Lanzhou to Kunming East Tibet Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty of China on a 14-day road trip from Lanzhou to Kunming, through the East Tibet region. This stunning journey will take you through the towns of Xining, Yushu, Garze, and Lijiang, covering a distance of 2849km.
The best time of the year to drive this route is from April to October. Along the way, you will be able to take in the beautiful landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau and the picturesque landscapes of the South China region.
A special highlight of this road trip is the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located along the route, such as the Old Town of Lijiang and the Jiuzhaigou Valley. The overall road conditions are good, although some portions of the route may be narrow and curvy.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed with a moderate budget. You will gain an unforgettable experience and lasting memories from this trip, making it a great choice for anyone looking to explore the East Tibet region of China.
14
number of days
2,786 km
route length
fair
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Lanzhou
Distance 2,786 km
Driving time 39.6 h
Pace: fast
835.8 kWh
Airports
LHW
[detailsContainer]
Lanzhou is a modern city in the province of Gansu, located in the northwest of China. It is a great starting point for the famous "Lanzhou to Kunming East Tibet Road Trip". The city offers travelers a variety of interesting sights to explore. The Five Spring Mountain Park is a must-see, with its beautiful views of the Yellow River and lush green landscape. Another popular attraction is the Gansu Provincial Museum, with its rich collection of artifacts and historical items. For those looking for an outdoor adventure, the nearby Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, with its colorful sandstone formations, is sure to impress.
For travelers flying into the region, the closest international airport is Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW). There are car rental services available at the airport for those wanting to embark on the road trip. With its rich history, modern attractions and stunning scenery, Lanzhou is a great starting point for the "Lanzhou to Kunming East Tibet Road Trip".
1
Lanzhou
- Xining
Distance 243 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
72.9 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Take a road trip adventure through some of China’s most beautiful landscapes! Start your journey in Lanzhou and drive to Xining, a 243 km drive that takes less than 3 hours. Along the route, expect to drive through winding roads surrounded by stunning mountains and incredible views. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and you may encounter steep ramps and winding roads. So keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the scenery along the way. Take some time to explore the many attractions of Xining, such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Ta’er Monastery, and the Xining Wild Duck Nature Reserve. There are plenty of accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites available, so you can make the most of your stay in Xining. For more information about this stage and other attractions along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” section of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Xining - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
2
Xining
- Madoi
Distance 470 km
Driving time 5.7 h
Pace: fast
140.9 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready to explore the amazing city of Xining and its surrounding area? Start your journey with a 476km drive from Xining to Madoi, taking you less than 6 hours. Along the way you will get to experience some breathtaking views of the Chinese countryside. Be sure to look out for the steep ramps and winding roads, as some sections may be closed seasonally. Once you arrive in Xining, be sure to visit the Qinghai Lake, one of the largest saltwater lakes in China, and the nearby Ta’er Monastery, home to many Tibetan Buddhists. You can also check out the Yangbajing Hot Springs, which contains the highest altitude hot springs in the world. After that, you can drive to the stunning Zhidoi County, known for its large grasslands and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. As you continue on your journey, you will get to explore the beautiful Madoi County, known for its traditional Tibetan villages and spectacular scenery. To make the most of your journey, more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to experience the beauty and culture of Xining and the surrounding area on this unforgettable road trip!
Madoi - China - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
❯
❮
3
Madoi
- Yushu
Distance 323 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: fast
96.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Start your road trip adventure in Madoi, China and get ready to explore the mesmerizing landscapes of Yushu! On this 323 km journey, you'll have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and lush valleys. This stage of the tour will take you around 4 hours and you'll be able to discover the picturesque villages located along the way.
While driving, make sure to take a few stops and explore the most interesting places such as the magnificent Yushu Horse Racing Festival, the gorgeous Yushu Hot Springs, and the stunning Samye Monastery. Keep in mind that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally and there will be steep ramps and winding roads, so make sure to pay attention to the road.
At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Yushu and you'll be able to explore the city and its surroundings. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Yushu - China - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
❯
❮
4
Yushu
- Maniganggo
Distance 316 km
Driving time 5.2 h
Pace: fast
94.7 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a thrilling journey from Yushu to Maniganggo! This 316 km long trip will take you fewer than 4 hours to complete, and you’ll get to experience a variety of sights along the way. The road is quite scenic, so be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning views! However, be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and there will be steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections. Make sure to plan your journey accordingly and take regular breaks! Along the way, be sure to take a break and visit some of the most interesting places in both Yushu and Maniganggo. In Yushu, you can explore the Yushu Horse Racing Festival, the Yushu Tibetan Museum, and the Yushu Grand Canyon. Maniganggo has a variety of attractions to offer, such as the Mani Stone Carving, the Maniganggo Dzong, and the Maniganggo Monastery. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Maniganggo - China - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
❯
❮
5
Maniganggo
- Garze
Distance 90 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: modest
23.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a scenic 90km road trip from Maniganggo to Garze and experience the beauty of the Chinese countryside. The journey takes less than two hours, so you'll have plenty of time to take in the sights. You'll be treated to breathtaking views of winding roads, steep ramps, and narrow paths, but please note that some sections may be closed seasonally. Make sure to keep an eye out for the remains of old fortifications and ancient villages as you make your way to Garze. Once you get there, enjoy the old houses and the many monasteries scattered around the city. There's also plenty of shopping and dining options in the city centre. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage.
Garze - China - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
❯
❮
6
Garze
- Shangri-La
Distance 662 km
Driving time 12.6 h
Pace: modest
172.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Garze, China to Shangri-La! This 719 km journey will take you through 11 hours of driving, where you can marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Tibetan Plateau. As you drive, be sure to take note of the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and winding roads. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so be sure to plan ahead. As you traverse the route, you may encounter steep ramps and winding roads. Make sure to take breaks to fully appreciate the natural beauty in all its glory! Once you reach Shangri-La, you can explore the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, the awe-inspiring First Bend of the Yangtze River, and the mysterious Meili Snow Mountain. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to take a look at the “Itinerary” of this stage. Get ready for a road trip adventure of a lifetime!
Shangri-La - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
7
Shangri-La
- Lijiang
Distance 172 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
51.7 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a spectacular road trip from Shangri-La to Lijiang, China? Get ready to experience a 172km drive (in fewer than 3 hours!) through some of the most beautiful places in the world. Along this route, you will pass through picturesque landscapes and historical sites, including the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the winding roads - they offer some of the most breathtaking views. This is just one stage of a larger tour – for more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to consult the Itinerary. So what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!
Lijiang - China - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
8
Lijiang
- Dali
Distance 183 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
54.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Lijiang to Dali! This 183 km journey will take you no more than 3 hours, and will take you past some of the most beautiful and interesting sites in China. Start your journey in Lijiang, an ancient city that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Be sure to visit the Old Town, where you can see the old city wall and the canals that run through it, and the Mu Palace, the former residence of the Naxi minority. Next, take in the stunning views of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. On the way to Dali, be sure to visit the Three Pagodas, a complex of ancient Buddhist pagodas, and the Erhai Lake, with its peaceful waters and stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Finally, arrive in Dali, a charming city with a rich history. Here, you can visit the Three Towers of Chongsheng Temple, as well as the Ancient City. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Dali - China - Asia - Road Trip - Needpix.com
❯
❮
9
Dali
- Kunming
Distance 328 km
Driving time 4.1 h
Pace: fast
98.4 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a road trip between two of China’s most famous cities: Dali and Kunming! This 328 km journey is estimated to be completed in under four hours and is one of the most beautiful road trips in the country.
In Dali, you can admire the ancient city walls, visit the Three Pagodas and enjoy the vibrant Erhai Lake. Kunming is the capital of Yunnan and is known for its picturesque mountain scenery, fascinating temples and idyllic parks.
Once you've explored the cities, you can take a break and enjoy the wonderful views of the Cangshan Mountains and the Erhai Lake. Make sure to take some pictures of the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
If you are looking for a unique experience, visit the famous Stone Forest in Kunming. This geological wonder is made from limestone and is an amazing sight to behold!
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Have a great journey!
Kunming - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
Kunming
[detailsContainer]
Kunming is the perfect ending point for the "Lanzhou to Kunming East Tibet Road Trip" due to its abundance of attractions. Located in the Yunnan Province in China, Kunming offers many sights and activities that make it a great place to end the road trip.
The Stone Forest is one of Kunming's most notable attractions. This amazing limestone formation is made up of hundreds of rocks shaped like trees and peaks. This forest is a great destination for photographers and adventurers alike.
Another popular destination is the Western Hills. The Western Hills are a series of peaks located near the city center. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the hill and explore the many temples, pagodas, and gardens.
Kunming is also known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent cuisine. Visitors can explore the many restaurants, bars, and clubs located around the city. The city is home to a variety of ethnic cuisines, including Tibetan, Dai, and Hakka.
Kunming is also home to an international airport, Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), located just south of the city center. It is the closest international airport to Kunming and provides direct flights to many cities around the world.
Kunming is an ideal ending point for the "Lanzhou to Kunming East Tibet Road Trip" due to its abundance of attractions. Visitors can explore the Stone Forest, take in the views from the Western Hills, and experience Kunming's vibrant nightlife. Plus, the city is home to an international airport, making it easy to travel to other places around the world.
Lanzhou to Kunming East Tibet Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
Lanzhou
-
End:
Kunming
-
Distance:
2,786 km
-
Stay:
14 days
-
Getting there:
Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (LHW)
-
When to drive:
June, July, August, September
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day journey spanning 2849 kilometers from Lanzhou to Kunming, traversing the heart of East Tibet in China. This Road Trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning vistas of the Tibetan Plateau and the diverse landscapes of the South China region. Along the way, you'll encounter several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each with its unique historical significance and natural beauty.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Xining: Delve into Tibetan spirituality at the Kumbum Monastery, an exquisite example of Tibetan Buddhist architecture and art.
- Yushu: Absorb the rich cultural tapestry of Tibet during the Yushu Horse Racing Festival, which showcases traditional sports, dance, and music.
- Garze: Venture into the heart of Tibetan culture with visits to ancient monasteries and the breathtaking Garze Valley, adorned with prayer flags and picturesque villages.
- Lijiang: Wander through the maze-like cobbled streets of the Old Town of Lijiang, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred sanctuary offering stunning alpine scenery.
- Jiuzhaigou Valley: Be enchanted by the Jiuzhaigou Valley's natural fairyland, with its multi-tiered waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and the dramatic backdrops of snow-capped peaks, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that's often referred to as a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Best Time to Go:
The best time for this Road Trip is from April to October, when the weather is favorable for driving and outdoor activities. During this period, the climate is generally mild and the skies are clear, providing the best conditions for appreciating the full splendor of the region's landscapes.
Potential Risks:
Drivers must be cautious of potentially hazardous Roads, including narrow and winding mountain passes. Additionally, travelers should be aware of the risk of altitude sickness, as the Tibetan Plateau boasts some of the highest altitudes on the planet.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- While Road conditions are predominantly good, it's essential to be prepared for sudden weather changes that can occur in mountainous regions.
- A moderate budget should cover the expenses of the Trip, but it's wise to have a buffer for unexpected costs.
- Ensure you have all the required documents for travel within East Tibet, including any necessary permits.
- Demonstrating respect for local customs and adhering to environmental guidelines is crucial for a responsible and enriching travel experience.
A good choice for:
This Road Trip is a journey of discovery through one of the most culturally rich and ecologically diverse regions of China. It's an ideal adventure for those who seek to explore the enchanting beauty of East Tibet and engage with its unique traditions and customs.
-
