Lhasa Valley
Located in the southern part of the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, the Lhasa Valley (拉萨河谷) is one of Tibet’s most picturesque regions. It is a stunning natural landscape, carved by the Lhasa River (拉萨河), which is also known as the Kyichu River (曲水河). The river flows through the valley, passing through the city of Lhasa (拉萨), the capital of Tibet.
As one of the major tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo River (雅鲁藏布江), which is the upper section of the Brahmaputra River, the Lhasa River follows a zigzag course as it makes its way downstream. It converges with the Yarlung Zangbo River near the town of Quxu (曲水), around 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Lake Yamdrok (羊卓雍湖).
Geography and Course of the Lhasa River
The Upper Reaches of the Lhasa River Valley
In its upper reaches, the Lhasa River Valley is narrow, shaped by the confluence of three main tributaries:
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Phak Chu (帕克河)
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Phongdohla Chu (风多拉河)
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Reting Tsangpo (热定藏布河)
These rivers combine to feed the Lhasa River, creating a narrow but powerful stream that winds its way through the valley.
Widening Valley and the City of Lhasa
As the river flows westward, the valley broadens significantly. One of the widest points is where the city of Lhasa is located. The Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains (念青唐古拉山) surround the area, providing a stunning backdrop to the city.
The valley itself is a rich marshland, home to a wide variety of birdlife, especially during the summer months when migratory birds flock to the plateau. The area is crucial for these birds, which travel south during the colder winter months.
The City of Lhasa
A Historic Capital
The Tibetan capital, Lhasa, lies in the heart of this valley. It was built over 1,300 years ago on land that was once part of a marshland area. The city’s development over the centuries has shaped it into a blend of natural beauty and Tibetan cultural heritage.
Surrounding Hills
The city of Lhasa is dominated by three natural hills:
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Marpori (玛坡山) – also known as Red Mountain
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Chakpori (查坡山) – also known as Iron Mountain
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Barmari (巴玛山) – also known as Rabbit Mountain
These hills, together with the river and surrounding landscapes, give the city its unique and striking appearance.
Ecological Importance of the Lhasa Valley
A Habitat for Birds and Wildlife
The marshy environment of the Lhasa Valley is home to an array of wildlife, particularly migratory birds. Many species of birds flock to this region during the summer months, attracted by the rich resources available in the valley. This ecological hotspot makes the Lhasa Valley an important region for biodiversity, particularly for birdwatching enthusiasts and conservationists.
The valley is a critical site for migratory species, which travel to this region to take advantage of the relatively mild conditions before migrating further south when the weather becomes colder.
