Qamdo Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Laigu Glaciers Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Tibet | Sharing of full trekking photos in the Laigu Glacier Scenic Area 2 - Inside the scenic area
🚗 Laigu Glacier is a group of glaciers located in Ranwu Town, Basu County, Changdu, Tibet, adjacent to Ranwu Lake, which is the source of Parlung Zangbo. The melted snow flows into Ranwu Lake, and there are dense primitive forests and many primitive Tibetan villages by the lake, including Meixi, Yalong, Ruoqiao, Dongga, Xiongjia and Niuma glaciers. Among these glaciers, Yalong Glacier is the most spectacular. The "Yalong Glacier" is 12 kilometers long, extending from the main peak of Gangri Gabu Mountain at an altitude of 6606 meters to Gangri Gabu Lake at an altitude of 4,000 meters. In terms of climate, it is located in the main channel for the Indian Ocean monsoon to transport cold air to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with sufficient precipitation, which is conducive to the development of glaciers and is a maritime glacier.
🚗 I came with a group this time, so I only walked the regular tourist route. Laigu Glacier is a group of glaciers, and I should have gone to one of them. Overall, I didn't feel it was difficult, and it's not like what the internet says about needing to ride a horse. I walked from the shuttle bus terminal to the innermost ice wall and back in an hour and a half with photos. The scenery is very good when the weather is good.
🚗 Some precautions
1. Be sure to pay attention to altitude sickness, you know your own body, there is no need to ride a horse but don't force it if your body can't handle it.
2. Be sure to pay attention to safety when going down, it is best to rent ice claws at the mouth of the glacier, after all, you are responsible for your own safety. 25y.
3. Currently, the big ice wall is not open. I went in today and walked straight in along the right side, no one stopped me so I thought it was open. There is some lake water near the ice wall that is not frozen. When I was about 20m away from the wall, someone shouted at me that it was dangerous and I couldn't go, so I hurried back.
4. If you live in Songzan or go to another glacier inside, you can drive in by yourself, you can ask in advance.
5. I don't know if all the glaciers in China are like this, there is no leader to play with. I have been to Alaska and Iceland and there are guides to walk the designated route all the way. Don't go to places without footprints on the glacier, pay attention to safety.
No Tibet, No Blue Ice | A trip to Tibet without the millennia-old blue ice is not perfect
| A trip to Tibet without the millennia-old blue ice is not perfect. This is not Iceland🇮🇸, nor the Arctic or Antarctic
This is the Laigu Glacier in Tibet, China
One of the three major oceanic glaciers in the world
The Laigu Glacier in winter is truly stunning
I highly recommend those who come to Tibet in winter to visit the Laigu Glacier
To experience this incredibly beautiful and healing blue
❗️❗️❗️From the end of December to the middle of February each year is the freezing period of the Laigu Glacier, which is also the best viewing period for the Laigu Glacier. People can walk directly from the lake to the glacier and touch the blue ice.
Recommended itinerary:
Day1: Lhasa-Basongtso-Linzhi-Lulang
Day2: Lulang-Tongmai-Bomi-Ranwu
Day3: Ranwu-Laigu Glacier-Bomi
Day4: Bomi-Guxiang Lake-Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon-Suosong Village
Day5: Suosong Village-Kadinggou-Lhasa
🏞️Laigu Glacier
Ticket: 150r
Sightseeing car: 60r (round trip)
📎It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the end of the sightseeing car to the foot of the glacier, or you can choose to ride a horse, which costs about 150r for a round trip
⚠️⚠️⚠️Tips:
1️⃣The Laigu Glacier changes every year, if you want to see the blue ice, you really need to hurry up
2️⃣If you want to see the blue ice🧊, the light is very important, generally around 11 am-2 pm, the light is the best
3️⃣The ice surface is very slippery, remember to bring ice claws, there are also rentals at Ranwu Lake, a pair of ice claws is 25r
4️⃣The wind on the glacier is very strong, hats, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen must be prepared
5️⃣Some ice surfaces are very thin, do not stand on them, pay attention to safety
6️⃣You can't go to the last blue ice wall, there are people guarding it
Blue Secret
Laigu Glacier is a general term for a group of glaciers, located in Ranwu Town, Basu County, Changdu, Tibet, adjacent to Ranwu Lake. Among the Laigu Glacier group, the Yalong Glacier is the most spectacular, extending from the main peak of Gangrigabu Mountain at an altitude of 6606 meters to Gangrigabu Lake at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Laigu Glacier is one of the three major glaciers in the world and the source of the Parlung Tsangpo.
🌟Highlights:
The blue ice cave is extremely shocking
👍Most recommended:
The blue ice cave has to go to the foot of the snow mountain at the end, it tests perseverance and persistence
🚉Travel strategy:
Navigate to the entrance of Laigu Glacier Scenic Area, the sightseeing car inside takes another 40 minutes, and then you need to walk or ride a horse to reach the first glacier, which takes about 40 minutes on foot. If you want to enter the innermost glacier to see the blue hole, you need to rent a car from the local villagers to go in. The road is very dangerous and it takes about 40 minutes to drive.
💰Average consumption:
The entrance ticket plus sightseeing car is 210 yuan, and there are discounts on general platforms.
The first glacier rides a horse for 100 per person.
The glacier inside rents a car for 300 per person. Although it is expensive, it is worth it
⏳Play time:
I stayed for a whole day
Have you ever considered going to Tibet in winter? Celebrating the Spring Festival in Tibet?
Have you considered spending the New Year in Tibet? This year's Spring Festival and the Tibetan New Year fall on the same day! It should be very lively and there are many dreamy sceneries to see! Nyingchi, Shannan, Lhasa, Shigatse region, the daytime temperature is in the teens, and it's a few degrees below zero in the morning and evening, it's really suitable, and there are not many tourists! Here are a few very good itineraries, each of which can be adjusted in various ways!
"Not only celebrating the Spring Festival in Tibet, but also a series of winter tours in Tibet"
Itinerary 1⃣️:
day1: Gather in Lhasa
day2: Lhasa-Yamdrok Lake-Pumoyong Lake-Lhozhag County
day3: Lhozhag County-Kurakangri Mountain-Pumoyong Lake-Kangma County
day4: Lhozhag County-Chongba Lake-Duoqing Lake-Chuden Nyima Glacier-Dingjie County
day5: Dingjie County-100,000 Sand Dunes-Mount Everest-Mysterious Observation Point-Dingri County/Lhaze County
day6: Dingri County/Lhaze County-Tashilhunpo Monastery-Shigatse
day7: Shigatse-Lhasa
Itinerary 2⃣️:
day1: Gather in Lhasa
day2: Lhasa-Basum Lake-Xin Lake
day3: Xin Lake-Buddha's Palm Sand Dune-Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon-Sosong Village
day4: Sosong Village-Lulang Forest-Then Lake
day5: Then Lake-Laigu Glacier-Bomi
day6: Bomi-Nyingchi-Lhasa
Itinerary 3⃣️
day1: Gather in Lhasa
day2: Lhasa-Namjagbarwa-Lulang Forest
day3: Lulang-Tongmai-Bage-Niyu
day4: Niyu-Jinling Glacier-Bianba
day5: Bianba-Three Color Lake-Gabu Ice Cave-Xianggelila Glacier-Puyu Village
day6: Puyu Village-Sapu Snow Mountain-Baiga Township
day7: Baiga Township-Biru County-Nagqu City
day8: Nagqu City-Namtso Lake-Lhasa
Show More
Ranwu Lake Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Self-Driving Tour
The car moves along the road, and the scenery gradually changes. As we pass the Nu River, the turbulent and surging river roars beneath the bridge, demonstrating its majestic power. The solidity of the bridge contrasts sharply with the wildness of the Nu River, making one marvel at the wisdom of humanity and the force of nature.
Ranwu Lake appears before us like a dazzling pearl. The lake is a deep blue, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and clouds, creating a dreamlike beauty.
The famous '72 Bends' is a great test of driving skill and courage. Each bend is filled with challenges, yet they also reveal the endlessly changing scenery along the way.
Ranwu Lake, also known as Rawok Lake, is located in Basu County, Chamdo City
Surrounded by numerous snow-capped mountains and glaciers, Ranwu Lake is flanked by the Gangrigabu Mountain to the southwest, the Azhagongla Glacier to the south, and the Boshula Range to the northeast. Beneath the solemn high mountains, Ranwu Lake stands 'peerless and independent'.
Legend has it that there was no lake here originally, but a battle between two divine bulls took place. After their death, they transformed into two large mountains, and water accumulated in the mountain hollow, forming what is now Ranwu Lake. In reality, the formation of Ranwu Lake was due to nearby landslides and mudflows that blocked the river, creating this barrier lake. However, Ranwu Lake is not as one might imagine, an oval or nearly circular lake; it is elongated, easily mistaken for a river, about 20 kilometers long and 1-5 kilometers wide, with varying widths.
When the ice and snow melt, the meltwater flows into the lake, keeping Ranwu Lake rippling all year round with abundant water sources. 'Water is the source of life', and Ranwu Lake nurtures many lives, such as the primeval forests by the lake, the villagers living along the lake, and their yaks... The lake reflects the snow-capped mountains, whose peaks are perennially snow-covered, pure and flawless, followed by lush shrubs and dense forests. In summer, brightly colored but unnamed beautiful flowers bloom, and between the lake and the jungle lies a rich grassland, where black yaks lazily pass by, and not far away, green crops grow in the fields. Surrounded by such scenery, even the clothes fluttering gently in the wind can make one feel a sense of leisure and comfort. No wonder it has the reputation of being the 'Jade Pool of the Western Paradise'.
Ranwu Lake's seasons are colorful. As the seasons change, the surrounding vegetation also changes, giving Ranwu Lake different colors: sometimes it is snowy white and crystal clear, sometimes it is lush and verdant, sometimes it is rich and vibrant with blooming flowers, and sometimes it is misty with falling yellow leaves.
But the main color of Ranwu Lake is probably that touch of blue, the water so clear and tranquil, the nearby Lagu Glacier so magnificent and mysterious.
For friends who love to travel and are passionate about photography, do not miss Ranwu Lake. Whether in the early morning or evening, you can capture unique beauty. Moreover, Ranwu Lake is close to the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, making it a great place for tourists to travel, rest, enjoy the beautiful scenery, experience Tibetan customs, and taste Tibetan specialties. It is indeed a fine choice.
318 Self-Driving Series Must-Visit • Ranwu Lake in Tibet
🌟🌟🌟 Speaking of Ranwu Lake, a mandatory checkpoint for self-driving on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Ranwu Lake is the main source of the Parlung Tsangpo River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The lake surface is at an altitude of over 3807 meters, about 26 kilometers long, and averages 1 to 5 kilometers wide. The calm surface of the lake is like a mirror, with morning mist shrouding it, resembling a dream from a fairy tale.
🌟🌟🌟 The mountain top next to Ranwu Lake is covered with snow all year round, with overlapping undulating snow mountains, known as the 'Jade Pool of the Western Heaven'. The Ranwu Lake area is a huge glacial valley formed by glacial action over different periods. More than 200 years ago, a major collapse occurred in the downstream area of what is now Ranwu Lake, and a massive landslide dam blocked the Parlung Tsangpo, forming a huge plateau barrier lake, which is today's Ranwu Lake.
🌟🌟🌟 Accommodation recommendation, Blue Lake Post Zen Hotel (Ranwu Lake branch), a newly opened hotel. The owner is Han Chinese who grew up in Tibet from a young age and understands both cultures very well. He talked with us for a long time about the devotion and beliefs of the Tibetans, their faith in Buddhism, and the differences in life between Han and Tibetan people. The hotel is a short walk from Ranwu Lake, and a walk away from Ranwu Town, where there are supermarkets, small shops, and a food street. You can enjoy a highland cold-water fish hotpot in town, which is tender and very fresh.
Ranwu Lake
Ranwu Lake, known as 'a tear of heaven fallen to earth', is listed in China National Geography.
Ranwu Lake is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Ranwu. The Upper and Middle are located on the road from Ranwu Town to Laigu Glacier, while the Lower Ranwu is beside National Highway 318;
The Upper Ranwu is the smallest lake, and it's very close if you follow the direction of Laigu Glacier. You can't reach the lake directly, but can only view it from a distance.
The Middle Ranwu has three platforms along the way where you can stop your car but not go down to take photos, yet you can overlook the lake. There are also three slopes that you can walk down to closely observe the lake, and there is a viewing platform with a wooden walkway, which is the highest photo spot.
The best viewing point for Lower Ranwu is the self-driving campsite, and there is also a small path next to it that leads to the riverside, where there are significantly fewer people.
Show More
Sapushen Mountain Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
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.
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
Show More
Songtsam Laigu Lodge (Ranwu) Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Ba Xiu Songzan Laigu Mountain Residence, a place to cleanse the soul
The location is excellent, situated in Laigu Village at an altitude of 4100 meters, the hotel faces the valley between Laigu Glacier and Dongga Glacier. Standing in front of the large glass windows at the reception, to the left is the Laigu Glacier, to the right is the Dongga Glacier, opposite are the snow-capped mountains, and below are the pastures.
The accumulation of ice from the Dongga Glacier and the blue ice lake formed by the Laigu Glacier are fully visible. Due to the high altitude, the entire Laigu Village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains in May. The village houses and pastures are interspersed with each other, and horses, yaks, and various birds can be seen everywhere. At night, the Milky Way is right above your head, and the oxygen concentration in the rooms is constant. Inside the hotel, you don't feel the altitude of 4100 meters. Worth it!!!
Songzan Laigu Mountain Residence
Songzan Laigu Mountain Residence in Basu, the feeling is real, the room is small, the scenery is beautiful. I think it's the most remote and toughest environment in the Songzan series, and it's hard to avoid the big traffic jam on 318 no matter whether you come from Nyingchi or Qamdo. At an altitude of over 4,000 meters, friends with altitude sickness are advised to think twice.
Next to it are Ranwu Lake and Laigu Glacier, it is recommended to stay for a few more days, so as to avoid the fatigue of travel. You can stay at the Songzan in Bomi on the first day from Nyingchi, Ranwu Lake on the second day, and Laigu on the third day.
The scenery is beyond words, staying in the largest suite, you can see two sides of the glacier, you can see the distant blue ice, there is a kind of feeling similar to Iceland.
Sonzan Lhaigou Mountain Residence: A place far from all the hustle and bustle!
Sonzan Lhaigou Mountain Residence is located at an altitude of 4200 meters, in Lagu Village, Ranwu Town, Basu County, Changdu, Tibet, upstream of Ranwu Lake, encompassing glaciers, valleys, wetlands, and lakes within the hotel's view. On a moonlit night, when the ancient full moon shines on the millennia-old glaciers, facing this almost eternal dialogue of time and space, how can we, as insignificant as dust, not shed tears.
Lagu Mountain Residence, it feels like a place where immortals rest. The rooms are hard to book, but worth experiencing.
Looking up at the sacred mountain with devotion, it is a place to cleanse the soul.
The hotel is also very well decorated, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, deep in the mountains, looking for another self.
Here, being in a daze is the only happiness. Don't think too much, just look into the distance.
The glacier close at hand, and the wetland river under the snow mountain glacier, form a beautiful scenery that is difficult to depict in any painting.
The hotel has 24-hour oxygen supply, so you don't have to worry about altitude sickness even at a height of four thousand meters.
Drinking tea, reading books, watching mountains, admiring snow... here must be a good place to cleanse the soul and yearn for freedom!
Lai Gu GlacierThe most scenic village
Setting off from the Songzan Mangkang Rumei Mountain House in the early morning, it is about 430 kilometers to the Songzan Laigu Mountain House where we will stay today. The scenery along the way is rich and colorful, the road conditions are sometimes good and sometimes bad, and we encountered two road constructions that allowed one-way traffic, which delayed us for several hours. We drove more than 400 kilometers for more than 9 hours and arrived at Laigu Mountain House at five o'clock in the afternoon.
Laigu Mountain House is built in the quiet Laigu Village at an altitude of 4200 meters, surrounded by glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and lakes. Pushing the window, you can see the beautiful Laigu Glacier and the calm Ranwu Lake. At night, the stars on the plateau are all in sight.
Anyone who stays in the Songzan Mountain House series of hotels will be given a pair of handmade thousand-layer sole cloth shoes and free afternoon tea. The hotel organizes activities for individual guests outside the custom group, which requires an additional fee to participate. We participated in the horse riding to Duosongcuo activity: riding a horse over the hillside opposite the hotel and entering the mysterious Duosongcuo. I asked Dawazhuoma, who was leading the horse, how many people are there in Laigu Village now, she said: There are only 50 households and more than 500 people in the village. After all, it is not very convenient for transportation in high-altitude areas, and it is not easy to build a mountain house here.
In the afternoon, I went to find blue ice and ice lakes. The temperature is relatively high in early November, probably more than 20 degrees outdoors. The lake has not completely frozen. If you want to walk to the largest ice tongue and ice wall, it is still out of reach. Just appreciate it by the ice lake, it is also an indescribable extreme beauty.
Show More
Zizhu Temple Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Changdu Zizhu Temple | The City in the Sky after Snow
This City in the Sky is definitely one of the temples not to be missed on the northern route of Sichuan-Tibet. Zizhu Temple has a history of three thousand years. In the Bon religion, there is a belief in four sacred mountains, and Zizhu Mountain in Changdu is one of them.
When we arrived at the foot of Zizhu Temple, I told my crazy friend that it might be difficult to get up to Zizhu Temple today. Our car didn't have enough power, and the gravel road to Zizhu Temple seemed quite treacherous.
Sure enough, as I was shouting 'Come on!' I watched helplessly as our car slid, couldn't move, lost power, and got stuck in a ditch. We were only a few turns away from the top of the mountain, but we just couldn't make it. In winter, not many people pass through Zizhu Temple, so we had to rescue ourselves by jacking up the car with a jack. The wheels were stuck by stones, so we deliberately wedged more stones around the wheels to create a makeshift road. We started the car, reversed, and after a while, we successfully escaped the trap.
Stubbornly, we tried several more times to take that bend but still couldn't make it. After all, the tires had been stationary for too long and had iced over. We had to carefully turn around and prepare to go down the mountain. It was already snowing again on the distant mountains, so we let the drone go to take a look at Zizhu Temple for us. However, the eagles in the sky made me fly cautiously, always feeling that I hadn't found the angle I wanted the most, but I was already very satisfied.
The last time I came to Zizhu Temple was five years ago. Time really disappears in the blink of an eye. Although we didn't make it to the top, I have no regrets. It's enough to have been here.
Zizhu Mountain is 4,800 meters above sea level, and there is only a 12-kilometer road from the foot of the mountain to the top, all of which are unpaved gravel roads. In winter, the high mountain roads are slippery, making it really difficult to reach. It is precisely because it is located in steep mountains that Zizhu Temple has preserved many aspects of the Bon culture. It is one of the largest temples in the Kang region with the most complete preservation of Bon rituals.
The most special event at Zizhu Temple is the once-every-twelve-years Rooster Year Grand Ritual Dance. The 'Bliss and Hell' ritual dance is a very grand festival at Zizhu Temple. The next one is in 2029, and if I have the chance, I would really like to see it with my own eyes.
April Exploration of Tibet's Hidden Gem: The Pilgrimage to Zizhu Monastery
While playing in Tibet, I passed by Dingqing and on a whim, decided to visit! The road is really tough! Zizhu Monastery is located on Zizhu Mountain in Dingqing County, Chamdo, Tibet, at an altitude of about 4800 meters.
Amidst the rugged and steep rock peaks, there are large and small Buddhist temples and hermitages for monks in meditation.
.📍Detailed address: On Zizhu Mountain, Shagong Township, Dingqing County, Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region
.🚗Transportation strategy: Navigate to "Zizhu Monastery" by car, there is a parking lot nearby 🅿
🔥Key recommendations:
Ⅰ Great Treasure Hall: A place for believers to study and practice, surrounded by exquisite Thangkas on the walls, with the compassionate Great Mother enshrined in the center (but no photography is allowed inside);
Ⅱ Heaven's Gate Cave: An absolutely stunning stop, climbing up you can even see the highest altitude toilet, thrilling!
💡【Tips】
1. Although April is spring, the temperature difference between day and night in the plateau area is large, remember to bring warm clothing and sun protection;
2. Zizhu Monastery is located in a high-altitude area, try to prepare for altitude sickness in advance, maintain good physical strength, and walk steadily step by step;
3. ❗Note: Zizhu Monastery belongs to the Bon religion, and you need to circumambulate the mountain counterclockwise.
4. Ticket information: Zero cost, free to visit!
🌈Zizhu Monastery is like a dazzling pearl inlaid on the roof of the world. Under the bright April sunshine, the blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped mountains complement each other, making the temple even more solemn and sacred. I feel like this might be my only visit in this lifetime.
City in the Sky
Zizhu Mountain (elevation 4800m)
Located in Shagong Township, Dingqing County, Changdu City, Tibet
It is a sacred mountain blessed by the traces of Bodhisattvas
It is also the center of the ancient Xiangxiong civilization's outward expansion
Zizhu Temple (4500m)
Is one of the highest temples in Tibet
It is also one of the oldest and most important temples of the Yungdrung Bön religion
Its cultural relics, ancient books, and historical sites are of great research value
It is an extremely precious specimen site of the Xiangxiong civilization
From the foot of the mountain (3600m) to the summit (4500m)
There is an 11-kilometer unpaved gravel serpentine road
It becomes exceptionally difficult to traverse in rain or snow
Therefore, in Tibet, known for its treacherous roads
The path to Zizhu Temple is 'dangerous within dangerous'
Because it is so remote and steep
Even locals in Tibet rarely visit
'Zizhu Temple is not a place for ordinary people,
Only those who are truly destined can go.'
'The reason for the temple's harsh conditions,
Is to maintain the original devout thoughts,
Not wanting to lose the essence due to economic prosperity.'
- 'Dingzhen Ose' Rinpoche
Spread your arms above the wilderness
Facing the light, the wind, the juniper smoke
Listen to the Sanskrit chants echoing in the valley
Watch the marks of meditation on the boulders and prayer flags singing with the wind
Just like this, meet with oneself
With the Temple in the Sky...
Stars, Milky Way, sunrise, devotees
One by one captured in the lens
Eating a flatbread
Drinking a bowl of butter tea
Packing up
Bid farewell to Tashi and descend the mountain
Join National Highway 318 from 317, 214, 349
Road construction on one side along the 72 hairpin turns
Engineering vehicles, military vehicles, transport trucks, private cars
Mixed together
A small traffic jam
379km, 9H
Tips:
Zizhu Temple is an important Bön temple
The direction of circumambulation (counterclockwise) is opposite to Buddhism
The mantra chanted is the Eight Syllables (not the Six Syllables)
2024 Tibet North Ring Line: Visit Zizhu Temple again
Leaving Dingqing County and taking G317, you can reach the parking lot of Zizhu Temple in 1 hour. The car missed the intersection and went to G317 behind Zizhu Mountain, fortunately to see the back of Zizhu Temple!
Drive along the stone road around the mountain to the parking lot in front of the temple. Walk to the Sky Bridge, either take the road in front of the temple, or follow the left rotation of the Bon followers, walk from the path behind the temple, turn right in front of the temple, and walk towards the Sky Bridge.
Then go to the opposite viewing platform to enjoy Zizhu Temple.
Go down the mountain, return to G317, turn to S302 towards Dangdui Township, walk from the red land by the Nu River to the snowy white, cross three big mountains, and arrive at Bianba County in 5.5 hours, which is already dusk.
Most of the restaurants in the county have gone home for the New Year. The chicken rice noodle shop next to the hotel is very good. The signature chicken rice noodles are generous, crispy meat, chicken shreds, meatballs, various noodles, and braised pork are all delicious!
PS: The mountain view along the way to Zizhu Temple is mainly red land, which is very good.
Show More
Popular Trip Moments
Discover the wonders of Sapu and experience a breathtaking fairyland! | Ranwu Lake, also known as Rawok Lake, is located in Basu County, Chamdo City | Crossing the sky, a pure pact with Mount Sapo | Changdu Zizhu Temple | The City in the Sky after Snow | Tibet Blue Ice Season | The Laigu Glacier is a must-visit (with guide) | Ba Xiu Songzan Laigu Mountain Residence, a place to cleanse the soul | My goodness, where is this place? I want to go | April Exploration of Tibet's Hidden Gem: The Pilgrimage to Zizhu Monastery | Hongla Mountain, the first high mountain on National Highway 214 entering Tibet | 318 Self-Driving Series Must-Visit • Ranwu Lake in Tibet | Tibet | Sharing the winter road scenery from Renlongba Glacier to Zayü - Part 2 | Tibet Glacier Tour: A Stunning Spectacle of a Blue Alien World | Tibet | Winter Tour Guide for Renlongba Glacier without Self-Driving Solo Travel | 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 | Serenity and Distance: The La'uo Mountain Pass | Ranwu Lake | Sapushan Mountain Nanny-level Guide | Self-driving in Tibet | 5 Highlights Along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway in Baxoi County | The millennia-old salt fields of Tibet's Yanjing | City in the Sky | Changdu's Tri-Color Lake journey, unlock your highland paradise! | Tibet Five-Day Loop | This one article is enough for the itinerary | 's not the end of the blue planet at the poles | Includes strategy | Disconnected from the world for 3 hours | Got the trekking in Laigu Glacier, Tibet | Only after seeing the beauty of Tibet do you feel that the world is worth it (with guide) | Songzan Laigu Mountain Residence | In-depth tour of Lulang Glacier in Nyingchi, Tibet: 5 days and 4 nights, enjoy the extraordinary scenery of the snow land! | Self-driving to Tibet | Five things you must know before the 72 turns from Zogang to Nujiang | Tibet Nyingchi - Laigu Glacier deep tour, a five-day and four-night ultimate experience! | A stunning blue ice wonderland, immerse yourself in the fusion of ice and fire! Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Qamdo