Visit Medog, The Hidden Lotus

 

They say mystical Sangri-La does not exist.  We beg to differ.  If you have the chance, we encourage to make the journey and make it to the beautiful Medog County, known as the Hidden Lotus, and also as Motuo to the Chinese. Medog means the Hidden Lotus in Tibetan. 

Medog, is a county in China situated in the Tibet Region.  It is the only county left with no main access highway in China's more than 2,100 counties. 

Why Visit Motuo?
For its breath taking beauty not significantly touched by human activity.   It is one of the most untouched large counties in China and all of Asia.  Medog County is in the southeastern tip of the Tibet Autonomous Region.  It is about 3,900 feet above sea level so will not be too difficult on the lungs to visit. It is much easier than trying to head to the taller Himalaya areas. 

Motuo has spectacular secluded glens and ravines.  It is has amazing river formations including several huge river bends the wraps around large stand alone cliffs, to the point where it looks like river goes around an island.  There are gorgeous panoramas and you get to enjoy it in a quiet setting.  Of course, Tibet has had some political turmoil in recent years so please excerise all precautions and check your government's travel advisement before planning any trip.

Medog is criss crossed by the Yarlung Tsanbo River as seen from a ridge in the photo below.  In fact the river is flowing south in a downward slope and is the last Chinese county before flowing into the Brahmaputra Plain in India.

Furthemore, there is a world class grand canyon landscape called the Yarlung Tsanbgo Grand Canyon stretching over 350 miles.  There is a distinctive horseshoe bend at Pangxin village that we spoke of earlier.

How to Get There?
Getting to Medog County is usually done by taking a flight to Nyingchi Milin Airport and then taking a tour bus or private car to the county. It does take several days by ground.  There are no rails there, the only county in China that does not have railways.  We meant it when we said it is really secluded!

Best Time To Travel?
June through November is usually the best time.  Winter and Spring are really cold with high unpredictable winds plus there will be tons of precipitation that will obstruct your views and make things muddy and wet.  The climate is subtropical and quite humid unless you reach the higher elevations of the county.  It is part of the Himalaya climate region.

Medong County is a real hidden gem and we highly recommend you trek your way there if you are seeking a secluded glen type region.  Happy trails!