Gawalong Scenic Area: Encounter a 360° Snow-Capped Autumn Secret in Bomi

Just a half-hour drive from Bomi County, Gawalong is a free wonderland often overlooked by many. No border permit is needed here, yet it boasts autumn snow mountain scenery comparable to Medog, making it a hidden gem along the Zamei Highway. 🗺️ Highlights ▎ Snow Mountain Viewing 360° snow-capped mountains surround you: step out of the car and be embraced by multiple snow peaks Galongla Glacier: watch the glacier sparkle under the sunlight from afar Viewing Platform: quietly enjoy the snow mountains and forest from the second floor of the visitor center ▎ Autumn Corridor Zamei Highway section: red, yellow, and orange leaves intertwined with snow mountains Best time: late October to early November, when the colorful forest reaches its peak 📍 Practical Information Location: Beside Zamei Highway, Bomi County, 25 km from the county town Admission: Completely free Opening hours: Open all day Recommended duration: Half a day is enough (afternoon light is best) 🚗 Itinerary Half-day Highlights Tour 14:00 Depart from Bomi → 14:30 Arrive at Gawalong → Visit visitor center viewing platform → Exterior of Galong Temple → Hike towards the glacier → 18:00 Wait for the sunset golden mountain glow In-depth Experience Add a hike to Galongla Heavenly Lake (requires a full day, best in summer) 📸 Photography Guide Must-shoot spots Second floor of the visitor center: shoot snow mountains and forest through the glass window Distant view of Galong Temple: red walls and golden roof framed with snow mountains and forest Mountain road viewpoint: overlook the old road and distant mountains Best lighting 15:00-18:00: soft oblique light makes the snow mountains more three-dimensional Sunset: wait for golden sunlight to bathe the snow peaks 🌟 Seasonal Features Autumn (October-November) Colorful forests in full bloom, clear views of snow mountains Stable climate, ideal for photography Summer (July-August) Wildflowers bloom around Galongla Heavenly Lake Primroses cover the hillsides Winter (December-March) Magnificent snow scenes, but some roads may be closed 💡 Useful Tips Transportation Self-driving navigation to "Gawalong Scenic Area," road conditions are good No need to worry about Medog’s "double entry single exit" restrictions Gear Recommendations Non-slip hiking shoes: if exploring towards the glacier Warm jacket: high altitude with large temperature differences Camera filters: polarizing filters make snow mountains stand out more Special Reminders Galong Temple is currently under renovation and closed to visitors Monkeys may appear along the way, please do not feed them Parking is free, visitor center facilities are well-equipped When autumn colors dye the Zamei Highway When snow mountains glow golden under the sunset This free secret place Generously offers A gift to every traveler who visits