Sejila Mountain, known locally as “Sejila Forest Park,” is a breathtaking natural wonder located southeast of Bayi Town in Nyingchi, Tibet. With steep slopes, vast green spaces, dense forests, and an elegant environment, Sejila Mountain captivates visitors with its enchanting scenery. The mountain’s rocks naturally bear fascinating imprints resembling Buddha’s head, feet, palm, body, and even the hooves of tigers, horses, and donkeys, alongside natural formations of gates, latches, and celestial bodies like the moon and sun.
A Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna
At the foot of Sejila Mountain lies a natural pastureland and agricultural fields, home to yaks, cattle, sheep, and crops like highland barley, wheat, rapeseed, and fruits such as apples and peaches. The mountain harbours rare animals and precious medicinal herbs, including sanchi, lingzhi mushrooms, codonopsis, and rhodiola.
With a forest coverage rate of 55.1% over 100,000 hectares, Sejila Mountain’s pristine landscape is a testament to conservation, showcasing ancient cypress, Himalayan spruce, endangered yew trees, living fossil “tree ferns,” and over a hundred varieties of rhododendrons among broadleaved and coniferous forests. The area is also rich in valuable medicinal herbs, including cordyceps, gastrodia elata, fritillaria, angelica, lingzhi, rhodiola, hand-shaped ginseng, and snow lotus.
Rare and endangered plants thrive on its slopes, including the giant cypress, golden barley, and large-flowered peonies, contributing to the mountain’s biodiversity. The dense forests give way to snow-capped peaks and glaciers, with colourful wildflowers dotting the landscape, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
A Riot of Colours and Rhododendrons
Sejila Mountain is renowned for its diverse rhododendrons, with 25 species flourishing across different altitudes, offering a spectrum of colours from white to purple. During spring and summer, the mountain is a spectacle of vibrant rhododendron blooms, presenting a world of flowers that dazzles the senses.
Tips for Visitors
- Location: Sejila Mountain, the watershed between the Nyang River and Parlung Tsangpo River, is traversed by the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (National Highway 318). Climbing to the summit at 4728 meters offers panoramic views of the forest sea, cloud sea, rock peaks, and snow-capped mountains, with the magnificent Namchak Barwa peak visible to the east.
- Best Times to Visit: While spring showcases the mountain’s famous rhododendrons, autumn brings a palette of red and yellow leaves mixed with evergreen conifers, set against blue skies and snowy peaks. Mid-October is ideal for enjoying the fall foliage.
Sejila Mountain invites adventurers and nature lovers to explore its lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and the rich cultural tapestry of southeastern Tibet, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the serenity and beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.
