Yarlung Tsangpo River

There is a Galaxy in the heaven and a Sky River (Tianhe) on the earth, which is Yarlung Tsangpo River. In Chinese, Yarlung Tsangpo River means water flowing down from the crest. Found in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as 'the roof of the world', this is the biggest river in Tibet and also holds the position as being the river found at the highest altitude across the world.

 
Yarlung Tsangpo River cruise
Yarlung Tsangpo River cruise
   
Yarlung Tsangpo River
Yarlung Tsangpo River Pictures
Originating from a glacier on the northern side of the middle Himalayas, over 5,300 meters (208,661 feet) above sea level, the river runs across the south of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from west to east, through India and Bengal, and finally flows into the Bay of Bengal. Altogether more than 2,900 kilometers (1,802 miles) long with a catchment area of 935 thousand square kilometers (361,006 square miles), it is the fifth longest river in China. With a large number of branches, its natural hydropower capacity reaches up to 79,116 thousand kilowatts, just second to the Yangtze River in China.

Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley is rich in forest resources, owning 2,644 thousand hectares' of virgin forest. Rare and unique plants and animals along with a natural treasure house of wildlife such as yew and Zoraptera insects can be found here. From the Pottery shard and stone objects of the Neolithic Period discovered in Nyingchi County, the ancient culture of Yarlung Tsangpo River can be traced back thousands of years. To some extent, it is the cradle of Tibetan civilization.
 
Yarlung Tsangpo River  Yarlung Tsangpo River
The Great Canyon of Yarlung Tsangpo River is absolutely a highlight. It is the largest and deepest canyon in the world, being 504.6 kilometers (314 miles) long and 6,009 meters (19,715 feet) deep at its deepest. The average depth is 2,268 meters (7,441 feet). Nine Natural Vertical Zones ranging from the Alp Ice-snow belt to tropical seasonal forests are represented in this area. All kinds of wildlife exist here, so the Great Canyon is regarded as 'the Gene Pool of Biological Resources', whilst enjoying fame as a 'Geological Museum' due to the various geological phenomena found.
 

How to get to Yarlung Tsangpo River Scenic Area

Take a bus from Lhasa Dongjiao Bus Station to Baiyi Town and the bus fare is around CNY 200. After getting there, take a local car to the scenic area.
 
Entrance Fee for the Canyon CNY 150
 Free admission from Jan. 1 to Mar. 15 and Oct. 15 to Dec. 31, 2021.
Sightseeing Bus CNY 90
Opening Hours 8:00 - 20:30

 Related Hiking Tour Itinerary Information:
Yarlung Tsangpo Exploration: 6 days tour from Chengdu to Nyingtri, Pailong Village, Drachu Camp, Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon and Lulang Village

- Last updated on Apr. 08, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Yarlung Tsangpo River
Asked by Osup Dai | Jun. 26, 2015 19:19Reply
How many Dams are constructed at this river by Chinese govt.
Answers (1)
Answered by Fiona from SINGAPORE | Jun. 26, 2015 21:17
10Reply


Well, as far as I know, there is no dam yet on the river nowadays.
Asked by Mr.Franklin from USA | Mar. 04, 2011 14:24Reply
I would like to know how the Yarlung Tsangpo canyon was formed.
Answers (1)
Answered by Mr.Frank | Mar. 05, 2011 01:50
10Reply


I think because of crustal movements.
Ask a Question
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
NameCountryEmail