Nyangchu Valley: The “One River, Three Gorges” Wonder of Gongbo’gyamda
Hidden deep within Gongbo’gyamda County in eastern Tibet, Nyangchu Valley is a breathtaking natural corridor often praised as the “One River, Three Gorges” scenic area. Carved by the gentle flow of the Nyangchu River, this valley brings together dense forests, dramatic gorges, sacred springs, and ancient villages, forming one of the most enchanting landscapes in the Nyingchi region.
The scenic area includes more than ten remarkable sites, with Dlong, Yangwo, Jiaxing, and Buru standing out as highlights. Together, they offer a rare combination of untouched wilderness and deep-rooted spiritual culture.
Dlong Village: Gateway to Ancient Forests
Dlong Village marks the entrance to an expansive primeval forest that stretches from the mountain foothills to mid-slopes. Towering trees form a green ocean, while snow-capped peaks rise quietly above, creating a striking contrast between lush vegetation and eternal ice.
This forest is a sanctuary for wildlife such as deer, foxes, black bears, pheasants, and monkeys. It is also rich in wild fruits and medicinal herbs, making July to September the best season for foraging and nature exploration. Walking through the forest feels like stepping into a living museum of Tibetan ecology.
Yangwo Gorge and the Sacred Baga Spring
Located about 20 kilometers from Nyangpu Township, Yangwo Gorge is known for its mysterious and sacred landscapes. Its most famous feature is the Baga Sacred Spring, a rare natural spring that flows year-round and never freezes, even in the coldest winters. Remarkably, the spring surges six times a day, a phenomenon that locals regard as deeply spiritual.
Nearby, three water-powered prayer wheels spin continuously, driven by the flowing water. Just a short walk away, hidden caves reveal ancient carvings of sacred animals, Buddha images, and mysterious scripts that remain undeciphered.
Across from Baga Monastery, a vast primeval rhododendron forest spreads across nearly 10,000 acres. This area, known as Pearl Beach, blends clear springs with pebble-covered riverbanks, creating a peaceful and dreamlike setting rarely seen elsewhere offers.
Jiaxing Gorge: Cypress Forests and Waterfalls
Only 4 kilometers from Nyangpu Township, Jiaxing Gorge showcases the gentle beauty of forests and flowing water. The gorge is famous for its ancient cypress trees, with thirteen towering cypresses standing like natural guardians, offering shade and serenity.
At the forest edge, an intermittent spring mysteriously rises and disappears, adding an air of mystery to the landscape. Downstream, the water plunges dramatically, splitting into three cascading streams that merge into a 25-meter-high waterfall. From afar, the falling water resembles white silk scarves drifting through the air, creating a poetic and unforgettable sight.
Buru Gorge: Healing Hot Springs at High Altitude
Buru Gorge, located 8 kilometers from Nyangpu Township at an altitude of 4,200 meters, is renowned for its sacred hot springs. Three natural thermal springs flow here: the Nun’s Spring, the Lama’s Spring, and the Buru Spring, each believed to carry unique healing qualities.
Every year, hundreds of visitors come to soak in these mineral-rich waters, seeking relief from fatigue and illness. Surrounded by dense forests and often wrapped in drifting mist, the hot springs create a tranquil, almost otherworldly atmosphere that blends nature with spiritual calm.
Why Nyangchu Valley Stands Out
From ancient forests and sacred springs to dramatic gorges and healing waters, Nyangchu Valley represents the harmonious balance between nature, spirituality, and Tibetan culture. Each section of the valley offers a different experience—wild, peaceful, mysterious, or restorative—making it one of the most diverse and rewarding landscapes in eastern Tibet.
Whether exploring dense woodlands, listening to the rush of waterfalls, or soaking in high-altitude hot springs, travelers find themselves deeply connected to the timeless beauty of the Nyangchu Valley.