Simila Mountain in Gyangze County, Shigatse
Simila Mountain (斯米拉山), located in Gyangze County (江孜县) of Shigatse (日喀则), is a striking natural landmark. Situated near Manla Reservoir (满拉水库), it serves as a scenic stop for travelers on their way to Manla Reservoir and the Carola Glacier (卡诺拉冰川). The mountain is also known for its Simila Pass (斯米拉山口), which sits at an impressive 4,352 meters (14,278 feet) above sea level.
At this pass, many Tibetan vendors sell a variety of stone pendants, and if you have an eye for unique items, you may find some great treasures. The area is an essential transit point for travelers heading towards Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措), one of Tibet’s most famous sacred lakes.
Geography and Location
Location
Simila Mountain is located in Longma Township (龙马乡), Gyangze County, Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is along National Highway G349 (G349国道), also known as the China-Nepal Highway (中尼公路), or Provincial Highway 307 (307省道). The area is about 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level, nestled in the Himalayas (喜马拉雅山脉) and is a critical route to Yamdrok Lake.
Accessibility
Traveling to Simila Mountain is straightforward from Lhasa (拉萨) or Shigatse, following the G349 National Road or Provincial Highway 307. Along the journey, travelers can enjoy scenic views of the high-altitude plateau.
Scenic Features and Natural Beauty
A Viewpoint Overlooking Yamdrok Lake
Simila Mountain serves as one of the prime viewpoints for Yamdrok Lake, offering breathtaking panoramic views of this sacred body of water. The surrounding landscape features typical highland meadows and snow-capped peaks. On clear days, the vista is expansive, and the sight of the serene lake framed by the snow-capped mountains is simply mesmerizing.
Tibetan Cultural Legend
According to local Tibetan legend, Simila Mountain is tied to the creation of Yamdrok Lake. The story tells of a wealthy man whose servant, Dawa (达娃), saved a small goldfish at a spring. The fish turned into a beautiful girl and rewarded Dawa with a precious gift. However, when the wealthy man discovered this, he forced Dawa to lead him to the spring to find the treasure and the girl. When Dawa failed to do so, the wealthy man pushed him into the spring, and the girl emerged, transforming into a violent flood that engulfed the man. This flood is said to have formed the clear blue lake that now sits at the foot of Simila Mountain.
Practical Information for Visitors
Weather and Climate
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Average Temperature in September: 5°C ~ 19°C (41°F ~ 66°F)
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Important: The temperature difference between day and night can be significant, and visitors should prepare warm clothing that is also windproof.
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Altitude: Simila Mountain is located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Visitors should be aware of potential altitude sickness and take necessary precautions.
Free Admission
Currently, the Simila Mountain Scenic Area does not charge an entry fee, making it an easily accessible spot for travelers. It is generally open all day, but it’s advisable to check with local authorities for specific opening times.
Tourist Rating
Simila Mountain has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/5 from users on major travel platforms such as Ctrip (携程).
Things to Keep in Mind
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Strong UV Radiation: The plateau has high levels of ultraviolet radiation, so visitors should bring sunscreen and protective gear.
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Weather Conditions: Certain roads may close temporarily due to weather conditions, so it’s recommended to check road conditions in advance.
Simila Pass and Surrounding Attractions
Simila Pass
The Simila Pass (斯米拉山口), located at an elevation of 4,352 meters, is an important point on the route to Yamdrok Lake. The pass is often adorned with colorful Tibetan prayer flags (经幡) and offers a viewing platform where visitors can stop, take in the scenery, and take photographs.
Manla Reservoir
Near the pass, Manla Reservoir (满拉水库) is often referred to as Simila Lake (斯米拉湖) in Tibetan, meaning “The Gem of Heaven”. The lake is a peaceful and picturesque spot, contrasting with the surrounding rugged terrain.
The area is peaceful, with some vendors selling various stone trinkets along the roadside. Travelers often stop to buy souvenirs, though it’s advisable to be cautious when interacting with local sellers.
Additional Attractions Around Gyangze
Historical Sites
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Pala Manor (帕拉庄园): This historic estate was once the home of a chieftain from Bhutan. The manor is now a notable cultural site, though it may be closed during off-peak seasons.
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Zongshan Castle (宗山古堡): Perched on a hill, this castle offers panoramic views of Gyangze and is historically significant for its role in the Anglo-Tibetan War (抗英战争), which led to its naming as the “Hero City.”
