Saga: Your Restful Stop to Ngari
Tibet's landscape is all about big mountains—two of the biggest, the Gangdise Mountains and the Himalayas, run west to east. Between them, there's a narrow, flat river valley that's the only smooth path for cars. Guess where Saga sits? Right in the middle of this corridor. To the north, the Gangdise's steep peaks are impossible to drive over. To the south, the Himalayas are close to the border, with restricted roads. So if you want to get from Shigatse to Ngari, you have to follow this valley—and that means passing through Saga. It's like nature's own toll booth, but way more scenic!
Saga: The Crossroads of Western Tibet's Roads
Saga is where important roads meet. The big one is the G219 (the famous Xinzang Highway), which takes you straight to Ngari. But if you're craving more adventure, you can also turn off here to Gyirong Valley. Gyirong is a popular border town known for its lush forests and hot springs—total contrast to the high plains of Ngari.
Saga: Your Last "Big Stop" Before Ngari's Wilds
Shigatse to Ngari's main city (Shiquanhe) is over 1,000 km. Most of that road has tiny villages or nothing at all. Saga is the last proper county town where you can stock up, rest, and get ready. Forgot snacks or altitude meds? There are small supermarkets. Tired from a long road trip? You'll find everything from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels—plus restaurants serving hot Sichuan food or Tibetan tsampa. And at about 4,400m, Saga is a great spot to acclimate before hitting Ngari's even higher altitudes (some parts are over 5,000m!). Trust me, your body will thank you for the break.
Routes from Shigatse to Saga: EBC or No EBC?
Now, how do you get to Saga from Shigatse? Two great options, depending on your time:
The Everest Route (For Adventure Lovers): Take the G318 to Tingri, then head north to Everest Base Camp. Spend a night here to see Everest's sunrise. The next day, drive south back to Tingri and west to Saga. Total time: 2 days, but you get to check "see Mount Everest" off your bucket list. This route—a favorite of ours—unfolds with breathtaking vistas of giants like Shishapangma, while the turquoise waters of Peiku Tso await to dazzle you.
The Direct Route (For Time-Savers): Go straight west from Shigatse via Lazi County on the G219. This is 1 day of driving (about 7 to 8 hours) with smooth roads and fewer stops. It's perfect if you're eager to reach Ngari quickly, or if you've already seen Mount Everest.
Both routes are safe, but the Everest detour adds so much magic—I always recommend it if you have the time!
Conclusion
Our travel agency always prioritizes the safest and most well-established travel itineraries. What's more, we excel at curating trips that tie together all your must-see attractions—guaranteeing you'll leave with no regrets. So why not let us craft your perfect Tibet journey?
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35 Comment ON "Saga: Your Restful Stop to Ngari"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash