Things To Do
in Chuqung

Roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea or yak butter — a staple energy food found at markets, households and offered at religious sites.

Must-Try!

Slow‑cooked yak or mutton with local herbs and barley — hearty and commonly served in guesthouses and local eateries.

Noodle soup (thukpa) and steamed or fried dumplings (momo) influenced by Tibetan and Himalayan cuisines; great comfort food at teahouses.

Salty, buttery tea made with yak butter and tea leaves; ubiquitous and often offered as a sign of welcome.

Weekly or daily market where locals sell dairy products, dried meat, tsampa, handmade crafts and seasonal vegetables — try fresh Tibetan cheese and fried dough snacks.

Small tea stalls near the main square serving butter tea, simple soups and momos — an excellent place to sample everyday food and observe local life.

Always remove hats and speak softly in monasteries, walk clockwise around prayer wheels and mani stones, and avoid touching religious objects without permission.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and pilgrims; avoid photographing private rituals or restricted interior spaces without consent.

Accepting tea or food offered by hosts is polite; small gifts like tea, sweets or practical items are appreciated when visiting families.

Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites and rural households; layers are practical due to temperature swings.

Tipping is not customary in small Tibetan towns; a small tip for excellent service at guesthouses or for guides is appreciated but not expected. Offer thanks, buy a small gift or leave a nominal cash amount if you feel compelled.

Cash (Chinese yuan) is king in remote areas; mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay may be less commonly accepted outside larger towns. ATMs are scarce — carry enough cash and exchange money in major gateway cities before arriving.

Slowly warming with wildflowers starting late spring; roads may still be rough early on and some high passes remain snowy. Good time for festivals and fewer tourists, but bring layers and expect sudden weather changes.

Warmest and most accessible season with green pastures, open trails and full markets; busiest time for visitors and the best window for outdoor activities. Mosquitoes and afternoon thunderstorms can occur — pack rain gear and insect repellent.

Clear skies, cooler temperatures and excellent visibility for photography; pastoral life is active as herders gather animals before winter, making it a culturally rich time to visit.

Cold and very quiet — many services reduce hours or close, and heavy snow can block roads. Only travel if well prepared for high‑altitude cold; strong chance of frost, icy roads and limited accommodation options.