Pomi

Pomi, which in Tibetan translates 'ancestors', is now an enchanting county in the northeastern region of Nyingchi. Not until 1928, it had taken pride in its blood lineage of the first king of Tibet - Nyatri Tsenpo, and occupied the southeastern Tibetan as an independent kingdom. The glorious history and picturesque scenery of the county enable it to frequently attract visitors to Nyingchi.

Pomi covers an area of about 15 thousand sq. km, and has a population of around 27 thousand. It is located in the junction of two great mountain ranges, Mt. Nyainqentanglha and the Himalayas. Two large rivers, the Palong Zangbo River and the Yiong Zangbo River, run through the county, merging into the Great Canyon of the Yarlung Tsangpo River .

Pomi is under the influence of the southwestern monsoons from the Indian Ocean, which gives it a pleasant subtropical climate. Its weather remains mild and wet throughout the year, conditions which account for nicknames such as the 'Switzerland of Tibet' and 'Jiangnan of the Snow Land' (Jiangnan generally refers to the regions that lay south of the lower reaches of Yangtze River).

Pomi boasts numerous natural scenic areas and cultural sights. Guxiang Scenic Area  is located in the western area of the county, and is a place where man and nature live together in harmony. Here you can find relics from the Galang Palace, enthralling lakes, old villages and a nature reserve. In the eastern area of the county is the Songzong Scenic Area with Songzong Town as its center. Here you can visit natural springs, mountains and hot springs. In the Yiong National Geopark , Yiong Tea Ecologic Tourist Area, and Kaqin Glacier, the largest oceanic glacier of China, as well as various geological remains are worth seeing. Additional attractions include the administrative centre of the county, Zhamu Town and Pomi Moraine Hills .

Pomi also has a number of cultural activities and folk festivals that should not be missed. The lively Gorchorm and Repa Dances  of Pomi are unique and have a deep rooted history. During the folk Horse Racing Festival (celebrated on Feb.15th of the Tibetan Calendar), prayer activities are held in temples and horseracing provides entertainment for locals and visitors.

Transportation
If you are traveling to Pomi from Bayi Town (the capital of Nyingchi), you can catch a jeep between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. in front of the guest house of the town's Food Bureau. Travelers from Chamdo  can take a regular coach, which leaves at 9:00 a.m. Monday thru Thursday. To get to Lhasa , you can catch one of the vehicles that pass by the guest house of the Food Bureau (mornings).

Accommodation
Economical guest houses are available in the Food Bureau and Bureau of Civil Affairs.

Communication
Cell phones can be used within the county, and internet cafes are located in the county's western areas.

Tip: Wear sunglasses to avoid snow blindness while climbing the snow-capped mountains.

Nyingchi Attractions