Nagchu, the northern Tibetan pearl by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Nagchu which means “black river” in Tibetan language refers to a prefecture in northern Tibet or a town within the prefecture. The Nagchu town located at an elevation of around 4,500 metres and by located by the well-known Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the administrative center of this prefecture.

The Nagchu known as “a pearl in northern Tibet” is famous for its unique landscape, the vast Qiangtang Grassland, the holy lakes Namtso, Tangra Yumco and over 1,000 other lakes like jadeite scattered on the grassland of the plateau. There are also many hot springs and geothermal spots at this region.

Located at a high altitude, the Nagchu has a harsh, alpine climate, with long, very cold and dry winters, and short, cool summers. But it is the paradise for many species of alpine wildlife and vegetation. On the grassland, it is easy to see wild yaks, Tibetan antelope, and Tibetan wild donkeys even you are on the train to Tibet.

The Qiangtang Grassland is one of the five biggest pastures in China. The Grassland is surrounded by the Kulun, Tanggula, Kangdese and Nyainquetanglha mountains and covers an area of 600,000 square kilometres which is about half of Tibet’s total area.

The Nagchu is also rich in unique culture and customs. Local people there have created colorful religious legends for the mountains, lakes and rivers, which have retained their unspoiled natural appearance. The annual Nagchu Horse Racing Festival held on the grassland attracts thousands of travelers each year. During the one-week horse racing festival, various activities are held such as horsemanship, tugs of war, carrying rocks, archery, yak racing and Tibetan dances. The most attractive part is the festival attire worn by herders, especially girls and middle-aged women. At festivals, most of the girls and middle-aged women wear gorgeous and expensive Tibetan gowns and hang a lot of tinkling trinkets with them, which forms a beautiful scene on the green grassland.

Now, the 2013 Nagchu Horse Racing Festival is approaching and will be held in the coming August. It is time to book Tibet train tickets if you want to enjoy a tour to the grassland during the festival. Tibettravel Org, as a top Tibet travel agency, can help you book the train tickets as well as arrange the tour for you.