Things to do in Gongga
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Gongga
Rituo Temple
Rito Monastery is located on the shore of the Jade Yamdrok Lake, surrounded by the lake and beautiful scenery. It is a secret place worth visiting for tourists. You can have a 360-degree panoramic view of the world of Yamdrok Lake, which makes people feel as if they are out of this world and feel relaxed and happy. Visitors can also explore the daily life of the ascetic monks here and experience the dual impact of vision and spirit. Rito Temple is built on the hillside, with a staggered layout, reflecting the unique style of Tibetan architecture. Visitors can visit the main hall, pagoda and monks' quarters, and admire the exquisite murals and carvings. These works of art not only show Buddhist stories, but also reflect the history and culture of the Tibetan people. The daily chanting of monks in the temple provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the religious atmosphere. The natural environment around Rito Monastery is equally intoxicating. Surrounded by lakes, mountains and green waters, it feels like being in a fairyland, providing an ideal place for tourists to relax. Walking by the Yamdrok Lake, you can see bar-headed geese swimming freely in the water, and when night falls, the sky is full of stars reflected on the lake. Here, the temple and the lake, the snow-capped peaks and the blue sky are integrated. Rito Monastery provides every visitor with a perfect journey to explore religious culture and feel the tranquility of the soul.Gongga · 34.5 km from downtown
Yajiang River Valley Viewing Platform
The Yajiang River Valley Observation Deck is located on the hillside of Gangbala Mountain in Jiangtang Town, Gonggar County, Shannan City, Tibet, at an altitude of 4,280 meters. It is the only way to Yamdrok Yumtso (Yamdrok Lake). As an important resting point on the winding mountain road from Lhasa to Yanghu Lake, it is famous for its broad vision and magnificent natural scenery. You can overlook the magnificent landforms of the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley. The Yarlung Zangbo River rushes out of the mountains in this section, forming a winding and deep canyon. The mountains on both sides of the river valley are stacked, and the scenery varies in different seasons. The main body of the observation deck is a 4,280-meter-high stone monument engraved with Tibetan and Chinese. This place is not only a scenic spot for photography enthusiasts, but also a window to experience the Tibetan culture - the local handicraft market and the scene of fluttering prayer flags add cultural atmosphere to the natural landscape. As a microcosm of the integration of nature and humanity in Gonggar area, the Yajiang River Valley Observation Deck has become a classic starting point for exploring the Yarlung Zangbo River, the "Heavenly River" of Tibet, with its pure vision at high altitude and pristine Tibetan customs.Gongga · 35.4 km from downtown
Yarlung Zangbo River
Yarlung Zangbo River has nurtured an ancient culture with a long history, and the Neolithic culture in its basin is represented by Nyingchi and Motuo. Stone tools, pottery shards, axes, adzes, chisels, and other artifacts have been collected in Nyingchi County and Motuo County.Gongga · 37.2 km from downtown
Yamdrok Lake Scenic Area - No. 1 Viewing Platform
Yamdrok Yumtso scenic area - viewing platform no. 1 is the classic vantage point for overlooking Yamdrok Yumtso in full, at an elevation of approx. 4,998 m, and it is also the first stop where most visitors see the sacred lake. From the viewing platform, the vista suddenly opens up. Yamdrok Yumtso unfolds like a winding ribbon of azure between the vast mountains. The lake's waters shift from pale blue to dark green with changes in light and depth, creating dreamlike layers that complement the distant snow-capped peaks. At the mountain pass, colorful prayer flags flutter in the plateau winds, and the stone stele engraved with "Yamdrok Yumtso" and the elevation "4,998 m" is a popular photo spot for visitors. Here you can not only take in the full grandeur of the heavenly sacred lake, but also personally feel the breathtaking purity and sanctity of the snow-covered plateau. Standing here, the visual impact of the lake and mountains is enough to wash away travel fatigue and become an unforgettable memory of your trip.Gongga · 37.1 km from downtown
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is the symbol of Xizang and a sacred place in the hearts of all pilgrims! "Potala" is a Sanskrit word, also translated as "Putuo", which originally refers to the residence of Guanyin Bodhisattva. When you come here, you can not only view the large number of historical relics collected in the palace, appreciate the wonderful architectural art of the Tibetan people, but also have a baptism of the soul in that holy atmosphere. The origin of the Potala Palace According to historical records: In the 1930s of the seventh century AD, the 33rd Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo moved the capital to Lhasa and began to build the Potala Palace. Since then, major religious and political ceremonies have been held here, and it has become the ruling center of Xizang integration of politics and religion. The White Palace and the Red Palace The Potala Palace has a distinct Tibetan style and is majestic. It is the existing complete palace-style building complex in Xizang and is known as one of the world's top ten earth buildings. Its main buildings are divided into two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace is named after its white exterior wall. It is the place where the lamas live and conduct political activities. Because the sun shines all day long, it is called the East and West Sunlight Palaces. The Red Palace is located at the top center of the Potala Palace. Its outer wall is red and it consists of many stupas and various Buddhist temples. Historical relics The Potala Palace houses and preserves a large number of historical relics, including stupas, statues, murals, thangkas, scriptures and books, as well as gold books, jade books, gold seals granted by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which show the historical relationship between the Xizang local government and the central government, as well as gold and silver wares, jade wares, porcelain, enamel and handicrafts. Among them, the eight stupas from the fifth generation are eye-catching. They are all magnificent and decorated with a dazzling array of gems, which can be called a palace of art.Lhasa · 42.6 km from Gongga
Yajiang River Valley
Gongga · 28.5 km from downtown
Xiazhulin Temple
Gongga Xiazhulin Temple was built in the early 17th century AD, and what we see now is a temple rebuilt by the living Buddha of Sera Monastery in the 1980s. The temple is more famous for the body of the auspicious goddess it enshrines. She was seated a thousand years ago. She was only twelve years old when she died. After her death, her body naturally shrunk to a height of only one cubit. Legend has it that she is the true incarnation of Green Tara's auspicious goddess, and was later enshrined in this temple by believers.Gongga · 19.1 km from downtown
Princess Wencheng Theater
Princess Wencheng Theater is located in Cijuelin Valley on the south bank of Lhasa River. It reconstructs the epic of marriage 1,300 years ago with an open-air stage at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. This high-altitude live-action theater, backed by the mountains projected by the Potala Palace, uses the natural mountain as a curtain, and uses the starry sky, snow-capped peaks and Tibetan watchtowers to interpret the magnificent chapter of the integration of Han and Tibetan civilizations. The core of the theater is the 90-minute large-scale live-action drama "Princess Wencheng". On the stage of more than 20,000 square meters, more than a dozen Tibetan and Han actors recreate the legend of the princess carrying the life-size statue of Sakyamuni at the age of 12 into Tibet with scenes such as galloping horses, moving Buddhist temples, and pouring waterfalls. Scenes such as the collapse of the Winter Palace, the snowy wedding, and the Tibetan wedding, combined with laser-projected thangkas and real herds of cattle and sheep, draw the audience into the torrent of history. The theater is surrounded by rich supporting facilities, and the Princess Wencheng Tibetan Cultural Park is full of special cultural and creative products. Every time there is a performance, there will be a grand garden party, which is very lively.Lhasa · 40.3 km from Gongga
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple, known as "Jokhang" in Tibetan and also called "Tsulag Khang," is the ultimate destination for Tibetan Buddhist devotees. In their hearts, Jokhang Temple is as sacred as the Potala Palace. Both geographically and spiritually, Jokhang Temple is the true holy site and center of Tibetan Buddhism, holding an exceptionally lofty and pure status in Tibetan Buddhist history. Built in the mid-7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to enshrine the 8-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni brought by his Nepalese princess Bhrikuti from her hometown of Kathmandu, Jokhang Temple gained further prominence in 1409 when Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, propagated Buddhist teachings and held the Great Prayer Festival here, solidifying its pivotal role in Tibetan Buddhist history. In the 8th century, the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty from Chang'an was enshrined in Jokhang Temple, becoming its most treasured relic and a must-see for travelers and pilgrims alike. In addition, the temple houses nearly 1 km-long Tibetan-style murals depicting "Princess Wencheng's journey to Tibet" and "The construction of Jokhang Temple," as well as two embroidered thangkas of guardian deities from the Ming Dynasty, which are rare artistic treasures. Lhasa has three circumambulation routes—inner, middle, and outer—all centered around Jokhang Temple. The inner route, called "Nangkhor," circles the Jokhang Hall within the temple. The middle route, called "Barkhor," goes around the outer perimeter of Jokhang Temple. The outer route, called "Lingkhor," encompasses the Potala Palace, Chakpori Hill, Ramoche Temple, and Jokhang Temple. Attraction guide: Entering Jokhang Temple through the main gate leads to a courtyard. On the east side of the courtyard are rows of butter lamps, which remain lit year-round as devotees replenish the butter daily. Behind the butter lamps is the main entrance to Jokhang Temple's central hall. To the left of the entrance is a statue of Padmasambhava, founder of the Nyingma school, and to the right is Jampa Buddha, also known as Maitreya or the Future Buddha. The right wall features murals depicting the temple's founding, including scenes of the Potala Palace in the 7th century and the lake-filling construction of Jokhang Temple. Proceeding clockwise, visitors encounter the chapel dedicated to Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school, and his eight disciples. Continuing right, passing the Yaksha and Naga chapels, and beyond hundreds of butter lamps lies the renowned "Jokhang" Hall—the heart and essence of the temple. At its center is the main assembly hall, where monks chant and meditate, surrounded by smaller chapels. The unmissable highlight is the central chapel housing the 12-year-old life-sized golden statue of Sakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng. This sacred center of Jokhang Temple is the ultimate destination for devout pilgrims. Stairs beside the courtyard lead to the second and third floors. The second floor features the Dharmaraja Chapel, with statues of King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess Bhrikuti, as well as the Palden Lhamo Chapel dedicated to the protective deity. The spacious terrace on the second floor offers a panoramic view of the Potala Palace, making it an ideal photo spot. The third floor's golden roofs are another attraction, though this level is rarely open to the public. If fortunate enough to ascend, visitors are awestruck by the four resplendent golden pinnacles.Lhasa · 42.6 km from Gongga
Jiaruola Pass
Gongga · 26.5 km from downtown
More things to do
Group Tours in Gongga
View More Group Tours in Gongga
Free things to do in Gongga
Yajiang River Valley Viewing Platform
Gongga · 35.4 km from downtownYarlung Zangbo River
Gongga · 37.2 km from downtownPotala Palace
Lhasa · 42.6 km from GonggaXiazhulin Temple
Gongga · 19.1 km from downtownJiaruola Pass
Gongga · 26.5 km from downtown
Yamdrok Yumtso
Nagarze County · 47.8 km from Gongga
Barkhor Street
Lhasa · 42.5 km from Gongga
Tibet Museum
Lhasa · 41.4 km from Gongga
Norbulingka
Lhasa · 41.6 km from Gongga
Namtso
China · Damxung
What travelers say about Gongga
倩ang🍓🍉🍑🍒September 6, 2025
5.0
Drones are allowed at Rito Temple.
There are only two monks chanting inside the temple.
A lonely island.
A lonely temple.
Located on the lonely Rito Lake.
[Scenery] As we walked, the weather gradually improved. By noon, we were treated to a stunning blue sky and the varying shades of blue in the lake.
[Fun] There are no guided tours, but you can ask.
[Value for money] Very good, I think the ticket price was 20 yuan.
Rituo Temple
lyn990929January 18, 2021
5.0
Walking in Tibet, you will see different scenery every day. Sitting in the car, you can take pictures of the beautiful scenery. After a while, I passed by a viewing platform and saw a stone with "Yajiang River Valley" written on it. There were two majestic Tibetan mastiffs standing on both sides of the stone. The Yajiang River Valley is located in Shigatse, Tibet. When driving from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, you will pass by the river valley viewing platform, which is 4,280 meters above sea level. Looking into the distance, the river valley, blue sky and white clouds are extremely beautiful.
Yajiang River Valley Viewing Platform
喜欢猫的虎September 30, 2022
5.0
The world's largest canyon is a natural geological museum, a paradise for animals and plants, and a sacred place for original ecological and cultural experiences.
The scenic area has a rich variety of viewing and photography angles, and is the best place to view Mount Nanga Bawa.
From mid-to-late March to early May every year, the century-old peach blossoms in the scenic area are as bright as brocade. Early May and early October are the best hiking seasons.
The Grand Canyon is dotted with villages inhabited by the Gongbu Tibetans, who maintain their eternal living traditions.
Yarlung Zangbo River
M29***03September 30, 2026
5.0
Our tour guide, Mr. Cheng, was very handsome, gave a very detailed explanation, and had excellent service. If you have the chance, you must experience the charm of the Potala Palace. Highly recommended! 👍👍👍
Potala Palace
可爱长大的仙女yJune 21, 2023
5.0
The Yajiang River Valley is located halfway from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake. It is actually an observation deck overlooking the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley. The small platform is filled with various stalls on both sides, selling various Tibetan gadgets. There are many Tibetan mastiffs tied to the cliffs near the river bank for tourists to take photos and group photos. It costs 20 yuan to take any photo.
I took some photos with courage. The Tibetan mastiffs are quite well-behaved. The boss will also train them to look at the camera. Then a big Tibetan mastiff looked up at me, and I felt scared. It is also a popular check-in spot.
Yajiang River Valley
我的二胖儿May 8, 2022
5.0
Each of the four courtyards in Tibet is an everlasting legend and a power of faith. The scenery is stunning and charming, the fun is average, and the cost performance is still very high.
Xiazhulin Temple
Anonymous userJuly 31, 2026
5.0
When visiting Lhasa, seeing the Princess Wencheng Theater is a must-do attraction. The theater is quite large, with a museum nearby, and the Potala Palace is visible in the distance directly opposite. It's definitely worth a visit.
Princess Wencheng Theater
李肢强October 8, 2026
5.0
Visiting Jokhang Temple again after many years, the entrance has been significantly improved, making it look more like a proper tourist attraction. The interior remains the same, but the management is more comprehensive; however, the third floor is no longer open to the public. It's a must-see attraction on any trip to Lhasa.
Jokhang Temple
格格巴June 23, 2021
4.0
The Jiaruola Pass is 4,700 meters above sea level. From Gangdui Town, you can take a newly built road to the holy lake Yamdrok Yumtso. The road climbs 1,200 meters and the width of the road can only accommodate one car. You have to be very careful when passing other cars. The road is dangerous and beautiful, but there are few cars. It is worth walking. As the mountain road gradually goes up, the mountain scenery is shrouded in clouds and mist, which is like a fairyland. The fellow travelers are very excited!
Jiaruola Pass
