Zhaguxi Valley in Markam County, Chamdo

Chinese Name: 扎古西峡谷
English Name: Zhaguxi Valley in Markam County, Chamdo
Location: Located in Markam County, Chamdo Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: All Day

About Zhaguxi Valley

Zhaguxi Valley(扎古西峡谷)is one of the most important scenic spots in Yanjing(盐井)of Markam County(芒康县), Chamdo Prefecture(昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region. The mountain cliffs are on both sides of the valley facing each other, which is only about 100 meters wide. In the valley cliff, there are caves everywhere. Legend has it that is the place where monks and living Buddha practice. In the naturally formed monastery on the cliff of the valley, there are the statue of Songtsen Gampo(松赞干布) and his two concubines. They are all the nature’s creations; let a person full of praise. The cliff walls on both sides of the canyon are also carved with large numbers of texts and images of Buddha. Not only that, there are moving legends in the valley, you deserve to go.

Attraction Transportation

The Sichuan-Tibet National Highway 318 and Yunnan-Tibet National Highway 214 converge in Mangkam County, and there are many stops on long-distance coach routes at both Mangkam and Yanjing. Transportation to the area is convenient but it’s a long journey, and a bumpy road. Hitchhiking is common in Tibet, but at a negotiated price. It is possible, but rare, to rent a car for around RMB 2.5 to 5 per km. There are about two flights to Bangda from Chengdu and Lhasa every week, depending on the (changeable) weather.

Attraction Travel Tips

  1. Traveling Hours: 3 hours
  2. Traveling Seasons: May to October.
  3. High Altitude Sickness Avoiding: Better take some medicines for relief and keep warm all the time.
  4. As there is a large temperature gap between daytime and night, it is highly recommended to take along some pieces of thermal clothing, hat, and gloves and so on.
  5. Please try your best to respect the religious belief and local customs.