The Niyang River · Gongbo’gyamda
A gentle day up the clear blue-green Niyang River to Gongbo’gyamda — easy, beautiful riding as the road eases toward Lhasa.
Plan the day
Nyingchi to Gongbo’gyamda — the road, food, lodging and gear for this stage.
Road & riding
A gentle, beautiful day up the clear Niyang River to Gongbo’gyamda (3,400 m) — easy gradients, prayer-flag bridges and turquoise water all the way.
Food & resupply
Roadside Tibetan and Sichuan eateries line the river; Gongbo’gyamda has shops for resupply.
Sleeping
Guesthouses and small hotels in Gongbo’gyamda — a relaxed riverside night before the last passes.
Gear & body
Mild valley days, cool nights: light layers and a warm jacket for the evening. Easy riding — enjoy the scenery.
Landmarks
Nyingchi (Bayi)
The day starts in Bayi, the green riverside heart of Nyingchi prefecture on the Niyang.
Niyang River
A clear blue-green river the road follows for two restful days.
Niyang River Scenic Belt
A famous riverside stretch where the milky-green Niyang braids past poplars beneath snow peaks.
Baiba
A small farming town strung along the Niyang, a natural place to refill and rest.
Bahe
A river-junction town where the road north peels off toward holy Basum Tso.
Basum Tso
A jewel-green holy lake with an island temple, in the mountains north of the road.
Xiuba Ancient Watchtowers
Stone watchtowers of the Gongbo people, over 1,600 years old, above the Niyang valley.
Gongbo’gyamda
A riverside town at about 3,360 m.
Taizhao Old Town
A faded caravan town on the old Tang–Tibet road, once the gateway of Gongbo.
Questions about this day
What is the Niyang River?
A clear blue-green river the road follows for two restful days toward Lhasa. Day 18 is a gentle ride up it from Nyingchi to Gongbo’gyamda at about 3,360 m.
Is day 18 an easy day?
Yes — one of the prettiest, easiest days on the route, a soft uphill along the river. After the giant passes, it’s a calm stretch to enjoy the scenery and let your stamina coast.
Where is the Niyang River valley?
In Nyingchi prefecture, the low, green, mild corner of Tibet. The road eases toward Lhasa here, following the clear blue-green water through warm valleys.
Ride your own 318
Cycling 318 turns the road to Lhasa into a daily, cozy ride. Check in at the landmarks, collect a postcard from each, and fill your 318 passport.
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