Nestled within the Zayü Nature Reserve, the Azha Glacier is a marine-type glacier that boasts a spectacle unlike any other. With a snowline at an altitude of 4,600 meters and stretching over 20 kilometers towards the southwest, this glacier uniquely penetrates the forest for several kilometers. Resembling a silver dragon weaving through a green ocean, it earns its nickname “Green Sea Glacier.” The substantial altitude difference of over 6,000 meters from the glacier’s terminus to its summit endows the region with a range of climates, from subtropical to polar.
The Glacier’s Three Tiers: A Journey from Formation to the Tongue
- The Formation Zone: Situated at high elevations, this area is inaccessible to tourists, offering only distant views of the glacier’s majestic presence.
- The Great Waterfalls: Within the glacier, these crystal-clear waterfalls present a spectacle of natural beauty and grandeur.
- The Glacial Tongue: Meandering and intricate, the lower end of the glacier unfurls like a giant silver screen suspended in the sky, commanding awe and admiration.
Batsang Lake: A Hidden Gem Near Zayü Only 28 kilometers from the heart of Zayü County and resting at an elevation of 1,775 meters, Batsang Lake stretches 1 kilometer in length and 0.4 kilometers in width. Flanked by steep granite gneiss mountains, with depths slicing through 1,000 to 2,000 meters of rock, the lake is a marvel of geological formation. Dense forests envelop the lake shores, while the clear waters teem with fish and play host to frolicking waterfowl, making for an enchanting scene.
Travel Insights:
- The Azha Glacier and Batsang Lake represent the incredible diversity and natural beauty of Zayü County, offering breathtaking views and serene landscapes.
- While the glacier’s formation zone remains a distant marvel, the great waterfalls and the glacier’s tongue provide accessible wonders that captivate all who venture near.
- Batsang Lake, with its lush surroundings and vibrant aquatic life, offers a tranquil escape into nature’s embrace, just a short distance from the bustling life of Zayü County.
Both the Azha Glacier and Batsang Lake highlight the unique ecological and geological treasures of Tibet, inviting adventurers and nature lovers to explore the pristine beauty of this secluded corner of the world.
