu's second son (Figure 5) are rare pyramid shapes in China and even in the world. The sacred lake at the foot of the mountain, formed by the melting of the mountain's thousand-year-old ice and snow, is divided into two parts, the inner lake near the foot of the sacred mountain is a glacial lake, called 'Samuco'.
The transportation to Sapu Sacred Mountain is not convenient, so it is less popular. Whether you come from Biru County in the west or Bianba County in the east, the road conditions are not very good, and you need to drive yourself. On the day of our visit, after passing the ticket office (tickets started to be sold on National Day this year, 150 yuan per person), we took a picture of the sacred mountain Sapu (Figure 3), and when we changed to the scenic area transportation to the outer lake, Sapu was already hidden in the clouds... At the outer lake, you can find local Tibetans who can take you to the inner lake for 100 yuan per person (here I want to clarify, both the book and the locals say that it is 4 kilometers from the outer lake to the inner lake, but that should be a straight line distance, and don't forget that this is on the plateau, it will make you doubt your life! It's better to spend money to buy ease ). The weather on the plateau is like a child's face, it changes when it says it changes. Not long after arriving at the inner lake, it started to snow heavily, the cold wind was biting, and the temperature dropped sharply. We quickly retreated to the outer lake (Figure 18) and couldn't see much. At the transfer station, we unexpectedly encountered a fat Tibetan brown bear, which was being chased by several Tibetan mastiffs. It turns out that the bear sightings signs around the lake are real! While worrying about how to drive back to Biru County at night on the icy road, we found that the sky suddenly lit up, and it was sunny again! Thank you, Sapu, thank you, true god...
The starting point of the world, the ladder to heaven! The sacred mountain of Sa'pu in the hidden land of Northern Tibet
Sa'pu Sacred Mountain is located in Puzong Gully, Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Naqu City, Tibet, about 900 kilometers from Lhasa. It is famous for its magnificent pyramid-shaped peaks and is known as a pure land on earth. In addition to the sacred mountain, Sa'pu has many other amazing sights.
First is the meadow of flowers. In summer, the flowers bloom in profusion, the meadow covers the valley, dressing the snow mountain in a floral skirt, a sight too beautiful for words.
Next is the continuous glacier. Once you enter here, it's as if you're in the dreamy Antarctic. The ice mountains are like the scales of a giant dragon, shimmering with a piercing cold light, giving a polar feeling.
Sa'pu also has a blue holy lake. The lake water is jade-green, giving a sticky feeling, unique and strange.
On clear days, you can also enjoy the spectacular view of the sunrise on the golden mountain. The golden light from the sky shines on the top of the snow mountain, providing a golden visual feast.
At night, you can enjoy the vast starry sky. The Milky Way arches across the earth, and the stars shine brightly, definitely worth looking forward to.
In winter, the blue ice landscape of Sa'pu is also very spectacular. The blue ice on the lake emits a deep blue light, like the color of the sky, pure and beautiful.
In this pure place, you can enjoy freedom, away from the hustle and bustle, listen to the voice of your heart, and feel the greatest wilderness on earth.
If you plan to go to Sa'pu, it is recommended to take the 317 Sichuan-Tibet North Line from Chengdu, which takes about 10 days. It takes about 4 days from Lhasa. Of course, you can also choose to hike and explore more sights.
In summary, Sa'pu Sacred Mountain is a beautiful and mysterious place, worth a visit.
Sapu Mountain is so beautiful! It's nothing short of paradise
🌟'Sapu Mountain', a place with snow-capped mountains, sacred lakes, glaciers, and golden sunlight. This is the Eden in the depths of the snow-capped mountains, the ladder to heaven. Even the tour guides comment: 'The starting point of Sapu Mountain is too high, making other attractions tasteless'.
🌟Although the mountain is high and the road is long, many tourists are deterred, but when you really come to Sapu, you will exclaim that it is worthwhile, because the scenery along the way is incredibly shocking.
❄️In winter, the lake freezes into a blue crystal, and Sapu transforms into a white planet; by midsummer, it is full of vitality, the lake is green and flowing, the waves are as flat as a mirror, the flowers and grass by the lake are red and green, and a few yaks leisurely stroll on the green waves of the wild grass.
Summer: The most beautiful season of Sapu Mountain
If you want to come to Sapu, don't miss the summer of Sapu!
In summer, Sapu is as beautiful as a fairyland, with snow peaks and misty rain, glaciers begin to melt, snow peaks, lakes, red flowers, and green grass reflect each other, a beautiful landscape painting, as if breaking into God's backyard, breathtaking.
📍Attraction: Sapu Mountain
🎫Ticket: 100/person
Best travel season: May~September, every year on May 15th, the local area will also hold a lake-turning blessing event, from October to April of the following year, the weather is bad, the road is not easy to walk.
📍Location: Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region, 900 kilometers from Lhasa, nearby national highways are G317 and G318.
⏳Play time: 2~6 hours (if you have plenty of time, you can choose to stay overnight, take beautiful starry sky, sunrise golden mountain~)
Growing up in the strong aftermath
I mean, the aftermath of Mount Sap is really a bit too big 😍
When I was young, I always thought that the most healing thing for me was the scenery. Later, I found out that it was actually myself who healed myself during the journey, because I was always growing up during the journey 🤗
I can't describe in words the shock that Mount Sap has brought me, because it's too spectacular 🤩🤩
When I was in the outer lake, I didn't have too many feelings, because I have seen too many snow mountains in Tibet, so when I saw Mount Sap in the outer lake, it didn't bring me too much surprise, but there was some aesthetic fatigue 😐. It was not until I chose to walk from the outer lake to the inner lake that I was shocked by Mount Sap bit by bit.
Mount Sap is actually quite mysterious, the degree of mystery is not quite the same as Ali, if Ali is lonely, then Mount Sap is more like cold 🥶. The ice and snow on the top of the snow peak do not melt for thousands of years, the snow peak is triangularly symmetrical like a pyramid, the snow mountain melts into a holy lake, and the holy lake is lively in summer and autumn and freezes in winter and spring 🤯
Sometimes in our journey, in the scenery, we are always trying to find ourselves, find our state, find our happiness, find our courage, find our self-confidence, in fact, all for the sake of finding ourselves 🥰. In the process of "finding oneself", one will also let go of a lot, let go of entanglement, let go of awkwardness, let go of inferiority, let go of pain, let go of anxiety, let go of fatigue, let go of all emotions and things related to negative energy, delete with one key, and then start over, start again 🐱🏍
I read two more pages of this book in Tibet 📚, the place I wanted to reach last year, finally chose to fulfill my dream on the Mid-Autumn Festival this year 👣. During the trek, I experienced fog, wind, landslides, falls and sprains, but finally got closer and closer to it. It stood by the lake so towering, cold and quiet, mysterious and spectacular. Looking at it so close, no matter how hard this trek was, it was worth it! 💖
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