[2025 Biru Attraction] Travel Guide for Biru Skull Wall (Updated Mar)

**—Tibet's Last Secret Realm, Home to More Magical Blue Ice and Miracles Than the Polar Regions** When you traverse the rugged mountain dirt roads of Nagqu, Tibet, pass through bumpy sections riddled with potholes, wade through rushing icy rivers, and finally catch a glimpse of the small iron bridge spanning the abyss amidst the swirling clouds, you'll know that the gateway to the secret realm of Mount Sapu has opened for you. This bridge is the final checkpoint to "Little Iceland in Tibet" and the starting point of an awe-inspiring journey. ## **Self-Driving Guide: Crossing the Wilderness for a Glimpse of Eternity** ### **Route and Road Conditions** - **Challenge-Level Off-Road Route**: The 60-kilometer dirt road from Biru County to Sapu requires driving a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle through water crossings, gravel roads, and steep slopes. Some sections even require a local motorcycle to lead the way. - **Classic Itinerary**: A 4–5 day loop is recommended, linking niche attractions such as the Skull Wall and Pala Pagoda, departing from Lhasa via Nagqu and Biru County, and finally arriving at Sapu. ### **Accommodation and Experience** - **Stargazing Campsite**: Simple stone houses built by Tibetan nomads by the lake (CNY 100/bed). Although the conditions are basic, you can wait for the golden sunrise over the snow-capped mountains and the Milky Way. - **Best Seasons**: The blue ice is at its peak from January to April. In summer, the foothills are covered with lush flowers and plants, while winter is a snowy wonderland like a fairy tale. ## **Why is Sapu More Breathtaking Than Iceland?** Iceland's glaciers are beautiful in their refinement, while Sapu's awe stems from its pristine and wild nature: - **Extreme Purity at an Altitude of 4,800 Meters**: The air is thin but clear, and the glaciers are within reach, without having to travel to the Arctic Circle. - **Uncommercialized Secret Realm**: Only widely known to the outside world since 2017, there is still no large-scale tourism development. Nomads and yaks are the true masters here. - **Coexistence of Mythology and Nature**: Every mountain peak and every glacial lake carries thousands of years of Tibetan beliefs and legends. **"Some scenery is destined for the brave."** (The route and attraction information in this article are based on the actual experience of Sapu travelers. Please plan your specific itinerary based on the latest road conditions.)

Dam Temple, steeped in history and culture, was founded in 641 AD, boasting over 1,300 years of heritage. As the oldest temple in northern Tibet, it belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and predates Lhasa's Jokhang Temple by 13 years. Nestled in the Rilong Valley of the Niyang River, Dam Temple sits within Duoshuoka Village, Chaqu Township, Biru County, Nagqu City, at an altitude of 4,100 meters. Historical accounts suggest that Princess Wencheng, during her journey to Tibet, was captivated by the area's natural beauty and commissioned the construction of the temple, naming it "Dam Ganden Chukhorlin," or "Dam Temple" for short. The "Dam Temple Skull Wall Scenic Area" spans 66 hectares, bordered by Datang Township to the west and Liangqu Township to the east, with National Highway G558 passing through. It's located 65 km from Biru County, 185 km from Nagqu City, and 515 km from Lhasa, with the Niyang River flowing through it. The Skull Wall is more than just a tourist attraction; it serves as a stark reminder of life's impermanence. Regardless of status or wealth, death reduces us all to bones. It encourages us to cherish the present, embrace life's uncertainties, and practice kindness. The Skull Wall prompts reflection on life and death. While death, an inevitable destination, often evokes fear, it's an integral part of life's journey. Journey to Dam Temple and the Skull Wall. Many have visited, and many more will, seeking history, exploring mysteries, and contemplating life.

Sichuan-Tibet Highway Self-Driving Tour (15) The Rare Wall in the World - Biru Skull Wall Nagqu, Tibet September 14, 2024 The weather in Biru was sunny to cloudy, with a temperature of 4-16 degrees. The highest altitude of the day was 4900 meters, and the route was National Highway 317-National Highway 558. The altitude of the scenic spot and the accommodation point has a great impact on the result of altitude sickness. The longer you stay at the same altitude, the greater the reaction. For example, the altitude of 5000 meters seems very high, but if you come up from 4000 meters and only take photos and check in here, and then go down in more than 10 minutes, the possibility of increasing altitude sickness can be ignored. The main reaction of the accommodation at an altitude of 3900 or above last night was shortness of breath and the need for deep breathing. In the plan, there was a tour of "Sapu Mountain" today. It is one of the Bon religion mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, the first peak in the eastern Tibet region, and the scenery of glaciers + holy lakes has become popular on the Internet. Because the scenic spot is temporarily closed for maintenance recently, it is said that it will resume business before the National Day. In the morning, I visited two small scenic spots in Biru. Not far from the city, there is an observation deck next to G558, overlooking the Nu River turning a big bend here (Figure 1). The cliffs on both sides of the river are towering (Figure 2), and G558 passes through the cliff (Figure 3). Then came to the Tang Fan Ancient Road Tourist Scenic Area (4A), located in Chaju Township, Biru County. The most eye-catching thing is the "Skull Wall" (Figure 4). The skull is the relic of celestial burial. There is a celestial burial platform in the "Skull Wall" garden, and there are more than 1,000 human skulls inlaid on the surrounding walls. The wall was created by the eighth Dapu Baima Baizha Living Buddha. He instructed the celestial burial master of that year to feed the corpse to the eagle and save the skull, so that everyone who saw them would think of their own destination. It is said that only people with religious status can place their skulls on the wall, which is called "the rare wall in the world". Photography is prohibited in the "Skull Wall" garden. We abide by the regulations and do not disturb these souls that have ascended to heaven (Figure 5). Interested friends can go to Baidu for reference. In the scenic area, there are also Damu Temple Scripture Hall (Figure 6), Pagoda (Figure 7), Monk House Ruins (Figure 8), etc. Today, I set off from Biru, took National Highway 558, and then transferred to National Highway 317 to return to the main line. This route basically runs through the alpine meadows, which is much easier to walk than the previous two days (Figure 9). Along the way, I crossed the Jianggula Mountain (4900 meters), Bajola Mountain (4700 meters), and Togula Mountain (4600 meters) three passes, and arrived at the destination at about 4 pm. I will stay in Nagqu City (altitude 4498 meters) tonight. It is expected to be the highest accommodation point of this Sichuan-Tibet trip, and it is also the highest accommodation point in my life. The current reaction is the same as yesterday. Tomorrow I will go to Namtso for a tour, and then go to Damxung in Lhasa.

In Tibet, there are always some surprising encounters. For example, you can pick stars with your hands and dream of resting on the Milky Way at night. Itinerary: D1: Lhasa—Nyainqentanglha Mountain (companion of Namtso)—Nagqu—Skull Wall—First Bend of Nujiang River (first major bend of Nujiang River)—Parajing Tower (White Crystal Tower)—Biru D2: Biru—Sapu Glacier (one of the Bon religion sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism)—Biru—Nagqu D3: Nagqu—Nagenla Pass—Southern Half of Namtso—Tashi Peninsula—Lhasa D4: Lhasa—Gambala Pass—Yamdrok Lake—Lhasa Precautions: 1. Weather: The weather in Tibet is mainly sunny. Since the climate here is relatively dry and the sunshine duration is long, it is recommended to bring sunglasses, sun hats, umbrellas, lip balm, sunscreen, moisturizing lotion, scarves, etc. 2. Electronic photography equipment: Mobile communication tools and cameras, as well as chargers. Please take care and protect your electronic devices during the trip. 3. Daily necessities: Bring a set of simple toiletries for cleanliness and hygiene, such as towels, toothbrushes, combs, toilet paper, skincare cream, shampoo, wet wipes, etc.

Oh my god! The biggest reward of traveling to Tibet is the scenery and painting along the way. The drone was running out of battery. The Tiffany blue lake opened the scene. The night sky and Milky Way are so beautiful that I can’t wait to share it with you!! Here is the guide for those who want to go to Tibet Sapu Mountain Address: Puzonggou, Yangxiu Township, Buliang County, Nagqu City, Tibet Tickets: Free in winter, 100 yuan per person in summer Tour time: It is recommended to arrive before 3 pm for a one-day tour 5-Day Tour to Sapu Mountain in Eastern Tibet from Lhasa Directions: 1: Lhasa Yangbajing → Nagqu → Zhubu 2: Biru → Sapu Sacred Mountain → Stay in Biru/camp and take photos of the stars 3: For example → Nujiang River First Bay → Skull Wall → Stay in Dangxiong 4: Damxung → Namtso → Nyainqentanglha Hot Spring → Lhasa Play 1. The foot of Sap Mountain is divided into the inner lake and the outer lake. It is recommended to drive to the inner lake, where the scenery is more spectacular and more photogenic. 2 It is 120km from Shenshan to Bishan, especially the last 30km is full of bad roads, which can be called an off-road hell-level route. It is dangerous and cruel. Please pay attention to safety when driving. 3 Check the weather forecast in advance. You can see the golden mountain in the sunshine on a sunny day. 4. Bring your camping equipment and food. Nothing is more relaxing than having a hot pot with champagne at the foot of a snowy mountain. equipment The altitude is 4600m. Sun hats, sunglasses, and water are essential for sun protection. Hiking shoes or non-slip shoes are recommended. It takes a long hike to get to Neihu. Always bring a jacket, down jacket, scarf, and gloves. There is a strong wind near the lake, and the temperature difference between day and night is huge even in summer. If you are driving or carpooling, it is recommended to choose a four-wheel drive hard-core off-road vehicle, such as Toyota Prado (Prado)/Land Cruiser, with a displacement of 4.0 is best Remember to bring a telephoto camera so that you can stand at a high place and be in the same frame with the Sapu regular triangle snow mountain (refer to my profile picture for the composition) If you also want to have a unique and unforgettable snow mountain trip, then Sap is definitely not to be missed. Add it to your travel list now Remember to bring enough endurance and courage to leave your most precious memories on this land!

Tibet has always been called a mystery by people, because there are many places where few people set foot hidden on that vast plateau, because of the sparse population, they have preserved their most natural appearance. Biru County in Nagqu is hidden in the valley of the upper reaches of the Nujiang River, built along the river, with steep mountain scenery on both sides. There are too many worth visiting spots in this county town, the most famous of which is of course the skull wall of Damu Temple in the western suburbs. This is the living fossil of the local 'sky burial' culture, with skulls piled into walls, to be honest, it was a bit creepy when I first went. Sapu Mountain is located in Biru. This sacred mountain was discovered by donkey friends a few years ago, which attracted many tourists to explore. I especially like the lake water and meadows under the Sapu snow mountain, which gives people a feeling of paradise. It is said that there are primitive forests in the southeast of Biru County, but this trip was too hurried to go. Every visit to Nagqu is a new exploration in life, and I believe the next encounter will bring me more surprises.

The wall of Dam Temple is a wall made of human skulls. It is related to the celestial burial. There are very few people coming here. Some people are afraid of going to a lot of panic in the heart. A small temple is seen outside. Going up is very ordinary, there is no sense of story. The master of Dum Temple opened the door for us. Usually there are very few people coming here, so the general door is closed. Only when there are people coming, the master will come over and open the door. The pedestrian is the one to go here. Simon's. Open the door lock. In the small courtyard, the entire wall on the right hand side is covered with enamel, and the five-color prayer flags and some classics representing "the sky, the ground, the water, the fire, the wind" are hung directly opposite the wall. cloth. Every foot here should be careful, can't go away, although the slate is not big, it shines brightly, although it can't see the traces of the knife and axe, but here is the last chopping board of the corpse during the burial, so it is best It is to get around here, don't step on it. The large and small gimmicks on the wall, most of the lower skull are gone, the fragile nasal bones are eroded, leaving only the hard skull and sporadic teeth. Going out of the wall, rows of cockroaches still appear in front of me, silent for a long time, in fact, these have not made me afraid, life, the grass and the autumn, we will come to this world, will eventually return to the silence, Where do you come from, where to go...