Litang

Litang-chode-gompa-c04-f - The monastery of Litang

Litang, also Lithang, formally known as Gaocheng Town (Mandarin Chinese: 高城镇), (Tibetan: ལི་ཐང།), is the county seat of Litang Couty, in western Sichuan Province, south-west China.

Litang Halal Explorer

Litang is a bustling little place with colorful street life thanks to the nomadic shepherds and Tibetan people coming here to sell and buy their products; it's also part of the ancient and historic Tibetan province of Kham. The town sits at the edge of wide grassland valley, surrounded by tall grassy hills populated by yak and nomadic herders, and has a population of about 50,000; it's one of the highest-located places in the world, at an elevation of 4000 m (13,123 ft). This topography offers expansive views from many places in town. Several Dalai Lamas where born here, and lived in the local monastery just outside the town, on a hillside. Its older parts are situated on the hill slopes to the east, while busy construction work is extending the place into the surrounding grassy plains. Many of the new buildings are being constructed in the traditional local style. The vast majority of the population is ethnically Tibetan and bi-lingual, but most signage is in Mandarin. The closest thing to big city amenities is Kangding, 8-9 hours to the east over several breathtaking and dangerous passes.

Travel to Litang

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Litang

As of May 2010, it is feasible to fly from Chengdu to Kangding. This takes only 35 minutes and will save you lots of time and energy.

By public bus

The Bus Station is at the eastern end of town, near the crossroads between Kangding- and Xiangcheng-bound roads. Buses arrive daily from Batang, Kangding (9 hours, ¥92), Xiangcheng (4 hours, ¥61, difficult to get tickets), and Daocheng (3 hours). The buses tend to arrive between 14:00-15:00. You should try buy your ticket in the morning before you travel as it can get quite busy. Don't be put off by the fact the 'ticket' looks like a scrap of paper.

Private or shared shuttle vanes can be hired in front of the station for ¥200 to Kangding. The price depends on how many other travelers are sharing the shuttle van with you. Minibuses can also be hired to Xinlong (4 hours) or Ganzi (7 hours).

Minibus is a far more comfortable option. The public bus has no suspension and is horrifically bumpy for 9 hours. As of March 2022 and the reconstruction of highway 318 (to Kanding/Batang) was largely complete with the exception of two segments where tunnel construction is underway and the first about 3 hours into the journey from Kangding (the Gao'er Monastery Mountain Tunnel), which results in a detour over a brutal winding hill road for about 75 minutes, and the second just before one arrives at Litang itself (once again, a detour over a brutal hill road, though this time only for about 15 minutes), while the previously bad road to Ganzi through Xinlong had recently been repaved and was mostly in very good condition.. The trip from Kangding to Litang now takes about 8 hours, including two stops (one 10 minutes bathroom stop, one 25 minutes lunch stop at the station in Yajiang). Be aware that the buses are packed with local residents carrying immense amounts of luggage so it pays to reach the bus station at Kangding promptly at 5:30 AM and to have your luggage stored in the luggage hold as soon as feasible; otherwise it will end up in the aisle on the bus with 20 other pieces of luggage, and passengers will step on it as they climb on and off the bus.

How to get around in Litang

You can easily visit the town on foot. Follow the main street to the market, complete with little baby yaks eating garbage and wild nomads on motorbikes.

What to see in Litang

• Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling Monastery (Lithang Gompa, Litangsi). The monastery is just on the northern edge of town and belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhists. In 1956 the monastery came under siege and them bombing from the PLA, following resistance to the attempt to impose communist rule and reforms in Kham. This was a critical turning point in the Tibetan uprising, when some Khampa decided as a result to begin guerrilla warfare. Other monasteries in the region may have similar histories- eg at Xiangcheng there a lot of ex-monastic rubble - but where they did not play such an important historical role as a specific site, this is harder to uncover. What you see is therefore substantially reconstructed, as much of the monastery was destroyed. Monasteries were also devastated by the Han during the cultural revolution. As usual, you are not allowed to take photographs of holy relics inside. The friendly monks will guide you through the main buildings, including some breathtaking views from the temple roofs. The monastery was founded in 1580 by the third Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso on the site of an older Bön-monastery. There are three main temples in the compound, of which one is currently under construction. The oldest seems to be the one on top of the hill, still featuring the wooden construction of the upper rim of the buildings. Inside, you can view several chambers and a bedroom in which the 7th Dalai Lama is said to have resided. Many more famous and influential personal figures were born here, including the 7th Dalai Lama, 10th Dalai Lama and the most influential Zebutsundaba Lama of Mogonia and the 7th Gyamuyang Lama and the 7th, 8th and 9th Pabalha living Buddha of Chamdo monastery and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Xianggen living Buddha.
• Jiage Shenshan Lamasery. A small temple around 18km out of town on the road to Daocheng. The lamasery is at the base of a holy cliff which it is feasible to walk up. The cliff is supposed to have naturally occurring images of Bodhisattva Guanyin in rock face. It is strewn with prayer flags and contains several caves and passages in which offerings are left.
• Chorten Karpo (Qudenggabu chorten, white stupa). A busy stupa on the west side of town. Worth a visit to join the local residents in turning the circuit of prayer wheels.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Litang

• Hike to the surrounding hills to get a view of the outstretched valley including a visit to the sacred "sky burial" grounds. You will find yourself among the remains of many departed making for a strange and unusual experience. Use utmost respect while visiting the grounds. They are marked by large prayer flags.

• Hot Springs - Some hotels can arrange tours to go there, or just hail a taxi, Or just hitch Hike There. There are indoor tile bathtubs where you can bathe in privacy. The baths are dingy and muddy and not much of a visual experience, but may be enjoyable for their therapeutic effect. You can also find some hot water in open streams however it's not very deep and not really suitable for a good soak.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Litang

• Typical Tibetan clothing and jewelery and accessories needed by the herdsmen frequenting the town are available in small shops downtown.
• Supermarkets on main-street sell food and toiletries, you can also buy bottles of organic juice and decent Chinese to make up your own nightlife.
• In the market you can buy sliced-and-dried apples and pears for a healthy Snacks.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Plenty of small Halal restaurants are to be found on the primary street, some with English menus.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Litang

Litang - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Litang, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Litang. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Litang and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Litang. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Litang. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLitang: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Litang.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Litang: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Litang, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Litang.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Litang, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Litang, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Litang and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Litang, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Litang, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Litang without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Litang is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Litang.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Litang is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Litang, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Litang Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Litang

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At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Litang ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

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If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Litang, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

During autumn and winter, most of the guesthouses or hotels don't have any heating system or it is limited to electric blankets, rooms will be very cold making the stay uncomfortable. The incessant barking of dogs at night will make sleep challenging. The altitude is very high in this town so a signifcant amount of people will experience some negative side effects as a result. Be forewarned!

• Peace Guesthouse Opened in 2009, this simple hostel has a helpful English-speaking owner called Longlife. It features clean dorm beds for ¥70 and twin rooms for ¥220 and is located 1 minutes from the bus station (take a right turn and then left; it's on the left past the Potala inn). Peace Guesthouse has a nice little cafe, hot showers, and internet services. Motorcycle rental is ¥220. Longlife and his friends Khedap and Lobsang are very friendly. They do tours of the local area which have good reviews from many travellers. Contact Longlife at jeegor@ or tel. +86 15283 605 821, 18283661882, 13778394687, or 0836-5322051.
• Potala Inn near the bus station offers dorm rooms (¥75) and superior Muslim friendly rooms with shared bathrooms on the second floor, and rooms with private bathrooms on the third floor. Some travelers have complained about the cleanliness of the shared bathrooms (with squat toilets), but the superior Muslim friendly rooms (with Western toilets and a shower right above the toilet) are clean, although a bit run-down. The hotel serves passable Chinese, Western, and Tibetan food. Shared computers are available, and free Wifi is available in the restaurant. There is one English-speaking staffer named Medok. A few guests have complained about being shortchanged by the management, especially when arranging tours. +86-836-532-2533 or +86-135-6867-7588.
• Crane Guesthouse (July 2022) is further down the road from the Potala inn (same side of the road). It is a popular hotel with foreign tourists, possibly because it is highlighted in some travel guides. But the sanitary conditions of the older part of the guesthouse (with shared facilities) are abysmal, with dirty bathrooms (squatting toilets that look like they have never been cleaned, old rickety taps did not always have running water and the 'sink' was just a broken-tiled worktop with a hole in it), old food left for days on stairways, and swarms of flies abounding. The dorm rooms have smears and all kinds of marks ALL over the walls, and lots of rubbish under the beds. The rooms in the new part with private bathrooms (squat toilet) are reasonably clean. The managers of the building, two Tibetan sisters, have been known to play loud dance music until 01:00 from their lobby. The staff is otherwise friendly and quite helpful.
• Peace & Happy Hotel Possibly the cheapest option in town. The rooms and toilet are grotty but the shower room is OK with hot water from 10:00 to 22:00. However the family are fairly friendly and one girl speaks some English. Double, twin and triple rooms at ¥25 per person in winter. On the main street, No. 345. 21 January 2022.
• Safe and Life Hotel (Gaocheng Luguan) is just opposite the bus station while the Batang Guesthouse (Ping'An Fandian) is across the street on your right hand side when leaving the bus station.
• Two buildings right from the bus station is another small hotel.
• As you follow the primary street to the left and there is the Jixiang Binguan hotel on the right side.
• Nomads Guesthouse (May 2022) is 5 minutes walking from the bus station. From there, walk to the left on the main street, and turn left the first street again. You'll see a blue sign in Chinese, follow it. It's a nice guesthouse, all the rooms are around a courtyard, with attached bathrooms, hot water, free wifi, and some have TV. The staff doesn't speak English, but they do the effort to understand you. Rooms are new and clean.
• Nomad Homestay (牧马人民居接待) Clean home stay with Tibetan family in traditional house not too far from the bus station in the historic part of the town. You will be welcomed by this friendly friendly family with Yak butter tea. Daughter speaks OK Chinese. Bathing facilities are not great but clean and there is hot water available. Definitely a great choice in Litang! ☎ 13508206651 / 08365322013. - 城西河路北二段 (which seems to be an extension of 長青路 (changqing rd.) and there is a clear "Nomad" sign next to the door. 10 minutes walk from bus station.

• Gaocheng Binguan, on the main street

Stay Safe

As with many towns in the area, Litang is quite dusty, so those who are sensitive to dust should exercise precaution. Locals often wear homemade cloth dust masks, and they are cheaply and easily available in town.

Because of the altitude, travelers should be alert for signs of altitude sickness.

Travel Next

Public Bus

The bus to Xiangcheng leaves from Kangding in the morning and arrives Litang between 14:00-15:00. It can be more affordable and quick to hire a minivan, Especially because the buses Do not always have a place to sit.

To	Approximate Price (Yuan)	Duration (Hours)	Comments	Last update
Xiangcheng	¥80	4-5	Comes from Kanding	March 2022 Private MiniBus You can hire a "shuttle van" - van , just outside of the bus station. you won't need to look hard and the drivers will come to you. Hotels can also help arrange a van for the next day. The price is for a full van- 7 places, so if you go with an empty van it will cost more for each person. Bargain hard! To Approximate Price (Yuan) Duration (Hours) Comments Last update Xiangcheng ¥600-600 4 Price is for a Minibus(7 Places) March 2022 Daocheng ¥700-400 3 Price is for a Minibus(7 Places) March 2022 Zhongdian(Shangri-La) ¥2000-1200 12 Via Xiangcheng, Price is for a Minibus(7 Places) March 2022 Xinlong ¥650 4.5 Good road, scenic, Price is for a Minibus(7 Places) August 2022 Ganzi ¥780 7 Via Xinlong, Price is for a Minibus(7 Places) August 2022 Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd. To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.