Explorers dreaming of a holiday to Tibet may be envisioning a stark, stunning and expansive landscape with rolling ranges of colossal mountains, sacred monasteries and nothing else in between but space and distance, and this is partly true, but Nyingchi, located in the lower reaches of southeastern Tibet, offers a vitally different proposition from the rest of the region. With a milder and wetter climate, Nyingchi is a fruitful land with blooming flowers, running springs, vibrant canyons and golden pine forests and almost feels similar to the Jiangnan region, well known in China for its fertile and prosperous lands, but it is no dainty southern beauty, absolutely not. Just when you have fallen deep into relaxation amid its elegant surrounds, the sun wakes you up with pomp and majesty, shining its rays blazingly on the sparsely populated land every day and every hour, sharply reminding you that you are still in the indomitable territory of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Explore the varied landscape of Nyingchi with a customised Nyingchi and Tibet tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and discover the splendid land known as the “throne of the sun” today.
Emerald fairyland Like a precious emerald embedded deep in a valley, the 27-square-kilometre Baksum Tso Lake dynamically shows off the vitality of this part of Tibet. Great scenery abounds all year round especially in spring when the lake reflects the blooming flowers all around the slopes and flaming maples leaves light up the landscape in crimson come mid-autumn. Fans refer this scenic area as the “Jiuzhai Valley of Tibet” but other than the similarly resplendent scenery, Baksum Tso Lake thrives differently with its primitive Tibetan culture and customs in which hospitable villagers readily welcome visitors into their beautiful fairyland of a hometown, and for this, it is truly a unique site to behold, both visually and culturally.
Meet the Lamas A religious centre dating back to the era of the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century, Paga Temple boasts the largest collection of Buddha statues in Tibet, over 1,000 of them to be exact. Paga Temple is an extremely sacred place and visitors often find themselves immediately in a state of calm and peace as they stroll through the sprawling compound and its surrounds. Seek blessings from the more than 100 Lamas residing in the temple, climb the slopes to the sacred shrine that is the Holy Paga Mountain which is shaped like the Jipamu Goddess seemingly protecting the holy temple beneath it, and enter into a supernatural world via a cave situated halfway up the mountain filled with celestial fables and mysterious ancient markings with its symbolisms still unknown to mankind today.
The Everest of rivers The nickname of the Yarlung Tsangpo River is “sky river” and it can’t be any more appropriate. Located right in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, its claim to fame is that of being the river located at the highest altitude in the world. Originating from a glacier on the northern side of the middle Himalayas, it flows across India and Bengal and finally into the Bay of Bengal with a total course of more than 2,900 kilometres. The highlight site of this great river of life is the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the world’s deepest, longest and highest of its kind, surpassing the Grand Canyon of Colorado with a deepest drop of 5,382 metres.
For more breathtaking destinations in China, try:
Find the balance between lush scenery and awe-inspiring nature in the city and surrounds of Nyingchi with a customised Nyingchi and Tibet tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Chengdu/Chongqing. Thereafter, proceed to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
This morning, head to Chengdu Airport for your domestic flight to Nyingchi. Nyingchi lies 2,500 metres above sea level and boasts lush greenery and fresh blooms all year round. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a rejuvenating rest to acclimatise to the high altitude. After lunch, visit the 2,500-year-old Nyingchi King of Cypress and the Giant Cypress Nature Reserve. Thereafter, proceed to Bayi Town, the capital of Nyingchi.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, head to Lamaling Monastery which belongs to the Red Sect and is the biggest and most important monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, proceed to Sejila Scenic Area to view the sea of blooming azaleas on the mountains and the world’s 15th tallest peak, overlooking Namcha Barwa which is 7,787 metres above sea level. Thereafter, view the natural scenery at the eastern Tibetan primitive forest, Lulang Forest Area. At the base of the snow-capped mountains are lush greenery and with its dream-like landscape, it is almost like heaven on earth. After, tuck in a localised Lulang hot pot chicken lunch.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, proceed to Lhasa. En route, visit the most beautiful lake in Tibet, Basomtso, also known as the Alps of Tibet, and explore Xianren Island in the heart of the lake. Traverse across the 5,230-metre-high Mt Mila to Lhasa. Upon arrival in Lhasa, transfer to your hotel for ample rest to acclimatise to the high altitude.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, visit Potala Palace, the world’s highest palace built by Songtsen Gampo. Since the 7th century, it has been the centre of Tibetan government and spiritual power. Thereafter, head to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual centre for ardent Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. The temple has over 1,350 years of history and is regarded as the most sacred and important temple in Tibetan Buddhism. Then, explore Barkhor Street, the most vibrant pedestrian street in Lhasa, to browse and buy colourful, unique handicraft by the various minority tribes. Enjoy a specially-arranged visit to Makye Ame, the secret meeting place of the 6th Dalai Lama. This evening, enjoy a Tibetan specialty, highland mushroom hot pot for dinner.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, pass the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and traverse the snowy Mt Nalagen to the 1,920-square-kilometre Namtso*, the world’s highest saltwater lake which stands at 4,718 metres above sea level. Its vast bay, lush greenery and crystal clear water makes the lake resemble a dazzling pearl encrusted on the vast Qiangtang grassland. Thereafter, coach back to Lhasa. En route, view the snow-capped Mt Nyenchen Tanglha in the distant and be enthralled by the natural scenery of vast grassland against the background of blue skies and white clouds. Upon arrival in Lhasa, proceed to Congsaikang Tibetan Traditional Market. Thereafter, visit to Zaki Temple, Tibet only God of Wealth Temple.
Note
In the event of adverse weather, visit to Namtso Lake will be replaced by Drepung Monastery and Past Dalai Lama’s treasured park, Norbulingka Palace.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, proceed to Yomdrok Lake, the world’s highest lake with the reputation of a holy lake. Traverse the snowy Mt Gangbala which stands at 4,900 metres above sea level. View Gangbala radar station in the distant and Kanola Glacier. Then, tour surrounding Yomdrok Lake before visiting Gyantse, film site of the movie “Red River Valley”. Next, head to Palcho Monastery to view its beautiful wall murals and sculptures. After visiting the British resistance fort at Mt Zong, head to Shigatse, the historical Tsang province of Tibet.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the final resting place of Reverend Banchan and one of the 6 major Yellow Sect temples. Built in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama Abbot Gendunzhuba, Tashilhunpo Monastery houses the world’s tallest bronze sitting Buddha statue also known as Qiangba Buddha. View the Stupa of 10th Panchen Lama. En route, visit the Park of Oriental Miraculous Mastiff. Tibetan mastiffs originated from the extremely cold highlands of Tibet, some 3,000 to 5,000 metres above the sea level. It is possibly the only dog species in the world that is not fearful of any wild animals and is acclaimed for its prowess in fending off wolves. Then, returm to Lhasa to enjoy a specially-arranged night view of Potala Palace where you will be enthralled by its grandeur and mysticism. As night falls, feel the unspoken allure of Potala Palace, which has been the centre of century-old Tibetan Buddhism teachings.
(Breakfast)
After breakfast, proceed to Lhasa Railway Station to board the world’s highest railway, Qinghai-Tibet Railway for your overnight stay in a 4-berth soft sleeper cabin* to Xining. The journey passes through Dangxiong, Naqu, Anduo, Tuotuo Rivers, and Ge’ermu before reaching Xining. During the train journey, catch beautiful scenery along the way including Changtang Grassland, Cona Lake, Mt Nyenchen Tanglha, Gebihongliu Changjiangyuan, Kekexili, Mt Kunlun and Qinghai Lake. You may also get the chance to see galloping Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks and other wildlife.
(Lunch/Dinner)
This afternoon, arrive in Xining. After lunch, check in to your hotel.
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.