Nyingchi Peach Blossoms and Route 318: Eastern Tibet Guide
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Eastern Tibet is greener and lower than Lhasa, with forests, river valleys and snow peaks. In spring, thousands of wild peach trees flower in Nyingchi, and further east, Route 318 runs past turquoise lakes and glaciers. Here is how a trip there usually fits together.
Peach blossom season (usually late March to mid-April)
Nyingchi is famous for its peach blossoms, which usually flower from late March to mid-April, depending on the weather and altitude. The old trees of Gala Village beside the Yarlung Tsangpo River are the best-known spot, and a peach blossom festival is usually held in spring. Yellow rapeseed fields often flower at the same time, with snowy peaks behind.
Nyingchi: a gentler start to Tibet
The Nyingchi area is at about 3,000 metres, lower than Lhasa, which makes it an easier place to start or end a Tibet tour. It is linked to Lhasa by train, usually in about three and a half hours, and by expressway.
- Sejila Pass, at about 4,700 metres, with views of Namcha Barwa (7,782 metres) when the clouds clear
- Lulang, a valley of forests and meadows known for its stone-pot chicken
- Basum Tso, a lake with a small island temple, surrounded by mountains
Route 318 and Ranwu Lake
Route 318 is the long highway between Sichuan and Lhasa, and its roadside signs are a favourite photo stop. Ranwu Lake, at about 3,800 metres, is a chain of turquoise lakes with snow peaks and forests around it. Days on this road are long, so most tours stop overnight along the way. Even in spring, snow can fall overnight and roads can close for a time, so keep plans flexible.
Glaciers of eastern Tibet
Glaciers such as Laigu, near Ranwu, and Midui come down close to the valleys, so you can see them without climbing. Viewpoints are usually at around 4,000 metres, cold and windy, and reached on foot over uneven ground. Walk slowly and bring gloves, a hat and sunglasses.
Practical tips
- Like the rest of Tibet, you need a Tibet Travel Permit, and some areas need extra permits; we arrange these using your passport details.
- Spring weather changes quickly: expect sun, rain and snow in one trip, and dress in warm layers.
- Take the first days slowly and drink plenty of water, even though Nyingchi is lower than Lhasa.
- Halal options are very limited in eastern Tibet; tell us your dietary needs when you book.