Known as "the roof of the world", the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has long been an ideal and mysterious destination for visitors who are passionate about exploring remote lands. A high altitude plateau with mountains in all directions, a great range of cultural heritage sites, unique folk customs...all these factors contribute to the lure of Tibet. Now with the arrival of spring, the climate is becoming more pleasant and Tibet has become an even better tavel destination. Here we recommend some of the best tourist destinations in Tibet which might suit your discerning travel taste.
Peach blossom valley, Nyingchi
The peach blossoms in Nyingchi, Tibet autonomous region have been dubbed as "the most beautiful peach flowers in the world". The annual Nyingchi peach blossom festival has become a signature tourism event on the plateau.
A great time to visit Nyingchi for the peach blossoms would usually be from March 20 to April 15 each year.
It is more convenient to get a car to drive around the area to view the wild peach forests full of pink petals.
The peach blossom valley in Bomi county, Nyingchi, stretches for 30 kilometers, making it one of the longest in China. Peach blossoms can be seen everywhere-around houses, across farmlands and along streams.
Peach trees bloom depending on the altitude and climate, so visitors will have the chance to enjoy the blossoms throughout April.
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world. With a total length of about 500 kilometers, its altitude spans from 7,782 meters at Namchak Barwa, the highest peak of the eastern Himalayas, to 550 meters around the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley in Metog county.
One unique feature of the spring sight here is that visitors can enjoy both the peach blossoms and the snow-capped mountains at the same time. The water Peach Blossom Fair is also an attraction in the area.
Bangong Lake National Forest Park
Bangong Lake National Forest Park is an ideal place for bird watching in Tibet in spring. Due to the good ecological environment, the island boasts a good variety of bird species. Every spring, warm winds from the Bay of Bengal blow into the Ngari Plateau, birds that fly from the plateau to the South Asian continent the previous winter would return here to lay eggs and breed.
Namtso will present its most mesmerizing scenery in March and April, which makes it a great place to visit in spring. It has the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range to the south, plateau hills and vast areas of lakes to the north and west. In April, when the weather warms up and the snow melts, Namtso slowly wakes up. Visitor could enjoy a stunning view of half lake and half ice.
Lake Manasarova
Lake Manasarova sits 4,500 meters above sea level in Purang county, Ngari prefecture. Snow melt from the Gangdise Mountains hugging the lake is the source for the nearby Yarlung Zangbo River as well as the mighty Ganges.
The Manasarova wetland is a key "climate regulator" on the plateau and home to more than 400 rare species including the black-necked crane and the Tibetan wild donkey. Enshrined as "holy lake and sacred mountain" along with Gang Rinpoche, Lake Manasarova attracts a large number of pilgrims as well as tourists from home and abroad.
Lulang Scenic Zone
Lulang Scenic Zone, located in Lulang town, Nyingchi prefecture of Tibet autonomous region, and near the 318 State Highway, covers a land area of 859,000 square meters with artificial lakes.
The scenic zone contains rich natural scenery, including forest-clad mountains, flowers, lakes and beautiful landscapes, with snowy mountains seen in the far background.
Lulang forest in the Nyingchi prefecture of the Tibet autonomous region is known as "Mini Switzerland" due to its idyllic scenery. Every year from the middle of April to the beginning of June, with birds frolicking in the meadow, wild flowers blossoming alongside the meandering streams and snowy mountains towering in the backdrop, the whole landscape presents a tranquil and pleasant sight.
In the Tibetan language, "Lulang" symbolizes "the place where the God lives".
Ranwu Lake
Ranwu Lake is renowned for its tranquility and its purity of blueness. Scenery along the lakeside varies a good deal with grass, forest, autumn leaves, white waterfowl and colorful pebbles clearly reflected in the mirror-like water. When spring comes, a reflection of green trees dances on the lake and people feel like they are walking into a romantic dreamland.
Nanyi Valley
Nanyigou scenic spot is 20 kilometers away from Milin county and is an important birthplace of the mysterious Tibetan medicine culture. The scenic area covers a total area of 820 hectares. The ecological conditions here are so good that the place is rich in various animal and plant species.
Nanyi Valley is known as "the highest green mysterious place on Earth". Surrounded by mountains and shrouded in clouds, Nanyi Valley is an ideal spring destination for visitors, where you can find peach and azalea blossoms everywhere.