5 Classic Routes for Self-driving Tour to Tibet

5 Classic Routes for Self-driving Tour to Tibet - State Highway G109

Starts from Xining, the State Highway G219 (also noted as Qinghai-Tibet Highway) stretches to Lhasa across the Kunlun Mountains, Tahnggula Mountains and Nyainqentanglha Mountains. With a total length of 1980 kilometers, the State Highway G219 is one of the main methods between Tibet and Qinghai Province. Tourists planning a self-driving tour to Tibet should note that the road condition of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway ranks first among the four highways. Be different from the other highways to Tibet, this highway is opened to traffic all year around.

5 Classic Routes for Self-driving Tour to Tibet - State Highway G214

Starts from the 102km site of G109, the State Highway G214 stretches to Qamdo Prefecture in Tibet via 3 Tibetan autonomous counties in Qinghai Province. It is said that Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty entered into Tibet along this route in history. Qinghai-Qamdo Highway has a total length of 1150 kilometers. Tourists planning to make a self-driving tour to Tibet along this highway should note that not all the sections of this highway are in good condition. Compared to the other vehicles, a good conditioned SUV could cope with the gravel sections better.

5 Classic Routes for Self-driving Tour to Tibet - the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway

Starts from Chengdu, the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway stretches to Nagqu Prefecture in Tibet via Dujiangyan, Wenchuan, Markang, Luhuo, Dege, Riwoche, Dingqing and Baqing. The Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway stretches among the high mountains and gorges, and the road condition is affected by the natural disasters (such as landslide and debris flow)frequently. The section between Qamdo and Nagqu is quite noted for its poor road condition. Therefore, tourists willing to make a self-driving tour to Tibet along the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway are not suggested to make this trip in the rainy season.

5 Classic Routes for Self-driving Tour to Tibet - the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway

The Southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway stretches to Lhasa from Chengdu via Yaan, Kangding, Litanag, Batang, Mangkang, Zuogong, Basu, Bome and Bayi Town. With a total length of 2100 kilometers, the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway is quite noted for the breathtaking natura view on both sides of the highway. In consideration of the poor conditioned 300 -400 kilometers section, tourists planning to make a self-driving tour along the Souther Sichuan-Tibet Highway are strongly suggested to avoid the rainy season.

5 Classic Routes for Self-driving Tour to Tibet - Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway

The State Highway G318 is also noted as the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway. Tourists planning a self-driving tour to Tibet could also enter into/out of Tibet along this international highway. With a total length of 900 kilometers, about 750 kilometers of the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway are located in China. It should be noted that certain permits are required for crossing the border. An experienced driver is required no matter you are entering into Tibet by self-driving through which highway.