As the longest road with high altitude in China for the time being, Sichuan-Tibet Highway was built from April, 1950 to December, 1954. It was called Kangzang road before. It starts from Chengdu of Sichuan to Lhasa of Tibet which is part of G318 (Shanghai to Zhangmu). Moreover, it was the toughest task in China to build the road since its terrain was quite complex. As a matter of fact, there was two routes which are Northern (2,293km) and Southern (2,149km) routes at Xinduqiao. It was called Sichuan Northern Road to Tibet Overland and Sichuan Southern Road to Tibet Overland. Since these two roads can approach to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, you can go either way if you are in Sichuan. Therefore, keep in touch with us if you are interested in the road trip from Chengdu to Tibet which may become one of your most unforgettable experiences.
Optimal Travel Time: May, June, September, October and November are the best months for driving. What’s more, if you are fine with rainfall, July and August can also be a choice.
Natural Landscape Features: As the most hazardous but most beautiful road route, Sichuan-Tibet highway is a wonderful place to touch the nature. It is known for its mountain peaks, mountain passes and deep gorges.
Culture In Mind: You can experience their culture and customs by making friends with local people and visiting local monasteries, temple and some villages. Those Khampa, nomad and Tibetan people will leave you a deep impression.
Tips: remember to be more careful and well-prepared if you go in the rainy season since landslip often occurs in this season. Besides, months from December to April are not suitable choices for driving because of the heavy snow.
Perhaps it is a bit difficult and long for you to travel along the Sichuan-Tibet routes. But you will be proud if you finish this great road trip. You can make it!
Starting from Chengdu of Sichuan on the east and ends at Lhasa of Tibet on the west, Sichuan- Tibet Highway was first called Kangding-Tibet Highway which is a part of No.318 National Trunk Highway. This way is 2,415 kilometers in length. The part of Tibet is 1,304 kilometers. And Sichuan-Tibet Highway north line was released to Lhasa on December 25, 1954.
After the release of Sichuan-Tibet Highway north line, the south section of Dongerluo-Zhubalong-Bamda was consequentially constructed, being accomplished section by section between 1954 and 1969. With its length of 1285 kilometers, the current Sichuan-Tibet Highway south line is the product of key reestablishment. Going over high mountains, lakes , valleys, primeval forest and numerous risky parts, Sichuan-Tibet Highway is surrounded by its beautiful scenery which is unique in its customs and practices.
The disparking of Sichuan-Tibet Highway has been of great importance in promoting economic development, keeping society stable and consolidating southwest defense and facilitating social and economic development in East Tibet. As a link between Tibet and southwestern provinces and regions, Sichuan-Tibet Highway is also the economic pulse of East Tibet. Whereas, Sichuan-Tibet Highway involves a variety of disasters because of its weakness in resisting disaster due to a series of complicated social, historical and natural factors.
The state sets about investing a great number of capital in maintaining, rectificating and reconstructing the Highway so that the throughout ability of Sichuan-Tibet Highway and communication conditions of East Tibet can be further improved during the period of "the Seventh Five-year Plan". Up until the present moment, 612 kilometers highway section of the Nyingchi-Lhasa section and county transit sections has been laid with bitumen pavement. No matter from the perspective of rush hours or traffic situation, both have been exceedingly improved.
As one of the two important routes of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, the northern route fittingly connects to the Tibetan areas of western Sichuan which is nearly 150km longer than that in the south.
Now, let’s take the road from Chengdu which is famous as the heaven of pandas.Thanks to the good road condition, you will arrive in Dujiangyan city in two hours. Here, you may see the well-known project Dujiangyan Dam, the great water storage project accomplished by Li Bing and his son in Qin Dynasty. It is world-renowned and is still available. It was listed as a world cultural heritage in 2000 due to its professional design, long history and beneficial usage.
Making a passing remark, you can also enjoy the beautiful landscape of Qingcheng Mountain after the journey in Dujiangyan Dam. It was well-known for its taoism and was certified as a world cultural heritage in the meantime.
After Dujiangyan, you are suggested to next attraction: Wolong National Nature Reserve. It is a conservative area sited in Wenchuan County and built up in 1963. Covering an area of about 2000,000 hectares in the Qionglai Mountains region, this preservation is renown for its Panda Research Center, a home for more than 150 giant pandas that are in imminent danger. Moreover, Wolong National Nature Reserve also houses many other kinds of endangered animals such as red pandas, golden monkeys, white-lipped deer and many precious plants. Therefore, lose no time to join us and have a look. In addition, it’s advised to have a look at Wenchuan Earthquake Museum if you happen to pass by. It’s essential for us to lament for the numerous lost of lives in the May 12th’s Earthquake in 2008.
Are you ready to move on after first few days’ relaxation? I believe the answer will be “yes”. The follow-up attraction will be Mt.Siguniang if you are close to Xiaojin. Visibly, Siguniang is the Chinese meaning of four beautiful girls since there are four graceful mountains that are similar to four charming girls. Respectively, these four mountains are in the height of 6,250 metres, 5,664 metres, 5,454 metres and 5,355 metres. Being endowed with a nice climate, the mountains are overgrown with a great diversity of plants.
Deviating from Xiaojin for 57km, Danba County then comes into view. It is a county under the supervision of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Known for the Danba Ancient Block Towers established by Qiang ethnic minority, Danba was referred as a kingdom of block towers. Manufactured by groups, those blocks also play a part in fighting and living. Moreover, it is clean-cut and solid.
Here, you can not only appreciate the magnificent view of block towers but also Jiaju Tibetan Villages, the village for the local Tibetan. It is a village with special Tibetan style and a variety of fairy tales. Hence it got its name of Tibetan Fairy World.
Maybe you are deeply impressed by the uniqueness of Danba County, you will be regretful if you stop moving on to next scenic spot-Bamei, 82km away from the Danba. Known as the birthplace of the 11th Dalai Lama, Huiyuan Monastery is an essential spot to go. Situated to the northeast of the town for 8km, it was accomplished by the seventh Dalai Lama. Isn’t it wonderful to take a while off in the monastery after a long and tiring day?
Go on for another 77 kilometers from Bamei, you may enjoy the sight of Daofu, where the 450-year–old Gelugpa-school Nyitso Monastery belongs to. Move on, the next destination is the town of Garze in the way to Luhuo. Located in a valley at 3400m, Garze is encircled with the Chola range, known as the sleeping giants. It is a place that you cast away all your worries and cares. You can take a view of Tibetan villages and monasteries among which Garze Monastery is the largest with over 500 monks. It is in the north of the town. Except for Garze Monastery, Den Monastery in the southern part of the town is also a famous spot. Although it is smaller in size, it’s older in age and it’s much more atmospheric. Moreover, the region’s best age-old shops and a lot of stores selling Tibetan small wares belong here.
You may come across Yulong La-tso on the way from Garze to Dege. It is a astonishing, heavenly alpine lake. On the back of the lake, there are 6,018m huge glaciers. And there is a possibility that one can walk on the left side of the lakeshore for one or two hours to enjoy the sight of glacier. What’s more, camping in many places is also available around the lake. You can also appreciate some beautiful Tibetan villages there.
Then, take a little while, you will arrive at Dege. For Kham, it’s the central place of culture while the Chinese impact grows obviously rapid here. The style of the old town and villages around the town are all Tibetan. A number of monasteries in the valleysouth of Dege are of historic importance.
During the 18th–century, the Bakong Scripture Printing Press and Monastery was situated in the center of Dege. The press stores up more than 217,000 carved blocks. These Tibetan scriptures are all put according to Tibetan Buddhist in sequence, including Bon. It’s stunning that 70% of Tibet’s literary heritage are made up by the collection. In those ancient works, details about astronomy, geography, music, medicine, and Buddhist classics are included. In the monastery, a number of handwork (more than 2500 prints) are made to order each day. It’s worthwhile to have a look when ink, paper and blocks fly over at a fast rate.
Ok, you are approaching Tibetan area if you go by Dege. It’s in a distance of 109km from Dege to Jomda. Get across the Jinsha river. Take a break in Jomda. And Wala Monastery is situated there. Go on. Then, Chamdo county will come into view. It is the governmental location of Chamdo Prefecture. With 10,700 square kilometers occupation of land, Chamdo county encompasses a population of 78,000. And 90% of them are Tibetan. And the average temperature there is 7.6 degrees centigrade. There is another monastery - Jampaling Monastery. It is renown as the most well-known and desirable attraction, also famous for its Changbalin or Qiangbalin Si Monastery. It accommodated five main temples and was home to about 2,500 monks. Pitifully, it became destruction in 1912 with the survival of main hall and two other buildings. The main hall was used as a prison. The monastery was reestablished in 1917 since the Tibetan army recaptured Chamdo. It is currently home to some 800 monks.
Now it's time to congratulate you because you have arrived in Tibet. You can touch the real Tibet. It's a long way from Chamdo to Lhasa, and part of the road is not good enough. However, I suggest you take your time and stop to enjoy the scenery. You will pass through Riwok County, Degen County and Baqing County in turn, and then you will come to Naqu Prefecture, the largest state in Tibet Autonomous Region. The state is divided into 11 counties. Naqu County is the capital of Naqu. At the junction of Daxiong County of Lhasa and Baiguo County of Naqu State, there is a must-see scenic spot, Namco Lake. The salt lake, 4.718 meters above sea level, is the largest lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region. In addition, Namco is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Niyan Kuntangerha Mountains.
Okay, the last destination is near. You are about to realize your dream. Maybe you're tired, too! Don't worry. There's a wonderful hot spring in Yangbai Town, 245 kilometers from Naqu. You can have a good bath there. Yangbajing Town is located in the northwest of Lhasa. It is about 87 kilometers, or 54 miles.Yangbajing hot Springs and power station are well known here. Yangbajing hot springs field is 4290-4500 meters above sea level, which are the highest hot springs set in China and even in the world. This power station is of great importance to the local people because it has been used to produce most of the electricity for the capital Lhasa. That is the reason why it is of great importance to local people.
In another 75 kilometers, we can reach Lhasa. As the political, economic and cultural center of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa is also the administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Lhasa is one of the tallest cities in the world. Many Tibetan Buddhist scenic spots with cultural significance, such as the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Norbulingka Palace, and other scenic spots are here. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to visit the Potala Palace. It was a gift from Princess Wencheng's bride in the Tang Dynasty and was first built by Songzan Ganbu, the Tibetan king.
If the Potala Palace is a major symbol of Tibet, another symbol of Tibet is Jokhang Temple in Barkhor Square. It is the most feared but most important temple of the Tibetan people. More importantly, the architectural style of the temple combines the design of Vihara in India, the design of Tang Dynasty in China and the design of Nepal. It was founded during the reign of King Songsten Gampo. It is said that Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty and Princess Bilikuti of Nepal brought important Buddhist statues of China and Nepal to Tibet. So it was built for these two princesses.
The next place to go is Norbulingka. It is a palace in Lhasa surrounded by parks. From the 1780s up until the 14th Dalai Lama in exile in 1959, it has been a traditional summer resort for successive Dalai Lamas. The Noblinka Palace is also regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The road conditions in Sichuan is fine, but it’s not the same in Tibet. Here, you will enjoy a variety of scenery, such as valleys, grasslands and mountains. What’s more, please contact us if you would like to travel to Tibet by road.
Now we begin our wonderful journey from Ya'an. The first stop is Ya'an. Ya'an is located in the western edge of Sichuan Basin and the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Ya'an's fish is a big feature here. The meat is delicious and is worth trying.
It won't take long to Kangding, the capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which is only 230 kilometers away from Ya'an. Kangding is an important trading town. For centuries, Chinese brick tea was transported by porters from Chengdu and other centers in exchange for Tibetan wool. Mashan and Lake Mujiko are famous scenic spots there. Riding Mountain is a beautiful and charming mountain in China. Mugecuo Lake, also known as the Primitive Sea, is one of the largest plateau lakes. The altitude is 2600-3780 meters. It consists of lakes, forests, hot springs, snow peaks and rocks and strange stones. What a beautiful place!
By the way, Hailuogou is not far from Kangding. It is famous for its low-altitude glaciers of 2850 meters. Here you can enjoy ice waterfalls, virgin forests and Kompa culture. Moreover, you can feel the scenery of different seasons in a day. Don't you think it's very interesting?
After Kangding's sightseeing, Xindu Bridge is waving to you. It is the north-south line of Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Tibetan villages are a unique landscape with an altitude of 3,300 meters. However, the natural scenery here is more beautiful. I believe you will admire this wonderful place. Don't forget to take more pictures as a souvenir.
If you have enough time after you finish your sightseeing at Xinduqiao, move on to Juli Temple. This is an old-fashioned monastery. The road conditions here may not be very good. But after passing the Yajiang River, you can go to Litang Town. Litang which is only 205 kilometers and has an elevation of more than 4000 meters, so it is common for passengers to feel the impact of altitude sickness. The town holds horse racing festivals from August 1 to 7 every year. This sport is famous here. When tens of thousands of local Kompas and their colorful Tibetan tents pour into town, you'll be glad you picked the right time to come here. Litang is also known as the birthplace of the seventh and tenth Dalai Lamas. There is space for hiking near Litang. What a wonderful experience!
Maoya grassland is located in the west of Litang, surrounded by a lot of mountains. I believe that the vast grasslands will make something different. What’s more, Maoya grassland and the spiritual mountains of Tibetan Buddhism are good places to go, which are worth recommending. The Genie mountains are composed of three main peaks at the altitudes of 6224 meters, 5807 meters and 5780 meters respectively. All this frightens the local people. In addition,, 36 kilometers away from Batang Road, there is a Pucuogou natural ecological reserve. You can see hundreds of hot springs in Batang, the largest group of hot springs in Sichuan which is known as the Chaluo geothermal area.
Finally, we are already in Tibet. Congratulations! Are you tired all the way down? Do you think the road is not very good? The wonderful journey is still a long one, so you should pay more attention. Okay, the next stop is Saokang County. Located in the south of Changdu County, Zuogang County has been a very important transportation hub since ancient times. The local population is mostly Tibetan. For Scenery, the natural scenery here is diverse. Geographically, the Lancang and Nujiang rivers run across Saokang County. It's also a wonder.
Keep going. The next destination is Bangda County. There you can see Bangda Prairie,. Herds of sheep and herbs roam there. In addition, the animal husbandry in Bangda County is also developed. In addition to animal husbandry, this grassland environment also produces many medicinal plants, such as cordyceps, fritillaria, rhodiola and so on. Bangda County is also a transportation hub. The famous Chamdo Bonda Airport is right there. It is the highest airport in the world, at an altitude of 4334 meters (14,219 feet).
Next, let's go to Ranwu Town in Nyingchi District. The whole journey is about 195 kilometers and the altitude is 3807 meters. Ranwu Town and the original Tibetan villages are neighbors. There is a big chorten and a small temple in the southeast of the village. The most famous scenic spot here is Ranwu Lake, located in the southwest of Barclays County, Changdu County. It includes three parts: blue water, white snow peak and green grassland. What a fascinating place!
After so long a journey, maybe you are a little tired. Here I suggest you to ease down and take a break. Taking it as a chance, you can relax yourself and feel the true Tibet. After that, we can set about next destination in Bomi county. It is one of the marketable grain base in Tibet which manufactures a number of fungus and tricholoma matsutake.
Besides, thanks to the climatic and terrain factors in this area, a lot of glaciers appear. Among them, Midui Glaciers is the most well-known. Regarded as "the world wonder of glaciers" by the geographer, the main peak is at an altitude of 6,800 meters. Moreover, it is now titled as one of the most beautiful glacier in China. So you will be ragrateful if you miss it. In addition, the MIdui glacier together with Midui village in the local Tibetan village is also of great recommendation.
What’s more, Duodong Temple is a good place to recommend if you are into Tibetan culture and religion. It is situated in southwest of Bomi county. If you still have the power to go, Gangxiang Nature Reserve (46000 hectare in all )is a good choice. It’s the place where you can appreciate a variety of rare animals and plants.
Moving on, you are about to get to Tongmai village. Here, you need to concentrate once more because of the complicated road condition. Moreover, there is a part of the road called natural barrier which requires extra attention. It is when you pass by Tongmai bridge that you enter into this part. The sandy road is narrow, the rocks are dangerous and the river is remote. We must walk slowly and carefully. I believe it will be an unforgettable experience for you. Now, I suggest you focus more on yourself and the vehicle. Maybe you will have a high reaction. Have a try and acclimatize yourself to it. Then you can also take enough break. And it’s important for you to have a careful check on your vehicles. Your transportation need to function well in resistance to the bumpy road.
Do you like snow peaks, virgin forest and countryside? Take some more steps! Next stop is Lulang town, another natural wonder. As a well-known attraction, Lurang Forest breeds a variety of uncommon plants. I believe this beauty of nature will draw your attention. Moreover,there is a specialty called shiguo chicken in Lulang town which is quite special and unique in taste.
Nyingchi is the lowest location on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with an average height above sea level of 3,000 meters, enjoying the good name of "Tibetan JiangNan". It’s worthwhile to visit Nyingchi. Well protected in ecological environment, Nyingchi is very suitable in climate. Monba and Lhoba are residing here in Nyingchi, maintaining their lifestyle and religious faith. In my submission, I feel obliged to talk about Bayi, a fast developed modern industry town. It is the central place in the Nyingchi prefecture in terms of politics, economy and culture.In addition to Bayi Town, you should not miss the Nyang River, which is a large river on the southwest railway line and the longest tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, flowing through Bayi Town. The River converges with Yarlung Tsangpo of Cemeng, Niger, with an average flow rate of 538 cubic meters per minute and an aquatic potential of 2.08 million kilowatts.
Go on another 140 kilometers. You are welcomed by Basum Lake when you are close to Gongbujiangda.This is a holy place for the residence which was given the title of international forest park in 2001. Seen from the clean water, snow peak, Seagulls and white cranes come into view. Therefore, it’s really fascinating landscape which will clear up all your tiredness.
The way forward is good. You need to go through a place called Mila mountain pass. The altitude here is about 5000 meters. The road is not spacious or smooth enough, but you can have a good rest when you get to your destination. Overlooking the whole Tibet area, you stand at the border monument for a group photo. That is excellent indeed! And I think you will surely enjoy the beautiful Tibetan scenery. Then through the Mila mountain pass, you can reach Pundajiang County. Because of its warm climate and abundant rainfall, it is called the southern part of the Tibetan River.
Well, I think it's time to cheer. You are already on the land of Lhasa. As the political, economic and cultural center of Tibet Autonomous Region and the administrative capital, the importance of Lhasa here is self-evident, I think. It was originally built by Songzan Ganbu, the Tibetan king, as a gift for the bride of Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. Lhasa is also one of the tallest cities in the world. You can visit the Tibetan Buddhist sites with cultural significance in Lhasa, such as the Potala Palace, the Dazhao Palace and the Noblinka Palace, as well as many other scenic spots. Needless to say, you will regret not going to the Potala Palace.
In addition to the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple is also a symbol of Tibet. Located in Barkhor square, it is regarded as the most revered but important temple of the Tibetan people. The temple's style combines the design of Vihara in India, the design of Tang Dynasty in China and the design of Nepal. It was founded during the reign of King Songsten Gambo. It is said that they were built for two brides, the literary Princess of the Tang Dynasty in China and Princess Bilikuti of Nepal, who are said to have brought important Buddhist statues of China and Nepal to Tibet.
Another place to go is Norbulingka, a palace and a park in Lhasa. Serving as the traditional summer habitat for those who have successively held the posts of Dalai Lamas , Norbulingka palace is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You have reached Tibet by the path. Whereas,this is not the end but the beginning of your journey to Tibet. Unfortunately, I can't list all the magnificent and beautiful scenic spots and cultural sites. May you see the scenery, may you come here, and may I have the privilege to share it with you!
Data in submission...