Important Stops along Xinjiang-Tibet Highway

Important Stops along Xinjiang-Tibet Highway – Hoer County

Hoer County is about 250 kilometers away from Payam County. Tourists making a self-driving tour along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway have to cross a big river which is quite close to Payam. The road section was very poor before the construction of the bridge just few years ago. Bridges and culverts had been constructed at the important sections between Payam County and Hoer County recent years. But the road condition is also very poor in the rainy season for there are numerous streams, benchlands and swamps. It is easy to get the vehicle trapped into the muddy on the rainy days.

On the way to Hoer County from Payam, tourists making a self-driving tour might have the chance to see the black-necked crane in the swamp area if you are lucky enough. Tourists might also have the chance to see the Mongolian gazelle and Tibetan kiang after climbing over the Mayou-Mula Mountain Pass with an altitude of 5216 meters. There is an inspection station in Hoer County and all the vehicles and tourists have to fill a registration form here. Most drivers would only have a short stop here rather than spending a night here for the board and lodging condition here are pretty limited.

Important Stops along Xinjiang-Tibet Highway – Baga County

Baga County is only about 28 kilometers away from Hoer County. With only dozens Tibetan families, Baga County is located between the Holy Mountain (Mt. Kailash) and the Holy Lake (Lake Manasarovar). Some of the self-help tourists would like to take a night halt at Baga County. Few teahouses near by the primary school in Baga County provide simple food and berth for visitors. Baga County is only about 3 kilometers away from the east of Mt. Kailash and it is also quite close to the Gyiwu Monastery by Lake Manasarovar.

Important Stops along Xinjiang-Tibet Highway – Purang County

Purang County is about 81 kilometers away from Baga County. On the way to Purang County from Baga, tourists will have the chance to appreciate the fascinating natural scenery of the Holy Lake and the Holy Mountain. Careful driving is necessary for the section between Baga and Purang involves long downward slope. Purang County is located in the narrow Kongque River Valley with warm climate and abundant rainfall.

Purang County was an important foreign trade port since ancient times. The Purang County Seat is only about 20 kilometers away from the boundary between China and Nepal. But Purang is not an official entry and exit port. Tourists planning a Nepal tour after the Tibet tour could get go to Nepal through Purang even if you are holding the Nepal Visa. Zhangmu Port is the soil official entry and exit port between China and Nepal currently. The basic living and service facilities are relatively completed in Purang County compared to the other small counties along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway. There are post office, telecommunication office, restaurants, hotels and stores in Purang County Seat.