Kong Tang Lamu Mountain in Gyirong County, Shigatse
Kong Tang Lamu Mountain (孔唐拉姆山), also known as Kong Tang Ram Mountain (孔塘拉姆山), is an important geographical landmark located in Gyirong County (吉隆县), Shigatse (日喀则市), Tibet. Standing at an impressive altitude of 5,236 meters, it is situated along the G216 National Highway (G216国道), which is the primary route leading to the Gyirong Port (吉隆口岸), a major border crossing between Tibet and Nepal. This mountain offers breathtaking views and holds great cultural and historical significance.
Geographical Location and Elevation
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Elevation: 5,236 meters, making it the highest pass along the route into Gyirong Valley (吉隆沟).
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Location: Located in Gyirong County, it lies along the G216 National Highway, connecting Peku Co (佩枯措) and Gyirong Town (吉隆镇).
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The mountain forms a crucial passage for travelers heading to Gyirong Port and provides some of the most picturesque landscapes in Tibet.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Historical Background
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Kong Tang Lamu Mountain has long been a vital route for trade and pilgrimage. In ancient times, it served as one of the key passageways from Tubo (吐蕃) to India (天竺) and Nepal (尼婆罗), forming part of the Ancient Tibetan Trade Route (唐竺古道).
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The name “Kong Tang Lamu” in Tibetan means “Sacred Mountain Pass” (神圣的山口), reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the region in Tibetan Buddhism.
Cultural Significance
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The region is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, with numerous sacred sites and pilgrimage routes leading through the mountain. It has long been a revered location for the local Tibetan community.
Natural Scenery and Challenges
Natural Scenery
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From the mountain pass, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Xixiabangma (希夏邦马峰) and Mount Manaslu (玛纳斯鲁峰), both of which are over 8,000 meters tall.
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The Peku Co Lake (佩枯措) lies nearby, providing a serene and picturesque landscape that captivates visitors year-round.
Road Challenges
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The road over Kong Tang Lamu Mountain is winding and steep, with a dramatic elevation change of 2,436 meters from the pass down to Gyirong County Town (吉隆县城).
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The road is often more treacherous than the “72 turns of the Sky Road” (天路72拐), with narrow curves and steep inclines that require careful navigation.
Climate Risks
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The area is prone to heavy snowfall in winter, with snow depths reaching up to one meter. Travelers should be prepared for extreme weather conditions and potential altitude sickness due to the high elevation.
Transportation and Travel Tips
Getting There
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Travelers can access Kong Tang Lamu Mountain by self-driving along the G216 National Highway, which leads directly to Gyirong Valley after crossing the pass.
Border Requirements
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Visitors planning to cross into Gyirong Port (吉隆口岸) will need to apply for a border permit in advance to meet border regulations.
Tunnel Construction
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The Kong Tang Lamu Tunnel (孔塘拉隧道) is currently under construction at an elevation of 4,800 meters. Once completed, this tunnel will help mitigate the risks associated with crossing the mountain pass and improve travel safety.
Nearby Attractions
Gyirong Valley (吉隆沟)
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Known as the “Backyard of Mount Everest”, Gyirong Valley is famous for its lush vegetation and high oxygen levels. The elevation drops dramatically from 2,800 meters to 1,800 meters, providing a comfortable environment for visitors.
Nai Village (乃村)
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A picturesque mountain-top village located near the summit of the pass, offering stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Chagar Dasso Monastery (查嘎尔达索寺)
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Located about 40 kilometers from Gyirong County Town, Chagar Dasso Monastery is a significant Kagyu (噶举派) Buddhist site. The monastery sits on the cliffs overlooking the Gyirong Tsangpo River (吉隆藏布河) and is a revered pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The site is famous for being the place where Milarepa, the second patriarch of the Kagyu sect, meditated.
Exploring Gyirong: A Mystical and Beautiful Place
Gyirong (吉隆), often referred to as the “Comfortable Village” and “Happy Village” in Tibetan, has a deep spiritual connection. According to legend, Padmasambhava (莲花生大士), also known as Guru Rinpoche, passed through Gyirong Valley while entering Tibet from India. He was enchanted by the valley’s beautiful scenery and the milky white river running through it. Impressed by the natural beauty, he named the area “Gyirong”, which means “the place of happiness and comfort.”
Kong Tang Lamu Mountain: A Sacred Peak
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Kong Tang Lamu Mountain stands tall at 5,236 meters, and is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred site for the local Tibetans. Its towering peaks and serene landscapes make it a place of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection.
Chagar Dasso Monastery: A Holy Place of Meditation
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Situated on a mountain cliff, Chagar Dasso Monastery is one of the important religious sites in the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. With its stunning location and spiritual significance, it attracts numerous pilgrims and visitors seeking peace and enlightenment.
Majestic Road Views
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As travelers make their way along the mountain road to Chagar Dasso Monastery, they are greeted by spectacular views of jagged red cliffs and the white monastery buildings perched high on the cliffside. The road to the monastery winds along the mountain ridge, offering an awe-inspiring experience that feels both serene and exhilarating.
