Yungdrung Bon Holy Land · Plateau Hot Spring Town
Shigatse City, Nanmulin County—an important Yungdrung Bon inheritance site, boasting religious sanctuaries such as Rela Yungdrung Monastery and natural landscapes like Mangra Hot Spring. A 3-day 2-night itinerary to visit ancient Bon temples, experience plateau hot springs, and feel the unique religious culture.
Rela Yungdrung Monastery
Bon Important Monastery
Mangra Hot Spring
Plateau Natural Hot Spring
4100m
Average Altitude
80,000
Population
Nanmulin County Three Days Deep Culture and Nature Journey
Bon Pilgrimage + Hot Spring Experience + Grassland Stroll, feel the charm of the Post-Tibet secret land
Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Rela Yungdrung Monastery, Mangra Hot Spring, Xiangqu River Valley, Nanmulin Grassland
Target Audience
Culture explorers, religious researchers, nature lovers, photography fans
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥900
01
Bon Culture Exploration
Ancient Temple and Religion
Highlights
Full day religious and cultural experience
Attractions
Rela Yungdrung Monastery
An important Yungdrung Bon monastery, originally built in the 7th century AD. It serves as a key Bon inheritance center in the Post-Tibet region, housing a large collection of Bon cultural relics and scriptures.
Bon Culture Exhibition Hall
A special exhibition hall showcasing the history, culture, and art of Yungdrung Bon, comprehensively introducing the development and characteristics of Bon through cultural relics, pictures, and multimedia.
Kora Path
A path surrounding Rela Yungdrung Monastery for performing the Bon kora (circumambulation). Believers walk counterclockwise, which contrasts sharply with the clockwise direction of Tibetan Buddhism, reflecting Bon characteristics.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Respect Bon customs
- Walk counterclockwise for kora
- No photography inside the temple
- Prepare small change for offerings
Dining Recommendations
- Tibetan Sweet Tea
- Butter Tea
- Highland Barley Cake
- Yak Beef
- Tibetan Noodles
02
Hot Spring Wellness
Hot Spring and Nature
Highlights
Full day natural wellness experience
Attractions
Mangra Hot Spring
A plateau natural hot spring with suitable water temperature and rich minerals. It has excellent wellness benefits and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists to relax.
Hot Spring Resort
A resort facility built around the Mangra Hot Spring, providing hot spring baths, accommodation, and dining services. It is an ideal place to experience plateau hot spring culture.
Plateau Vegetation Viewing Area
A special plateau vegetation area around the hot spring, growing a variety of plants adapted to the plateau environment. It is a great place to understand the plateau ecosystem.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Do not soak in the hot spring for too long
- Keep warm to avoid catching a cold
- Stay hydrated
- Hypertensive patients should bathe with caution
Special Experiences
- Plateau hot spring bath
- Tibetan herbal bath experience
- Vegetation viewing
- Stargazing
03
Natural Scenery Appreciation
River Valley and Grassland
Highlights
Full day natural scenery experience
Attractions
Xiangqu River Valley
An important river canyon in Nanmulin County, featuring clear river water and beautiful scenery on both banks. It is an excellent location for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing plateau river valley views.
Nanmulin Grassland
A vast plateau grassland pasture. In summer, the grass is lush and green, with herds of cattle and sheep, making it an ideal place to experience nomadic culture and grassland scenery.
Viewing Platform
Located at a high point next to the Xiangqu River Valley, it offers a panoramic view of the entire river valley and grassland scenery. It is an excellent spot for photography and sightseeing.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Pay attention to sun and cold protection
- Carry enough drinking water
- Protect the grassland environment
- Respect the lives of herders
Special Experiences
- River valley hiking
- Grassland horse riding
- Herder family visit
- Landscape photography
Must-Try Foods in Nanmulin County
Butter Tea
A traditional Tibetan drink made with butter, brick tea, and salt. It is nutritious, provides energy needed on the plateau, and is an essential drink for guests.
Yak Yogurt
Yogurt made from yak milk, with a rich and mellow taste. It is nutritious and a characteristic dairy product of the plateau.
Highland Barley Cake
A baked cake made from highland barley flour, crispy and delicious. It is a traditional Tibetan staple food, best enjoyed with butter tea.
Wind-dried Yak Beef
A plateau specialty food, yak beef is naturally air-dried. The meat is tender and rich in protein, convenient for storage and carrying.
Nanmulin County Travel Tips
Best Seasons
- May-Sep: Mild climate, lush green grasslands, best for tourism
- Jul-Aug: Rainy season, but most beautiful scenery, pay attention to rain gear
- Winter: Best time for hot spring experience, but keep warm
Travel Suggestions
- Day 1: Visit Rela Yungdrung Monastery to understand Bon culture
- Day 2: Experience the Mangra Hot Spring wellness journey
- Day 3: Appreciate the scenery of Xiangqu River Valley and Grassland
- Taste local specialties like Yak Yogurt and Highland Barley Cake
Practical Information
- Bon kora direction is counterclockwise
- Hot spring bath duration should not exceed 20 minutes
- Respect local religious customs
- Pay attention to altitude sickness, rest appropriately
Transportation Guide
- Shigatse City to Nanmulin County is about 2 hours by car
- Attractions within the county are far apart, chartering a car is recommended
- Pay attention to plateau driving safety
- Plan your travel route in advance