5-Day Nyingchi Azalea Blossom Tour: Fill Your Heart with Blooming Flowers, stunning Blue Laigu Glacier, and serene Ranwu Lake

Welcome to the Nyingchi’s second flowering season, romantic Rhododendron season in eastern Tibet where blooming Rhododendron blankets snowy peaks and enchanting valleys.

Early summer brings the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon to life as rhododendrons bloom across the forests beneath majestic Mt. Namcha Barwa.

Departing from Lhasa, we drive to Nyingchi along the scenic Lhasa-Nyingchi Expressway, immersed in the lively early summer scenery. The Nyang River flows like a turquoise ribbon, weaving serenity through lush forests and sparkling waters, while snow-capped mountains and forests create breathtaking views that soothe the soul.

En route, we’ll visit Lamaling Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Nyingchi. Hidden within the forest, this monastery boasts exquisite murals, relics of Guru Rinpoche, and a unique golden roof with flying eaves.

Stay overnight in Nyingchi Bayi District (3-star hotels).

Overnight in Nyingchi

• Enjoy the turquoise ribbon-like Nyang River as we travel along the Lhasa-Nyingchi Expressway.

• Lamaling Temple is the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist site in the Nyingchi region.

After getting travel documents in Nyingchi, we head for dense Lulang Forest. At Sejila Mountain Pass (4,728m), you can admire the imposing Mt. Namcha Barwa with blooming rhododendrons sprawling Mt. Sejila.

（In the morning, if there are newly-arrived guests at Nyingchi Mainling Airport, our guide will first pick them up from the airport. After joining guests from Lhasa, we will proceed to handle travel documents before heading to Lulang Forest.）

In Nyingchi, we’ll first process travel permits before heading to Sejila Mountain Pass, known for its sea of rhododendrons. Your guide will take you closely admire these alpine rhododendrons. From Sejila, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Namcha Barwa (7,782m), hailed as China’s most beautiful snow peak, towering above the forest (best seen from late October to April).

Our adventure continues to the Lulang Forest, nestling in a vast lush valley. Here, we’ll visit a traditional Gongbu Tibetan family. Experience the thrill of archery, an ancient Tibetan sport, guided by friendly local Tibetans. Then, step into their warm home to make homemade Tibetan sweet tea and pancakes with amiable Tibetan moms, and chat with them through the help of our local experts by the fire.

At the dinner table, you will savor authentic Gongbu Tibetan dishes, including the famous Nyingchi delicacy - scrumptious Tibetan fragrant pork. You’ll also have the chance to dress in traditional Gongbu Tibetan costumes for memorable photos. As the day winds down, take a peaceful stroll to watch the golden sunset over the snow-capped mountains.

Stay overnight in a cozy homestay in the picturesque Tashigang Village.

Overnight in Tashigang

Breakfast | Gongbu Tibetan family for dinner

• An opportunity to try on the traditional Gongbu Tibetan dress.

• Witness the endless sea of delightful Rhododendrons.

Step into the world of magical forests and snow-capped mountains in Bomi. Stroll through the stunning Gangyun Forest and gaze upon sublime snowy peaks and deep valleys.

After a hearty breakfast in Lulang, with the soft morning light and mist hanging over the hills, we say goodbye to the tranquil Lulang Forest and step into another hidden and magical world - Gangyun Forest. Wander through the lush, fresh air of the ancient spruce forest. You will be surrounded by vibrant forests and epic snowy peaks with wild flowers of early summer hightening poetic vibes.

After visiting Gangyun Forest, we drive to Gawalong, home to majestic snow mountains of Bomi. As the easternmost tip of the 2,400 km-long Himalayas, Gawalong offers an up-close view of Himalaya’s final snow-capped peak. Even in summer, this ‘tail of the Himalayas’ remains blanketed in eternal snow. On the way to Gawalong from Bomi, vibrant alpine rhododendrons bloom amid snow-capped peaks and dense forests. The sharp, diamond-like snowy peaks stand so vividly close as if they are within your easy reach.

Leaving Gawalong, we head towards the enchanting Ranwu Lake. The narrow, shimmering lake, surrounded by snowy peaks and verdant forests, offers a breathtaking view at every turn. We’ve selected the best lakeside accommodations for you.

Stay overnight at the self-drive camping site of Ranwu Lake or Nanhu Hotel.

Overnight at the self-drive camping site of Ranwu Lake or Nanhu Hotel

Breakfast | Afternoon tea in forest

• Vibrant rhododendrons blooming gracefully in a serene forest.

• A serene temple nestled beneath the enchanting, snow-capped mountains of Bomi.

Let’s embark on an in-depth exploration of Laigu Glacier’s Blue Ice Lake or the Yalong Glacier, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking snow-capped peaks and vibrant blue ice caves of Laigu Glacier.

The tremendous Laigu Glacier consists of six glaciers, and depending on the season, different sections of the Blue Ice Caves open up. In May, the ice lake of Laigu Glacier slowly melts. Inside the blue ice cave, you can witness the amazing light refraction creating hues of violet, turquoise, and sea green - like being in an ancient underwater world.

Beyond the ice lake area, the farther blue ice caves require 4WD vehicle, driven by local villagers to reach. We’ll plan your blue Ice journey based on the open sections, with visits ranging from 2 to 6 hours based on different locations and seasons. You’ll have ample time to explore the glacier and ice caves to your heart’s content in the dazzling blue glaciers and ice lakes.

En route to glaciers, you can enjoy close-up views of pastoral meadows, blue alpine lakes, and rolling snowy peaks that seem within easy reach. This may be the most impressive display of snow peaks you’ve ever witnessed, stretching endlessly in all directions, and magnificent in scale.

After visiting Laigu Glacier, we’ll descend along the shores of Ranwu Lake in afternoon sunlight. As the sun softens, the lake’s vibrant green waters reflect the snow-capped peaks, meadows, and pastures, creating a poetic landscape. After leaving the lake, we’ll drive back to the Lulang Forest for the lodging. It may be a late return, but the stunning scenery you’ve experienced will be etched in your memory forever.

Stay overnight in the homestay of TashiGang, Lulang Town.

Overnight in the homestay of TashiGang, Lulang Town

Breakfast

• Nature's Icy Artistry - Laigu Glacier.

• Enjoy the breath-taking Blue Ice Cave.

Return to Lhasa with a deep dive into the beauty of Draksum Tso Lake. Cruise across its pristine waters, then embark on an 8km forest trail trek along the lakeshore.

Start your day with breakfast amidst the morning mist of Lulang Forest before venturing to another hidden gem of Eastern Tibet - Draksum Tso Lake. Trek in the serene forests along the the tranquil lake shore of Draksum Tso Lake to regain your inner peace.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests, Draksum Tso Lake lake is a sacred lake in eastern Tibet. Stroll through the bustling island off the shore of Draksum Tso Lake, then board a motorboat to cross its emerald-green waters. On the far, secluded shore, discover the mystical "Fertility Cave," hidden within the forest. From there, embark on an 8km (or 2.5 hours) lakeside trek, immersing yourself in the serenity of untouched nature.

This highlighted trek is a feast for the senses. Vibrant rhododendrons bloom along the lakeshore, their pink blossoms framing the shimmering blue waters, like a shy maiden dancing in the early summer sunlight. Sunbeams filter through dense treetops, casting dappled light onto soft forest trails. Surrounding you are emerald lakes, ancient trees, and the interplay of pink rhododendron petals and blue reflections, creating a magical and unparalleled hiking experience.

After this unforgettable trek, we’ll drive back to Lhasa, likely arriving late, but with hearts full from experiencing the very best of Eastern Tibet. It is well worth the long drive.

Your Nyingchi itinerary ends. However, we warmly invite you to join us for more adventures to Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, and Namtso Lake with Tibet Vista.

Breakfast

• Landscape of serene Draksum Tso Lake.

• Enjoy a scenic 8km Draksum Lakeshore trek.