Yadong Town (Chomo)
In the middle of the southern Himalayas, near the borders of Sikkim and Bhutan, lies a quaint little town by the name of Yadong. This picturesque frontier town’s name literally means "rushing deep valley". But don't let the word valley fool you into thinking it is as low as some of the other towns mentioned. At over 3,000 meters (almost 10,000 feet) high, it is quite staggering for a glen.
The town is often shrouded in a magical mist, which helps to retain moisture in the area and keeps the foliage green and abundant. When visiting Yadong, be sure to bring your appetite and check out some of the famous local specialties. Yadong fish, right out of the local lakes and streams, is a popular choice. Homemade barley wine, another specialty, washes down the fish perfectly.
The main Buddhism sites of Yadong include the Donggar Monastery and the Garju Monastery. The Kangbu Hotsprings are fed naturally from boiling, bubbling water deep below the earth's surface. While in town, enjoy a dip in the medicinal baths and take a moment to relax during your Tibetan holiday.
The Nathu La, an important mountain pass in the Himalayas, is also located in the Yadong region. It directly connects the Sikkim, an Indian state, with Tibet. It was originally an offshoot of the Silk Road and an important trading post between India and China. Closed off from the 1960s, it was just recently reopened in 2006 after trade agreements from both countries were reached. In addition to commercial importance, the reopening of the site lessens the travel for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims making their way to important religious sites in both areas. Up here, as opposed to the Yandong valley, the weather is much colder and fauna is greatly reduced because of the high altitude and rocky terrain.
Not far from Yadong, towards the Bhutan border, is the town of Pagri (Pali). At over 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) it is one of the highest and coldest towns in the world. The town is built from traditional houses made of Tibetan stone and wood. Its natural resources and wild life make it a tourist favorite for those looking for destinations a little off the beaten path. Because of the threat of landslides, you might be best to visit Pagri in the non-rainy season.
Located so close to India, Yadong really personifies its frontier spirit by being a major trading command between the two countries. While not as bustling as Zhangmu, the city center is still important for commercial trade between the China and India. If you wish to stay over night in Yadong, there is a hotel, a guesthouse and various other smaller accommodations. While not yet complete, plans to extend the Qingzang railway from Lhasa to Yadong near the Nathu La Pass have been made by the Chinese Government.