Eastern Gateway of Tibet · Cultural Secret Land

Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa City — the birthplace of the Tubo dynasty, home to important historical sites such as Drigung Til Monastery and Gyama Valley. This 3-day 2-night itinerary lets you pilgrimage to ancient monasteries, bathe in hot springs, explore historic relics, and feel the perfect blend of history and nature.

Drigung Til
Drigung Kagyu Ancestral Monastery
Gyama Valley
Songtsen Gampo's Birthplace
4000 m
Average Elevation
50,000
Population
Panoramic view of Drigung Til Monastery in Maizhokunggar County
Drigung Til Monastery, Maizhokunggar County
Drigung Til Monastery in Maizhokunggar County, the main monastery of the Drigung Kagyu school, home to a world-famous sky burial platform and a long religious history

Maizhokunggar County Three-Day Culture & Hot Spring Tour

Ancient monastery pilgrimage + hot spring wellness + historical exploration, feel the unique charm of eastern Tibet

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Drigung Til Monastery, Dezong Hot Spring, Gyama Valley, Siling Lake
Suitable For
Culture explorers, history enthusiasts, hot spring seekers, in-depth travelers
Budget per Person
¥700 - ¥1300
01
Ancient Monastery Exploration
Religion & History
Highlights

Full-day religious culture experience

Attractions
Drigung Til Monastery
The main monastery of the Drigung Kagyu school, founded in 1179. It houses a world-famous sky burial platform and a large collection of precious religious artifacts, making it an important site for studying Tibetan Buddhist sky burial culture.
Sky Burial Platform
One of the three largest sky burial platforms in the world, at an elevation of 4400 meters. It is an important religious site of the Drigung Kagyu school. Distant viewing is permitted but close contact is prohibited; respect local customs.
Practical Info
Travel Tips
  • Respect religious customs
  • No photography at the sky burial platform
  • Visit in a clockwise direction
  • Prepare small change for butter lamps
Food Recommendations
  • Tibetan Curry Rice
  • Butter Tea
  • Highland Barley Pancake
  • Yak Meat Soup
02
Hot Spring Wellness
Geothermal & Healing
Highlights

Full-day hot spring leisure experience

Attractions
Dezong Hot Spring
A famous hot spring resort in Tibet. The spring water is rich in various minerals at a comfortable temperature. Divided into upper and lower springs, it is reputed to have miraculous healing effects and is known as the "Divine Spring".
Dezong Monastery
An important Nyingma monastery adjacent to Dezong Hot Spring. It preserves unique religious murals and ancient meditation traditions in a serene and tranquil environment.
Practical Info
Travel Tips
  • Do not soak in hot spring for too long
  • Stay hydrated
  • Watch for altitude sickness
  • Respect local customs
Special Experiences
  • Hot spring bath therapy
  • Tibetan herbal bath experience
  • Monastery kora (circumambulation)
  • Taste hot spring boiled eggs
03
Historical Quest
Ruins & Lake
Highlights

Full-day historical and cultural experience

Attractions
Gyama Valley
The birthplace of the Tubo dynasty and the birthplace of Songtsen Gampo. It preserves ancient castle ruins and numerous historical relics, making it an important site for understanding Tubo history.
Siling Lake
Meaning "God of Wealth Lake" in Tibetan, a plateau lake at 4500 meters elevation. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and is one of the famous sacred lakes in Tibet.
Practical Info
Travel Tips
  • Pace yourself during plateau hiking
  • Circumambulate the sacred lake clockwise
  • Protect historical relics
  • Apply sunscreen and UV protection
Special Experiences
  • Historical site exploration
  • Sacred lake kora
  • Plateau lake photography
  • Enjoy a Tibetan picnic

Must-Try Foods in Maizhokunggar County

Maizhokunggar Tibetan Noodles

A specialty noodle dish of Maizhokunggar County. Handmade noodles served in a rich yak meat broth with diced yak meat. The broth is savory and the noodles are chewy, making it a favorite local breakfast choice.

Tibetan Blood Sausage

A traditional Tibetan food made by stuffing yak meat, yak blood, and highland barley flour into casings. Boiled then sliced, nutritious with a unique flavor.

Butter Ginseng Fruit

A signature dessert of Maizhokunggar County. Himalayan ginseng fruit is cooked and mixed with butter, milk residue, and sugar. Soft, sticky, and sweet, it is highly nutritious.

Maizhokunggar County Travel Tips
Best Season
  • May-Oct: Mild climate, suitable for travel
  • Jul-Aug: Most beautiful grassland season
  • Winter: Best for hot spring experience, but keep warm
Suggested Itinerary
  • Day 1: Visit Drigung Til Monastery and Sky Burial Platform
  • Day 2: Experience Dezong Hot Spring and Dezong Monastery
  • Day 3: Explore Gyama Valley and Siling Lake
  • Taste Maizhokunggar Tibetan noodles and butter ginseng fruit
Practical Info
  • Drigung Til Monastery is at high altitude, watch for altitude sickness
  • No photography or close contact at the sky burial platform
  • Prepare swimsuit and towel for hot spring area
  • Respect local religious beliefs
Transportation Guide
  • About 70 km from downtown Lhasa, 1.5-hour drive
  • National Highway 318 runs through the area, good road conditions
  • Take the Lhasa-Maizhokunggar shuttle bus
  • Hiring a car is more convenient

Explore Districts & Counties of Lhasa City