# Medog (墨脱)

Nyingchi, Tibet Autonomous Region · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/medog
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Time needed:** 6 days
- **Good for:** Hiking & Outdoors, Photography, Mountains & Adventure, Nature

## About Medog

In Tibetan, Medog means “the hidden lotus.” This was once the last place in China without a road. Local people still keep an almost primitive way of life, and the main section of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon lies hidden here.
Vine bridges and cable slides remain the main ways of getting around Medog and are its most distinctive features. The Dexing vine bridge, one of Medog's best-known, has spanned the Yarlung Zangbo River for over 300 years. As you walk across, the bridge sways sharply from side to side with your weight and the wind, a real test of nerve. Crossing by cable slide, you hurtle head-first towards the far bank with your back to the river; it takes considerable courage and good balance to get across safely.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. In late autumn, the mountain forests are rich in fruit and animals have plenty to eat, so there are far fewer snakes and leeches than in the rainy season.
- 2. Hiking routes around Medog cross large leech areas; salt is a useful tool against leeches.
- 3. A border permit is required to visit Medog; you can arrange it in advance.
- 4. Now that a road has reached Medog, it is easier to get there, but Medog will no longer be hidden.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 574. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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