Nyingchi Travel Guide

Nyingchi (Linzhi) Travel Guide

Nyingchi Facts

Chinese Name: 林芝 (lín zhī)
Population: 238,000
Area: 117,000 square kilometers (45,173 square miles)
Location: in the southeast of Tibet, southwest China
Administrative Division: 1 district (Bayi); 6 counties (Kongpo Gyamda, Mainling, Medog, Bomi, Zayu, Lanxian)
Area Code: 0894
Zip Code: 860000
GDP (2018): CNY 17.245 billion (USD 2.5 billion)
Nationalities: Tibetan, Han, Monba, Luoba

Boasting Deepest Canyon in the World & Picturesque Scenery

Located in southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region on the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo River), Nyingchi is the gateway to Tibet from Yunnan and Sichuan. It neighbors Diqing of Yunnan to the east and is bordered by Lhasa to the west. In the south, it shares a boundary with India and Burma. This city is over 400 kilometers (248 miles) east of Lhasa.

Tibet is high-altitude and desolate in many people’s eyes, but Nyingchi only has an average height of 3,000m (9,843 ft) with idyllic scenery. In March and April, when the cold air is still raging on the plateau, the bloomy peaches have spread around the Nyingchi’s snow mountains, fields, river valleys, highways, and Tibetan villages. The best peach viewing places are Kongpo Gyamda, Mainling and Bomi.

But you can also feel the magnificent plateau beauty by visiting The Grand Canyon of Yarlung Tsangpo, Yarlung Tsangpo River, Benri Mountain and Midui Glacier. The Grand Canyon of Yarlung Tsangpo is the deepest canyon in China with vast unspoiled forests including wild peach trees and original Tibetan villages. The deepest point of the Canyon is 6,009 meters (19,715 feet), and the average depth is 2,268 meters (7,441 feet). A hike to Pagsum Lake also can be waved into the experience here.

 Pictures 

 Yarlung Tsangpo River: It cuts through the Himalayas making a unique u-turn round Mt. Namcha Barwa before reaching Motuo (Medog County) and the famous Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon. The canyon is 496 kilometers long and is deeper than the Grand Canyon in America. It is, in fact, the deepest canyon in the world. In the innermost recesses of the canyon lies Motuo, the only county in China without a single road. It is like an isolated and mysterious 'Xanadu' seemingly outside the earthly world.  Needless to say, it is best traveled on foot.

 Zayu: It is a fertile place at the convergence of the Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains. It is crisscrossed by rivers and the weather is moderate throughout the year. Zayu is like a southern China water town reminiscent of a picturesque painting on the Tibetan Plateau. Rice, vegetables and fruits grow on its terraces and plains.

 Other Scenic Spots: Pagsum lake, Benri Mountain, Midui Glacier, Pugu Monastery.

Pagsum lake
Pagsum lake
Yarlung Tsangpo River
Yarlung Tsangpo River

How to Get to Nyingchi

Nyingchi Mainling Airport is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Mainling's county seat of Mainling and 72 kilometers (45 miles) from Nyingchi (Linzhi) County. It currently operates five flights a week to Chengdu.

Buses leave Bayu Town in Nyingchi County for Lhasa daily at 8:30 a.m. There is now a planned road from Bomi and Motuo to Nyingshi. Construction is expected to start in 2008 and be completed in two years.

Weather

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Due to the high Indian Ocean winds, the area enjoys temperate semi-humid weather. This climate promotes the growth of lush, green forested areas. Milder weather prevails most of the year but the winters are cold with average temperatures of 32F. October through April is probably the ideal period to visit although winter months can be cold. May though September the weather is warmer; however, this is also the region's rainy season. 

Nyingchi Travel Tips

 History: Nyingchi is one of the important cradles of ancient Tibetan civilization having been settled as early as four or five thousand years ago. It was under domination of the Tupo Kingdom for two hundred years (7th century to the 9th century). Since its liberation in 1951, it has moved away from its long past as a feudal society.

 Physical Features: Nyingchi is noted for its verdant mountainous terrain and clear waterways. The Himalayan and Tangula mountains wend their way from west to east to join the Hengduan Mountains. Because of the large number of river valleys and alpine gorges, the region is sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of Tibet'.

 Special Local Products: Chinese herbal medicines; Menba wooden bowls; bambooware; pottery and fruits such as oranges, apples and grapes.

 Local Highlights: The Niangbu Lasu Festival is held in Kongpo Gyamda County on the tenth day of the 'horse year' on the Tibetan calendar. It features sacrificial rites as well as horse and yak racing and singing and dancing performances. The Kongpo New Year Festival, also in Kongpo Gyamda, is held on October 1. It is filled with such entertainment as ethnic singing and dancing, horse racing and archery contests.

Incorruptible Rock
Incorruptible Rock
Verdant mountainous terrain
Verdant mountainous terrain

 Further Reading:

15 Most Beautiful Places in China
- Last updated on Jul. 30, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Nyingchi Travel
Asked by bp from YSA | Jul. 27, 2023 13:21Reply
hiking near nyngchi
hello! we are interested in exploring southeastern tibet, the area around nyingchi, tsangpo gorge, and namjagbarwa. it looks like there are many trails in the mountains just north of nyingchi but there is very little information online. is it possible to arrange for hiking tours of the area for several weeks? thanks!
Answers (3)
Answered by Trace | Jul. 28, 2023 00:06
00Reply


It's possible but you need an experienced local hiking guide. Also, foreigners are not allowed to travel around in Tiber alone; joinging a tour group is a must.
Answered by bp | Jul. 28, 2023 08:45
00Reply


thank you! do you have any ideas for how to contact the right local guide?
Answered by Emily | Jul. 30, 2023 18:46
00Reply


It is suggested to find a reliable travel agency, rather than a self-employed guide. Have fun~
Asked by Boon from THAILAND | Nov. 30, 2019 20:17Reply
I want to know dose foreigner can travel in Nyingchi for seeing Peace blossom 2020 ?
Is it need permit and how can to get it?
Thanks for all reply.
Answers (1)
Answered by Samuel from NEW ZEALAND | Dec. 03, 2019 19:51
00Reply


I think you can visit this area as long as you have China's tourist visa. The road condition in there is complicated with rugged terrain, so most people will hire a car. The best visiting season is during Mid-March to Mid-April.
Asked by Philip Craig from AUSTRALIA | Apr. 24, 2016 03:12Reply
Can I travel by bus Lhasa to Nyingchi - foreigner
Hi

I would like to fly in to Lhasa and take a bus or mini van to Linzhi. Can foreigners travel this road with the correct permits or is it closed to foreigners?

I would not be traveling in New Year period.

Philip
Answers (3)
Answered by Ali from GERMANY | Apr. 25, 2016 02:17
10Reply


I am sorry that foreigners are not allowed to visit the area.
Answered by Philip Craig from AUSTRIA | Apr. 25, 2016 04:55
00Reply


If I register with a tour company can the tour company take me on this road? Do you know the names of any companies that could help?
Answered by Ali from GERMANY | Apr. 26, 2016 04:43
00Reply


I am afraid not. Sorry for that. If you want to travel to some other areas in Tibet, you may contact TravelChinaGuide, a raliable travel agency. Their contact information is traveltravelchinaguide.com.
Asked by Juho from FINLAND | Dec. 21, 2015 03:07Reply
We are planning a climbing trip to Nyingchi region.
There's some really good peaks around Namcha Barwa.

Could you recommend tour operator who can arrange Base Camp services, logistics and permits?
Answers (1)
Answered by Brian from USA | Dec. 22, 2015 18:49
00Reply


But as I know, foreigners are not allowed to visit the area. Sorry for that.
Asked by keen from MALAYSIA | Apr. 07, 2015 02:36Reply
tour to Nyingchi tibet in March 2016
My group of friends are planning a tour there in Tibet in March 2016.

I am told that no permits to tour group are issued for this flower season there, is this true? How do we get our Tibet visa to view the wild flower blossoms and specially prepared festival in this season?
Answers (1)
Answered by Ken from CHINA | Apr. 09, 2015 03:31
10Reply


Yes, you have got the correct info. Foreigners are not allowed to entry there during the time period around the Chinese New Year (both before and after).

However, as the Chinese New Year has ended and foreigners are allowded to enter there again since April 1st, 2015. The policy of 2016 is still unknown.

But still, all foreigners are asked to join a tour organized by travel agencies to get in there. In this case, there is no need for you to worry about it. Your agency will handle it for you.
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