Motuo Travel Guide: A Hiker's Paradise in Tibet, Traversing Rainforests and Snow-Capped Mountains

Location Motuo County is located in the south of Nyingchi City, Tibet, in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It is the last county in China to have highway access (fully accessible in 2013). • Geographical features: 29°N latitude, average annual temperature of 16°C, known as the "Jiangnan of Tibet", with vertical climate zones (from tropical rainforest to alpine glaciers). • Key highlights: Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Nanga Parbat Peak (7,782m), Galongla Snow Mountain, Guoguotang Grand Bend, Menba/Lhoba culture. 📍 How to get there? 1. Plane + Car (fastest but expensive) • Nyingchi Mainling Airport (2,950m above sea level) → Taxi to Pai Town (approx. 1 hour) → Transfer to a scenic off-road vehicle to enter Motuo (approx. 4 hours). • Tip: There are few direct flights to Nyingchi Airport, so it is recommended to transfer from Lhasa. 2. Self-driving/Chartered Car (classic route, requires an off-road vehicle) • Lhasa → Nyingchi Bayi Town → Bomi → Galongla Tunnel → Motuo County • The whole journey is approx. 1,200 km, a 3-day drive, and you need to cross the Galongla Snow Mountain (4,200m above sea level), Tiger Mouth Waterfall, and Guoguotang Grand Bend. • Tips: The traffic season is from May to October, and the road is closed in winter; it is recommended to hire a local driver (approx. CNY 1,500/day). 3. Hiking into Motuo (exclusive to experienced hikers) • Classic route: Pai Town → Songlinkou → Duoxiongla Mountain → Lage → Hanmi → Beibeng Township → Motuo County (approx. 4 days and 3 nights). • Difficulty: Altitude drop of 3,000m, you need to deal with leech areas and landslides, and you need to prepare a satellite phone and guide. 🌄 Must-see attractions 1. Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon (world's deepest canyon) • How to play: Take a scenic sightseeing bus to Zhibai Village, hike to the Nanga Parbat viewing platform (2–3 hours), and you can see the full view of the sacred mountain when the clouds dissipate. • Best season: The autumn colors are stunning from October to November, and the peach blossoms are all over the mountains in pink from March to April. 2. Nanga Parbat Peak ("Shy Maiden Peak") • Best spots: Sejila Mountain Pass (4,728m, you can see the full view if you are lucky), Yarlung Tsangpo River Grand Bend viewing platform. 3. Galongla Snow Mountain Tunnel • Experience: Cross the snow mountain tunnel at an altitude of 4,200m to experience the sudden climate change from frigid to tropical (the temperature difference between the two ends of the tunnel can reach 20°C). 4. Menluo Ancient Village • Renqinbeng Temple: Lhoba Bon Temple, the wood carvings and murals are very ethnic. • Gelin Village: The location of the Chinese version of the "King of Trees" (cypress tree is 80m high), overlooking the Yarlung Tsangpo River. ⏳ Best time to travel • May–October: The end of the rainy season (after the end of September), the roads are clear, the autumn is crisp, and it is suitable for hiking and photography. • Avoid: ◦ November–April: The road is closed in winter, and the mountains are covered by heavy snow. Only Motuo County can be reached. ◦ June–August: Mudslides occur frequently, and the risk of hiking is extremely high. 🚶 Recommended hiking routes 1. Pai Town → Motuo Light Route (3 days and 2 nights) • Day 1: Pai Town → Songlinkou (2,800m) → Duoxiongla Mountain (4,200m) → Lage (2,600m) • Day 2: Lage → Hanmi (3,000m) → Tiger Mouth Waterfall → Ani Bridge • Day 3: Ani Bridge → Beibeng Township → Motuo County • Equipment: Windbreaker, trekking poles, waterproof backpack, altitude sickness medicine, glucose oral solution. 2. In-depth loop (5–7 days, guide required) • Route: Motuo → Renqinbeng Temple → Gelin Village → Galongla Snow Mountain → Duoxiongla River Valley → Return trip • Highlights: Visit Lhoba villages and photograph the original forest and snow-capped mountains in the same frame. 🏠 Accommodation and dining • Accommodation in the county: ◦ Motuo Hotel (standard room CNY 300–500/night, stable hot water, the only oxygen-supplied hotel). ◦ Youth Hostel/Homestay: Suitable for backpackers, average price CNY 100–200/night, but insufficient heating in winter.