Winter Tour to Tibet: 5 Reasons to Visit Tibet in Winter first shown on Tour Travel Tibet

What is it like to travel to Tibet in winter? Desolate, cold, lifeless? It’s time to let go of these stereotypes! As early as 2011, Tibet was named “Asia’s Best Winter Tourism Destination” by CNN; in 2014, Tibet was selected as  “China’s 12 Most Suitable Winter Tourism Destinations” by Global Travel Network. 

Winter Tour to Tibet: 5 irresistible reasons.

01 save money 

Winter tours offer a 50% discount on transportation, food, lodging, and travel expenses. These expenses are more than half cheaper compared to peak seasons. Additionally, admission tickets to the Potala Palace and other scenic spots are completely free.

02 few people

During winter in Tibet, only locals and distant pilgrims can be found. With the decrease in tourists, we can fully embrace the simplicity of life and genuinely appreciate the stunning landscapes and genuine encounters.

03 warm winter

Tibet boasts bluer skies in winter compared to other seasons. The sun shines brightly and the temperature remains pleasant. Contrary to expectations, it is not excessively cold. Unless in extremely remote areas, the average daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 16°C.

04 glacier

Red flowers and green leaves, beautiful mountains and beautiful waters, where is there no such thing in the inland? The glaciers from the third pole, as long as you go, you can reach out and touch them.

05 wild birds

In Tibet in winter, you will encounter national-level wildlife protection animals such as black-necked cranes and grey cranes, which are seasonal exclusive benefits for photographers.

 

Under the sacred mountain, along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, lies Samye Monastery.

The Samye Monastery, constructed in the 8th century AD under the Tubo Dynasty, is Tibet’s initial monastery featuring the three precious treasures of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It follows the architectural design of the “big thousand worlds” described in Buddhist scriptures. The main Buddhist hall, Uzi Hall, incorporates Tibetan, Han, and Indian styles and is also referred to as the Sanyang Temple.

Lebugou, the Top Township on the Sino-Indian Border

Three or Two Steps is the snowy paradise, and Lebugou is the hometown that Tsangyang Gyatso failed to return to. There are endless virgin forests, springs and waterfalls that swallow pearls and jade, and cliffs that are magically crafted…

Tips:

Lebugou is a border town that requires a border defence certificate. Due to high demand, advance reservations are necessary for accommodations in Lebugou during peak season. Transportation of materials is challenging and costly, so it is advisable to bring your own food. Additionally, it is recommended to carry an umbrella or raincoat as there is a high likelihood of rain in this area.

Deep within the icy forest of the tower, the 40 Glacier.

This glacier, located at an altitude of about 5,300 meters, is named after the No. 40 boundary marker, which is situated by the China-Bhutan border. It is currently the most accessible land mountain glacier in China, and no specialized equipment is required for direct contact.

Bomi, the glacier hometown.

The peak season in Bomi is during the autumn, from October to mid-November when the vibrant colors of orange and yellow dominate the landscape. Additionally, from January to February, visitors can enjoy the mesmerizing sight of uninterrupted glaciers.

God’s tears on Earth: Ranwu Lake.

Ranwu Lake seems to be born to reflect the snow-capped mountains. Almost all the most beautiful photos of Ranwu Lake have reflections of snow-capped mountains. The most beautiful time of the year is November-March.

Elope to Laigu Glacier, a blue exotic planet.

If you’re searching for a Chinese destination that closely resembles Antarctica, look no further than Laigu Glacier. This remarkable location fulfils all expectations of glaciers and snow-covered mountains, while also being famous and easily accessible. Join us for an exhilarating glacier hike in this “Antarctic” environment and let go of any concerns about overtime work or other distractions.

Experience the “Crane in the Cloud” at Nanga Bawa Peak.

Nyingchi in winter is one of the thousands of beautiful things in the world. June to October is the peak and rainy season, with only a few fortunate ones getting to see the magnificent Nanjiabawa. However, in winter, Tibet offers high visibility and abundant sunlight, greatly increasing the chances of seeing the sacred mountains. During this time, we enjoyed the winter scenery along the Nyang River, fell asleep to the sound of flowing water in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, and eagerly awaited the sunrise and sunset.

Bathongsuo is an ancient village with snowy mountains and lakes.

As the “sacred lake” of Tibetan Buddhism, every year there are believers who come to “circumambulate the lake” and “circumambulate the mountain” to pray for blessings. If you come to Basong Lake but only pass by hastily without deeply experiencing the surrounding mountains, lakes, and villages, it can be considered a regret.

Visiting Tibet for Namtso Lake.

Not going to Lake Namtso in winter would mean missing out on the best Lake Namtso. Many people have seen Lake Namtso in summer, and its beauty is unforgettable. But in winter, when Lake Namtso is frozen, it becomes even more pure, more magical, and easier to enchant people.

FOUR

Do not fear the future, do not regret the past.

The legend of the skull wall: the most “terrifying” temple in Tibet, built with over 3,000 skulls! The practice of preserving the skulls of the deceased was established as a temple rule during the 13th century by the renowned Buddhist monk Pu Hua. According to the sky burial master Awang Danzeng, leaving the skulls and building walls with them serves as a reminder to the living to engage in more good deeds, minimize worldly desires, and understand that death is inevitable for everyone.

达姆寺天葬台院子的西、南两处各有一道门，一道“生门”，一道“死门”。

 看点2：西藏第一网红雪山   萨普  

In the Tibetan region, there are many snow-capped mountains that have mythical legends, but none are as special as Mount Sapa. Sapa has its own wife, son, daughter, and even an illegitimate child! In the imagination of the local Tibetans, it has gained a touch of fireworks. It has a perfectly pyramid-like figure, with its main peak reaching an elevation of 6556 meters. Approaching it feels like stepping into a dreamlike Iceland.

Four-wheel drive off-road vehicles will accompany you!

The Sap God Valley has a deep ditch and inconvenient transportation. Currently, there is no public transportation. It is about 90 kilometers away from the county seat. Sapp is an undeveloped scenic spot with primitive road conditions. The road into the mountain is relatively narrow, there is a section of washboard road, and the car will wade through the water, so you must be hardcore off-road. You can drive by yourself or choose a reliable travel agency (such as Shanhai Xingchen ) to charter a car.

five

 Highlight 1:    Kajiu Temple,   a secret place in the clouds

On the towering mountain peak on the border between China and Bhutan, there is a magnificent temple with magnificent Sanskrit sound on the cliff, that is, Kajiu Temple. The warm and humid air flowing from the canyon into the Indian Ocean is often surrounded by clouds and fog. Whenever the mountain is filled with fog, I only know that Kajiu Temple stands on the top of the mountain, but I don’t know where it is because of the deep clouds.

Left / Jan Shen Right / Jia Ge who loves photography

 Aspect 2: In Tibet, you can also hike    Pema Lincuo  

In the hearts of many people, trekking in Tibet is a distant dream. In fact, Tibet also has relatively easy hiking routes, and the scenery is not inferior to the Alps. We will have a unique hiking experience on the roof of the world.

Picture/lulu

 Aspect 3: Yamdrok Yongcuo Huanhu Lake    if you are not satisfied with one or two points  

Everyone who arrives in Tibet will go to check in the Yamdrok Yongcuo (Yanghu Lake), which is like a huge coral with tentacles extending in all directions. No matter which angle you look at, you can’t see its whole picture.

We put aside the regular photo viewing platform and take you around the lake to see the 360°beautiful scenery that 99% of tourists have never seen before: Rurila, Rituo Temple, Fairy Bay, Shencuo, Kongmucuo… ….

SIX

 Highlight 1: The unique high-altitude blue    ice Pumoyongcuo  

Pumo Yongcuo is as holy as it is hidden. Surrounded by the sacred mountain Kuragangri, the lake is surrounded by Tui Village (5,070 meters), the highest administrative village in the world, and its oxygen content is only half that of the mainland.

Figure / foreign walker

The only temple in the village, Gandan Tuomenlin Temple (Tui Temple), was built on a cliff beside Pumoyongcuo Lake and has a history of more than 500 years. Standing in any direction of the temple, you can see the snow-capped mountains and lakes on the opposite side, which is an excellent camera position.

 Point 2:    Chen Tanggou,   the original file of the Sherpa

Today, the Himalayas can be called “China’s last land island” in the true sense, only Chentanggou. This is the core area of ​​Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, and it is also an important node and traffic artery leading to Nepal and India on the South Asian corridor of the Silk Road.

Figure / A Guang

On the cliffs of the green mountains at an altitude of 2040 meters, there lives a mysterious nation, we call them Sherpas. They are famous all over the world as guides or porters for mountaineering teams from various countries with their foot strength and endurance that are different from ordinary people.

Photo/SOY

SEVEN

 Aspect 1: A glimpse of    Mount Everest  

Under the blessing of winter, the goddess finally lifted the veil of mystery and showed her beautiful face to thousands of admirers.

 Aspect 2: The Great Mountain Pilgrimage    to Denima Glacier  

Qudenyima Glacier, also known as Glacier No. 58, is located in Gangba County, Shigatse, at an altitude of 5,400 meters. It is called “the glacier at the end of the world” by “China National Geographic”.

Figure / Lin Xixi is camping

1. Temperature reference

Lhasa: -2~14℃ | Nyingchi: 0~14℃

Shigatse: -7~13℃ | Shannan: -3~15℃

Qamdo: -5~13℃ | Ali -12~4℃

Reference period: November 2022-February 2023.

The wind in northern Tibet is relatively strong, and general travelers are not recommended to go there. It is necessary to know the weather dynamics according to the travel time.

2. Traffic suggestions

In winter, train tickets and air tickets to Tibet are very loose and can be booked in advance. There are many snow-covered roads, so it is not recommended to drive into Tibet, especially the Sichuan-Tibet line! Self-driving enthusiasts can rent a car after landing in Lhasa.

3. Self-driving suggestions

1. Choose a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle with a high chassis first, followed by a family SUV. In winter, the road area is snowed and frozen, and the chassis is high, which can effectively prevent the road from icing and scratching the chassis. Four-wheel drive off-road vehicles can also effectively improve the stability on icy and snowy roads, and they are not afraid of sideslips and skids.

2. Replace the cooling liquid and glass water with a freezing point of minus 35 degrees to prevent the water tank from freezing and bursting. Equipped with snow chains and snow tires.

3. Wear sunglasses! Not just for fun, but more for safety. Looking at the vast white snow for a long time not only affects the vision, but also is prone to snow blindness, so it is absolutely necessary to wear sunglasses when driving by yourself.

4. The most beautiful lake

The various lakes in Tibet in winter have a special charm, each of which is very similar to Baikal, but not only Baikal. Go to Pumoyongcuo, Namtso, etc. at higher altitudes. The snowy road conditions are not very good. It is recommended to find a local old driver/travel agency to charter a car.

5. The most beautiful mountain

Professional players and photographers usually choose to go to Tibet in winter, because at this time, world-class snow mountains such as Namjagbarwa and Mount Everest are the time of the year when the chance of seeing the golden mountains in sunshine is the highest, and the number of encounters with Cowin is also the same. Too much to mention.

6. Important festivals

Many important folk and religious festivals in Tibet are in winter. The Bailam Festival dedicated to women, the Lantern Festival with bright lights, Salabengjian, which can receive special blessings, and the Tibetan New Year in Lhasa, etc., if you can go there just in time for such a festival, it will be of great significance!

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