Lhasa ~ Holy Elephant Tianmen ~ Northern Tibetan Plateau ~ Sap ~ Zizhu Temple ~ Meili Snow Mountain ~ Lijiang Travel Notes

Life is about being able to work from 9 to 5 and travel around the world, to embrace strangers and surprises, to measure the world with your footsteps, to record the scenery with your eyes, and all unexpected encounters will happen on the road, slow down and feel life.

The first day of July 13th (today’s itinerary: Lhasa ~ Yamdrok Yumcuo ~ Damxung). We arrived in Lhasa in the first half of the trip. After resting for 2 days in Lhasa, the group of 12 people basically adapted to the high altitude. Departing at 8:30 in the morning, we arrived at Yamdrok Yongcuo after a 2 and a half hour drive in the morning. Yamdrok Yumcuo, many people call it "Yang Lake". Yamdrok Yumcuo means "jasper lake" in Tibetan and is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. There are many scenic spots around the lake. Some local herders are holding domesticated yaks at the viewing spots and recommending tourists to ride yaks and take photos (the fee is 1 per person, and the price can be negotiated). I have to complain here. Yanghu Lake is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Lhasa. The sanitary environment of the scenic spots around the lake is really poor. The air smells of feces. At an altitude of more than 4,000, the air is already thin, which makes tourists feel uncomfortable. The experience is so bad that no matter how beautiful the scenery is, it can't leave a good mood. After a short stay in Yanghu, we returned to Lhasa in the afternoon and headed to Damxung at high speed to check in (Tonight we will stay at Damxung Xiangyun Business Hotel. The hotel owner’s service is enthusiastic, the environment is good, and the price is moderate. The hotel provides catering services and the taste is very good. It is recommended to stay here , can be booked with Ctrip).

The second day, July 14th (today’s itinerary: Damxung ~ Namco Holy Elephant Gate ~ Bangor). Damxung County is located in the north of Lhasa, the core area of ​​the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The most famous scenic spot is Namtso, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. The lake is blue and vast, and it is the largest large lake with the highest altitude. Depart from Damxung in the morning, climb over the Naganla Mountain at an altitude of 5190, and surround Namtso. Today’s goal is the Holy Elephant Tianmen. At around one o'clock at noon, we finally arrived at the Holy Elephant Gate under the blue sky and white clouds. The Holy Elephant Tianmen is located in the 5th village of Qinglong Township, Bangor County, Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet, on Chatolangka Island in the north of Namtso. It is quietly hidden on the north shore of Namtso, facing the sacred mountain Nyenchen Tanglha across the holy lake. This is the secret place on the horizon hidden deep in the hearts of old Tibetans, and it is also the ultimate place of Tibetan beauty. After four o'clock in the afternoon, the tour of Shengxiang Tianmen ended and we headed all the way to Bangor to check in on the gravel and dirt road. The altitude of Bangor County is 4730. Due to the difficult journey, my friends more or less suffered from altitude sickness, so they had to rest early (we stayed at Bangor Xinjin Hotel tonight, and booked a supporting room. The hotel is hygienic and the price is a little expensive).

The third day of July 15th (today’s itinerary: Bangor ~ Northern Tibet Grassland ~ Nagqu ~ For example). In the morning, depart from Bangor to Nagqu City. In a village near Nagqu City, we came across Tibetan people hanging prayer flags. The scene was very lively, so we stopped for a while to visit. Have lunch in Naqu City at noon. Nagqu City, located in northern Tibet, in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is the source of major rivers such as the Yangtze River, Nu River, Lhasa River, and Yigong Zangbo. This day we drove all the way on the breathtakingly beautiful Northern Tibetan Plateau , There are continuous lakes at the foot of the snow-capped mountains on the plateau. It is said that there are thousands of large and small lakes. Because of the abundant water resources, green grass, and cattle and sheep, . Today we have a long journey, and we arrived at the county seat after 8pm to check in. (Complaint: The urban construction in the county seat is still relatively primitive, and part of the city’s main streets are still muddy. On sunny days, the driving of cars causes dust and turbid air. For example, the county seat Accommodation conditions are limited. If time permits, it is not recommended to stay in a county town for example).

The fourth day of July 16th (today’s itinerary: Ru County~Yangxiu Township~Sap Glacier~Baiga Township~Bianba). For example, the county is 4,000 meters above sea level and belongs to the plateau sub-cold or temperate semi-humid monsoon climate zone. For example, the county is located in the east of Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region, between Tanggula Mountain and Nyenchen Tanggula Mountain, and on the upper reaches of the Nu River. The terrain is mainly low mountains and hills, with high mountain canyons in between, and is surrounded by icebergs and snow peaks. Sap Glacier, located in Yangxiu Township in Ru County, is the highest peak in the eastern section of Nyenchen Tanglha and is revered as the local king of sacred mountains. There are many beautiful scenery hidden in the mountains on the Sichuan-Tibet line. Sap is not well known. Even many travelers to Tibet know very little about it. However, it can be called a unique and beautiful iceberg. We were so lucky today. The sun was shining brightly when we arrived at the Sap Glacier. When we left the glacier in the afternoon, the weather suddenly changed and there was hail. After viewing the Sapu Glacier, we passed through Baiga Township and entered Bianba County to stay at the Bianba Torch Hotel (the hotel is affordable and hygienic, and you can stay here if you have no special requirements for accommodation).

The fifth day of July 17th (today’s itinerary: Bianba ~ Sanse Lake ~ Puyu Glacier ~ Bianba ~ Dingbian Highway ~ Dingqing). Bianba means "auspicious glory and auspicious flame" in Tibetan. In Bienba County, deep in the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, there is a small village called Puyu. It has two pieces of unparalleled beauty at the same time, namely the three-color lake that can appear in three colors: black, white and yellow. And you can get up close to the ice floes at Puyu Samchujing Glacier. This area is rarely explored even by outdoor players and photographers. It can be said to be the biggest secret hidden in eastern Tibet. Three-Color Lake: The "Three-Color Lake" is the black lake, the white lake, and the yellow lake. They have different colors under the sun, so it is called the "Three-Color Lake". The three-color lakes are arranged in irregular "pin" rows. The lakes are separated by low mountain platforms. They are all formed by years of ice and snow accumulation in the low-lying areas of the valleys. Puyu Glacier, also known as Shangla Glacier, is relatively low-key compared to other famous glaciers, but it is worth exploring and savoring. After visiting Sanse Lake and Puyu Glacier, head to Dingqing County along Dingbian Highway to check in (you will stay at Dingqing Gesa Hotel tonight, the hotel has a good environment and affordable price, and you can book it with Ctrip).

The sixth day of July 18th (today’s itinerary: Qiongbudingqing ~ Zizhu Temple, City of the Sky ~ Leiwuqi ~ Qamdo ~ Chaya County). Dingqing means "big platform" in Tibetan and was called "Qiongbu" in ancient times. Dingqing County is located in the northeastern part of Tibet and the west of Qamdo Region, and belongs to the East Tibet Canyon. Dingqing has vast grasslands, magnificent mountains and rivers, and is full of flat dams. The most famous attraction in Dingqing is undoubtedly the Zizhu Temple, the largest Bon temple in Tibet built on the ground. It is one of the largest existing temples in this area with the most believers and the most complete preservation of Bon rituals. Zizhu Temple, with an altitude of 4,800 meters, is said to have been built 3,000 years ago. When viewed from the air, some people praise it and say that it looks like an alien planet or an ancient scene. No matter where you stand inside or outside the temple, in the sky or on the ground, or from any angle, it is unparalleledly beautiful. The snow-capped mountains, red soil, green grass, yaks, flying Jingfan and Mani stone piles highlight the beauty and sacredness of Zizhu Temple. After visiting Zizhu Temple, we arrived at Leiwuqi for lunch. In the afternoon, we passed through Qamdo City, which is known as the gateway to Tibet. We stayed in Chaya County in the evening (we stayed at Chaya Lihao Hotel tonight. The location of the hotel is easy to find and the health facilities are also available. The price is moderate, it is recommended to stay here and book with Ctrip).

The seventh day of July 19th (Today’s itinerary: Chaya County ~ Crossing Hongla Mountain ~ Mangkang Millennium Ancient Salt Field ~ Tibet Border ~ Feilai Temple). We set off at 8.30 this morning and drove onto the 214 aisle. It was a smooth journey. The climate on the plateau is ever-changing. Looking at the green grass covered with silver all the way, it must have snowed heavily last night. At around 12 noon, shortly after crossing the Hongla Mountain, the last pass in Tibet with an altitude of more than 4,000, we entered the Mangkang Millennium-old Salt Fields in the Lancang River Gorge. Looking at the fields covered with salt, I couldn't help but marvel at the perseverance and wisdom of mankind. At around four o'clock in the afternoon, we left Tibet and entered Deqin, Yunnan. We watched the Meili Snow Mountain all the way to Feilai Temple and checked in.

Day 8, July 20 (Today’s itinerary: Meili Snow Mountain ~ Jinsha River Big Bend ~ Napa Sea ~ Yila Grassland ~ Shangri-La Dukezong Ancient City). Feilai Temple is located on the Yunnan-Tibet Highway about 10 kilometers away from Deqin County. It is opposite Kawagbo, the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain. It is an excellent place to take photos of "Rizhao Jinshan". Due to its special geographical location, it has become a tourist distribution center next to the Yunnan-Tibet Line, with a wide range of hotels and restaurants. I was pretty lucky today. I watched the sunshine for a few seconds in the morning. The weather in Jinshan suddenly changed and dark clouds covered the sky. After breakfast, we continued to the Jinsha River Big Bend Observation Deck (ticket 30). After lunch at Benzilan, we continued our journey. Due to weather reasons, Napa Sea and Yila Grassland were just symbolic stops. We arrived at Dukezong Ancient City at around 6pm in the evening and checked in (Tonight we stayed at Floral Shangri-La's Blue View Hotel. The hotel is clean and close to Dukezong Ancient City. Close, just a few minutes' walk away, recommended to stay).

Day 9, July 21 (Today’s itinerary: Shangri-La ~ Tiger Leaping Gorge ~ Shuhe Ancient Town ~ Lijiang Ancient Town). It rained all night last night, so I temporarily modified my itinerary this morning and changed the itinerary to Baishuitai to Shuhe Ancient Town. The advantage of independent travel is that you can change the route at any time. Among our group of three cars, one car of four people insisted on going to Baishuitai, and the other car of people followed me straight to Lijiang. Watch the Tiger Leaping Gorge along the way (ticket 45) ~ This season is the best viewing period for the Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the roaring waves of the river are as shocking as the mountains. We arrived at Shuhe Ancient Town at four o'clock in the afternoon (ticket 30). Shuhe Ancient Town is part of the World Cultural Heritage of Lijiang Old Town, the birthplace of Mushi Tusi, and an important well-preserved market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Compared with the heavily commercialized Old Town of Lijiang, Shuhe Ancient Town seems to be more popular among modern outdoor enthusiasts. Check in after visiting Lijiang Old Town in the evening.

The tenth day of July 21st (today’s itinerary: Lijiang ~ each return to his home). Today is the last day of the trip. I originally planned to take a two-day trip to Lugu Lake. However, due to the recent epidemic, which seems to be showing signs of reckless behavior, I don’t dare to stay outside any longer. The 12 partners have each booked return transportation. At this point, Dali~Bingchacha~ 318 into Lhasa ~ Northern Tibetan Plateau ~ Nagqu ~ Dingbian ~ Qamdo transfer to 214 ~ Deqin ~ Lijiang The 19-day trip ended perfectly. I am very grateful to the 12 partners and three drivers for their support and cooperation. Looking back suddenly, the scenery is still there and the friendship is still there. Keep in mind.

Finally, here are the photos and phone numbers of our three drivers. If you need them, you can contact them yourself: