Babu River: The Stream of Life
Located east of Gongbo’gyamda County’s heart, the Babu River, known in Tibetan as “Rock River,” is a life-giving watercourse with the richness of flora and fauna in its embrace. Home to rare species like the snow leopard and medicinal treasures such as cordyceps and snow lotus, this river nourishes a fertile valley where highland barley, wheat, peas, and rapeseed flourish.
Jiase Divine Spring: A Pearl Among Waters
The Jiase Divine Spring, found along the route from Gongbo’gyamda County to Songduo Township near the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (318), is revered by locals as the “Pearl Divine Spring.” Prayer flags flutter in the wind around this clear spring, adding to its mystique. The spring’s water, filtering through rocks, emerges pure and mineral-rich, freezing into shimmering icicles and snow pellets in the cold high-altitude climate.
Travel Tips for Explorers
- To Jiase Divine Spring: It’s a 69 km journey from Gongbo’gyamda County to the spring, offering scenic views of the Nyang River along the way. A further 28 km takes you to Songduo Township, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the Songduo Hot Springs.
- Dola Mountain Cliff Carvings: These sacred carvings grace the southern foothills of Dola Mountain in Jinda Township, facing the Nyang River. A majestic relief of Shakyamuni Buddha, flanked by two stupas and adorned with the “Om Mani Padme Hum” mantra, measures 4.1 meters wide and 3.1 meters tall. Legend says Princess Wencheng marked the Buddha with her whip, later carved by followers. This spiritual site, shaded and beautifully maintained, offers a glimpse into the ancient artistic devotion of Tibet.
These destinations in Gongbo’gyamda County are not just travel spots but portals to the spiritual and natural world, offering visitors a unique blend of tranquility, beauty, and cultural richness. Whether it’s the whispering waters of Babu River or the crystalline Jiase Divine Spring, every moment here is a step closer to nature’s heart.
