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Nagqu Travel Guide

Nagqu neighbors Chamdo in the east, Ngari in the west,Lhasa, Nyingchi and Xigaze in the south, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province in the north. It is embraced by the Tanggula, Nyainqentanglha and Kangdese Mountains. The snow-capped Dargo Mountain in the west and the Burgyi Mountain in the east are guarding the treasure land like two ferocious lions. Nagqu Town is the transport hub for northern Tibetan contacts with other parts of the region and other parts of China, bisected by the Xining-Lhasa, Nagqu-Chamdo and Amdo-Shiquanhe highways.Covering an area of some 400,000 square kilometers, the area is high in the west with an elevation of over 4,500 meters and low in the east. The vast region of the central west is basically flat, dotted with hills and numerous lakes, and crisscrossed by rivers. There are high mountains surrounding the river valleys in the east, which is the farming region of northern Tibet. This area lies at an elevation of 3,500 to 4,500 meters and also has forest resources and bush pasture. It has a climate that is more equitable than that in the central west. >>>Nagqu Transportation

Climate: Nagqu falls within the sub-frigid zone and experiences extreme cold, a scarcity of oxygen, dry air and storms. There are no absolutely frost-free periods. Nagqu has an annual average temperature of -0.9°C to -3.3°C, an annual relative humidity of 48-51 percent, an annual precipitation of 380mm.The sunshine time is 2,852.6-2,881.7 hours each year. From November to March the air is dry, the temperature low. The area is exposed to violent sandstorm.


Nagqu is in the northern of Tibet. The name "Nagqu" comes from the Nagqu River which is the upper reaches of the Nujiang River. In the past, the river was also called "Heihe" (Black River). Today, "Nagqu" is generally referred to as Nagqu Prefecture. The Nagqu Prefecture Committee and the Nagqu Prefecture Administration are located in Nagqu Town. >>>Nagqu Food

The region is over 300,000 sq km and has a population of over 370,000 people. It is broken up into 10 counties, along with a special district area. The largest region of Tibet, it has recently grown into an economic and political center of northern Tibet.>>>Nagqu Shopping

The area is highlited by grassland plateaus and towering mountains in the background. The splendid scenary adds to the travelers` list of things to see. Since the region is rather large, settle in one area and focus on the sites there.

Nagqu has a unique landscape. The ancient Yamtung (or Zhangzhung) cultural site, the Bon monasteries, the Holy Lake Nam-tso( or Lake Nam co) and the life of the highland herdsmen are unique tourist attractions. >>>nagqu hotels

In Nagqu, the vast Changtang grassland commands unique geological features and changing natural landscape. The great force of nature has shaped the gorgeous mountains and rivers of this region. Lake Nam-tso, Lake Tangra Yumco and over 1,000 others are like jadeite scattered on the grassland or gobi desert. There are numerous hot springs and geothermal spots. The region also has rich resources of wildlife and alpine vegetation. There are over 20 animal species under level one or level two national protections. Such rare animals as wild yaks, Tibetan antelope, and Tibetan wild donkeys are being well preserved in the area.

The natural wonders and the special folk customs have formed distinctive tourism treasures. The local people have created colorful religious legends for the mountains, lakes and rivers, which have retained their natural appearance. At the town of Nagqu sits the famous Shodain Monastery with a long history. Every year, the town will host the Nagqu Kyaggen Horse Race that is sure to draw crowds of local people. During the one-week horse racing festival, different kinds of sports activities will be held such as tug-of-war, carrying rocks, archery shooting and yak racing. Song and dance troupes from all parts of Tibet add to the fun.>>> Festivals in Nagqu

In the peaks in east Nagqu there are many strangely shaped lava caves. One of these is tne Meimo Lava Cave, referred to as "the Mysterious Chamber for the Fairies." Housing many stone ladders, the cave has two man-sized stone pillars standing on both sides of the entrance. Inside the cave are entrance. Inside the cave are numerous sub-caves filled with water drops fall onto the ground, sending sing-song sounds throughout the quiet environment. Ice blocks resemble whatever you think them to be. There is one block resembling three sitting people, referred to as the underworld king and two of his assistants-the black and the white. There are also many naturally formed statues of deities. Further inside are two red and blue lava caves which are comparatively large in size. Strong torches do not work here, so that when in the caves one has to move ahead inch by inch. Local people say there is a cave that extends about 100 km long and another cave that extends over 200 km long.

There are still more places worthy of visiting. Tourists will be impressed by the great grassland, the holy lake of Nam-tso, and the mysterious depopulated area in the northern Tibet. The Tsangdain Monastery at Sog County , the ruins of the Hor King's palace,Nyainqentanglha Mountains  the Duoduoga Skull Wall in Biru County are all worthy of visiting

The Ruins of Zhangzhung (or Yamtung) KingdomHistorical legend Zhangzhung Kingdom believed in the Bon religion. It was historically registered that the creator of the Bon religion was the first king of Zhangzhung Kingdom.

The North Tibet Grassland, referring to the vast plateau in north Tibet, is referred to as Changtang (or Qangtang) Grassland in Nagqu Prefecture. As one of the five biggest pastures in China, Changtang Grassland is surrounded by the Kunlun, Tanggula, Kangdese and Nyainqentanglha mountains.

Heavenly Lake Namtso
Located near Damxung, it is the highest saltwater lake in the world and the second largest saltwater lake in China.

Zhoima Canyon Scenic Spot  
In Gulu Township 92 kilometers to the south of Nagchu Town, the Zhoima Canyon Scenic Spot has an average elevation of 4,700 meters. It has good transport facilities and a nice natural environment with beautiful mountains and lakes. In June and July, the climate here is temperate and comfortable. With flowers and grass everywhere, the spot is very attractive.

Lake Tangra Yumco
Tangra Yumco is the holy lake of the Bon believers. Starting from Nyima County, driving southward for 8 kilometers and then turning left, keeping driving southward for 80 kilometers, crossing over a mountain pass of about 5,000 meters, you reach the Tangra Yumco lake basin.

Eight-Pagodas in North Tibet Pasture. Eight-Pagodas in North Tibet Pasture is in the Wuma Town, about 40 miles from Damxung. It is said that King Gesar had ...


To protect against the sub-zero weather, low-oxygen, dry air and storms, visitors should bring sweaters and warm clothes. Sunglasses are also highly recommended.>>>Nagqu Travel Tips

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