Milin
Situated in eastern Tibet, Milin County sits high between Mount Nyanqentanglha and Mount Himalayan. With an average altitude of 3,700 meters (12,100 feet), the valley is known for its unique landforms and graceful, natural scenery. The Niyang River peacefully winds through the region carving out rocky rifts and supplying water to lush meadows. Free from most industrialization practices, the pristine countryside has been left untouched for centuries. It is located around 70 kilometers (45 miles) south of Linzhi, right in the middle of the Yarlung Tsangpo River’s reaches.
The mysterious Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon can be found here. It stretches for hundreds of miles and makes for some of the best and most challenging hiking terrain around. Just slightly longer than the Grand Canyon, it is the longest canyon on earth. Towering peaks such as the Namjagbrawa Peak, the 15th highest in the world, are associated with local legends and folk tales. Various viewing platforms around Milin provide an unforgettable panorama of the area. The chances of seeing the full 7782 meter (25,500 feet) peak are better in the cooler months. Namjagbrawa is often shrouded in fog during the summer. The stark contrast of the snowy and glacier dotted mountains with the lush forests below give a rarely seen look into some of the most diverse and pristine areas in the world. Primitive wooded areas here are home to over 700 various types of plants such as pine trees, azaleas and ferns, as well as Tibetan natives like the Milin aspen and the Red Handle Willow. Additional, wildlife is abundant in the dense flora. This region is also widely known for its abundance in medicinal herbs. Just outside of the Nanyi Luoba Village is the 5,000 acre Qizhen Nyingchi Traditional Tibetan Medicine Farm. Utilizing the natural vegetation and supporting climate in the area, it cultivates large numbers of invaluable herbs used in Tibetan medicinal practices.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, Milin is also home to natural, medicinal hot springs and quite a few famous religious sites. The county’s native residents are the Lhoba people, a dwindling civilization that has inhabited the area for hundreds of years. They are the smallest of the 56 ethnic groups of China.
Because of its location and the vast amounts of water, Milin stays quite mild throughout the year. It is a popular spot during both summer and winter months. The easiest way to get to Milin is to travel by coach bus from nearby Nyingchi airport or Nyingchi town.