Grassland Pearl · Holy Lake Hometown
Shannan City, Cuomei County—a secret realm on the southern Tibet plateau, boasting magnificent landscapes such as Zhegu Lake and Zhegu Grassland, as well as cultural heritage sites like Cuomei Dzong Ruins and Mowujue Monastery. A 3-day 2-night itinerary to experience the fusion of plateau ecology and humanity.
Zhegu Lake
Plateau Holy Lake
Zhegu Grassland
Important Pasture in Southern Tibet
4100m
Average Altitude
15,000
Population
Cuomei County Three Days Grassland & Lake Tour
Holy Lake Tour + Grassland Gallop + Ancient Temple Exploration, experience the charm of southern Tibet plateau
Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Zhegu Lake, Zhegu Grassland, Cuomei Dzong Ruins, Mowujue Monastery
Target Audience
Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, culture explorers, outdoor experience seekers
Per Capita Budget
¥700-¥1400
01
Holy Lake & Grassland
Natural Ecological Journey
Highlights
Full day natural scenery experience
Attractions
Zhegu Lake
A famous plateau lake in southern Tibet (altitude 4600m), with clear blue water and surrounding snow-capped mountains. It is an ideal place for bird watching and photography, and is rich in plateau schizothorax fish.
Zhegu Grassland
A vast grassland connected to Zhegu Lake (altitude 4580m), an important pastoral area in southern Tibet. In summer, the grass is lush and green, with herds of cattle and sheep, where you can experience nomadic life.
Zhegu Lake Viewing Platform
The best location to overlook the panoramic view of Zhegu Lake (altitude 4650m), where you can enjoy the magnificent landscape of lake, mountains, and grassland, making it an excellent spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- High altitude at the lake area, avoid strenuous exercise
- Large temperature difference between day and night on the grassland, prepare warm clothing
- Respect the lives of herders, do not enter tents without permission
- Fishing and littering in the lake are prohibited
Dining Recommendations
- Grassland Roast Lamb
- Yak Milk Tea
- Tsampa Balls
- Wind-dried Meat
02
History Exploration
Ancient Fortress & Ancient Temple
Highlights
Thousand-year-old historical ruins exploration
Attractions
Cuomei Dzong Ruins
An important castle ruin from the Tubo period (altitude 4200m), built in the 13th century. It was constructed against the mountain with a strategic location, and existing relics include city walls and fortresses, offering a panoramic view of Cuomei County.
Mowujue Monastery
An ancient Kagyu school monastery of Tibetan Buddhism (altitude 4300m), built in the 12th century. It is famous for its unique architectural style and precious religious relics, and ancient murals are preserved inside the temple.
Dangxu Village Ancient Village
A well-preserved traditional Tibetan village (altitude 4180m), with many century-old Tibetan residential houses where you can experience traditional Tibetan lifestyles.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Steep roads in the ruins area, wear anti-slip shoes
- Religious etiquette must be observed when entering temples
- Consent is required before photographing villagers
- Many dogs in the village, keep a safe distance
Special Experiences
- Ancient fortress hiking exploration
- Temple religious activity observation
- Tibetan residential house visit
- Traditional textile craft experience
03
Folk Ecology
Village & Nature
Highlights
Nomadic culture and ecological experience
Attractions
Dhamala Mountain Pass
An important mountain pass in Cuomei County (altitude 5000m), an excellent location for viewing snow-capped mountain peaks, with surrounding plateau meadows and rare wild animals.
Naixi Herder Settlement
A settlement point showcasing modern nomadic life (altitude 4300m), where you can experience herder life and participate in activities such as milking cows and making butter.
Cuomei County Folk Museum
A museum showcasing the history, culture, and folk customs of Cuomei County (altitude 4190m), with exhibits including nomadic cultural relics, traditional costumes, and production tools.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Dhamala Mountain Pass is windy and cold, prepare windproof and warm gear
- Remove shoes when entering a herder's home, respect the host's arrangements
- Photography is prohibited inside the museum
- Some road sections may have ice and snow, drive carefully
Special Experiences
- Plateau mountain pass stargazing
- Herder life experience
- Folk relic appreciation
- Grassland horse riding
Must-Try Foods in Cuomei County
Zhegu Grassland Whole Roast Lamb
A Cuomei specialty dish, using grassland-grazed sheep roasted in the traditional method. The outside is crispy and the inside tender, seasoned with Tibetan spices for a unique flavor.
Tibetan Yogurt Cake
A traditional pastry made with yak milk yogurt, with a soft texture and slightly sour taste, can be eaten with honey.
Zhegu Lake Fish Banquet
A series of dishes made with schizothorax fish, a specialty of Zhegu Lake. The meat is tender and nutritious, prepared in various ways such as steaming and braising.
Butter Milk Tea
A traditional drink made with butter, brick tea, and milk. It has a rich taste and can effectively ward off the plateau cold, making it a daily drink for local herders.
Cuomei County Travel Tips
Best Seasons
- May-Jun: Grassland turns green, flowers bloom, pleasant climate
- Sep-Oct: Clear autumn weather, azure lake, suitable for photography
- Jul-Aug: Most beautiful season for grassland, but rainy season may affect road conditions
Travel Suggestions
- Day 1: Visit Zhegu Lake and Zhegu Grassland
- Day 2: Explore Cuomei Dzong Ruins and Mowujue Monastery
- Day 3: Experience herder life and plateau ecology
- Hiring a local guide is recommended to learn more about folk culture
Practical Information
- Average altitude in the county is high, prepare for altitude sickness in advance
- Strong UV radiation in grassland areas, prepare sun protection
- Mobile phone signal is weak in some areas, inform others of your itinerary in advance
- Respect local customs, especially when entering temples and herder homes
Transportation Guide
- Cuomei County is about 130km from Shannan city center, accessible by shuttle bus or chartered car
- Scenic spots within the county are scattered, chartered car tour is recommended
- Road conditions to Zhegu Lake are good, ordinary vehicles can pass
- Dhamala Mountain Pass may have snow in winter, four-wheel drive vehicle required