Chongyalā is not just a religious route but also one rich in natural and cultural experiences. Along the way, there are40numerous religious relics and sacred sites associated with Chongyalā. You can also stay and experience life in Chiba Village, where each household essentially represents a village, as well as in Gyālā Village, the last settlement of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy a 360-degreeviewof some of China’s most beautiful sights — including Namcha Barwa, the most stunning mountain in China; the Gyālābādòng Waterfall, the first major waterfall of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon; and the Zhíbái Big Bend, the grandest canyon turn in the region.
Major Highlights
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
The deepest canyon in the world,stretching504.6kilometers in length, with the relative height difference between the surrounding peaks and the valley floor reaching6009meters. At its narrowest point, the canyon is only twenty-some meters wide. Outside the canyon, you’ll find barren mountains, desolate ridges, and snowy plateaus, but once you cross the mountain pass and enter the canyon area, the landscape transforms dramatically. The valley floor is home to exotic flowers, subtropical rainforests, and 10%–20% of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau’s total biodiversity is concentrated here, including as many as60%–70%154species of rhododendrons alone. In the river valley plains, golden rapeseed flowers and purple-white pea blossoms are interspersed among the undulating waves of highland barley fields, creating a picture-perfect watercolor scene.
Namcha Barwa Peak
Namcha Barwa Peakstands at an elevation of7782metersand is the highest peakin the eastern part of the Himalayas.It is a sacred site of the ancient Tibetan Buddhist Bon religion (Yungdrung Bon),known in Tibet as the“Father of All Mountains.”"YungdrungBon", a sacred site of"the Father of All Tibetan Mountains"is known as,Its massive triangular peak is covered in snow year-round and shrouded in clouds, rarely revealing its true face, which is why it is also called"the Shy Girl Peak".
Nalaxi Lake
Nalaxi Lake sits at an altitude of4300meters and is known as the “Heavenly Vein Sacred Lake.” It takes3to4hours to walk around the lake. The lakeshore soil resembles the deep-sea mud used in cosmetics, and locals believe that those suffering from skin diseases can be cured by walking around the lake once and washing with its water.
Tongbai Temple
Tongbai Templeis located on the opposite bank of the Daduka Ruins. From here, you can directly see Mount Namcha Barwa, and the scenery is most beautiful during the peach blossom season. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche meditated here for three years, making it an extraordinary and sacred place..
Itinerary:3Days
D1 Pai Town Transfer Station → Tongbai Village → Songshu Village → Dalin Village → Dongbulong → Chibai Village, approximately23kilometers
Take a ferry from the Pai Transfer Station to the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, then drive through Tongbai Village to Dalin Village, taking about1hours30minutes. Along the way, you can visit Tongbai Temple where Guru Rinpoche meditated, and enjoy the magnificent views of the Great Canyon and Mount Namcha Barwa from the Dalin viewing spot. Dalin Village is the starting point of this trek. Walk along the trail through the primeval forest, passing the first sacred site of the pilgrimage,---Dongbulong, and continue on to see two turtle stones in the river that gaze up at the sacred mountain. In the evening, arrive at Chibai Village, home to only one household.
D2 Chibai Village → Yama Palace/Galapadong Waterfall → Galaxi Village, approximately20kilometers
After leaving Chibai Village, climb a section of mountain road along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to reach a large grassland surrounded by snow-capped mountains, entering Chibi Gong. Chibi Gong is a vast area of evergreen oak forest, transitioning from oak to pine forest, then from pine to bamboo forest, and so on. Upon reaching a relatively open flat area, you will arrive at Jiangjiu Zhu.
Continue on to reach the ferry crossing opposite Galaxi Village. From the ferry, it’s about a fifteen-minute walk to Yama Palace and Galapadong Waterfall. First, you’ll arrive at a white stupa. Behind the stupa is a Tibetan stone tablet, believed to be carved in the early Qing Dynasty. From the stupa, ascend via a hanging wooden bridge made of vines, ropes, and wooden planks, which can only accommodate one person at a time. Follow the mountain path on the left uphill, where you’ll find over ten sacred sites. Halfway up the mountain is a temple called Danjelakang, which houses the spirit stupas of Yama King, Guru Rinpoche, Karmapa, and treasure-revealer Dezheng "Wese Duojizhi."
Hiking up the mountain from behind the temple, you’ll find a meditation cave, the practice site of Zhubu "Dorje Chirel." Descending from behind Danjila Monastery, you can return to the bridge, then walk down from the white stupa to reach the waterfall viewing area, which features a sang offering platform, prayer stone piles, and is surrounded by prayer flags. The waterfall viewpoint faces the Yama Waterfall directly, but the terrain here is narrow. Return to the ferry crossing and take the boat to the last village of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.——Galazha Village.
D3 Galazha → Zhizhibei Grassland → Zhizhi Big Bend → Zhizhi → Pai Town, approximately18kilometers
Starting from Galazha Village, the air is moist and fresh. Along this route, there are only two challenging uphill sections: one on the Big Grassland and the other at Zhizhi Big Bend. However, the idyllic pastoral beauty and the awe-inspiring grandeur of the landscape will make you forget everything.Finally, return to Pai Town for rest and recuperation.
Equipment Recommendations:
60LThe above includes backpack, sleeping bag, tent, moisture-proof mat, gas stove, cookware set, matches, windproof jacket and pants, fleece jacket and pants, moisture-wicking thermal underwear, hat, waterproof breathable hiking shoes, headlamp, hiking watch, militarydao, sealable bags, gloves, water bottle or hydration bladder, trekking poles, personal toiletries, medications, food, snacks like chocolate, and garbage bags.
The pilgrimage trekking route around Galazha has a certain level of difficulty, and due to the unique high-altitude climate, everyone is reminded not to go alone. Even if traveling in a small group, proceed under the guidance of a professional outdoor leader. Stay safe while enjoying the outdoors!
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