[2025 Qamdo Attraction] Travel Guide for Qiangbalin Temple (Updated Mar)

Qamdo City covers a total area of 110,000 square kilometers and has a total population of about 786,000. It has a long history and is one of the birthplaces of Khampa culture, with unique cultural charm and magnificent natural scenery. Itinerary Overview Days: 5 days Route map: [Qiangbalin Monastery — Karo Ruins — Ranwu Lake — Laigu Glacier — Zi Zhu Monastery] Budget: Approx. CNY 3,000 (excluding accommodation, which varies depending on the hotel chosen) Best time to visit: Summer Daily Itinerary [DAY 1] Visit Qiangbalin Monastery Qiangbalin Monastery is the oldest and largest Gelugpa monastery in the Kham region. It houses a large collection of cultural relics such as Buddha statues and Thangkas. 📍How to get there: Located in Qamdo city center, accessible on foot or by taxi. ✅Recommended route: Main gate → Main hall → Other halls, etc. 📸Must-see photo spots: Panoramic view of Qiangbalin Monastery. 💡Tips: Respect the religious customs of the monastery. 🏨Recommended accommodation: Qamdo Hotel (convenient location). 😋Recommended food: Butter tea, tsampa, etc., about CNY 20 per person. [DAY 2] Explore the Karo Ruins The Karo Ruins are one of the three major prehistoric cultural sites in Tibet, where you can experience the life of ancient humans. 📍How to get there: About 12 km from Qamdo city center, accessible by taxi. ✅Recommended route: Ruins Museum → Ruins excavation site, etc. 📸Must-see photo spots: Iconic view of the ruins. 💡Tips: Pay attention to the protection of cultural relics when visiting the ruins. 🏨Recommended accommodation: Qamdo Jusheng Garden Hotel (pleasant environment). 😋Recommended food: Tibetan noodles, etc., about CNY 15 per person. [DAY 3] Enjoy Ranwu Lake Ranwu Lake has crystal-clear water and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering stunning scenery. 📍How to get there: It is quite far from Qamdo city center. You can take a bus to Basu County first, and then transfer to Ranwu Lake. ✅Recommended route: Stroll along the lake → Enjoy the view from the viewing platform, etc. 📸Must-see photo spots: Take a photo of Ranwu Lake with the snow-capped mountains in the background. 💡Tips: Be aware of weather changes and dress warmly. 🏨Recommended accommodation: Ranwu International Self-driving & RV Camp (unique accommodation experience). 😋Recommended food: Yak beef hot pot, about CNY 50 per person. [DAY 4] Explore Laigu Glacier Laigu Glacier is one of the three largest glaciers in the world. The glacier tongues and ice towers are breathtaking. 📍How to get there: You can charter a car from Ranwu Lake. ✅Recommended route: Glacier viewing platform → Close contact with the glacier, etc. 📸Must-see photo spots: Panoramic view of the glacier. 💡Tips: Pay attention to safety when visiting the glacier and follow the guide's instructions. 🏨Recommended accommodation: Laigu Village Guesthouse (experience local life). 😋Recommended food: Highland barley wine, etc., about CNY 25 per person. [DAY 5] Visit Zi Zhu Monastery Zi Zhu Monastery is located on a steep mountain and is one of the oldest and most important Bon monasteries. 📍How to get there: It is some distance from Qamdo city center. You can charter a car. ✅Recommended route: Visit the monastery complex, etc. 📸Must-see photo spots: Panoramic view of Zi Zhu Monastery. 💡Tips: Respect religious beliefs and customs. 🏨Recommended accommodation: Hotels in Riwoqê County (choose according to your actual needs). 😋Recommended food: Tibetan pastries, etc., about CNY 20 per person. Things to Avoid - Qamdo has a high altitude, so be aware of altitude sickness and prepare in advance. - Check the local weather conditions before traveling and plan your itinerary accordingly. I hope this guide will help you have an unforgettable time in Qamdo! Follow me to explore more beautiful places!

My dears, take an 11-day tour from Chengdu to Seda to Baqing to explore the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan! Super detailed guide is coming, hurry up and grab it! -------------------- 🛤️Route arrangement: DAY1-DAY2: Depart for Chengdu, pass Wenchuan and Ma'erkang, and arrive at Guanyinqiao Town or Ma'erkang for a rest. DAY3: Go to Seda from Guanyinqiao Town and arrive at Seda County. DAY4: Visit Seda County, pass Kasa Lake, Gesar King City, Xinluhai, and arrive at Derge. DAY5: Depart from Derge, visit Derge Sutra Printing House, go to Tibet Jiefang Village, Qambaling Monastery, and then to Qamdo. DAY6-DAY7: Depart from Chamdo, visit Leiwuqi, Zizhu Mountain, go to Bianba County via Dingqing, and visit Wala Monastery and Three-Colored Lake on the way. DAY8-DAY9: Depart from Bianba County, visit Samucuo and Sapu Sacred Mountain, go to Nagqu City via Burang County, and visit Dodoka Skull Wall and Nagqu Grassland on the way. DAY10: Depart from Nagqu, visit Co'e, Phuntsok, Bamucuo, and finally arrive at Dangxiong, visiting the Holy Elephant Gate on the way. DAY11: Head from Dangxiong to Lhasa, pass Yangbajing, and finally arrive in Lhasa to end the trip. -------------------- Travel list: 👕 **Clothing preparation**: Jackets and thick coats are essential. The weather is still cold in February, so hats, scarves, and gloves are also essential. Sports shoes should be comfortable and non-slip, and you should also bring rain gear in case of possible rainy days. 🎒 **Carry-on Backpack**: The backpack is practical and can be used to carry snacks, water bottles and personal belongings for easy access while walking. 📲 **Electronic devices**: mobile phone, power bank, charging cable, and camera. Don’t forget to bring a selfie stick to capture the beautiful moments! 💳 **Documents and Finances**: Mainland China ID card, student ID card, driver's license, as well as cash and bank cards. You need to prepare all of these when you go out. 💊 **Common medicines**: cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine and Band-Aids, in case of emergency to ensure a safe journey. 🕶️ **Sun protection and skin care**: The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so you must bring sunscreen and sunglasses. There are also lip balms and moisturizing creams to keep your skin hydrated. -------------------- The delicious food in Chengdu, the red houses in Seda, and the scenery in Bacheng will surely make you linger on this journey. Look forward to your next trip!

Hi, guys! Want to explore Chengdu, Seda, and Barkham? This 11-day travel guide will help you easily explore the best routes and must-see attractions! Don't miss it! -- Itinerary overview: DAY1-DAY2: Arrive in Chengdu, travel through Wenchuan and Maerkang, and finally arrive in Guanyinqiao Town or Maerkang for a rest. DAY3: Travel from Guanyinqiao Town to Seda, visit the attractions, and then rest in Seda County. DAY4: Depart from Seda, visit Lake Kasa, Gesar Palace, and Xiluhai, and stay overnight in Dege. DAY5: Explore Dege Printing House, visit the village that was the first to be liberated in Tibet and the Qiangbalin Monastery, and stay overnight in Changdu. DAY6-DAY7: Cross the Luqu River, visit the Zizhu Monastery, and then travel to Dingqing. Then, travel through the Walar Monastery and the Three-Color Lake, and arrive in Bianba County. DAY8-DAY9: Depart from Bianba County, visit Lake Samtso and Mount Sapu, and then travel to Naqu City, visit the Dodokha Skull Wall and Naqu Grassland on the way. DAY10-DAY11: Visit Lake Tso-o, Lake Pongtso, Lake Yamdrok, and the Holy Elephant Gate, and finally arrive in Lhasa to end the journey. -- Attractions to visit: 🌟 Lake Namtso: A sacred lake in the Tibetan region, with stunning reflections of the snow-capped mountains 🔴 Seda County: A spectacular sight of red monasteries, unique 🏔️ Mount Sapu: A beautiful combination of snow-capped mountains and lakes, like a fairyland -- Packing list: 🧳 What to pack for your trip to Chengdu, Seda, and Barkham! 👗 Clothing: Down jacket, thermal underwear, long pants, comfortable sneakers to cope with the high altitude. 🎒 Accessories: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, as the high altitude sunlight is strong, you need to protect yourself. 💳 Documents: ID card, student card (if applicable), driver's license (if driving), don't forget! 🔋 Electronic products: Mobile phone, charger, power bank, and camera to record your wonderful moments. 💊 Medicines: Red Jingtian to prevent altitude sickness, cold medicine, and stomach medicine to be prepared in case of emergency. 🍫 Food: Chocolate, energy bars to replenish energy on the road, and a thermos to drink hot water comfortably. 💰 Cash: Bring some cash in case of emergency, as there may be no signal in some places, and it is more convenient to use cash. -- With the delicious food in Chengdu, the faith in Seda, and the natural beauty of Barkham, you will definitely have a memorable and moving experience!

Great winter travel destinations! 11-day tour of Chengdu, Seda, and Baqing. Enjoy the snow and experience Tibetan culture. This guide has everything you need! Save it now! -- 🏞️ Route overview: DAY 1–2: Depart and arrive in Chengdu. Pass through Wenchuan and Maerkang, and finally arrive in Guanyinqiao Town or Maerkang to rest. DAY 3: Head to Seda from Guanyinqiao Town and explore the charm of Seda County. DAY 4: Leave Seda County and visit Kasa Lake, King Gesar's Palace, and Yulong Lhatso (Xinlu Lake), and finally arrive in Dege. DAY 5: In Dege, visit Dege Parkhang Printing House, visit a typical village from the early days of Tibet's liberation, and pay homage to Qiangbalin Temple, then head to Chamdo. DAY 6–7: Leave Chamdo, pass through Leiwuqi and Zizhu Mountain (Zizhu Temple), and arrive in Dingqing, then continue to Wara Temple and the Three-color Lake, and finally arrive in Banbar County. DAY 8–10: Depart from Banbar County, visit Samco Lake and Mount Sapukonglagabo, then head to Biru County, Dodoka Skull Wall, and Nagqu Grassland, and finally arrive in Nagqu City, then continue to the Gate of Heaven of the Holy Elephant and Damxung. DAY 11: Leave Damxung, pass through Yangbajing, and finally arrive in Lhasa. -- Must-visit attractions: 🏔️ Namtso Lake: One of the three holy lakes in Tibet. The lake is clear and reflects the snow-capped mountains, like a fairyland. 🔴 Seda County: The dense red monk houses form a spectacular scene, as if the whole city is covered in a red coat. 🕍 Zizhu Temple: This ancient Bon temple is not only a center of faith, but also carries profound cultural and historical significance. -- Travel essentials: 👕 Clothing: Bring a warm coat, scarf, and gloves. Be prepared for the temperature difference between Chengdu and Baqing. 🎒 Backpack: Bring a backpack for easy travel. Pack your personal items and snacks. 📸 Photography equipment: Don't forget your camera and phone. The beautiful scenery of Seda is perfect for photos. 💳 Documents and money: Bring your ID card and cash. Safety is the top priority during your trip. 💊 Medicine: Bring some common medicines to help you cope with altitude sickness. 🕶️ Sun protection accessories: Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. The sun is strong in Baqing, so be sure to protect yourself. 🥤 Food and drink: Bring a water bottle and snacks so you won't be hungry or thirsty on the road. That's all! Get ready and go! Chengdu, Seda, and Baqing are waiting for you! -- The leisure of Chengdu, the mystery of Seda, and the magnificence of Baqing. The scenery and stories along the way will make you linger and make the trip worthwhile!

Chengdu, Seda, and Baqing: An 11-day tour guide is here! Experience the simple Tibetan style and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. It is definitely worth your time! -------- 🚗Route suggestion: Explore the Western Sichuan Plateau and Tibetan Style🏔️ Day 1-2: Arrive in Chengdu and set off for Guanyinqiao Town/Maerkang. Enjoy the scenery of Wenchuan and Maerkang along the way and feel the magnificence of the Western Sichuan Plateau. Day 3: Depart from Guanyinqiao and head to Seda. Visit the mysterious Seda Buddhist College and admire the stunning red houses. Day 4: Depart from Seda County and visit Kasa Lake and King Gesar's Palace. Explore the natural beauty of Xinlu Lake (Yulong Lhatso) and finally arrive in Dege. Day 5-6: A pilgrimage to Dege Printing House. Travel through villages from the early days of Tibet's liberation and feel the vicissitudes of history. Visit Qambaling Monastery and arrive in Qamdo. Then head to Dingqing and visit the mysterious Zizhu Mountain (Zizhu Monastery) along the way. Day 7-8: Depart from Dingqing and visit Wara Monastery and the Three-color Lake. Stop at Banbar County and then head to the mysterious Sam Co Lake and Mount Sapukonglagabo. Day 9-10: Travel across the Nagqu Grassland and feel the vastness of the Northern Tibet Plateau. Pass by the Dodoka Skull Wall and reflect on the cycle of life. Finally, arrive at the sacred Elephant Gate and Damxung. Day 11: Depart from Damxung, pass by Yangbajing, and finally arrive in Lhasa. End this soul-stirring plateau journey.🙏 -------- Notes: 🚗 Airport transportation: You can take Metro Line 10 from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to the city center, and then transfer to Line 3 to Chunxi Road. ❄️ February climate: Seda and Baqing are located on the plateau, and the temperature in February is low. Be sure to bring warm clothes. 🎉 Customs: When visiting the holy land of Seda, please respect local religious customs, dress appropriately, and avoid taking photos at will. 📶 Signal issues: The signal in Baqing may be unstable. It is recommended to bring a China Telecom SIM card, which has a relatively good signal. 💊 Health preparation: Altitude sickness is a common problem. Prepare Rhodiola and other medicines in advance and drink plenty of water. 🌞 Sun protection: The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong. Prepare sunscreen to protect your skin from damage. -------- Travel around Chengdu, Seda, and Baqing. Every moment is an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to the next trip!🌟

Chamdo, a hidden gem in eastern Tibet, exudes a captivating charm. It boasts breathtaking scenery and a rich cultural heritage, like a living history book waiting to be explored by travelers. Jampaling Monastery, an important monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, is solemn and majestic. The exquisite statues and colorful murals within the monastery tell stories of religious mystery and devotion, with the scent of incense seemingly whispering the secrets of history. Ranwu Lake, like a giant mirror, is nestled among the mountains. Its clear blue waters reflect the snow-capped peaks and lush forests, with the changing colors of the seasons resembling a palette of nature's finest hues, leaving visitors enchanted and lost in its beauty. Laigu Glacier is a magnificent epic carved by time. The massive ice tongue extends from the mountain top, with the deep and mysterious blue ice offering a glimpse into the Earth's ancient memories and the awe-inspiring power of nature. The Ancient Tea Horse Road, a legendary trade route, still echoes with the sound of horse hooves on its stone paths. The weathered post stations, though worn, continue to guard the stories of the past, evoking memories of the hardships and bravery of the horse caravans. The ancient salt fields of Yanjing, with their unique salt-drying methods, have been preserved to this day. The terraced salt fields glisten in the sunlight, creating a striking contrast with the rushing Lancang River, showcasing the wisdom of the local people. Every attraction in Chamdo is a perfect blend of nature and culture. Here, you can listen to the dialogue between the wind and prayer flags, feel the warmth of the sun piercing through the clouds, and experience the profound culture of eastern Tibet. Exploring Chamdo is an ultimate feast for the soul and senses, with each step leading you into a dreamlike wonderland and each glance etching an everlasting memory of beauty. Jampaling Monastery

Self-driving tour along the Sichuan-Tibet North-South Line (11) "The First Gelug Monastery in Eastern Tibet" - Qambaling Monastery Ganzi, Sichuan - Qamdo, Tibet 2024.9.10 Qamdo weather is cloudy, temperature is 9-26 degrees, today's highest altitude is 4253 meters, National Highway 317. Continue west along G317, it's another long journey. At 8 o'clock, the car arrived at the Jinsha River, the Sichuan-Tibet border river (Figure 1). The west side of the bridge is Jiangda County, Qamdo City, Tibet. Gangtuo Village on the river bank was the first village that the 18th Army of the People's Liberation Army entered and liberated Tibet (Figure 2). It is not uncommon to see herds of cattle and sheep strolling leisurely on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Today, I encountered a group of macaques on National Highway 317 in the Jiangda Nature Reserve. A large family of more than a hundred people, young and old, came in groups (Figure 3), and all the vehicles stopped to give way. Two monkeys even jumped onto our hood. One of them looked like the monkey king (Figure 4), showing off his authority as the "master" and repeatedly peeking into the car. Our honking was ineffective. After more than a minute, they left in disappointment when they saw that they could not receive any "bribe". Today's total journey is more than 320 kilometers, and it is still National Highway 317, but the road conditions are quite different. After entering the Tibet section, the number of "craters" increased significantly, making it difficult to increase speed. On the way, we passed through the first tunnel in eastern Tibet - Aila Mountain Tunnel (3774 meters above sea level), and crossed the Xuejila Mountain Pass (4253 meters above sea level). There were long uphill and long downhill roads, with an absolute height difference of more than 500 meters. It took a lot of time to go up and down and through twists and turns. We finally arrived in Qamdo at 3:30 pm and then visited the Jampa Ling Monastery. Jampa Ling Monastery (3A), known as the "First Gelug Monastery in Eastern Tibet", is located at the confluence of the Angqu and Zhaqu rivers in Qamdo City. It is located at the foot of the majestic Hengduan Mountains and stands on the red soil layer cut by ancient glaciers. The temple was founded by Tsongkhapa's disciple Xirab Songbu in 1444 AD. The main Buddha in the temple is Jampa (Great Compassion) Buddha, so the temple is named Jampa Ling Temple. The temple does not charge admission and the main halls are open to the public. I tried to find a tour guide but failed. When we entered, the temple was almost closed and there were very few tourists. We moved freely through various halls, such as the main hall - the Great Sutra Hall (center), the Dharma Protector Hall (right), and the Tara Hall (left) located on the north side of the Jampa Ling Monastery Square (Figure 5). On the upper floor of the Great Sutra Hall, we saw the exquisite "mandala" (Figure 6). In the Zankang Hall (Figure 7), we saw monks chanting sutras and about to have dinner (not convenient for photography), as well as the Tsokchen Hall (Figure 8), Gaden Tangchen Phodrang (Figure 9), etc. We will stay in Qamdo City (3270 meters above sea level) tonight and head to Dingqing, another county in Qamdo, tomorrow.

🌅 Day 1: In-depth Tour of Chamdo City Morning: Arrive in Chamdo, first visit the Tea Horse Road Ancient Culture District to feel the footsteps of the ancient horse caravans and try some local snacks🍜. Noon: Find a Tibetan restaurant in the city to taste Tibetan tsampa and butter tea, experiencing the Tibetan flavor🍵. Evening: Go to Qiangbalin Temple to appreciate the night view of the temple and feel the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhism🕯️. Photo check-in: Tea Horse Road, Qiangbalin Temple Must-visit spots: Tea Horse Road Ancient Culture District, Qiangbalin Temple 🏞️ Day 2: Journey through Natural Scenery Morning: Head to Ranwu Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and capture the stunning sunrise🌅. Noon: Have a picnic by the lake, feeling the freshness and tranquility of nature🍞. Evening: Go to Laigu Glacier to watch the magnificent view of the glacier under the sunset🏔️. Photo check-in: Ranwu Lake, Laigu Glacier Must-visit spots: Ranwu Lake, Laigu Glacier 🌌 Day 3: Cultural Exploration and Return Trip Morning: Visit the Karuo Ruins to understand the prehistoric culture of Chamdo and feel the weight of history🏛️. Noon: Taste authentic farmhouse dishes in a nearby village, experiencing the simple rural life🥦. Evening: End the pleasant trip to Chamdo, prepare for the return journey, and head home with full memories🎒. Photo check-in: Karuo Ruins, rural scenery Must-visit spot: Karuo Ruins Warm tips💡: 1. Tibet is at a high altitude, be aware of altitude sickness and carry necessary medications. 2. The climate in Chamdo is variable, please prepare sunscreen and warm clothing. 3. Respect local customs and habits, protect the environment, and do not litter. 4. Book accommodations and transportation in advance to ensure a smooth trip.

Qamdo Qambarling Monastery - Leiwuqi - Zizhu Monastery - Dingqing County (3700 meters above sea level) Introduction to Qambarling Monastery: Qamdo Qambarling Monastery is located under the Hengduan Mountains, standing on the red soil layer cut by ancient glaciers. The temple was founded in 1444 by Tsongkhapa's disciple Xirab Songbu. The main Buddha in the temple is Jampa (Great Compassion) Buddha, so the temple was named Qamdo Jampa Ling. Introduction to Zizhu Temple: Zizhu Temple is located on Zizhu Mountain, a famous sacred mountain in Dingqing County, Qamdo City, eastern Tibet. It is about 4,800 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest temples in Tibet and one of the oldest and most important temples of Bon religion. The construction of Zizhu Monastery was started three thousand years ago, advocated by the second Tibetan king, Muchi Zamp, and founded and passed down by the great master, the first Mubang Sadong. After I got home, I saw the news that Zizu Temple would be closed due to a celebrity live-streaming a sky burial. I don’t know if it’s true or not. Day 6 Kangqingla Pass - Baiga Township, Buxi County (3900 meters above sea level) The hotel in Baiga Township is in poor condition. What’s interesting is that at 4 o’clock in the morning, two bears broke into the village and swaggered on the road. We saw them clearly from the second floor of the hotel and jokingly said that Big Bear and Little Bear had entered the village! The seventh day, Sapu Sacred Mountain - Nagqu City (4500 meters above sea level) For example, the skull wall is the least worthwhile attraction. The ticket price is 76 yuan, and the visiting area is less than ten square meters. The skulls on the wall are not scary. The sky burial platform is separated by red lines and is not allowed to be visited. There is also a temple. It is said that Princess Wencheng once stayed in the temple on the way to Lhasa, which is also not open to tourists. It took less than ten minutes to complete the whole tour, and I didn't gain any insights into life. The only impression I had was that there was a public toilet inside, which didn't have any unpleasant smells and was relatively clean. Nagqu City is at a high altitude, so we stayed in an aerobic hotel with average conditions, so I don’t recommend it.