Shannan Travel Weather and Climate in December
Shannan Weather and Climate in December
Average Minimum Temperature (℃): -11
Average Maximum Temperature (℃): 8
Average Precipitation/Rainfall (mm): 2
Despite the Shannan area in December is snowy and chilly, sunny weather comes almost every day, with blue sky and white cloudsthe bright sun make it feel a lot warmer than it really is. Actually, one can only feel extremely cold in the morning and evening during this time. There is still big temperature difference between morning and evening, and night temperature will drop to minus 20 degrees.
What to Wear for a December Shannan Travel
It is recommended to pack your stuffs in two bags – a bigger backpack and a smaller carry-on bag. The smaller one can be used for daily activities and be put into the large backpack when necessary. It is also important to bring the necessary medicine and sunscreens.Because of the special geography and climate, you have to wear properly to keep warm.
Things to see and do at Shannan in December
While many people think that winter in Tibet is not a good time to travel to the region, the plateau weather in December is more than suitable for tourists to travel in. Generally, the climate in Shannan is comfortable, and is suitable for travelling around during this time. It is a nice choice to visit the famous Samye Monastery and Chongye Valley when you travel to this region. For those tourists who are interested in Buddhist culture or history, you can pay a visit to Yumbulakang Palace and Samye Monastery. Besides, seeing view of Yarlung Tsangpo River is also a visual treat on your journey.
- Visit Yumbu Lhakhang Palace
Located 5 kilometers (3 miles) southeast of Nedong County, there is a building similar in shape to a blockhouse standing on top of a hill. That is the Yumbu Lhakhang Palace, the oldest palace on that high land built over two thousand years ago for the first Tsampo (king) of the Tubo tribe, although through extension, the palace gradually became a Buddhist monastery.
- Visit Trandruk Monastery
On the way back to Nedong, a visitor can stop to make a trip to the famous monastery, Trandruk Temple, which is at the south foot of the Gungbort Mountain about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of the county seat. The Pearl Thangka Painting preserved in the temple is a precious treasure.
- Visit Samye Monastery
Along the Yarlung Zangbo River from Tsedang Town of Nedong County to Dranang County, the Samye Monastery is situated on the north bank of the river. Visitors can take powerboat or sheepskin draft to cross the river. The monastery was first built in 762 combining buildings of Tibetan, Han and ancient Indian styles. In addition, it is the first temple complete with all the three treasures of Buddhism: hierarchy, doctrine and monk, regarded as the headstream of Tibetan Buddhism.
Useful Travel Tips for your Shannan Travel in December
- Thought the average altitude of Shannan is about 3,700m (12,139ft), really low compared with some other regions in Tibet. While visiting the landmarks like Yumbulakang Palace, Samye Monastery and Trandruk Monastery, tourists seldom get a serious High Altitude Sickness. If you want to drive to Yamdrok Lake, you need to pass Kambala Pass with a high altitude of 5,030 meters. Remember to drink more water, keep warm and avoid strong activities. Besides, prepare oxygen supply for emergency use.
- What you can’t forget is to bring your passport, Chinese Visa and all needed permits, without them you are unable to have a Tibet tour. Traveling to Shannan or other areas in Tibet, Tibet Travel Permit is a must. It is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau only and can be applied by travel agencies on behalf of you only. It must be obtained before you getting to Tibet, because you are not permitted to board your flight or train without it. Besides, Aliens’ Travel Permit is necessary to Shannan Prefecture. It is applied after you entering Tibet. Your tour guide will apply it with your Tibet Travel Permit and passport. In some places of Shannan, you need a Border Pass as well.
