Lhasa is not only rich in cultural tourism resource, but also in natural tourist sights, such as mountains, lakes and rivers. Rivers in Lhasa attract tourists not just for their charming scenery. They are also perfect options for outdoor enthusiasts keen on drifting or boating. The best rafting time in Lhasa is from June to September. As a professional Tibet travel agency introducing thousands of foreigners to visit Tibet each year, we can provide admirable service and advanced drifting equipment for tourists, such as canoes, paddles, life jackets, helmets, drifting bags, cold-preventing clothing and shoes. Besides, we have an experienced team, including international guides, Tibetan guides, dedicated coaches and a professional rescue team trained in wilderness first aid and river rescue. At present, here are four main drifting/boating rivers with official permits in Lhasa for your option.

Picture of drifting in Kyichu river: Foreign visitors are having great fun and displaying their vitality,
boating along the Lhasa River.

1. Boating Along the Lhasa River/Kyichu River by Half a Day

Lhasa River, also called Kyichu River in Tibetan, originating from Nyainqentanglha Mountain on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is one of the five major tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo as well as the Mother River of Tibetans. It’s about ten minutes away from the Lhasa city by driving. Boating along the Lhasa River by canoe and raft is quite popular with foreign visitors, those for an expedition in special.

Boating distance: Approx. 70kms; 4 hours on the water;
Optimal season: April to October;
Class: Intermediate level with light water wave; good for older folks;

Itinerary  Depart Lhasa at 8:00am, drive approx. 20mins to put-in. The full morning is for rafting on the Kyichu River. This is a fantastic way to diversify your visit to Lhasa. You will have a chance to view spectacular scenery while rafting on the river and enjoy a picnic by the river. In the afternoon, drive back to your hotel in Lhasa city. The rest time is at your own leisure

2. Drifting Along Tolung Chu By Half a Day

The Tolung Chu, only one hour from Lhasa, is a fun place for whitewater drifting in Lhasa. For those only have a short time in Lhasa, drifting along this river is strongly recommended for it can be added into any itinerary including Lhasa.

Drifting distance: Approx. 20 kms; 3hrs on the water;

Optimal season: April to October;
Class: Intermediate level with light water wave;

Itinerary  Depart from Lhasa at around 9:00am and drive one hour to Tulong River for a whole day rafting. Tolung Chu is only 1 hour from Lhasa. It is a fun and perfect introduction to whitewater rafting in Tibet. The lower section is class 2/3 continuous and scenic. It is in the same valley as the Qinghai – Tibet highway and the train but the river is mostly out of site from the road. The upper section is full on class 4+ (5) in high water and fun class 4 boulder dodging in medium/low water. The normal put-in is just below the gnarly class V corner about 5km before Yangpachen. Most of this run is road side so you can scout on the drive up. In late afternoon, drive back to Lhasa.