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Shishapangma Base Camp
Located at a distance of just five kilometers from the Nepalese border, Shishapangma is the 14th highest peak in the world and the only peak over 8000 meters that falls entirely within the annexed Chinese boundaries. Yet, very few have heard about this peak because it has always remained ‘off the limits of the foreigners’. But the five-day trip to the base camp is picturesque and relatively easy compared to the peak’s slightly taller brothers. The base camp is about 120 km from the town of Old Tingri and about 45 km from the lake of Peiku Tso.
Abujee
Abujee is truly a wanderer’s find. Devoid of any touristy traps, ‘Abujee’ is the name given to the mountainous region of Tibet’s northwestern Yunnan. Translated, the name stands for ‘delight’ and ‘wonder.’ Trekking across the hills of Abujee, you’ll come across the Yunnanese tea cultivators selling Pu’er tea (fermented tea specific to the region) and will also witness beautiful clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, and abundant forests. The part is also home to the nomadic Yi and Naxi ethnic minorities, who are known to be very hospitable towards visitors.
The Nine Holy Lakes of Tibet
Namtso, Basum Co, Serling Tso, Yardrok Yutso, Lhamoi Lhatso, Mapam Yumco, La-nga Tso, Tangra Yumco, and Pangong Tso are all lakes that are sacred to the Buddhist, Hindu, and Bon cultures. With a unique story behind every lake, most of these natural beauties are sights to behold, especially the Serling Sp, Yardrok Yutso, La-nga Tso, and the Pangong Tso, whose western part falls within Kashmir.
Khyunglung and Gurugyam Monastery
If you’re a history buff, then these ancient caves that researchers believe to be a part of the ancient Kingdom of Zhangzhung are the treasure trove you’re looking for while in Tibet. Located about a hundred kilometers from Darchen is the starting point of the Mount Kailash treks. These ruins can be either clubbed within the Mount Kailash itinerary or can be combined with the nearby Guge Kingdom. The ruins of another ancient and mysterious kingdom in Western Tibet that is well frequented by tourists.
Midui Glacier
Midui Glacier makes it to this primarily because it falls under the disputed territory between Indian and China. Therefore the Chinese Government seldom allows foreigners to visit this low altitude and yet stunning piece of geography that is about 800 km from Lhasa. The road journey across the Kongpo Region resembles a grand landscape in oil, and unfortunately, only Chinese tourists are given free access to this place.
Honorable mentions:
The lakes of Zhari Nam Tso Lake, Rawok and Ngan, a drive through the Northern Route that connects Ngari prefecture (western Tibet) with Nagchu (north-central Tibet), The Cho Oyu Base Camp (6th highest peak in the world) and the Shelkar Monastery and Fortress are also some really worthy and offbeat travel destinations in Tibet.
Come to think of it; the entire region is an offbeat one! Also, remember that the Government of China does not allow foreigners to enter Tibet on their own. You need to compulsorily hire the services of a travel guide without which you will not be granted a tourist visa to travel off the beaten path in Tibet. Bon Voyage!
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