The Sky Within Reach: The Brilliant, Colorful Tibet (Lhasa + Yamdrok Lake + Nyingchi)
Tibet has been on my mind for a very long time... I just kept thinking about it, and every time I was about to act, I always made excuses: the distance, the cost, what if I get altitude sickness... Then I'd switch to another destination I wasn't so torn about. 2018 was a year that felt a bit oppressive; I always felt like there was a weight on my chest, a tightness that just wouldn't lift. Sick of the concrete jungle, bored with the 9-to-5 life, I desperately wanted to escape my daily routine. And so, this Tibet trip finally happened. If you don't push yourself, everything stays a dream. Before leaving, I didn't plan the itinerary too much. Usually I pack my schedule so full it feels like I'll walk my legs off. This time, I decided to go with the flow and take it slow.
Just before departure, I bought Rhodiola rosea and squalene capsules and started taking them three days early, just in case. The temperature: cold mornings and evenings, scorching midday sun. For clothes, I chose a down jacket, and the three essentials: a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. I made a mistake—brought a few woolen beanies and... nearly fried in the sun.
Late October is already the off-season, so both transport and accommodation were far cheaper than in peak season. A direct flight from Wuhan to Lhasa in peak season can be two or three thousand yuan per person; I got first-class tickets for 850 yuan per person. Isn't that great? If you don't mind the cold, November is the best time to go—many attractions are half-price or even free, saving a big chunk of money. Okay, my writing isn't anything special, so no more long-winded intro. As always, I hope to use my eyes to share beautiful scenery and give some useful tips to fellow independent travelers.
Here come the preview pictures (all taken with my phone)
Potala Palace at night
Zongjiao Lukang Park
Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon
Tibet trip itinerary:
D1: Wuhan---Lhasa 21:10---00:50 850 yuan/person, couple total 1,700 yuan
D2: Jokhang Temple (80 yuan/person) -- Barkhor Street -- "Princess Wencheng" performance 310 yuan/person (including hotel pickup and drop-off), couple total 470 yuan
D3: Potala Palace 200 yuan/person, couple 400 yuan (booked on official website)
D4: Yamdrok Lake (half-day tour booked via Ctrip, couple 256 yuan)
D5: Norbulingka (40 yuan/person)
D6: Mila Pass --- Basomtso Lake --- Nyingchi (3-day Nyingchi tour booked via Ctrip, couple 2,594 yuan)
D7: Lulang Forest --- Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon -- Suosong Village
D8: Kading Valley --- Nyang River
D9: Zongjiao Lukang Park, Lhasa--Xi'an--Wuhan (couple 2,100 yuan)
For Tibet, 8 short days is just a shallow taste, and due to heavy snow, Namtso Lake was closed—a regret of this trip. But I left myself a reason to come back. Only after arriving did I realize: Tibet is addictive, you get hooked. I will definitely return. Let's save some for next time, haha. I'll put the detailed expenses at the end, please read patiently, friends.
D1: Wuhan---Lhasa 21:10---00:50
Finished work at 5:30, rushed home, ate a quick bite, and grabbed the luggage packed the night before, then headed to the airport metro. Luggage contents:
1. Three down jackets, two pairs of shoes, one pair of flip-flops (for hotel shower), three sets of clothes for changing.
2. Two pairs of sunglasses (for posing and sun protection), three hats (actually one sun hat is enough, mainly for photos, haha).
3. Toiletry bag (skincare essentials, 4 face masks, one bottle of sunscreen—a must).
4. Medicine (three bottles of Rhodiola and squalene capsules, cold medicine, diarrhea medicine, allergy meds, ibuprofen, band-aids... and so on. Whatever you think you need. Bring a small amount of cash, I only took 1,000 yuan and didn't use it all—Alipay and WeChat work everywhere, a few places need cash. No need to bring too much. If you're going to Nepal, bring your passport too.)
If I'd had more vacation days, I would definitely have taken the train into Tibet to enjoy the scenery along the way. Flying Tibet Airlines, first class was only 100 yuan more than economy. As a tightwad budget traveler, I thought that was such a steal. And after so many trips never flying first class, I decided to treat myself this once. In the off-season, that price was just too tempting. Arrived at Tianhe Airport, found the VIP lounge, and seeing all that food and drink, I was a little embarrassed to dig in—a bit uncool.
There were only a handful of people in the VIP lounge. After confirming with staff that there were no extra charges, I boldly took some snacks and drinks, and started eating with feigned calm and elegance, hahahahaha.
After boarding, the flight was nearly four hours. Ate the plane meal at ten, then fell asleep, waiting for the moment we'd descend into Lhasa...
Gonggar Airport at midnight came alive with the arrival of our flight. At first I was worried there might be no airport bus to the city, but while waiting for luggage I heard staff shouting that it was the last bus—at the gate. Hurriedly grabbed the luggage and rushed out. Have your ID card ready; it needs to be machine-scanned. Keep it on you always in the following days, ready for constant checks, remember that! Airport bus: 30 yuan/person, ending at the Civil Aviation Hotel next to Potala Palace.
The ride takes about an hour. Other tourists on the bus were drowsy, but I kept my eyes wide, taking in this unfamiliar place. On both sides of the road stretched endless mountain ranges. Overhead, stars and the bright moon were so clear—it really was the high plateau. Late at night, we reached the Civil Aviation Hotel parking lot. Since I had booked a hotel only for that night's stay, I stood in the cold wind thinking for ten minutes, then decided to just go to the Civil Aviation Hotel for one night—248 yuan, it stung. But on the plateau you can't risk catching a cold. Checked right in, hit the bed, slept.
D2: Jokhang Temple (80 yuan/person) -- Barkhor Street --- "Princess Wencheng" performance
Slept until after ten. Got up, checked out, dragged my luggage outside, and navigated—my booked hotel was just 800 meters away. Decided to walk, though many drivers outside offered rides at not-bad prices, but hey, I'm stingy and cheap.
On this trip I stayed at the Vienna Hotel (Lhasa Potala Palace Park branch), located on Norbu Lingka North Road behind the Potala Palace, super easy to find. It's the most luxurious hotel I've ever stayed at in all my years of travel—don't laugh, rich folks—since I usually go for budget chains like 7 Days, Hanting, Home Inn, all around 100-odd yuan, and I love them. This time, because my chubby boyfriend had already caught a cold before coming to Tibet, I thought we needed a slightly nicer hotel. After all, I wanted a slow-paced trip this time. And I highly recommend this hotel: free breakfast and late-night snacks, free evening tour of Potala Palace's night view, warm rooms, great service. Even more touching: I forgot my USB stick there, only remembered a day later and called, and they very kindly helped find it. When we returned from Nyingchi, I chose this hotel again without hesitation. It's awesome. Hotel link:
http://hotels.ctrip.com/Domestic/ShowHotelInformation.aspx?hotel=2190336
Booked a Potala Palace view room in the off-season, 279 yuan/night, four nights total 1,116 yuan, pretty good deal.
By the way, here's a photo taken on the way to the hotel with my suitcase, passing Zongjiao Lukang Park—free, and can be a travel reference.
After checking in, I booked the "Princess Wencheng" performance tickets on Ctrip, including hotel pickup, 310 yuan/person. The show is 20:30-22:00. I wanted to understand Tibet's cultural and historical background, it's an outdoor show, and my chubby boyfriend is a fanatic for performances, so... you get it.
During the day we planned to rest at the hotel and wander nearby for food. But being newly arrived in Lhasa, I was too excited and decided to visit Jokhang Temple. We left the hotel and found a bus stop with many routes. However, to better experience the city's local flavor, we decided to eat first. After looking around, we ended up at KFC. Wahahahaha.
A cat by the sweet tea house nearby. Dogs seen on the street. We followed Baidu Maps for a long walk—I lost track—and found the KFC at Shenli Plaza. Ordered, sat on the second floor, gazing at distant mountains while eating a burger, I snapped this photo. As someone who's always lived in an inland city, that view was stunning: not a grassland or desert, but a high-plateau landscape. The sky looked so close, strong UV rays, the air felt pure. Seeing locals in Tibetan dress, turning prayer wheels in their left hands, thumbing prayer beads in their right, murmuring mantras—it gave a sense of deep calm.
After eating, we navigated a 1 km walk to Jokhang Temple.
Jokhang Temple main square. Before entering the square, you need to show ID for security, so carry your ID card always, remember!
Jokhang Temple was first built in the mid-7th century AD by King Songtsen Gampo to house an 8-year-old statue of Shakyamuni brought from Kathmandu by his Nepali wife, Princess Bhrikuti. In 1409, Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school, promoted Buddhism and held the Great Prayer Festival here, establishing its important place in Tibetan Buddhist history. In the 8th century, Princess Wencheng brought a 12-year-old Shakyamuni statue from Chang'an, enshrined it in Jokhang, making it the temple's most treasured relic and a must-see for tourists and pilgrims. That's from Baidu Baike, haha.
In my eyes, Jokhang Temple is white walls, red bricks, golden roofs, air thick with butter lamp scent, and countless devout believers worshipping daily—a sacred presence. The power of that faith, even as an onlooker, can move you to tears, making you marvel at the strength of belief.
Entering the temple, ticket 85 yuan/person. Many guides at the gate offer group explanations for about 100 yuan, 5-6 people per group. I decided to go in alone and stroll slowly, though I'd recommend hiring a guide to better understand the temple's history and culture. After eavesdropping on several guides, I more or less got the gist.
When visiting Jokhang Temple, always follow the Tibetan Buddhist custom of walking clockwise. Photography is not allowed inside the Tibetan Buddhist halls. After visiting the first floor, you can rest on the second floor.
Long corridor of prayer wheels. On the second-floor golden roof area, photos are allowed. Against blue sky and white clouds, the resplendent golden roof is just too beautiful.
Looking down from the second-floor courtyard, many Tibetans and tourists. Sit quietly on the second floor, watch sky and clouds, bathe in warm sunlight. It felt as if time stood still, influenced by the devout pilgrims around. Unlike the busy rush of inland cities, escaping to a place like this was exactly what I wanted.
A cat basking in sunlight.
Exiting Jokhang Temple, you can follow the kora crowd to explore Barkhor Street. Many Tibetan jewelry and handicraft shops along the way—just looking, though.
Barkhor Street, also called Bajiao Street, is in Lhasa. It is the millennium-old street that best represents Tibetan folk customs. In Tibetan Buddhism, walking in a clockwise circle centered on Jokhang Temple is "kora," showing respect for the Shakyamuni statue inside. Thus Barkhor Street became one of Lhasa's three major kora paths.
Makye Ame, the internet-famous restaurant. The name comes from a love poem by the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, supposedly the name of his lover. And the yellow building where Makye Ame sits is said to be where they met secretly.
There are long benches along the street; many locals sit there to rest. After strolling Barkhor Street and Jokhang Temple, we left and went back to Shenli Plaza to wander. Visited a supermarket with lots of mushroom products.
Ended up buying yogurt and beer—a habit, I always buy local beer wherever I go. As for the taste, hmm, not recommended... The yogurt was good, a different flavor from what I had in Inner Mongolia.
Back at the hotel, we ate the bread and dried meat brought from home; had to finish quickly so we didn't have to carry it back. At the hotel, we waited until 7:20 p.m. for the pickup to the Princess Wencheng theater. They'd told us over the phone to dress warmly, it would be cold at night. Only while waiting for the show did you truly feel it: bone-chillingly cold. Friends, remember: full gear—hat, mask, scarf, long down coat, snow boots—indispensable, or else you'll freeze to tears.
Main entrance of the theater, climbing the long stone steps, looking back—Potala Palace visible in the distance. Definitely worth seeing: the performance is grand, recreating Princess Wencheng's emotional journey to Tibet and her legendary love story with Songtsen Gampo. During the show, a bright moon rose slowly over the mountains—stunning.
With mountains as the set, starry sky as the backdrop, swirling snowflakes: "The place you cannot reach is the distant land, the place you cannot return to is home." That moment brought tears. Princess Wencheng endured hardships; it tugs at your heartstrings.
After the show, walking out of the theater, the distant night view of Potala Palace was so beautiful. Back at the hotel, we sampled the free late-night snack: congee, steamed buns, side dishes—pretty good, warm comfort on a cold night.
D3: Potala Palace
Because we booked on the official website, the entry time was 12:00 noon, so after breakfast at the hotel, we leisurely strolled around Potala Palace square and snapped crazy photos, haha. The hotel isn't far from the palace, a ten-minute walk. To enter the square you need your ID card. The best photo spot is right on the square, capturing the whole panorama.
Entering through the side gate security, first sight of Potala Palace—my heart was pounding with excitement.
As the symbol of Tibet, Potala Palace is sacred ground for all pilgrims. In 641, Songtsen Gampo married Princess Wencheng and built Potala Palace for her on Red Hill in Lhasa's northwest. It was later destroyed by disasters and wars. In 1645, the 5th Dalai Lama oversaw reconstruction. Thereafter, major religious and political ceremonies were held here; Potala Palace became the winter palace of successive Dalai Lamas and the center of Tibet's theocratic rule.
At noon, we entered through the individual visitor lane with our IDs. If possible, hire a guide to better understand this magnificent structure.
Potala Palace showcases distinct Tibetan style, majestic in scale, the largest and best-preserved castle-palace complex in Tibet, hailed as one of the world's top ten earthen architecture. It consists of two main parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace, named for its white outer walls, was the living quarters and administrative hub of the Dalai Lama, situated on the lower part, 7 stories high, the top floor having two winter living chambers. Since it enjoys sunshine all day, they are called East and West Sunlight Halls. The Red Palace sits at the top center; its red walls enclose chapels housing stupas of past Dalai Lamas.
A cat basking in sunlight. I rarely post my own photos in travelogues, preferring to share scenery, but I'm quite pleased with this one, so here it is.
Three great vantage points for Potala Palace: the Chagpo Ri viewing platform to the southwest (for side-profile panoramas and sunrise); the artificial lake at Zongjiao Lukang Park (reflections); and Potala Palace Square (front panorama). Note: photography is not allowed inside the halls.
Standing high up in Potala Palace, the distant views are breathtakingly beautiful. Against blue sky and white clouds, the gold, red, and white of Potala Palace exude intense color.
After visiting, walking down, we saw the white stupa in the distance; beside it is the Chagpo Ri viewing platform. Many pigeons on the square.
After visiting Potala Palace, we went to a small noodle shop nearby and had oil-splashed noodles and knife-cut noodles, big portions with an egg, very satisfying. On the way, bought more yogurt, then back to the hotel to rest.
This trip is slow-paced, so we strolled leisurely. Also, on the plateau you shouldn't overexert. Even so, my chubby boyfriend started showing mild altitude sickness that evening. He took medicine and slept early. Meanwhile, I was still bouncing around, went down at 11 p.m. for the late-night snack, and bought apples to bring back. Typical—the one who always boasts about good health got altitude sickness.
D4: Yamdrok Lake
Booked a half-day tour via Ctrip in advance, meeting at the White Stupa at noon. Chubby still hadn't recovered from altitude sickness; I advised him to rest at the hotel, but around ten, he got up and insisted on going, grumbling, "How can I have altitude sickness..." Having come to Tibet and not seeing Yamdrok Lake would be too much regret, he muttered, then followed me out.
After about an hour and a half, the driver stopped for us to take photos. Truly, beauty everywhere.
Yarlung Zangbo River Valley viewing platform, altitude 4,280 meters. For me, four words: bouncing with energy. At this platform, many Tibetans with lambs and Tibetan mastiffs; if you want a photo, about 10-20 yuan per person. If interested, bring cash—no Alipay/WeChat. Many people came down to take photos but had no cash, had to go back to the bus.
The vehicle continued, and about half an hour later we reached Gambala Viewing Platform, the best spot to photograph Yamdrok Lake. Here's the picture:
Yamdrok Lake, "Yamdrok Yumtso" in Tibetan meaning "Swan Pond," is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes.
It's simply stunning: serene and distant, the water blue like a gem, sparkling under the sun. The rock in the photo below is a famous Instagram spot; tourists line up conscientiously. Me? I'll just photograph the rock, haha.
Then I started photographing dogs. The dogs living here are so lucky, sunning themselves, gazing at beautiful scenery, so content.
After some time at the viewing platform, we got back on the bus and headed toward the lakeshore. Several great photo spots by the lake: first, the small path extending into the lake; second, the road high above the lake; third, the stone marker with "Yamdrok Lake" characters—sit, jump, all kinds of poses work.
The water shimmered a dazzling blue under sunlight. Strong wind and high altitude by the lake—friends, when taking photos, don't push yourself, avoid big movements. My chubby boyfriend, in a frenzy of jumping for photos, forgot his altitude sickness; back at the hotel he felt terrible, even developed a fever. The next day we had to go to the hospital. After medicine, he improved.
I later asked him, do you think Tibet is fun, beautiful? He thought for a moment and answered that if he ranked all the places he's visited, Tibet would only be third. The reason: altitude sickness... Later, when we got to Nyingchi, the symptoms eased. So Tibet remains my number one.
That evening back at the hotel, he slept early. I went for the free late-night snack, returned to the room, opened the window, sat on the sofa, drank yogurt, watched TV, and thought about tomorrow's itinerary...
D5: Norbulingka
Originally planned to go to Namtso Lake today, but never got news of it reopening; it was still closed due to snow. So in the morning, I took my chubby to the hospital for medicine, then had lunch. Not until afternoon, when he woke from a nap, saw me on the sofa watching TV, and murmured, "Shall we go somewhere this afternoon?" Seeing he looked much better after medicine, we decided on a whim to visit Norbulingka to enjoy the autumn.
Norbulingka, built in the 1740s (under the 7th Dalai Lama), was the summer retreat and administrative site for successive Dalai Lamas. It is a classic Tibetan-style garden. Norbulingka means "Treasure Garden."
Main gate of Norbulingka. The garden has over 100 plant species, not only typical Lhasa flora but rare flowers from the Himalayan southern and northern slopes, plus exotic plants from inland China and abroad, a veritable high-altitude botanical garden. It was autumn, the scenery exquisite, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Many come to Tibet seeking spiritual tranquility. Once you're truly here, you'll understand: this is a place where you can sit quietly all day, thinking of nothing. Daily trivialities and worries vanish; your heart opens wide. That's why I fell in love with this place.
Brightly colored buildings, lush vegetation—being here, your mood becomes calm and serene.
For a photo maniac like me, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Every angle makes a beautiful shot.
I love this one: me bathed in sunlight.
D6: Mila Pass --- Basomtso Lake --- Nyingchi
I joined a tour via Ctrip. Because of long distances and inconvenient transport, a short group tour is a wise choice. There are many 3-day Nyingchi tour products; I chose one based on my needs—I wanted to stay at Suosong Village within the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon to see the full view of Namjagbarwa Peak.
The scenery along the way is super beautiful: endless mountains, a deep blue sky, puffy white clouds floating.
Mila Pass, the unavoidable stop on the way to Nyingchi, altitude 5,013 meters. Prayer flags fluttered in the wind, the sky seemed within reach—lifting the spirit.
The best scenery in Tibet is always on the road.
Yak, the boat of the snowy land. We stopped here for over half an hour, then the driver called us back. From Mila Pass, next stop: Basomtso Lake.
Arriving at Basomtso Lake, waiting in the parking lot while the guide bought tickets. My heart swung between calm and awe, soothed by Tibet's peaceful atmosphere, stunned by the magnificent landscape along the way.
A dog—I absolutely love small animals.
Basomtso Lake, also known as Tso Gao Lake, is praised as "Little Switzerland." In traditional Tibetan poetry, it's often compared to a goddess hidden in the deep mountains. The lake is wide and clear, blue waves ripple, surrounded by green mountains with snow-covered peaks glinting silver under the sun. Blue sky, white clouds, green hills, turquoise water intermingle.
Basomtso Lake is encircled by lush primeval forest. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming two or three meters down. Green mountains like dark brows, with perpetual snow at their summits. Snow mountains by the lake and their reflections in the water intertwine endlessly, truly spectacular! In the off-season with few tourists, immersed in such beauty, it felt completely isolated from the world.
I always love taking back-profile photos, hahaha.
Blue ripples, shady green trees, distant snow peaks now hidden, now visible behind white clouds—giving a delicate charm.
Strolling at leisure, we wandered to the lake's heart island, where there's a small temple, Tsodzong Gongba Monastery, a famous Nyingma (Red Sect) monastery in Tibet.
Mountains, water, lake, temple—every step a picture, serene beauty, making you linger. I love how nature's beauty shocks the soul. During these days in Tibet, my mind felt empty, didn't need to think about anything—so nice. In the evening we reached Nyingchi city, tasted local specialty stone pot chicken—truly delicious, the restaurant is a chain; besides chicken, there were many mushrooms in the pot, the broth very savory.
After a full day of sightseeing, we slept well at the hotel. October in Nyingchi was very cold. Tomorrow would be another day to look forward to.
D7: Sejila Mountain -- Lulang Forest -- Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon -- Suosong Village
First stop today: Sejila Mountain.
At the pass, altitude 4,728 meters, you can see sunrise, a sea of clouds, boundless forests, and the majestic distant Namjagbarwa Peak.
The weather was very cold, the sun blazing. Getting off the bus, I saw several tourists with altitude sickness. Fortunately, there weren't many people. Here, the light creates a special effect; every photo captures the shape of sunlight.
It's said the best scenery in Tibet is on the road: under blue sky and white clouds, with the moving car, beautiful views flash past the window, and a heart that longs for freedom...
"Lulang" in Tibetan means "Dragon King Valley," a place the Dragon King dwells, also known as "the place that makes you never homesick." The area is dense with trees, crisscrossed by rivers, and vast stretches of year-round green, lush primeval forest, with azaleas blanketing the mountains. Unfortunately, the season I went there were no azaleas, but I was still healed by the lush forest...
Distant snow mountains softly appearing and disappearing. Far away, the white snow looked like thick cotton, warmly nourishing the bare peaks; rolling hills were covered with a layer of tender green meadow.
A cute yak. Under the sun, the forest displayed several different color shades.
There's a viewing platform in the scenic area; walking a long boardwalk to reach it, just quietly look at the scenery, as if standing in the heart of the forest.
Along the way, the driver took us to an apple orchard where we could pick apples, prices very fair. Plateau apples tasted quite good; I'd bought a few in front of the hotel days before—crisp, sweet, and pretty.
All inside are apple trees. After apples, on to the next stop.
Here we are: Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, Earth's largest and deepest canyon. It cuts through the barrier between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Indian Ocean moisture, continuously channeling water vapor into the plateau interior, turning the southeastern part into a green world, some areas becoming "Tibet's Jiangnan." So, Nyingchi is also called Tibet's Little Jiangnan.
We'd stay at Suosong Village, where you can see the full view of Namjagbarwa Peak and maybe even photograph "sunshine on the golden mountain."
Before entering the canyon, I was a bit nervous because a landslide the day before had blocked the road. The driver said we'd check on the spot to see if we could get in; supposedly they hadn't let anyone in. If not, we'd have to return to a town for lodging. At the security checkpoint at the entrance, after asking the armed police officer, we heard they'd allow normal entry—yield to rescue and emergency vehicles, and stay safe. What incredible luck! Along the way we saw rescue vehicles coming and going, the ground covered in rubble. After much effort, we finally reached Suosong Village. To the armed police still at work handling the accident: thank you, salute!
So magnificent! Even saw a desert wonder.
Since we arrived near evening, I captured this photo—I absolutely love it. It reminds me of a poem: "I entrust my sorrow to the bright moon, / Follow the wind to the far west." (Though it has nothing to do with this place, haha).
Spectacular gorge views.
At dusk, we checked into a Suosong Village guesthouse. Just entered the room when I heard someone shout, "Sunshine on golden mountain!" I rushed out to the second-floor viewing platform. Wow, it really was—Namjagbarwa Peak had a sliver of gold. Even that little touch of gold made me excited for a long time. Truly a trip well worth it.
The guesthouse owner's little dog. And several Tibetan pigs, haha, made my mouth water.
This place is remote; power frequently cuts out. After multiple flickering outages, the group lit a bonfire downstairs and yelled up at my dark window, "Come down and play!"
Strangers from all corners, after two days together, became friends. We chatted around the fire, sharing stories. I love travel—meeting different people, hearing their unique experiences. May I roam the world, free and easy, in this lifetime...
Nyingchi beer is pink too. When the peach blossoms are in full bloom next season, I will return.
The next morning, I took a few more photos.
D8: Kading Valley --- Nyang River
The last day of the Nyingchi trip, my heart was reluctant to leave.
Kading Valley is not big, with steps and boardwalks; you can loop it in about an hour. The main attraction is Heaven's Buddha Waterfall. Climbing to the viewing platform, a silvery stream hangs from the cliff, truly spectacular. Behind the waterfall, the rock face has naturally formed Buddha images. A Tibetan girl guide gave a humorous and lively commentary along the way—not bad.
Around the cliff are also abstract Buddhist formations like Tathagata Buddha, Guanyin, lamas chanting, divine tortoise calling to heaven, sacred eagle offering treasure, and butter lamps—well, you need to use your rich imagination.
Many cliff faces had Buddha images. Along the path, spring water babbled; in Tibet, it oddly felt like the Jiangnan water towns.
Kading Valley really is an interesting place. After days of majestic snowy plateau scenery, coming here to enjoy quiet bridges and flowing streams was nice.
The pool water was crystal clear. As the last stop of the trip, it was just right—relaxed, easy touring. The Nyang River scenery along the way was truly beautiful. Nyang River is the "mother river" of the Kongpo region in Tibet, also called "Nyang Qu," meaning "Tears of a Goddess" in Tibetan.
The water was emerald blue with layered shades. On the return to Lhasa, let me slowly admire and etch these scenes into my mind.
Today was the last day in Lhasa, time to head back, so hard to part. In the morning, we went to Zongjiao Lukang Park across from the hotel. Many locals stroll, relax, dance—a really nice spot. In the park's lake, there are huge fish; since Tibetan custom doesn't eat fish, you can see many.
The hotel, Vienna, behind Potala Palace, booked on Ctrip, great discounts, decent conditions.
On the plane, I saw a Ningxia promotional ad—maybe hinting at my next destination? Might be a great choice indeed.
My Tibet journey ended with the snowy mountains outside the plane window. I wasn't sad because I firmly know I will come back. I miss the warm serenity of Jokhang Temple, the awe-inspiring majesty of Potala Palace, the butter fragrance in Barkhor Street, the tranquil blue of Yamdrok Lake, the towering snow peaks, the vast canyon... and the regrettably missed Namtso Lake. Even more, I miss that feeling of sitting in the sun, the warmth, emptying my mind... They say Tibet is a drug, once tried you're addicted. Then I will return to seek my antidote...
Total expenses (for two):
Transport: 3,800 yuan (including flights, train, bus)
Hotels: 1,380 yuan
Scenic area tickets, day tours, 3-day tour fees: 3,940 yuan
Meals: about 200 yuan
Public transport: 100 yuan
Miscellaneous: 200 yuan (no souvenirs; you can buy them online; mainly snacks and drinks at supermarkets)
Grand total: 9,620 yuan
Back to that bustling city, working every day. Sometimes I recall that paradise far from the world. Work hard, so when you get sick of it, you can escape. Keep going, myself. For the sake of traveling farther, strive on!
