Winter in Lhasa: Forget about faith—I just want to soak in a high-altitude hot spring

Yangbajing Geothermal Fieldis often shrouded in white mist, with massive steam clouds rising from the lake surface, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. If you’re lucky enough to witness a hot water geyser eruption, you can see boiling springs shooting straight from the ground into the sky—a truly magnificent and spectacular sight. The hot spring water here contains a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide, which has therapeutic effects on various chronic illnesses. The bathing area is an outdoor pool. Due to the extremely high water temperature, it first passes through two open-air cooling pools before it’s suitable for bathing. In the distance, you can see snow-capped mountains, making the experience of soaking in such an environment truly enjoyable. Especially in winter, jumping into the hot spring while watching the snowflakes fall from the sky feels indescribably romantic and comforting.

Yangbajing Hot Springs is located in Lhasa, on the plateau, where the air is thin. Those prone to severe altitude sickness should bring medication such as highland Rhodiola rosea (to be taken ten days in advance) or American ginseng lozenges. Try to avoid strenuous activity while soaking in the hot springs, as it may worsen altitude sickness.