[2025 Purang Attraction] Travel Guide for Taqin (Updated Jun)

Bandir Blue Lake Eight Days Seven Nights In-Depth Travel Guide: Tibetan Secret Realm, Blue Ice Paradise *Preface: Bandir Blue Lake, located in Pulan County, Ali Prefecture, Tibet, is a peerless secret realm deep in the Gangdise Mountains. The lake water appears a dreamy Tiffany blue due to minerals and light refraction, earning it the title "The Bluest Lake in Tibet." This place is rarely visited, at an altitude above 4700 meters, truly a "world's end." This guide will take you on an in-depth exploration of Bandir Blue Lake and surrounding secret realms, covering the best lake viewing spots, mountain circumambulation routes, starry sky photography, and plateau adaptation tips to help you safely and exquisitely experience this blue sanctuary. 1. Core Itinerary Information Location: Pulan County, Ali Prefecture, Tibet, adjacent to Mount Kailash Best Season: May to October (lake thaw period, purest blue in July and August) Travel Mode: Off-road self-driving/chartered car (4WD required) Altitude Range: 4700-5200 meters (strictly prevent altitude sickness!) Core Experiences: Blue Lake hiking, Mount Kailash circumambulation, starry sky photography, Pulan Canyon exploration 2. Eight Days Seven Nights In-Depth Itinerary Day 1: Lhasa—Yamdrok Lake—Shigatse (Altitude adaptation) Morning: Depart Lhasa, drive along G318, photograph panoramic Yamdrok Lake (altitude 4441m). Afternoon: Pass Karola Glacier, arrive in Shigatse (altitude 3836m), visit Tashilhunpo Monastery. Key Tip: Avoid strenuous exercise on the first day, take altitude sickness medicine/glucose. Overnight: Shigatse (recommended Qomolangma Hotel, oxygen rooms available). Day 2: Shigatse—Saga (Entering Ali South Route) All day: Cross the northern slope of the Himalayas, pass Peiku Lake (reflecting Shishapangma Peak). Evening: Arrive in Saga (altitude 4487m), check vehicle and supplies. Photo Spot: Zhongba Desert and the wetlands at the source of the Yarlung Tsangpo River at dusk. Overnight: Saga (Saga Hotel, basic conditions). Day 3: Saga—Mapam Yumco—Pulan County Morning: Enter Ali core area, distant view of Namucani Peak. Noon: Arrive at Mapam Yumco (sacred lake, altitude 4588m), circle the lake to Ghost Lake La'angco. Evening: Arrive in Pulan County (altitude 3900m), process border permits (must be done in advance at your registered residence). Overnight: Pulan (recommended Pulan Peacock Hotel). Day 4: Pulan—Bandir Blue Lake—Tachin Early morning: Off-road vehicle to Bandir Blue Lake (2-hour drive, last 10 km on gravel road). Morning: Lakeside hiking (3-hour loop), find the best viewing spot (west cliff camera position). Afternoon: Return to Tachin (Mount Kailash circumambulation base camp). Key Tip: No signal in the Blue Lake area, guide accompaniment required. Overnight: Tachin (Kaitu International Youth Hostel, oxygen rooms available). Day 5: Inner Circumambulation of Mount Kailash (Highlight section) All day: Light hiking on the inner circumambulation route of Mount Kailash (highest altitude 5280m): Zhire Monastery → Zhuomala Pass → Zuchu Monastery (about 12 km, 6-8 hours). Alternative: Those with less stamina can choose a short hike at Zhire Monastery (photograph the sacred mountain reflection). Overnight: Tachin. Day 6: Tachin—Zhada Earth Forest—Guge Kingdom Morning: Cross Zhada Earth Forest (alien landscape, filming location of the movie "Ghost Blows Out the Light"). Afternoon: Visit Guge Kingdom ruins (mysteriously vanished kingdom, photograph sunset light and shadow). Overnight: Zhada (Earth Forest Castle Hotel). Day 7: Zhada—Piyang Dongga Caves—Shiquanhe Morning: Visit Piyang Dongga Caves (largest Buddhist grotto group in Tibet, comparable to Dunhuang). Afternoon: Arrive at Ali capital Shiquanhe Town (altitude 4279m), resupply and rest. Overnight: Shiquanhe (Ali Grand Hotel, hot showers available). Day 8: Shiquanhe—Bangong Lake—Return All day: Head to Bangong Lake (China-India border, bird island to watch black-necked cranes), then fly back from Ali Kunsha Airport. 3. Bandir Blue Lake Must-Experience TOP 3 1. Blue Lake Cliff View: The west cliff overlooks the entire lake, showing multi-layered blue-green water (telephoto lens needed). 2. Mount Kailash Circumambulation: The inner route passes the Blue Lake; Tibetan Buddhists believe circling the lake cleanses sins. 3. Starry Sky Photography: No light pollution by the lake, the Milky Way reflects on the water like a "blue ice galaxy" (tripod + wide-angle lens needed). 4. Plateau Survival Guide Altitude Sickness Prevention: Take Rhodiola 7 days in advance, prepare oxygen bottles and ibuprofen (for headache relief). Do not wash hair or bathe for the first 3 days, move slowly. Equipment List: Windbreaker (large day-night temperature difference), sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses (prevent snow blindness), sleeping bag (limited accommodation conditions). Border Permit: Obtain "Ali Prefecture, Pulan County" permit at your registered residence (or handled in Lhasa). 5. Notes Environmental Protection: Take all trash with you; the Blue Lake area is ecologically fragile. Respect Beliefs: Do not circumambulate counterclockwise or step on prayer flags. Vehicle Requirements: Must be 4WD off-road vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser recommended), carry full-size spare tire. 6. Budget Reference (per person) Economy (carpool/youth hostel): 8000-12000 RMB Comfort (chartered car/double room): 15000-20000 RMB Conclusion: Bandir Blue Lake is one of Tibet's last secret realms; its blue is unlike any earthly color, its silence enough to cleanse the soul. This route is not only a geographical adventure but also a spiritual practice. When you stand on the Blue Lake cliff and gaze at the snowy peaks of Mount Kailash, you will understand why Tibetans say: "Every stone here has a spirit." Please set out with reverence and keep this blue sanctuary forever pure. Tashi Delek!

🌍 **Mount Kailash | A Sacred Journey to the Center of the World, a Must-Do Pilgrimage** **🌟 Highlights at a Glance** Mount Kailash, the "King of Sacred Mountains" in Tibet, stands at 6,656 meters and is revered as the "center of the world" by four major religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism ⛰️. A 52-kilometer circumambulation (kora) around the mountain is a journey of purification, where you'll experience the awe-inspiring fusion of faith and nature. Along the way, witness the spectacular sunrise illuminating the golden peak, the emerald-like Lake Manasarovar, and the Drolma La Pass (5,630 meters) adorned with prayer flags. Every step is a spiritual practice. **🗺️ Route Planning** ✅ **Best Time to Visit**: May-October (August-September is the peak season). Avoid winter due to road closures. ✅ **Classic 2-Day Itinerary**: - **Day 1**: Tashin → Prayer Flag Square → Chukku Gompa → Zhiri Gompa (22 km). Stay overnight at Zhiri Gompa and witness the sunset over Mount Kailash. - **Day 2**: Challenge the Drolma La Pass → Zutulphuk Gompa → Tashin (33 km). Camp under the stars or stay in a Tibetan guesthouse. Those with less stamina can opt for a slower 3-day trek or take transportation for certain sections. **🎒 Packing List** - **Altitude Sickness Prevention**: Oxygen tanks, Rhodiola, pulse oximeter. Acclimatize in Lhasa for 3 days beforehand. - **Clothing**: Hiking jacket + fleece liner (large temperature difference between day and night), high-top hiking boots, sun hat, and sunglasses. - **Supplies**: Energy bars, thermos, cash (no signal in some areas). **⚠️ Important Notes** - **Respect Local Beliefs**: Circumambulate clockwise, the traditional direction. Do not touch prayer flags or mani stones. - **Travel Responsibly**: Carry out all trash and protect the sanctity of the area. - **Safety First**: Descend immediately if experiencing severe altitude sickness. Consider hiring a porter (approx. CNY 300/day). **📸 Must-See Photo Spots** - **Zhiri Gompa**: Directly facing the north face of Mount Kailash, capture the sunrise casting a golden glow on the snow-capped peak. - **Lake Thukje Chenpo**: The emerald holy lake below the pass, perfectly reflecting Mount Kailash. - **Serlung Prayer Flag Array**: Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, creating a powerful display of faith. **✨ Inspiring Quote** "Circumambulating Mount Kailash is not about conquering nature, but about reconciling with oneself. In the breath of Kailash, encounter the purest soul." 🔔 **Follow me for more hidden gem travel guides!**

‌Purang County, located in the southern part of the Ngari Prefecture in Tibet, sits at an altitude of 3,900 meters in a valley on the southern side of the Himalayas. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the county boasts a unique topography and is one of the lower-altitude counties in Ngari. Purang is strategically situated in the Peacock River Valley between Mount Naimona'nyi and Gurla Mandhata, bordering Nepal and India.‌ 🧳Preparation Before You Go:‌ *Documents and Cash‌:* ID card, border defense permit, cash (some places may require cash payment, generally accepting banknotes). *Medicine‌:* Rhodiola (for altitude sickness prevention), cold medicine, ibuprofen/acetaminophen (for headaches), glucose (for energy), motion sickness medicine/digestive medicine (for diarrhea and constipation), oxygen (available locally, but it is recommended to bring a small oxygen tank or sufficient oxygen cards). *Clothing‌:* Jacket, hoodie, warm clothes, sneakers, hiking boots, slippers, hat, scarf, sunglasses, and a change of underwear. *Daily Necessities‌:* Umbrella, thermos, skincare products, sunscreen. 🚉Transportation Guide:‌ There are several ways to get from Lhasa to Purang in Ngari: *Airplane‌:* Fly from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport. The flight takes about 2 hours, but tickets are expensive, usually over CNY 2,600. Due to the high altitude, altitude sickness may occur. *Bus‌:* Direct buses to Ngari depart from the Lhasa North Suburban Passenger Station every other day. The journey requires an overnight stay, with a one-way ticket costing CNY 602. The trip takes approximately 24 hours and covers a total distance of 1263.7 km to reach Purang. *Self-drive‌:* Self-drive routes are divided into south and north lines, and road conditions are poor. Self-driving requires adequate preparation and high-altitude driving experience. *Carpool or Chartered Car‌:* Carpooling takes about 24 hours, with an overnight stop, and costs between CNY 650-700. This method is relatively comfortable and flexible. *Specific Route Information‌:* *Airplane‌:* Fly directly from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport, then transfer to a bus or private car to Purang. *Bus‌:* Depart from Lhasa North Suburban Passenger Station, passing through Shigatse, Lhatse, Saga, Zhongba, Darchen, Zanda, and finally arriving in Purang. *Self-drive‌:* The south line starts from Lhasa, passing through Shigatse, Lhatse, Saga, Zhongba, Darchen, Zanda, and finally arriving in Purang. The north line passes through Baingoin, Nyima, Rutog, and Gerze. *Carpool or Chartered Car‌:* Depart from Lhasa, passing through Shigatse, Saga, Zhongba, and finally arriving in Purang.