Top 5 Hidden Gems in Tibet
Yumu Lakhang in Lebu Valley
Tibet might be just the “roof of the world” to someone who has only heard about it, while it might be a dream come true for someone who has been longing to be there.
Numerous tales and myths have been created about this enormous, high-altitude desert, which was once a forbidden kingdom. Being isolated means untouched, ample serenity, and natural beauty. Tibet really lives up to its name. It is still mysterious and exotic.
Ancient Tibetan Buddhist temples set against a beautiful backdrop of the Himalayan Mountains and crystal-clear turquoise lakes are the most common picture of Tibet. In fact, its breathtaking beauty and intriguing religious culture have long gained the attention of foreigners.
The capital Lhasa, the Everest Base Camp, Yamdrok Tso, Mount Kailash, etc., are the top tourist destinations in Tibet for sure. And, most often, we see tourists visiting regular places, clicking a few pictures, and then uploading them on social media. This vicious cycle is slowly eating up the minds of people across the globe.
We take this initiative to bring up such destinations and sites in Tibet that nobody in your friends and family circle has ever heard of; a set of unique places, far from the regular busy tourist sites, yet beautiful and soothing.
These sites have found a place in this list for a reason. And to experience the real beauty of such places, follow us, not only throughout the trip but also through the rest of the blog.
1. Tangra Yumco
Coming first on the list is the Tangra Yumco, a holy lake in Tibet. The clear blue water, along with the stunning views, can be tagged as nothing less than the best. According to the Bon pilgrims, the Tangra Yumco is the most important lake because they consider it to be the residence of Gangzhuoma.
The lake is situated at a height of 4,530 meters above sea level. High Peak Mountains envelop the lake from three sides- north, south, and west. The entire place blossoms into beauty after receiving the first rays of the sun.
The lake is situated close to the Zhang Zhung Kingdom, almost 150 kilometers from Nima County. There is no bus route to the lake. You have to opt for rented cars or cabs.
Try not to visit the lake at times when there is heavy rainfall or a cyclone. Moreover, if you are having difficulty breathing, try to carry precautions before climbing such heights.
Entry fee- no entry fee is levied
Time- all around the clock for 365 days
Address- Nagqu, Tibet
2. Shuanghu County
This is certainly another place that you are hearing for the first time. But again, these are all hidden gems that remain unexplored and far from the busy itinerary of tourists. The word 'Shuanghu' means 'two lakes'. This is actually the combination of Kangru Lake and Rejo Lake.
The main attraction in this place is the Purog Kangri Glacier. There are strips and blocks of ice that often reflect the dim orange rays of the sun during dawn and dusk. Apart from the glacier, Shuanghu County offers you the experience of visiting the Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary has herbivores, carnivores, as well as wild birds.
It is situated at a whopping distance of 685 kilometers from the Lhasa Airport. You need to hire a car in advance to reach the area, as public transport is very rare. Do not forget to carry woolen and other warm clothes, as the temperature often drops below 0°C.
Entry fee- no entry fee is needed
Time- 24/7
Address- Nagqu, Tibet
3. Lebu Valley
The name may have instilled more excitement in you. While your excitement is being loaded, let us take you to the land of the beautiful Lebu Valley in Tibet. The valley is at a distance of 40 kilometers from Cona County. The pleasant weather in the area, along with natural beauty, adds to the charm of this place.
This is a personal favorite of Tibetans because of the combination of attractions of mountains, rivers, forests, and, obviously, a slow-sloping valley. Are you hungry for more attractions? Then do look for the ribbons of waterfalls in between the hills. They look simply astounding.
This area sees more footfall of tourists during May and June when the giant rhododendron blossoms. The water flowing through the rough rocks, sprinkling splashes along the banks, birds chirping, and flowers blooming; are you already lost in this imagery just as we are?
Pro tip: To make your visit to the Lebu Valley spicier, you should visit a Monpa family and enjoy the Monpa tradition with them. You can sing and dance with them or even try a glass of local wine.
Entry fee- no entry fee is needed
Time- 24/7
Address- Cona County, Tibet
4. Nagqu Skeleton Wall
This place is a bit weird to visit, but certainly a prominent name in your list of must-visit places in Tibet. From the name, you may have understood, there are two huge walls with skulls of a human skeleton hanging all over.
It is a 4000 square meter area bounded by walls on all four sides. There are two walls along the southern side and the western side, fitted with wooden frames. There are multiple rows of human skulls hanging on the walls, thus justifying the name 'The Skeleton Wall'.
We do advise people who are already afraid to skip visiting this place. But for the rest of you, this may be a lifetime opportunity. Just jump into the canal of human skulls and enjoy your time!
Entry fee- Ticket to entry for each person costs CNY 10. However, you need to pay extra for photography permission.
Time- From 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Address- Biru, Nagqu, Tibet.
5. Pangong Tso
Welcome to the most famous park situated at the border between India and China! The beauty of this park starts with its name. The word 'Pangong', in India, means a small meadow; while 'Tso' comes from the Tibetan language, ' Cuomo Angla Renbo Tso'. The place blurs the difference in the unification of the two distinct geographical countries.
Not only about geographic sentiments, but the lake in the park is also a wonder in itself. The eastern part of the lake is in China, and the water there tastes sweet. The same lake then flows along its course to the west, until it reaches the Indian borders, and in India, the water often smells and tastes salty. The reason for this is still unknown.
This place is far, far from Tibet, but certainly the most peaceful place in the country. With minimal pollution and sounds, the place has never offended tourists. Are you ready to breathe in some fresh air at this park?
Entry fee- The entry fee to the park is tagged at CNY 300 per person. Boat rent is extra.
Time- From 8:00 am to 4:00 pm every day.
Address- Ritug, Nagri, Tibet.
Tibet unveils hundreds of hidden gems that are definitely worth being on the plate of tourists. We try to bring up such places exclusively for you. This set of five places is the best-hidden gem in Tibet, according to the eyes of experts. Plan a wise itinerary, where you can keep a day or two aside to visit such unnamed places.
For any help regarding tourism or booking-related issues, please feel free to contact us. We are always a step ahead to guide and help you through thick and thin.
