Why choose Laigu Glacier as a must-see winter destination? I can’t believe this is Tibet! It’s as stunning as Iceland’s blue ice! No need to go to Iceland, Laigu Glacier is already incredibly beautiful! Seeing the blue ice with the naked eye is far more stunning than in photos. No filters needed; the glacier is so crystal clear and absolutely stunning. Touching the glacier up close makes it look like an alien planet.

Laigu Glacier: Tibet’s Hidden Blue-Ice Wonder

Few places on Earth combine high-altitude drama, brilliant blue ice, and authentic Tibetan village life in one sweep like Laigu Glacier. Nestled beside Ranwu Lake in Baxoi County, Chamdo (Changdu) Prefecture, Laigu is a complex of marine-influenced glaciers whose towering ice tongues and turquoise meltwater create scenes that rival Iceland’s famous ice caves — but with a distinct Tibetan highland flair.

This 12-day itinerary, developed for international travelers by China Dragon Travel, blends glacier viewing, lake photography, cultural visits, and responsible eco-practices. The route prioritizes safety, altitude acclimatization, and community engagement so you can enjoy Laigu’s luminous blue ice while supporting local conservation efforts.

Why Laigu Glacier Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List

Laigu isn’t just one glacier — it’s a glacier system. Comprised of several named ice tongues and tributary glaciers, it feeds into the headwaters of the Parlung Tsangpo (Parlung River) and directly influences Ranwu Lake’s unique colors. The glacier’s compacted, bubble-free ice scatters sunlight in a way that emphasizes the deep-blue spectrum. Up close, the ice faces, moulins, and crevasses form an otherworldly landscape framed by snow-capped peaks and the traditional Tibetan settlement of Laigu village.

Visitors often compare Laigu’s blue ice to famous glacial regions, but the high-altitude sunlight, the contrast with pine forests and yak-grazed meadows, and the presence of an active Tibetan community make Laigu a singular, unforgettable destination.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Location: Laigu (Laigu Village), Ranwu Town, Baxoi (Basu) County, Chamdo Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region.
• Composition: A system of glaciers including the Yalong (Ayalong / Yalong) Glacier, Meixi Glacier, Ruojiao Glacier, Xiongjia, Niuma, and others.
• Altitude: Laigu Village sits around 4,200 meters (13,780 ft).
• Best viewing season: December to February for the most intense blue-ice appearance; summer months may reveal dramatic icefalls and floating icebergs on the lake.
• Access: Road access via the 318 National Highway (Sichuan–Tibet Highway) and regional routes; often combined with an extended Lhasa–Nyingchi–Bomi–Ranwu circuit.

How to Get to Laigu Glacier

Most multi-day tours begin from Lhasa. The typical overland route follows the southern/trans-Himalayan corridor: Lhasa → Namtso/Yamdrok areas → Nyingchi and Bomi → Ranwu/Lake area → Laigu. Road improvements have greatly shortened travel time while preserving the spectacular mountain scenery. China Dragon Travel handles all logistics, permits, and local registration required for international visitors.

12-Day Laigu Glacier Sample Itinerary

Price reference: CNY 9,980 per person (sample rate; final price varies by season, group size, and accommodation class). China Dragon Travel customizes each tour to client preferences.

Day 1 — Arrival in Lhasa
Pick up at airport or train station. Transfer to a comfortable hotel with oxygen support for rest and gradual acclimatization.

Day 2 — Lhasa to Basongcuo → Travel toward Nyingchi
Drive through scenic valleys; short walks and photo stops along the way. Overnight in the Nyingchi area.

Day 3 — Nyingchi → Lulang Forest → Ranwu Lake → Bomi
Pass through the picturesque Lulang pine forests. Arrive at Ranwu Lake in the afternoon with distant views of Laigu’s ice tongues.

Day 4 — Laigu Glacier & Yalong Glacier exploration → Lulang
Spend the day at Laigu and Yalong (Ayalong) Glacier viewpoints. Short guided walks to secure viewing platforms; photo time at the frozen lake edge in winter or iceberg-edge in summer. Overnight in Lulang or nearby.

Day 5 — Lulang → Kading Valley → Return to Lhasa
Visit waterfalls and gorge viewpoints, then travel back toward central Tibet.

Day 6 — Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Cultural and spiritual day in Lhasa to rest and explore the city’s highlights.

Day 7 — Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Gamba La Pass → Shigatse
Scenic drive with lake photography opportunities. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 8 — Shigatse → Tingri → Jiazhuo La Pass → Mount Everest Base Camp approach
High-mountain day en route to the Everest region. Overnight in local village homestay near the route.

Day 9 — Everest View & Return to Shigatse via Karu and passes
Early sunrise options and gradual return to Shigatse.

Day 10 — Shigatse → Tashilhunpo Monastery → Return to Lhasa
Cultural visits then back to the capital.

Day 11 —Lhasa → Namtso Lake → Northern Tibet Grassland — Lhasa
A scenic lake/grasslands day for reflection and wildlife spotting. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 12 — Transfer to airport / train station — Depart
Trip concludes. China Dragon Travel assists with departure logistics and any last-minute needs.

Note: This itinerary is limited to winter trips in Tibet. Please contact us for more information on the Tibet Blue Ice Tour.

Photography & Field Tips

• Camera battery care: Cold drains batteries quickly — keep spares in inner pockets.
• Lens choices: A wide-angle for landscapes and a mid-to-tele for glacier detail will cover most scenarios.
• Polarizing filter: Helps manage reflections on the ice and water surfaces.

What to Pack When Visiting Laigu Glacier in Winter

• Passport, permits, and travel insurance documents
• High-altitude medication (consult your physician)
• Layered clothing, insulated jacket, waterproof outer layer
• Sturdy boots, wool socks, and microspikes/ice grips if you plan short ice approaches
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen
• Portable charger and extra camera batteries

How to Book Tibet Blue Ice – Laigu Glacier tour

China Dragon Travel specializes in high-altitude, cultural travel in Tibet. We handle all permits, local registrations, professional drivers, bilingual guides, oxygen support, and emergency planning. Our tours prioritize conservation, community benefit, and authentic experiences. Contact China Dragon Travel for a tailored quote, seasonal availability, and optional add-ons like professional photographers or scientific-education components.

Laigu Glacier is a spectacular reminder of the planet’s dynamic systems and the delicate balance of mountain environments. Visit with curiosity, but also with care. When you travel with China Dragon Travel, you’re choosing a partner that values safety, sustainability, and meaningful engagement with Tibetan culture and landscapes.