Shannan (a region under the jurisdiction of Tibet) has always been known as the birthplace of Tibetan culture. Tibetan people walk, step by step, from Shanna to Lhasa then to Xigaze (also known as Houzang) and Ali. The first king of Tibet also established Yungbulakang, the first palace of Tibet, in Shannan. As the birthplace of Tibetan culture, Shannan has always been a holy land for tourists. Compared with the prosperous Lhasa and Xigaze, Shannan is still the must-go place for tourists. In addition, its average altitude is lower, so tourists who worries about the altitude stress can choose to take a tour around eastern Tibet in Shannan and Nyinchi, whose altitude is relatively low.
Shannan is located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. To its north is Lhasa, to its west is Xigaze, and to its east is Nyingchi, the area with the lowest altitude in Tibet. To the north, it borders India and Bhutan. In Shannan, there are many kinds of natural landscapes, including river valleys, lakes, snow mountains, rural farms and so on. Most tourists go to Shannan for the purpose of experiencing the beauty of nature in Tibet and exploring the birthplace of Tibet.
At present, the tourist areas that open to tourists in Shannan are mostly along the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley. The river valley is not only beautiful, but also has many temples and historic sites with a long history. At the same time, it is also the most easily accessible area in Shannan. The altitude here is relatively low, with an average altitude of 3500 meters, lower than that in Lhasa.
The surface of Yamdrok:4441 meters above sea level
Gangbala pass (a viewing platform of Yamdrok):4978 meters above sea level
Near water observation platform (a viewing platform of Yamdrok):4441 meters above sea level
Generally, going to Xigaze or Ali will pass Yamdrok, so tourists can get off to visit its beautiful scenery. In Yamdrok, people may have mild symptoms of altitude stress. If you have any discomfort, please report it to your guide in time. For the introduction to Yamdrok, please refer to Yamdrok 's view guide.
Sangye is only 30 kilometers away from Zedang town, the center of Shannan. The altitude of Sangye is the same as that of downtown Lhasa, about 3575 meters. Therefore, it's a good tourist route to visit Sangye from Lhasa. In Shannan, there are dense vegetation, many farmlands and high vegetation coverage. It is suitable for tourists who are afraid of high altitude to travel at Shannan.
Yungbulakang is located on the Mountain Zhaxiciri, 12 kilometers away from Zedang town. Its altitude is 3700 meters, about the same as that of the Potala Palace (in Lhasa, Tibet). When visiting Yongbulakan, you need to climb a long walk to the main hall. As the walking steps are pretty long, you can climb slowly, or hire farm horses at the foot of the mountain to ride up and down the mountain. You need to pay for it yourself. Of course, you can ask the guide to help you negotiate with the farmer. You can refer to the guide book for the sightseeing notes.
Lhasa Gongga Airport is Lhasa's airport. As it is located in Gongga County of Shannan, the altitude of the airport is also introduced here. Lhasa airport is 3600 meters above sea level, which is consistent with that of downtown Lhasa. When you arrived at Lhasa airport from a city with low altitude, you are likely to have altitude stress, but please don't be frightened by the sudden symptoms. You can take a rest at the accommodation in Lhasa first, the itinerary will start from the downtown tour of Lhasa.
Zedang town is the administrative center of Shannan, which is also the center of Nedong County. Zedang town is located at the intersection of Yalong River and Yarlung Zangbo River, with an altitude of 3550 meters. Although it is located in the valley area, Zedang town is surrounded by mountains with beautiful scenery. From here, you can visit all the scenic spots of Shannan.
If you don't have altitude stress during your three-day trip in Lhasa, you must be able to adapt to the altitude in Shannan. Because the altitude of scenic spots of Shannan, except Yamdrok, is lower than that of Lhasa. And in Shannan, we always travel along the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley, where the scenery is beautiful and the altitude is not high.
In Shannan, it is possible to have a slight altitude stress. Slight dizziness and headache can be relieved after a rest, so it does not affect the whole journey. Few people traveling at Shannan have severe altitude stress.
If, unfortunately, you have an unbearable altitude stress in Shannan with an average altitude of 3500 meters, please contact our guide as soon as possible. Tibetan guides have rich experience in dealing with altitude reaction. With their help, your symptom will be relieved.
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