Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Accommodation is available (dorm beds ¥35, ddoubles ¥280), though it's quite simple
and somewhat overpriced. If you do stay there are some pleasant easy walks around the
nearby hills that offer superb views of Cho Oyu. The springs are 1km off the Friendship
Hwy and are signposted in English near kilometre marker 5206.
Nyalam
0892 / elev 3750m
Nyalam (Nièlāmù) is a one-street town with a fairly grim Chinese facade. It's about 30km
from the Nepali border, 152km from Tingri, and is a usual first overnight spot for 4WD
trips coming from Nepal. It's also a base for trekking in the southern Shishapangma re-
gion. Unless you are sleeping here (most people headed for Nepal will sleep in Zhāngmù)
your driver will probably bomb through the town, honking and scattering locals in your
wake.
There is a good (read: clean)
Internet Bar
(, wǎngbā per hr ¥10)
across from the Nyalam
Nga-Dhon Guesthouse.
One possible day hike from here takes you up the valley behind Nyalam to Dara-tso, a
holy lake from which glaciers of the Langtang and Jungal Himal, and maybe even
Shishapangma (the only mountain over 8000m planted squarely in Tibet), are visible on a
clear day.
Sights
Milarepa's Cave
BUDDHIST, TEMPLE
(admission ¥25)
The only cultural sight close to Nyalam is Milarepa's Cave. Most people can safely skip
the chapel without disappointment, though the views of the surrounding valley are pleas-
ant.
Milarepa was a famous Buddhist mystic and composer of songs who lived in the late
11th and early 12th centuries. During his time spent in long meditation in this cave he re-
nounced all luxuries and survived on a diet of local weeds (famously turning green as a
result).
