Nyingchi Travel Guide

 Facts
Phone Code: 0894
Postal Code: 860000
Area: 116,175 square kilometers (44,855 square miles)
Population: 173,000
Nationalities: Tibetan, Han, Hui, Nu, Monpa, Luoba, Dulong, Naxi

Location: Nyingchi is located in the southeast of Tibet autonomous region. It neighbours Yunnan Province in the east, Nagchu in the north, Lhasa in the west, Shannan in the southwest, India and Myanmar in the south.

 Physical Features: Nyingchi lies at the lower reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River, among the Himalaya, Nyainqentanglha and Hengduan mountains. The average elevation of the area is around 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), and the lowest region is only 900 meters (2,952 feet). Snow mountains, valleys and primitive forest can be found in the region.

 History: Archeological excavation has revealed that, human beings settled down in the region about 5,000 to 4,000 years ago. They lived by farming and also fishing along the ancient Yurlung Zangbo River. The earliest written record about Nyingchi was inscribed on the cliffs in Nyingchi County, telling the stories of ancient tribes about 1,200 years ago. The region was ruled by the Karma Kagyu sect of the Tibetan Buddhists between the 13th and 16th century. Until the 17th century, the region was divided and occupied by a few tribes. After Tibet was liberated peacefully in 1951, Nyingchi special region was set in 1960. The current Nyingchi region was set in 1986.

 Attractions: Nyingchi is the Tibetan word for “the throne of the sun”. Much of the land remains untouched by mankind and is considered one of the world’s most pure regions. A major feature is the Yurlong Zangbo Valley. This is the deepest valley on Earth and its primitive landscape is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. As well as this valley, Nyingchi is also famed for its charming natural attractions not least of which is the Namjagbarwa Peak with its abundance of hot springs and plants. This is a holy resort for adventurers. There is also the Lamalin Monastery of Bujiu, the largest and the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple in the region. The Benri Divine Mountain, Cuogao Lake, ancient inscriptions and carvings in Nyingchi County and Giant Cypress Forests as well as the unique customs and culture of the Tibetans and other minority groups who live here will all leave a lasting impression on visitors.

 Transportation:
 Air: Regular internal flights connect Nyingchi with Chengdu, Chongqing and Lhasa. Visitors can fly to one of these cities and then take a transit flight to Nyingchi. Nyingchi Milin Airport is located in the Milin County. Airport shuttle buses are available between the airport and Bayi Town, and the bus price is CNY 16. Taxi fare from the airport to Bayi Town is around CNY 120 per cab.
 Bus: Bus is the major transportation when traveling in Nyingchi. The Bayi Town Long-distance Bus Station operates regular buses to Lhasa, Chamdo, Bome and Paixiang. The buses to Lhasa depart every hour from 08:00 with a bus fare of CNY 155. The bus trip to Chamdo starts at 08:00 and the journey takes two days with an overnight stopover in Basu. The fare is CNY 230. It takes 6 hours to Bome and 3 hours to Paixiang by bus, respectively.
 Rent A Car: The approximate costs for renting a mini bus for 7 is around CNY 300 per day and that for an SUV car for 4 is CNY 500 per day. The price traveling from Bayi Town to Bome is CNY 350 to 400.
 Taxi: The taxi fare for traveling within Bayi Town is about CNY 10. Pedicabs and mini cars are also available.

 Weather: Influenced by the warm current from the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, the region has a tropical humid and sub-humid climate. The average annual temperature is 8.7°C (47.66°F). The mean temperature in winter is above 0°C (32°F) while that for summer is around 20°C (68°F), so Nyingchi has a cool summer and a mild winter. The rainy season come in May to September.
 The best time to visit Nyingchi is September and October.

 Dining and Shopping 
Traditional Tibetan food including barley wine, tsampa, butter and butter tea are very common in Nyingchi region. There is also food of other minority groups, such as the wine and roasted hamster of Luoba people. Lulang chicken in stone pot and Tibetan flavor pork are also famous local food.

The rich forests of Nyingchi grow many precious herbal medicines, such as ganoderma, cordyceps and fritillaria. Moreover, the Luoba stone pot and Menba wooden bowl are also much sought after local products. Many local products can be found in Bayi Town. 
 
 Photos: Yarlung Tsangpo River