Things to do in Nagqu
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Nagqu
Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men
Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men is located in Qinglong Township Village 5, Baingoin County, Nagqu Prefecture, on the Qiaduo Langka Island in the northern part of the holy lake Nam Co attraction. The entrance to the Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men tourism town leads to the dry karst cave, Sansheng Stone, Couple Stone, and the Sheng Xiang Tian Men tourism view belt. The attraction covers an area of 59 square kilometers. The Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men tourist attraction boasts a rich variety of resource types, with a large number of distinctive resource entities. Following the "Classification, Investigation, and Evaluation of Tourism Resources" (GB/T 18972-2003) and considering the distribution of tourism resources in the area, a comprehensive survey, exploration, organization, classification, and summary of tourism resources were conducted. In terms of resource types, the attraction encompasses all seven major categories outlined in the "Classification, Investigation, and Evaluation of Tourism Resources" (GB/T 18972-2003), covering all primary types and most subcategories and basic types under the national resource classification standard. These include: - 9 basic types of geological landscapes - 3 basic types of water scenery - 4 lake wetlands - 2 natural hot springs - 7 basic types of biological landscapes - 3 basic types of celestial and climatic phenomena - 3 basic types of historical relics - 3 basic types of architectural and facility resources - 4 basic types of tourism commodities - 4 basic types of cultural activities The Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men tourist attraction holds significant heritage value, scientific research value, and tourism experience value. The relic resources remain unaffected by industrialization, tourism development, or other human activities, preserving their original appearance and maintaining the integrity of the resource entities. Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men combines diverse natural landscapes including plateau snow mountains, lakes and rivers, marsh meadows, and celestial phenomena with unique Tibetan nomadic culture, highland village views, and sacred Tantric Buddhist sites. ·Tianmen of the Sacred Elephant Legend has it that on the northern Qiaduo Langka Island of Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men, there are many naturally formed Buddha images and inscriptions on the cliffs, which people have endowed with religious significance as sacred relics. When practitioners came to Qiaduo Langka Island, lacking houses or temples, they carved caves into the cliffs for long-term meditation. As more practitioners arrived, Qiaduo Monastery was built on the island, belonging to the Gelug school, now over 370 years old. During its peak, Qiaduo Monastery had over 500 monks chanting and practicing. In front of and behind Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men stand two small independent reefs resembling fierce crocodiles, guarding the sacred site on either side. The unique "gateway" of Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men offers distinctive views when looking through the heavenly gate.Nam Tso Lake and Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains stand side by side in perfect harmony. In the many caves on the northwest side, ancestors have left numerous historical rock paintings. These paintings date back to ancient times, featuring rich content where themes of nature and religion intertwine, encompassing profound Tibetan cultural significance. As early as 1996, the People's Government of Xizang Autonomous Region and the People's Government of Baingoin County designated this area as an autonomous region-level cultural relic protection site. Crescent Bay At the mountaintop beside Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men, overlooking the lake and its crescent-shaped shoreline, lies the Moon Bay - a classic photography spot for capturing reflections of the lake waters and snow-capped mountains. - Sansheng Stone The peninsula extending into the lake near Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men is called the "Stone of Three Lives," symbolizing the past, present, and future according to legend.Baingoin · 77.4 km from downtown
Sapu Mountain
Sapu Mountain is hidden deep in the eastern section of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains in Biru County, Nagqu, northern Tibet. Its main peak has an elevation of nearly 7,000 m and is revered by locals as the "patriarch of sacred mountains," serving as a holy mountain in the hearts of Bon followers. The name "Sapu" comes from the Tibetan language; "Sa" means snow leopard, and "Pu" means deep valley. Legend has it that it was named this because snow leopards often appeared in the depths of the valley. It is not a solitary peak, but a cluster of more than ten snow-capped peaks standing side by side. In local legend, this snow mountain is a "sacred mountain family": the main peak, Sapu, is the head of the family, lined up with the "wife," "children," and other snow peaks, encircling the sacred lake. Among them, several peaks, such as the "second son," present an almost standard equilateral triangle shape. Their pyramid-like contours, as if carved by a knife or axe, are a highly recognizable scene here and the reason for Sapu's rising fame in recent years. The sacred lake at the foot of the mountain, Samucuo, is formed by the convergence of meltwater from ice and snow. It is divided into an inner and an outer lake: the outer lake is clear and open, while the inner lake is close to the glacier, with broken ice often floating even in midsummer, reflecting against the deep blue water like a polar coastline. A massive ice tongue descends all the way from the main peak to the lakeshore, creating a visually striking scene where the snow mountain, glacier, and sacred lake are framed together. Around May 15 each year, a grand circumambulation prayer ceremony is held by the lake, where local people walk around the lake to pray for good fortune. In midsummer, wildflowers bloom in the meadows by the lake, forming a sharp contrast with the snow-capped peaks. In winter, the lake surface freezes, presenting a transparent blue ice landscape. Once unknown to the outside world due to its deep valleys and remote location, it has well preserved its primitive atmosphere and is now a hidden gem in northern Tibet on many travelers' bucket lists for visiting Tibet.Biru · 64.7 km from downtown
Siling Lake
Siling Lake is located deep in the Qiangtang Plateau of northern Tibet, at the northern foot of the Gangdise Shan, with a lake surface elevation of approx. 4,500 m, and is a large saltwater lake. The lake is long and narrow, stretching over 70 km from east to west. Endorheic rivers such as the Zhajiazangbu connect it with more than 20 other lakes, including Gerencuo, Wuru Co, Co Ngoin, and Rencuo Gongma, forming a closed inland lake group. The lake surface has been expanding continuously for decades, successively merging with smaller lakes such as Yagencuo to the south. Today, its area has surpassed that of Namtso, ranking it among the top saltwater lakes in China. The water is vast, and looking out from the shore often gives one the feeling of being at the seaside. The deep blue water transitions in layers from the shore to the center of the lake, displaying different shades of blue as the light changes. Every summer is a vibrant season here. The islands in the lake and the surrounding wetlands become breeding grounds for migratory birds. Waterfowl such as black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, and brown-headed gulls gather here, among which the black-necked crane is a rare crane species unique to the plateau. On the lakeside grasslands, you can often encounter Tibetan wild donkeys, Tibetan gazelles, and Tibetan foxes, and if you are lucky, you might even see herds of Tibetan antelopes. Siling Lake is located along the Ali North Line self-drive loop. Most travelers park along the lakeside road at spots with open views to enjoy the scenery. The gradient colors of the lake surface on sunny days and the distant snow-capped mountains are the main subjects for photography. The altitude here is high, the wind is strong, and the ultraviolet radiation is intense, so it is cool even in the morning and evening during midsummer. The route is sparsely populated with few supply points, and some sections have no mobile signal. It is recommended to prepare sufficient fuel, food, and water before departure, and download offline maps in advance. When birdwatching, please keep a distance from the flocks and do not disturb them or pick up bird eggs.Baingoin · 85 km from downtown
Changtang National Nature Reserve
Changtang National Nature Reserve is one of the five major pastures in China,located between the Kunlun Mountains, Tanggula Mountains, and Gangdise Mountains,with an average altitude of over 4,500 m. It is not only a paradise for wildlife but also a fertile ground for culture with a rich heritage. Herders have created an enchanting and vibrant nomadic culture here. Tents are a major sight here. In addition to traditional yak-hair tents, there are also nylon tents in red, blue, yellow, green, and white. They are colorful and come in various shapes, with many tents featuring colorful prayer flags fluttering on top.Nyima · 10.6 km from downtown
Damu Temple - Skull Wall
For example, the Skeleton Wall is located in Ru County, and there are three places, namely, the Skeleton Wall of the Dodoka Celestial Burial Platform of Damer Temple (Dharma Temple), the Skeleton Wall of the Celestial Burial Platform of Ridan Temple (partly destroyed, small scale) and the nearby missing The Skeleton Wall (destroyed) of the Celestial Burial Platform of Daiji Temple. Among them, the Skull Wall of the Dodoka Celestial Burial Platform in Damer Temple (Dharma Temple) located in Dachaqu Township is larger in scale and more famous. Therefore, for example, the Skeleton Wall mentioned here refers specifically to the Skeleton Wall on the Dodoka Celestial Burial Platform. For example, the sky burial platform where the skull wall is located is a courtyard with four walls, about 4,000 square meters. There are wooden lattices on the walls on the south and west of the courtyard. The skulls are neatly placed in the lattice. One person tall (it is said that it used to be larger, but now it is less than half of the previous size - there used to be 3 skull walls and half of the current height, which was destroyed by rain floods).Biru · 40.9 km from downtown
Tangra Yumco
Tangra Yumco is located in Wenbu No. 2 Village, Northern Tibet, next to the ruins of the Zhangzhung Kingdom. At an altitude of 4,530m, it is one of Tibet's famous holy lakes and a very important sacred lake for the Bon religion. This remote area features crystal-clear water and breathtaking scenery. Tangra Yumco is shaped like a vajra, with a round top, narrow middle, and long bottom, and is surrounded by mountains. To the south, the peak of Daguo Snow Mountain remains snow-covered all year round. Due to its strategic, easily defensible terrain and favorable climate, this was once the site of the royal palace of the Zhangzhung Kingdom. It remains one of the areas with the highest concentration of Zhangzhung ruins in Northern Tibet, serving as a key to unlocking the mysteries of Zhangzhung culture and an important site for studying Bon culture.Nyima · >100 km from downtown
The First Bend of the Nujiang River
Biru · 35.7 km from downtown
Lake Cuona
Cuona Lake is the source of the Nujiang River. The rivers and streams in the southern part of the Cuona Lake in the Tanggula Mountains all flow into the Cuona Lake and flow into the Nujiang River. Cuona Lake is 4,800 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 300 square kilometers. It is a freshwater lake. Cuona Lake is a pearl on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Like Nam Co, it is a lake that believers often come to worship. Legend has it that it was once the bathing place of the Queen Mother of the West. In the minds of the local Tibetan people, Cuona Lake is a "sacred lake". Every year in the Tibetan Year of the Dragon, thousands of believers will flock to Cuona Lake to worship. It is located in the heart of the Qiangtang Nature Reserve and is the habitat of rare wild animals on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.Amdo County · 32.9 km from downtown
Zandan Temple
Zandan Monastery, full name "Suoxiu Ganden Pegyeling", stands proudly in Yala Town, So County, Nagqu City. In 1232 AD, the Zandan Monastery was built by Jowo Gangga, a favorite disciple of the first Karmapa Dusongqinba. At that time, it was an important temple of the Karma Kagyu sect. Time passed to 1668, when Gushri Khan of Mongolia strongly supported the Gelug sect militarily. For a time, many Bon temples were destroyed, and many temples of other sects were forced to convert. Zandan Monastery also changed in this wave and became a Gelug sect. Since then, it has become a subordinate temple of Drepung Monastery in Lhasa.Sog County · 1.3 km from downtown
Bujia Glacier
One of the famous Bon Sacred Mountains in Tibetan area, located in the west of Dingqing, is the highest mountain in eastern Tibet.Baqen · 67.6 km from downtown
Free things to do in Nagqu
Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men
Baingoin · 77.4 km from downtownSapu Mountain
Biru · 64.7 km from downtownSiling Lake
Baingoin · 85 km from downtownChangtang National Nature Reserve
Nyima · 10.6 km from downtownDamu Temple - Skull Wall
Biru · 40.9 km from downtownTangra Yumco
Nyima · >100 km from downtownThe First Bend of the Nujiang River
Biru · 35.7 km from downtownLake Cuona
Amdo County · 32.9 km from downtownZandan Temple
Sog County · 1.3 km from downtownBujia Glacier
Baqen · 67.6 km from downtown
More ways to travel from Nagqu
What travelers say about Nagqu
史麦戈August 25, 2026
5.0
Namtso truly lives up to its name as a sacred lake; its waters are as blue as the Mediterranean Sea, reflecting the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains. Although the journey is long, it's still worthwhile—the scenery is beautiful, and the roadside views are even better!
Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men
大 牛September 6, 2025
5.0
Sapu Sacred Mountain doesn't attract many visitors, making it a relatively niche attraction. Obviously, the trail is difficult to navigate. The final section even passes a 5,500-meter-high pass on gravel. The drive also involved a long stretch along the Nujiang River Gorge, which was incredibly thrilling, with sheer cliffs right next to the car. The mountain is beautiful, and the glacial lake at the foot of the mountain is tranquil and still. It's a great place for quiet contemplation, but not for tourism.
Sapu Mountain
晓憩枫林·旅拍摄影师September 19, 2026
5.0
Northern Tibet's Hidden Gem | Serling Co Lake 💙 Ali Grand Loop
The largest lake in Tibet, known as the "Devil's Lake" in Tibetan. No bustling crowds, only boundless blue, its depths shifting with the light. The road stretches along the lakeshore, clouds drift slowly across the surface, and a long, sweeping wind sweeps across the water. Serling Co Lake, a breathtaking deep blue on the Ali northern route, is the most stunning sight in the Qiangtang Plateau.
#SerlingCoLake #AliGrandLoop #TibetRoadTrip #OneLakeAfterAnotherLake #NorthernTibetQiangtang #TibetTravelPhotography
Siling Lake
陌染MMDecember 31, 2020
4.0
Traveling to Tibet, we set out from Nima County to Shuanghu County. On the way, we passed the Qiangtang Grassland, an uninhabited area. It is also one of the five largest pastures in China. It is located between the Kunlun Mountains, Tanggula Mountains and Gangdise Mountains. It is also a paradise for wild animals and plants. The average altitude of the Qiangtang Grassland is above 4,500 meters. It is the largest pure natural grassland in Tibet, with Gobi, grassland, lakes, mountains and rivers. The Qiangtang Grassland covers a wide range, including most of the northwest of Nagqu Prefecture, the eastern part of Ali Prefecture, a small part of the north of Shigatse City, Dangxiong County of Lhasa City and a small part of the southwest of Qinghai Province.
Changtang National Nature Reserve
882guoguoAugust 22, 2021
5.0
The Dodoka Sky Burial Platform of Damo Temple is located in the western suburbs of Biru County, where the Skull Wall is located. Sky burial is the most acceptable burial custom for Tibetan people and is also the most common in Tibetan areas. However, not everyone has the courage to come.
Damu Temple - Skull Wall
🐮普拉斯July 13, 2022
5.0
Dangre Yumtso Lake is located in Nima County, Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet. It is the deepest lake in Tibet, with a maximum depth of 230 meters. It is also the fourth largest lake in Tibet. Dangre Yumtso Lake is a sacred lake of the Bon religion of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization in Tibet. Standing by the lake, you can see the Dalgo Snow Mountain.
Tangra Yumco
布晓呆December 12, 2022
5.0
The first bend of the Nujiang River is 4,900 meters above sea level in Buqu County, Nagqu, Tibet. The Nujiang River rushes down from the mountains on the Yunnan-Tibet border, tumbling between the Gaoligong Mountains and the Biluo Snow Mountain, and forms the Nujiang Grand Canyon when it reaches Yunnan.
The First Bend of the Nujiang River
遇见美景，快乐欣赏December 23, 2022
5.0
Located in Anduo County, Nagqu City, Tibet Autonomous Region, Cuona Lake is the source of the Nujiang River and a pearl on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. In the minds of the local Tibetan people, Cuona Lake is a "holy lake". Cuona Lake is the habitat of rare wild animals on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Lake Cuona
_We***81July 18, 2020
5.0
Zandan Monastery is known as the "Little Potala Palace". It has beautiful people and beautiful land. It is also the source of the Nujiang River. It is worth visiting to see the beautiful scenery here.
Zandan Temple
蓝莓奶油冻October 6, 2021
5.0
Today we set out from Nagqu and arrived at Dingqing. Along the way, we saw autumn colors, canyons, plateaus, and snow-capped mountains. It was simply too much to take in. We also got close to the Buga Snow Mountain Glacier, which was a great harvest. 317 is not inferior to 318 except that it is much higher in altitude. However, this fatal altitude is indeed a hurdle. I will continue 317 tomorrow to see what other Jingxi is waiting for me.
Bujia Glacier
