What comes to mind when you think of Tibet, world roof, magnificent monasteries, breathtaking plateau view, devout pilgrims, and unsophisticated folk walk? Tibet is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable places to visit in the world. Everything attracts me.
Tibet is always my one of wishing list. On last annually holiday (2018, November), I finally had a chance to explore the scared and mysterious place.
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the largest and highest plateau in the world, with an average elevation of around 4,500 meters. Thus it is known as the roof of the world. The lowest region in Tibet is Nyingchi, with the average altitude is about 3,100m. In order to better adapt to high plateau, I decided to enter from Nyingchi. It was proved that my choice was so wise.
My route as below:
Day 1 Nyingchi Arrival
Day 2 Nyingch King Cypress, Lulang Forest
Day 3 Nyingch – Lhasa Kading Valley, Basum-tso Lake
Day 4 Lhasa Potala Palace, Palace, Norbulingka Jokhang Temple,Barkhor Street
Day 5 Lhasa Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Day 6 Lhasa – Gyangtse – Shigats, Yamdroktso, Karo-la Glacie, Palcho Monastery
Day 7 Shigatse – Lhasa Tashilhunpo, Monastery
Day 8 Lhasa Departure
Part 1 Nyingchi
Nyingchi is not the Tibet you think you know – its beautiful lakes, deep gorges, immense forests, azalea-filled meadows etc. Thanks to its characteristic geographic location and changeful climate, lots of great attractions are shaped in Nyingchi. Nyingchi is blessed with Nyingchi is renowned as the “East Switzerland”
King Cypress
Two kilometers southeast of Bayi a stand of ancient cypress trees dot a steep but inviting hillside. The most venerable cypress is a reported 2500 years old, making it the oldest tree in China, and as old as the Buddha himself. This, in addition to the tree being sacred to Bön founder Tonpa Shenrab, makes the site exceptionally holy for Tibetans, and a prime pilgrim spot.
King Cypress in Nyingchi
A corner of Kying Cypress Nature Reserve
A corner of Kying Cypress Nature Reserve
Lulang Forest
Featuring stunning alpine scenery, Lulang Forest, a typical plateau mountain meadow feast your eyes with a wonderful landscape and idyllic scenery in Nyingchi County.mountain meadow feast your eyes with a wonderful landscape and idyllic scenery.
A corner of Lulang Forest
A corner of Lulang Forest
Basum-tso Lake Basum-tso means “green water” in Tibetan. The entire area of the pristine lake features jokuls, forests and an islet where stands a monastery with a history of more than 1,500 years.
Basum-tso Lake
Kading Valley Scenic Area
Kading Valley is a forested park famous for a thundering 200-meter-high waterfall. From granite cliffs, you may recognize many interesting figures, like a Buddha, a lotus lamp or different holy animals.
A Corner of Kading Valley Scenic Area
A Corner of Kading Valley Scenic Area
After Nyingchi visiting, we drove about 6 hours along the well-paved 318 National Road to Lhasa. Tips: China National Highway 318 (G318), is known as “heavenly road” for its wondrous landscapes and unique Tibetan culture. The road itself is a heart-touching attraction for its high altitude, ruggedness, and great scenery. Plains, plateaus, low hills, high mountains, freshwater lakes, scrubs, grasslands, deserts, etc.
Keep Reading:
>> Travel with Catherine: There is a Place in World – Tibet (Part 2)
>> Travel with Catherine: There is a Place in World – Tibet (Part 3)
>> 8 Days Tibet Dream Tour from Nyingchi to Lhasa
>> 8 Days Lhasa Mount Everest Private Tour via Shiagtse
>> 7 Days Mount Everest Brief Tour from Lhasa
>> 7 Days Classic Lhasa Nyingchi Discovery Tour
Want to know more about the experienced travel expert Catherine’s trip? You could just contact her directly or continue to read more about her travelogues.
