Travel Tips for Your Road Journey within Tibet

Once you leave Lhasa, be prepared for an average daily drive of over a hundred kilometers, and the longest time you spend in the car each day may reach 8 to 9 hours.

Due to the terrain, the roads in Tibet cannot travel in a straight line like those in plain areas. Instead, drivers have to detour or follow river valleys and mountain passes, which often results in the actual driving distance being one or two times the straight-line distance. Plus, the thin air on the plateau leads to significant power loss in the engines of fuel vehicles, so it is necessary to reduce the speed to ensure safety.

The Long Driving Sections in a Tibet Tour You Need to Know before Departure

To explore a broader world, a long journey is indispensable. The following are some sections of road that are driven over 300 kilometers per day on average. The long ride won't be covered in one go. Along the way, there will be some scenic spots to stop and visit as embellishments.

Lhasa to Shigatse

It takes about 8 hours to drive from Lhasa, the largest city in Tibet, to Shigatse, the second largest city, covering approximately 360 kilometers. This route takes a bit of a detour to allow you to see the most beautiful side of Yamdrok Lake and visit the Karola Glacier, but it's well worth it.

Shigatse to EBC

Although EBC is located in Shigatse, the driving distance from the city center of Shigatse exceeds 300 kilometers. On the day, you will first arrive at Tingri County along the way after leaving Shigatse, . The Tingri Viewing Point is the first time you can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest today. Then head to the Gawula Pass. From here, you can see five 8,000-meter-high snow-capped mountains at the same time. This is the only viewing platform in the world where you can enjoy the view of five 8,000-meter-high snow-capped peaks simultaneously. Then, you will officially arrive at the Everest Base Camp around sunset.

EBC to Saga

Saga County is a key transfer and supply station for entering and leaving Ngari Prefecture. This 380-kilometer drive, which takes about 7 hours, will take you along the way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains, Pekutso Lake and Shishapangma peaks.

Saga to Tarchen

To reach the starting point of the Mount Kailash trekking trail, the small town of Tarchen, you will travel the one of the longest section, spanning 490 kilometers and taking about 7 hours to make it.

Shigatse to Bange

Bange is located in Nagqu City and serves as the gateway to northern Tibet. On the day, you will traverse the vast and boundless Qiangtang Grassland from Shigatse to Bange, the total distance covered in one day will reach an astonishing 550 kilometers, taking about 9 hours. On the way, you will stop at a hot spring spot where you can soak your feet and relax. In Tibet, hot spring is said to have a healing effect. You will also make a stop nearby Seling Tso, the largest lake in Tibet, where you have a great chance to see rare animals.

Bange to Damxung

On your way from Bange to Damxung, you will pass by Pekutso Lake and stop at the Holy Elephant Gate on the northern shore of Namtso Lake to enjoy this unique lakeside scenery. Finally, you will arrive in Damxung County and found a good place to rest. The whole day covers330 kilometers and takes about 6 hours.

How to Deal with Altitude Sickness during a Long Car Ride

Before the ride, you'd better choose easily digestible high-carbohydrate foods such as porridge, noodles, and bread, and avoid greasy and overeating. Take your thermos, fill it with some warm water and drink some from time to time to stay hydrated. When feeling unwell, use a portable oxygen cylinder for low-flow oxygen inhalation. Take precautions against catching a cold, especially by keeping your shoulders, neck and abdomen warm. A cold will sharply increase the risk of altitude sickness. To cope with long-distance travel, prepare the necessary medicines and supplies before taking a vehicle. Carry glucose oral liquid and chocolate to help raise blood sugar quickly. Carry a thermos and prepare some warm water. It is advised to take a U-shaped pillow for easy rest.

Conclusion

The long drive is also part of the travel experience. Thus, you know how much effort it takes for this place to develop and how much effort it takes for its culture to be conveyed.