Snowy Sky Road · Source of Rivers
Nagqu City's Anduo County — an important node of the Yangtze River source and the Tanggula Mountain range, boasting magnificent landscapes such as Geladandong Snow Mountain and Cuona Lake. This 4-day 3-night itinerary explores the source of rivers, experiences grassland culture, and feels the unique natural and cultural charm of Anduo County.
Geladandong Snow Mountain
Source of the Yangtze River
Cuona Lake
Sacred Plateau Lake
Tanggula Mountain
Snowy Sky Road
43,000
Population
Anduo County Four Days Three Nights Snowy Plateau Sky Road Tour
Sacred lake exploration + Snow mountain tracing + Grassland galloping, feel the charm of the river source
Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Main Destinations
Cuona Lake, Geladandong Snow Mountain, Anduo Grassland, Tanggula Mountain Viewing Platform
Suitable For
Geography enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, cultural explorers
Per Capita Budget
¥1,800 - ¥2,800
01
First Encounter with the Sacred Lake
Lake and Mountain Scenery
Highlights
Full day lake ecological experience
Attractions
Cuona Lake
The most beautiful lake along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, at an altitude of 4,800 meters. It is the source lake of the Nujiang River and a sacred lake in the hearts of local Tibetan people, with rich aquatic resources and various migratory birds inhabiting its shores.
Cuona Lake Viewing Platform
The best vantage point to overlook the panoramic view of Cuona Lake, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lake and grassland complementing each other — a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Protect the lake ecosystem
- Respect local beliefs
- Prepare warm clothing
- Pay attention to sun protection
Food Recommendations
- Tibetan yogurt
- Air-dried beef
- Butter tea
- Highland barley cake
02
Tracing the Yangtze River
Snow Mountain Exploration
Highlights
Full day snow mountain and glacier experience
Attractions
Geladandong Snow Mountain
The main peak of the Tanggula Mountain range, with an altitude of 6,621 meters. It is the source of the Tuotuo River, the main stem of the Yangtze River, with majestic mountains covered in snow year-round and dozens of snow peaks over 6,000 meters surrounding it.
Tuotuo River Source
The true source of the Yangtze River, originating from the Jianggendiru Glacier of Geladandong Snow Mountain. The river water is clear and meanders across the grassland, serving as an important destination for tracing the source of rivers.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Acclimatize to altitude sickness in advance
- Professional guide recommended
- Carry oxygen canisters
- Do not enter undeveloped areas without authorization
Photography Suggestions
- Shoot snow mountains at sunrise
- Telephoto lens needed for glacier close-ups
- Wide-angle lens to capture snow mountain ranges
- Pay attention to light changes
03
Galloping on the Sky Road
Tanggula Mountain
Highlights
Full day plateau Sky Road experience
Attractions
Tanggula Mountain Viewing Platform
At an altitude of 5,231 meters, it is an important landmark of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Railway, offering views of the majestic Tanggula Mountain range and the grandeur of the "Snowy Sky Road".
Anduo Grassland
An important part of the northern Tibet grassland, with lush green grass and wildflowers in summer, it is a natural pasture for herdsmen and a place to experience traditional nomadic life.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Be mindful of altitude sickness
- Prepare vehicles for cold weather
- Respect pasture boundaries
- Observe traffic regulations
Special Experiences
- Grassland horseback riding
- Tibetan tent accommodation
- Herder family visit
- Grassland picnic
04
Cultural Heritage
Farewell to Anduo
Highlights
Half-day cultural experience and return journey
Attractions
Anduo County Folk Museum
Showcasing the folk culture, nomadic history, and natural geography of the Anduo region, it provides insight into the development and changes of Anduo through physical objects and photographs.
Anduo Specialty Market
A market selling specialty products from the Anduo region, including Tibetan carpets, yak jerky, and Tibetan medicine — a great place to buy souvenirs.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Plan shopping time reasonably
- Check product shelf life
- Keep shopping receipts
- Pack personal belongings properly
Must-Try Foods in Anduo County
Anduo Noodle Slices
A local noodle specialty of Anduo, handmade noodle slices served with yak beef broth and Tibetan spices, offering a chewy texture and delicious soup.
Hand-Pulled Mutton
A traditional pastoral dish, using high-quality yak mutton boiled in plain water and eaten with salt, the meat is tender and retains the original flavor of the mutton.
Butter Tea
A traditional Tibetan beverage made by churning butter, brick tea, and salt. It has the effect of warding off cold and refreshing the mind, making it an essential drink for plateau life.
Anduo County Travel Tips
Best Seasons
- May-October: Pleasant climate, open roads
- July-August: Grassland flower sea, beautiful scenery
- September-October: Crisp autumn air, high visibility
Itinerary Suggestions
- Day 1: Visit Cuona Lake
- Day 2: Explore Geladandong Snow Mountain
- Day 3: Gallop on Tanggula Mountain and Anduo Grassland
- Day 4: Experience Anduo folk culture
Important Notes
- Anduo's average altitude is over 4,800m, prevent altitude sickness in advance
- Large temperature difference between day and night, keep warm
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs
- Protect the plateau ecological environment, do not litter
Transportation Guide
- About 2.5 hours drive from Nagqu to Anduo
- Four-wheel drive vehicles required for remote scenic areas
- Some road sections may be closed in winter, check in advance
- Qinghai-Tibet Railway has Anduo Station, railway travel is an option