Two distinct points of interest lie in the wider region around Nimu: the water-powered mills in Tunda Village and Ri Tso Lake as a wintering area for birds. Tunda is associated with the traditional processing of cypress wood, while the lake is known for birds that spend the winter there.

Tunda Village: Mills and incense sticks

In Tunda Village, 260 water-powered mills stand along the Tongba River. The water drives wheels and crank-operated pestles, which grind cypress wood. This wood is used as the base material for Nyimo incense sticks. The process can be understood through three closely connected elements: water provides the power, the mechanism does the grinding, and the wood forms the basis for a specific product. For travelers interested in traditional crafts, the appeal lies not only in the number of mills, but also in the clear connection between river, technology, and material.

For those interested in culture, the appeal lies in the clear connection between the technology and its purpose: the mills grind not just any material, but cypress wood for Nyimo incense sticks. The figure of 260 also gives this craft a concrete scale. If you are especially interested in traditional production methods, the focus here is as much on the process as on the product made from the raw material.

Ri Tso Lake: A wintering area for birds

Ri Tso Lake has a different focus. The area is considered a wintering ground for birds, including black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese. The winter connection is central here. While Tunda Village is defined by a production process, the focus at the lake is on birds and their seasonal presence. If you would rather connect your stay with a nature theme, this regional attraction offers an alternative to the traditional crafts.

The distinction can help you decide how to plan your trip: Tunda Village is known for a specific craft process and a raw material; Ri Tso Lake, for a bird area associated with winter. If traditional production methods matter more to you, the mills may be a better fit; if seasonal nature is more important, the wintering area offers a different regional perspective. This lets you consciously choose the focus of your stay.

Access to Ri Tso Lake

An article from March 2015 describes the access road to Ri Tso Lake as including an approximately one-kilometer-long, level, unpaved section. According to that description, small private cars can drive along it. When planning, therefore, consider the approximate length, the unpaved surface, and the date of the vehicle information. Check current road conditions before setting out; the older description is for guidance and does not guarantee present-day conditions.

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