Live Your Best Lives
The Nyainqentanglha Mountains are one of the main mountain ranges on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. They run through the central and eastern parts of Tibet and are the eastern extension of the Gangdise Mountains. The main peak, Nyainqentanglha Peak, is 7,111 meters above sea level. To the northwest of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains is Namtso Lake, and to the south is the Yangbajing Valley, which is rich in geothermal resources and has many hot springs. Legend has it that the Nyainqentanglha Mountain God commands hundreds of Tanggula Mountains across northern Tibet and is the most important guardian deity in the world. Believers in the Bon religion and Buddhism worship this mountain, believing that it is a quiet place for those who have achieved enlightenment and a place for them to gather.
The legend of Namtso and Nyainqentanglha: Nyainqentanglha and Namtso are a loving couple who live on the beautiful northern Tibetan Plateau, dependent on each other and inseparable. One day, Nyainqentanglha went to another pasture to find lost cattle and sheep, and met the beautiful girl Yamdrok Yumtso. Nyainqentanglha could not help falling in love with Yamdrok Yumtso, forgetting everything, and forgetting his wife Namtso who was waiting for him to come home. Namtso thought her husband was in danger, crying day and night, and finally turned into a clear lake. Days passed, Nyainqentanglha suddenly remembered his wife. He rushed home with guilt and eagerness, and saw Namtso turned into a lake. Regret and self-blame made him stand by the lake day and night without sleep. Later, he turned into a handsome snow-capped mountain, waiting by her side day and night, and the lonely Yamdrok Yumtso also turned into a beautiful and moving Yanghu Lake.
Attractions Location: G109 (Qinghai-Tibet Highway), Dangxiong County, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region
Tickets: free
Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st to December 31st)
Time reference: 1 day
This itinerary is ideal for travelers looking to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains with a day trip from Lhasa.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Lhasa; enjoy Tibetan staples such as yak stew, tsampa, and butter tea.
Souvenirs: Handwoven prayer flags, yak wool scarves, and local herbal teas.
Combine Nyainqentanglha Mountains with a visit to nearby Yamdrok Lake for a more immersive nature experience.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in guesthouses near Yamdrok or return to Lhasa; local Tibetan food like momos and yak butter tea available.
Souvenirs: Tibetan jewelry, yak wool products, traditional crafts.
Explore Nyainqentanglha Mountains with visits to Yamdrok Lake and nearby natural attractions.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in guesthouses or hotels in Lhasa or Yamdrok area; try traditional Tibetan meals such as tsampa, yak stew, and butter tea.
Souvenirs: Hand-carved wooden crafts, thangka paintings, yak wool scarves.
Combine nature sightseeing with cultural visits to Tibetan villages and monasteries near the mountain range.
Accommodation/Food: Combination of guesthouses in Gyantse and Lhasa; enjoy Tibetan staples and local snacks.
Souvenirs: Thangka art, yak wool products, traditional jewelry, and handwoven textiles.
This itinerary offers deeper cultural immersion alongside the natural wonders of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains and surrounding areas.
Accommodation/Food: Guesthouses and hotels in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse; enjoy Tibetan cuisine such as yak meat dishes, butter tea, and barley cakes.
Souvenirs: Tibetan thangka paintings, prayer flags, yak wool scarves, jewelry, and traditional handicrafts.
A comprehensive itinerary combining mountain scenery with cultural highlights in Gyantse and Shigatse.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in guesthouses and hotels across Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse; savor Tibetan specialties such as yak hotpot, tsampa, and butter tea.
Souvenirs: Thangka paintings, prayer beads, yak wool scarves, medicinal herbs, and Tibetan jewelry.
A full week exploring the natural beauty of Nyainqentanglha Mountains combined with extensive cultural and spiritual sites in Gyantse, Shigatse, and Lhasa.
Accommodation/Food: Hotels and guesthouses in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse; enjoy traditional Tibetan food such as yak stew, barley porridge, momos, and butter tea.
Souvenirs: Tibetan thangka paintings, prayer flags, yak wool scarves, traditional jewelry, medicinal herbs, and hand-carved wooden crafts.
Nyainqentanglha Mountains is one of the main mountain ranges on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It runs across the central and eastern parts of Tibet and is the eastern extension of the Gangdise Mountains. The main peak of Nyainqentanglha is 7,111 meters above sea level. It is located on the side of National Highway 109 and is a must-see when returning to Lhasa from Namtso.
The Nyainqentanglha Mountains are one of the main mountain ranges on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. They run across the central and eastern parts of Tibet and are the eastward extension of the Gangdise Mountains. The main peak, Nyainqentanglha Peak, is 7,111 meters above sea level.
Tanggula Mountain, with an altitude of 5,068 meters, is the highest railway in the world. There are glaciers in Tanggula Mountain, which is the source of the Yangtze River, Lancang River and Nujiang River.
The last time I took the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, it was night when I passed the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, so I didn’t see the beautiful snow-capped mountains. This time, the Ali Grand Loop went around the north bank of Namtso Lake and back to Lhasa, so I could see all the snow-capped mountains along the way! You must choose to pass this section during the day, it is so beautiful, don’t miss it!
On the way back today, we will pass a particularly interesting place - Traveler Black Tent. Located in Yangbajing Town, Dangxiong, at an altitude of 4,300 meters, it is the best place to view the main peak of Nyainqentanglha Mountain, which is 7,100 meters high. It is a viewing platform that was only opened in October 2018.
"From the moment I stepped into the black tent, it was a pilgrimage." I was deeply attracted by its design concept. So much so that when I was planning the route for this year's Tibet stop, I repeatedly discussed with the driver Xiao Xu and insisted on coming to this place.
From the sunken square at the entrance to the final spiritual post office, our inner state has gone through seven stages: humility, silence, pilgrimage, blessing, perception, freedom, and transmission. Therefore, this is not only a pilgrimage to Mount Nyainqentanglha, but also a baptism for our body and mind.
The Sky Road passes through the Tanggula Mountains, 5,068 meters above sea level, and is the highest railway in the world. The Tanggula Mountains have glaciers and are the source of the Yangtze River, Lancang River, and Nujiang River. In June, I woke up and saw a vast expanse of snow outside the window. It was the first time I saw snow, but I couldn't touch it. You can imagine how difficult it is to build a railway here. This is a magical Sky Road
The scenery was ok, but I encountered something that made me uncomfortable. When I was taking pictures, someone came to collect money, saying that he wanted 30 yuan for taking a picture of his yak. I showed him the camera and didn't take any pictures, but he said he took the pictures and wanted to pay. Then I asked him if this included the cost of riding the yak, and he said: Yes. After taking the pictures, I gave him 50 yuan and asked for 20 yuan back, but he didn't want to give it. So I told him: You said 30 yuan, I agreed, I did it, you should give me 20 yuan, people should keep their words, and then give me the money.
From a distance, the snow-capped mountains at sunset. Unfortunately, there is no highway rest stop to take pictures.
On the side of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, look at her as you like, but don't try to get close to her, because she is closer when you look at her, but farther away when you walk.
The Nyainqentanglha Mountains mentioned here refer to the snow-capped mountains seen in Namtso. The tour guide said that it was the majestic husband of his wife Namtso.
From Lhasa to Nagqu, the highway and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway run along the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, with Namtso Lake also at its foot.
I passed by this place when I flew from Xi'an to Shigatse.
The majestic mountains and snow-white roofs are so beautiful to look at.
It's great, the snow-capped mountains are spectacular and definitely worth a visit.
Roadside scenery, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, one of the most beautiful highways!
The scenery on National Highway 107 out of Lhasa is spectacular and more beautiful than that on National Highway 318.
It is the only way to get back to Lhasa via Namtso. From Namtso via the Nyainqentanglha Pass towards Lhasa, the altitude will gradually decrease.
Entering the Nyainqentanglha Pass, there are huge piles of colorful prayer flags and Mani stones, with pure beauty of colors. This also has a name, called wind horse flag, also called prayer flag, used for blessing, can be seen everywhere in temples and houses at the intersections of mountains and rivers in Tibetan areas.
Just look at Namtso from a distance, it is endless, majestic and wide. Or when the train passes by, the body will do high anti-exercise.
The Qingtanggula Mountains and Namtso Lake echo each other in the distance, and are quietly located beside this most beautiful lake.
It is rare for us to see snow, and what looks like white snow floating on the horizon in the distance is actually snow dust. If we regard it as clouds, we will feel like we are in a fairyland above the clouds~
The mountain is full of Mani piles. There are no hikers or tourists here at all. These are all traces left by devout believers. There is signal on the mountain and you can access the Internet.
According to legend, in the ancient Tibetan stories, Nyainqentanglha Mountain and Namtso Lake are a loving couple. The sacred mountain and holy water are a perfect combination. When the sun is out, the continuous mountains are more clearly visible. It is a place you will not regret going to.
Snow and ice covered the Tanggula Mountain with a white cap. As we climbed up the mountain road, we saw a clear and clean lake at the foot of the snow-capped mountain. It was like the beginning of chaos, natural and pure. It was not polluted by civilization, ancient and sacred, and holy to the extreme! We only had one belief, to conquer the altitude of 5231!
A mountain that the Qinghai-Tibet Railway passes by. It is very close to Yangbajing. It takes about an hour to see it by train from Lhasa. The nearest station is Dangxiong Station.
Entering Dangxiong County, you will see the epic and majestic Nyainqentanglha Mountains in the distance.
The route we took only allowed us to enjoy a small part of it, but I still think that the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with its rolling white clouds and ever-changing light and shadow is irreplaceable and cannot be replicated.
It is refreshing to see it from a distance. Driving on it feels like a long way off. It is a plateau in itself, very high and grand.
We stopped in front of a stone tablet in Nyainqentanglha Mountain and accidentally came across a black, simple, streamlined viewing platform that was only opened during the National Day holiday. The staff called us in from a distance and we entered with some uncertainty. It is significantly different from all the wild and unrestrained scenic spots in Tibet. It is a government development project that integrates yak cultural totems, afternoon tea and light meals, Muxin Post Office, Muxin Courtyard, and black tents for travelers (in ancient times, black tents were woven with yak hair to block wind and rain. The inn area is not yet open). It is also the only panoramic grassland without telephone poles along the way. Drink a cup of yak milk coffee warmly in the full-length glass windows. There will be a CCTV live broadcast later. The staff gave a postcard and expressed surprise at the scenery that was missed during the stop. The unexpectedness of the trip is far better than the planned itinerary.
On the way back, the clouds gradually dispersed, the sky brightened, and the sun rose higher. We saw the magnificent Nyainqentangla Mountains. Wow, the snow-capped mountains appeared before our eyes. We were so excited. After taking pictures, we continued on our way with joy.
From Lhasa to Namtso, take National Highway 109 and you need to pass by the Nyainqentanglha Mountain Observation Deck (4,640 meters above sea level), which is the best place to view the main peak of Nyainqentanglha Mountain (7,111 meters above sea level). In fact, the "Observation Deck" is just a temporary stop on the side of the road, a row of ordinary houses with a small shop, toilets, and a small parking lot. Beside the road, prayer flags flutter in the wind; in the distance, the mountains are towering and covered with snow. The blue sky, white clouds, snow-capped mountains, black and white yaks, and the prayer flags dancing in the wind, all of this constitutes a colorful picture.
It was already covered with snow when we went there. The snow scene reflected the dazzling light. The mysterious and tall Tanggula Mountains were the majestic sights we looked up to in this world.
The snow-capped mountains that have not yet melted are imprinted with clouds and the sun's rays, just like boiling water in a porcelain pot covered with steam. Nyainqentanglha Peak is a majestic peak covered in silver, and in Tibetan folklore, it is a divine horse with a swan-like posture. Namtso Lake in Nyainqentanglha Mountain is not only a sacred mountain and lake, but also a lover who depends on each other for life and death, and there are always believers who come to worship.
It is very majestic and spectacular. You can get off the car and take pictures by the roadside, but you can't stay for long, as this is a place with severe altitude sickness. Don't move too fast, otherwise it will easily cause dizziness and physiological reactions.
The weather is average and the mountain is not very clear.
It takes about ten hours to travel from Namtso to Lhasa and back, so most of the day is spent on the road. The long journey is inevitable, but I don’t think it matters. As long as I can eventually see the beautiful scenery I want to see, everything is worth it.
A photo of National Highway 109 and the Tanggula Mountains in the distance.
Under the deep blue sky, the Nyainqentanglha Mountain (main peak, Central Peak), 7,117 meters above sea level, is majestic and magnificent. The snow on the top of the mountain never melts all year round, like a heroic god in snow armor, standing tall and proudly looking down at the sky.
Passing by on the way to Namtso, in the spring of the northern Tibetan grassland, the grass has not yet sprouted, a yellow wilderness, blue sky and white clouds, snow-capped mountains in the distance, a broad view
You need to pass through here when going from Dangxiong to Lhasa. The snow-capped mountain you see on the top of Namtso Lake is its main peak, which is 7,170 meters high. Our driver also told us about the beautiful legends of Nyainqentanglha and Namtso.
The Nyainqentanglha Mountains under the blue sky are so beautiful. Blue sky, white clouds, snow-capped mountains, green land, cattle and sheep, and passing trains...
On the way to Namtso, we stopped by the roadside and heard from the driver that it was Nyainqentanglha Mountain. Legend has it that Nyainqentanglha and Namtso were once a pair of lovers. This is a moving and beautiful legend. At that time, I had seen a lot of blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped mountains from Chengdu to Shangri-La and then to Lhasa, so I was not shocked by the beauty of Nyainqentanglha. Now looking through the old photos, I find it is still very beautiful.
Take the train to Tibet, and you will be accompanied by snow-capped mountains, grasslands, cattle and sheep along the way. The sky road is breathtakingly beautiful.
700 kilometers long, covered with snow and mist all year round. The Nyainqentanglha Mountains and the Tanggula Mountains are not the same thing. Looking at the Nyainqentanglha Mountains from a distance, looking up at the blue sky and watching the unpredictable white clouds, I actually captured two hearts.
This is the worst place I've ever been to, nothing more than being blackmailed
When we arrived at Nyainqentanglha Mountain, the weather was visibly bad, with sandstorms everywhere and we didn't even feel like getting off the car to take pictures. I just realized that Tanggula Mountain and Nyainqentanglha Mountain are not the same mountain (forgive me for not being good at geography)... But Nyainqentanglha, this name is really beautiful.
The first time I came to Tibet with my friends, I couldn't tell the difference between Tanggula Mountain and Nyainqentanglha Mountain. At first, I thought they were the same. When I was in Lhasa, I signed up for a one-day tour to Namtso Lake. On the way, we passed Nyainqentanglha Mountain. It rained first and then snowed. When we got off the bus to take pictures, everyone held an umbrella. A friend from the mainland was only wearing a shirt and was too cold to get off the bus.
Nyainqentanglha Mountain can be seen from a distance. We can see it when we drive along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway to Namtso or along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa.
Mount Nyainqentanglha is the main peak of the Tanggula Mountain Range and can be seen from many places while driving. It can be understood as the soul of the plateau and is regarded as a sacred mountain by Tibetan compatriots.
It's still good, more than 4000 meters above sea level,
When I took the train to Lhasa, I passed the Nyainqentanglha Mountains. I vomited a lot on the train. When I took the van to Namtso, I passed the Nyainqentanglha Mountains again. I was so fit that I could do a handstand. The scenery is beautiful, with thin but fresh air, few people, and endless, rolling mountains.
I was lucky this time and saw the main peak of Tanggula Mountain.
I rode for two months when I went there, and took a two-day train ride when I came back. I saw the Nyainqentanglha Mountains on the return train, from dawn to dusk, from morning glow to sunset, snow-capped mountains, deserts, grasslands, yaks... When I got out of the train station, there were crisscrossing power lines and a gray sky above my head. Looking back, I can still see the azure blue sky. I returned to the human world from the holy land, and I miss it.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is known as the "Sky Road". It starts in Xining City, Qinghai Province, passes through Golmud City, Kunlun Pass, Tuotuo River, crosses the Tanggula Pass, and enters Anduo, Nagqu, Dangxiong, Yangbajing, and Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is 1,956 kilometers long and is an important route into Tibet. It is known as the Sky Road and is the highest plateau railway in the world with the longest distance on frozen soil. It is one of China's four major projects in the new century. In September 2013, it was selected as a "Global Centennial Project" and is a monument in the history of world railway construction.
As I walked and looked along, I was shocked by the tall snow-capped mountains.
Looking at Nyainqentanglha from a distance, the beautiful prayer flags are dancing in the wind, with the snow-capped mountains in the background, which adds some mysterious colors to the prayer flags. Generally, tourist buses will stop here to satisfy everyone's enthusiasm for taking pictures of big rocks. It is to erect a stone tablet and give tourists a place to take commemorative photos of their visit. Therefore, there is always an endless queue for a big rock, and there are so many people waiting to take pictures~~
A passing scenery, and also listened to the "love story" about Nyainqentanglha Mountain and Namtso Lake.
I have been to many places, but I don’t have any idea what they are. I just think they are all beautiful. The vicissitudes of life and the pure colors repeatedly hit my mind and impact my soul.
2018-4-7
On the way to Namtso, we passed Nyainqentanglha Mountain. The driver gave us ten minutes to take pictures, just to check in! Nyainqentanglha Mountain is one of the main mountain ranges in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China. The main peak, Nyainqentanglha Peak, is 7,111 meters above sea level.
At the foot of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, adding a different color to the monotonous winter grasslands of northern Tibet.
Snow-capped mountains in the distance, grasslands beside the road, cattle and sheep wandering leisurely, herds of wild animals passing by from time to time, and occasionally a Tibetan family flashes by, making you dazzled.
Nyainqentanglha Mountain is really a magnificent mountain range. In Tibet, it is said that only mountains above 7,000 meters above sea level have names. Nyainqentanglha Mountain may be the most well-known to us because it is the source of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River. Nyainqentanglha Mountain is about 7,700 meters high. When the weather is fine, on the way from Lhasa to Namtso, you can see the top of the snow-capped mountain from afar, covered with white snow that never melts all year round. But if the weather is bad, the top of the snow-capped mountain cannot be seen and will be hidden in the clouds. To see Nyainqentanglha Mountain, Tianya Outdoor Club recommends that you arrive around September. But it should be noted that the altitude here is above 4,700 meters, so be sure to pay attention to altitude sickness!
A vast, magnificent, and suddenly clear feeling...
In 2012, when I returned to Chongqing from Lhasa, I took a train through the Tanggula Mountains and was fortunate to see the Tibetan antelope. Because I was only busy looking at it at the time, I didn’t have time to take pictures. The scenery along the way was very beautiful. The altitude of this section of road is relatively high, so if you are not in good health, you also need to pay attention. When I saw the beautiful scenery along the way, I couldn’t help but think of the heroes who opened up the land and built these railways. You are truly eagles soaring in this paradise on earth!
A memorable photo spot...
We went there at the end of August, mainly to take wedding photos. Everyone around us wore military coats, and we had to endure the cold in order to take photos. In the end, I didn’t know if it was altitude sickness or a cold, but I felt dizzy anyway.
The Nyainqentanglha Mountains are one of the main mountain ranges on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. They are also one of the three sacred mountains in Tibet: Gangdise, Nyainqentanglha and Magay Snow Mountain. They run across the central and eastern parts of Tibet. The legends of Namtso and Nyainqentanglha have been passed down to this day. When the weather is clear, you can clearly see the snow on the peak of Nyainqentanglha in Namtso.
A must-see when visiting Namtso. I like the name and the legend of Namtso very much. Of course, the scenery is even more beautiful. I didn't take many photos along the way because I was in the early morning to catch the sunrise. The night road and the mountain road were winding and snowy, so I had to be very careful, but there were no pitfalls. I stayed in Dangxiong, at the intersection where G109 turns to Namtso. I highly recommend that hotel. The owners are brothers, very welcoming, and the hotel conditions are also very good, very warm and not expensive.
The series of snow-capped mountains were super spectacular, but I was not wearing enough and was almost frozen.
This is an unavoidable hurdle on 318, you must try to break through it!
Nyainqentanglha Mountain is the southern gateway of the northern Tibetan Plateau, dominating the northern Tibet for hundreds of miles. Controlled by the east-west Nujiang fault zone and the Yarlung Zangbo fault zone, the compression and fracture formed a high mountain system with an average altitude of more than 6,000 meters. Its ridgeline is located west of Dangxiong Yangbajing, with a total length of 1,400 kilometers. The main peak, Nyainqentanglha Peak, is 7,111 meters above sea level and is covered with snow all year round.
On the way to Namtso, we passed by the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, which are covered with snow-capped mountains, but the Nyainqentanglha Peak is the highest and most spectacular. You can also see the peak from Namtso Lake.
It's so magnificent along the way! It makes you feel so small!
When talking about Namtso, we have to mention Nyainqentanglha Mountain. It is said that Namtso is the consort of Nyainqentanglha Mountain.
Dark clouds temporarily blocked the snow-capped Nyainqentanglha Mountains and slowly drifted towards the direction of our tour. Looking back, the sky was blue and the clouds were white; looking forward, dark clouds rolled and blocked out the sun. What a world of difference. The sheep may have long been accustomed to the unpredictable weather here, and they still ate grass leisurely without panic. Only we, the passers-by, drove away in a hurry. Despite the dark clouds, the high Gangdise Mountains and the majestic Nyainqentanglha Mountains were still covered with snow, which was amazing! From "The Self-Driving Trip to Tibet That I Longed For" (Part 2) http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/7394858.html
In Tibetan legends, Nyainqentanglha Mountain is a handsome and passionate warrior, and the neighboring Namtso is a close lover, guarding Namtso day after day, year after year, giving her support and reliance. Perhaps the most beautiful thing in life is this kind of mutual dependence, long-term watch, never close nor far away, heart to heart, never leaving.
My first glimpse of Nyainqentanglha Mountain should have been on the train to Tibet, but it was a pity that I passed by Nyainqentanglha Mountain in the middle of the night. So I didn't see Nyainqentanglha Mountain until I was at Namtso Lake. I saw the sunrise and sunset at the Namtso Lake, and Nyainqentanglha Mountain just silently accompanied Namtso Lake, appearing and disappearing in the clouds. Anyway, the golden mountain of Nyainqentanglha Mountain in the sun is still very shocking, but remember to keep warm when watching the sunrise. In the morning of mid-September, the wind was very strong and the temperature was very low. I was freezing after watching the sunrise.