At 95 degrees east longitude and 29 degrees north latitude on the border between Mainling and Medog counties, Mount Namche Barwa, the highest peak on the eastern range of the Himalayas, stands on the way of Yarlung Tsangpo River and forces it to make a U-turn abruptly. To the south of the 7,782-meter Namche Barwa stands the 7,151-meter Gyailhabelai Peak. On the northern bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the top of Gyailhabeilai is some 5,000 to 6,000 meters taller than the river valley. The 2 mountain giants stand shoulder by shoulder, with vertical cliffs guarding the river like enormous gates. The narrowest point at the river valley is less than 80 meters. It seems that some prehistoric giant had cut open the mountains to let out the surging river.

In 1994, Chinese scientists carried out an extensive survey of the Great Canyon. With comprehensive findings, they proved that this is the world’s biggest canyon. According to the statistics issued by the Survey Bureau, the canyon starts from the Dahuka Village (2,880 meters above sea level) of Mainling County in the north and ends at the Bacoka Village (115 meters above sea level) of Medog County. With a total length of 504.6 km, the canyon is 6,009 meters at the deepest point, with an average depth of 2,268 meters. These figures provide indisputable evidence that this is the biggest canyon in the world. In the past, the Grand Canyon of Colorado (1,800 -meters deep, 440 km long) in the United States, and the Colca Canyon in Peru (3,203 meters deep) had been listed as the world’s biggest canyons. But neither of them can compare with the canyon on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The discovery excited the whole world and international scientists called it the most important geological find of the 20th century. The discovery was made after long-term efforts by generations of Chinese scientists.

In Sept. 1998, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China formally authorized the scientific name of the canyon: Brahmaputra River Grand Canyon or Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.

The entrance to the main chapel is flanked by unusual murals of several protector gods including the Kongpo deity Kongtsun Demo. The main hall has statues of the standing form of Guru Rinpoche and a large Jampa, and there are 2 small statues of the protectors Dorje Lekpa and Kongtsun Demo in the left corner. Upstairs is a cheesy, modern mandala, which depicts the sacred mountains of Namche Barwa, Kailash, Tsari, and Kawa Karpo on each corner. A lovely kora path surrounds the timeless monastery. Standing in front of Buchu Monastery, you can enjoy both the forest around and the Niyang River at a distance.

Tips of Brahmaputra River Grand Canyon

1. If you go by yacht, you can also have a fantastic view of Namche Barwa and Bonri Mountain by the way.

2. If you want to trek, make sure you bring all the waterproof equipment with you. Still, a sleeping bag, tent, flashlight, sunglasses, camera, kettle, and some medicine are necessary.

3. Brahmaputra River Grand Canyon is not available to overseas visitors now, please contact us for the latest news.