West Tibet Road Trip Itinerary
The West Tibet Road Trip is an unforgettable experience for any driver. Starting in the city of Lhasa in China and ending in Kashgar, this route covers a distance of approximately 2906km and is best completed in 18 days.
The route passes through the towns of Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse, Saga, Payang, and Bagaxiang, all of which offer stunning landscapes and historical sites. Along the route, drivers will have the chance to explore UNESCO Heritage Monuments, such as the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. The road conditions are generally good, making this trip suitable for drivers of all experience levels.
The best time of year to drive this route is from April to October. With a moderate budget, this road trip provides a high level of experience and memories.
18
number of days
2,840 km
route length
fair
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Lhasa
Distance 2,840 km
Driving time 49.2 h
Pace: modest
738.4 kWh
Airports
LXA
[detailsContainer]
Lhasa is a city in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, known for its many cultural attractions, its stunning scenery and its historical significance. It is the perfect starting point for the "West Tibet Road Trip" and offers many opportunities to explore the area and experience its unique culture.
Visitors to Lhasa can experience the city's many attractions, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Palace, and Drepung Monastery. Each of these sites offers a unique insight into the Tibetan culture and religion. Visitors can also explore the nearby mountains and rivers, or take a hike up to the holy mountain of Mount Kailash.
For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), located just outside of Lhasa. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to embark on the "West Tibet Road Trip".
Lhasa is a beautiful city that offers a unique insight into Tibetan culture and history. It is the perfect starting point for the "West Tibet Road Trip", and exploring the city and its attractions is sure to be a memorable experience.
1
Lhasa
- Gyantse
Distance 261 km
Driving time 3.7 h
Pace: fast
78.3 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Lhasa to Gyantse, and discover the beauty of the Tibetan Plateau! This 223 km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours, but it is packed with incredible sights, including some UNESCO Heritage Sites. Along the way, you will pass through Sangyezhen, a small village with a rich cultural heritage. Here, you can explore the impressive Palkor Monastery, which is home to an exquisite collection of Tibetan art.
Continuing on your journey, you will reach Gyantse, an ancient city with an abundance of historical sites. Visit the 15th century Gyantse Dzong, a fortress with a stunning view of the valley below. Then, explore the Kumbum Stupa, a magnificent structure with 108 chapels and four floors.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing journey!
Gyantse - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
2
Gyantse
- Shigatse
Distance 94 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: modest
24.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an incredible journey from Gyantse to Shigatse, a 95km drive that will take you less than 2 hours. Along this route you will discover some of the most interesting places in Tibet, such as the Gyantse Dzong, a large fortress built in the 15th century. Visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and admire its unique architecture, as well as its collection of ancient Tibetan Buddhist art. The next stop is the Yamdrok Lake, known for its stunning views and its rich wildlife. On the way to Shigatse, you can also make a stop at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Once you arrive in Shigatse, you can visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest functioning monastery in Tibet, and explore its incredible architecture. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.
Shigatse - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
3
Shigatse
- Lhatse
Distance 150 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
45.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Shigatse-Lhatse road trip stage! This is one of the most exciting stages of the larger tour, connecting two of the most interesting places in Tibet. During this stage, you will travel through a distance of 151km in less than 3 hours.
Your journey will start at Shigatse, where you can visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. You can also explore the local markets, the old city walls, and the nearby hills.
The next stop is Lhatse, where you can visit the local Gompa and the nearby monastery. You can also explore the nearby areas and the old city walls.
At the end of the stage, you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the local villages.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Lhatse - China - Asia - Road Trip - Википедия
Lhatse - China - Asia - Road Trip - Vikipedija
❯
❮
4
Lhatse
- Saga
Distance 297 km
Driving time 5.1 h
Pace: modest
77.3 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Lhatse to Saga? This 368km journey will take you fewer than 5 hours, and it will be an unforgettable experience!
Start your adventure in Lhatse, a small town in the Shigatse Prefecture of Tibet, and visit its Tibetan Monastery, a perfect place to admire the Tibetan culture. Then, drive to the nearby village of Nyemo, where you can visit the Nyemo Castle, built in the 17th century.
Continue your journey to Saga, a small town located in the Shigatse Prefecture. Here, you can visit the Saga Dawa Festival, an important religious festival that celebrates the birth of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism.
Make sure to check the Itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Saga - China - Asia - Road Trip - Vikipedija
❯
❮
5
Saga
- Payang
Distance 233 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: fast
69.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a road trip from Saga, China to Payang and experience the best of both places! This 233 km journey will take you fewer than 3 hours to complete, so you can make the most of the attractions each place has to offer.
In Saga, be sure to visit the Yurou Temple, which is a popular Buddhist Temple with a history of over 800 years. You can also visit the Tomb of Liuxiang, which is a well-known scenic spot.
When you reach Payang, you can explore the ancient city of Payang, which is a great place to learn about the history of the region. You can also visit the Payang Museum, which has a rich collection of cultural relics.
This is only one of the stages of a larger tour, so more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, plan your road trip today and enjoy the beauty of Saga and Payang!
Payang - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
6
Payang
- Bagaxiang
Distance 257 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: fast
77.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a unique road trip experience? Join us on a journey from Payang to Bagaxiang, a distance of 257 km that can be covered in less than 3 hours.
Start off your journey by visiting the Payang Historical Park, a cultural and historical site that features ancient tombs and ancient buildings. Next, drive to the Jinsha Lake, a beautiful natural lake that is surrounded by lush greenery. After that, make your way to the Yuxi National Wetland Park, where you can explore the stunning natural landscape.
Continue your journey to the Bagaxiang National Geological Park, where you can explore the amazing geological formations and learn about the history of the area. Finally, end your journey at the Bagaxiang National Forest Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and take in the fresh air.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!
Bagaxiang - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wallpaper Flare
❯
❮
7
Bagaxiang
- Kunsha
Distance 189 km
Driving time 5.0 h
Pace: slow
43.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready to experience the most exciting road trip stage of your life? Start your journey in Bagaxiang, China and prepare to be amazed! As you drive along the 189 km of beautiful roads, you will reach Kailash, a place of great spiritual significance. Make sure to visit the majestic Kailash Temple, a stunning structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. After a few hours of sightseeing, you will arrive in Kunsha, a city full of culture and history. Visit the ancient Kunsha Temple, an impressive structure that has stood for centuries.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to take advantage of all the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the way. For more information, take a look at the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your road trip now and enjoy the beauty of Bagaxiang, Kailash and Kunsha!
Kunsha - China - Asia - Road Trip - Pxfuel
❯
❮
8
Kunsha
- Gar
Distance 56 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: modest
14.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an incredible journey from Kunshan to Gar! This 56km stretch of road will take you less than an hour to drive, and you'll be able to explore some of the most beautiful and unique places in the area.
Start your journey in Kunshan, where you can visit the Kunshan Museum to learn about the region's history and culture. Then, take a stroll through the city's beautiful parks and gardens, including the Kunshan Scenic Area and the Huishan Ancient Town.
Next, make your way to Gar, where you can explore the beautiful Gar Temple, the Gar Grand Canal, and the Gar Scenic Area. Here, you can take a boat ride along the canal and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Finally, be sure to visit the Gar Hot Springs, where you can relax and soak in the natural hot springs.
This is just one of the many stages of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Gar - China - Asia - Road Trip - Flickr
❯
❮
9
Gar
- Rutog
Distance 126 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: modest
32.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready to explore the amazing 129 km journey from Gar, China to Rutog! This is one of the most interesting stages of your tour, and you will be amazed by the incredible places you will find along the way.
Start your road trip in Gar, a mountainous city located in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Haixi. Here you can visit the amazing Wudangzhao Monastery, built in 1794 and surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
Continue your trip to Rutog, a small town located in the northwest of Tibet. Here you can visit the beautiful Rutog Monastery, built in the 11th century and surrounded by a stunning landscape.
The journey from Gar to Rutog will take you less than 2 hours, and you'll be able to admire the incredible views of the mountains and valleys along the way.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Rutog - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
10
Rutog
- Duoma
Distance 102 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: modest
26.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a journey through the stunning scenery of Rutog and Duoma! This 102km road trip will take you less than two hours to complete, but the memories you will make along the way will last a lifetime.
Start your journey in Rutog, and explore the incredible beauty of the area. Visit the historic Rutog Monastery, a unique and beautiful structure that stands out in the landscape. You can also explore the nearby Rutog Salt Lake, a stunningly beautiful lake that is a great spot for a picnic.
Continue on your journey to Duoma, and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and valleys that surround the area. Visit the Duoma Monastery, a stunning structure built in the 17th century. You can also explore the nearby Duoma Hot Springs, a great spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, start planning your trip today, and enjoy all that Rutog and Duoma have to offer!
Duoma - China - Asia - Road Trip - Peakpx
❯
❮
11
Duoma
- Dahongliutan
Distance 354 km
Driving time 4.5 h
Pace: fast
106.2 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Duoma-Dahongliutan stage of your road trip! This stage is 354 km long and it will take you fewer than 5 hours to drive it.
You will start your journey in Duoma, a city known for its ancient temples, such as the Temple of Heaven, and its beautiful parks, like the Tianmu Mountain National Park. Don't forget to take a break and enjoy the natural beauty of the area!
After that, you will drive to the city of Dahongliutan. Here you can explore the Dahongliutan Great Wall and the Dahongliutan Botanical Garden. Both of these places are great for taking pictures and admiring the beauty of the area.
In the end, make sure to check out the Dahongliutan National Forest Park and the Xinglong National Park. Here you can find a variety of flora and fauna and get in touch with nature.
Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Dahongliutan - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
12
Dahongliutan
- Yarkant
Distance 526 km
Driving time 12.2 h
Pace: modest
136.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Dahongliutan, China and make your way through the 556km of breathtaking landscapes until you reach Yarkant. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature while driving in less than 8 hours.
In Dahongliutan, visit the scenic Liuzhou Grand Canyon, a natural wonder of the region. For a unique experience, don’t miss the Liuzhou Forest Park, where you can explore the lush forests and take a boat ride along the Li River.
On the way to Yarkant, you can stop in the city of Qujing and visit the magnificent Qujing Ancient Town. Here you will find a fascinating mix of Chinese, Tibetan and Bai culture.
Finally, in Yarkant, you can explore the old city of Yarkant and visit the Yarkant Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in the region. And don’t forget to take a stroll through the Yarkant Old Town, a historical and cultural landmark.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Yarkant - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikipedia
❯
❮
13
Yarkant
- Kashgar
Distance 194 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
58.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from Yarkant to Kashgar! This 193 km journey will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in China, and you'll be able to enjoy the picturesque views of the Karakoram and Kunlun mountain ranges. Along the way, you'll discover some of the region's most fascinating attractions, including the Yarkant Mosque, the Yarkant County Museum, and the ruins of the ancient city of Subashi.
When you reach Kashgar, you'll be able to explore the vibrant Sunday Bazaar and the Id Kah Mosque. You can also visit the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, the Abakh Khoja Tomb, and the Apak Hoja Tomb, two of the most important historical sites in the region.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a thrilling road trip from Yarkant to Kashgar!
Kashgar - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia
Kashgar - China - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
Kashgar
[detailsContainer]
Kashgar is an oasis city in the western part of China that is the perfect ending point for a West Tibet Road Trip. Located at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Kashgar is an ancient Silk Road city and an important cultural center of the Uyghur people.
Kashgar's rich history is reflected in its many attractions and landmarks. Visitors can explore the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, the old city, with its narrow streets and mud-brick buildings, and the bustling Sunday Market, where traders from all over Central Asia come to sell their goods. The nearby Apak Hoja Tomb is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, and the nearby mountains provide beautiful views of the surrounding area.
For travelers coming by car, the nearest international airport is in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Province, and the airport code is URC. From Urumqi, it is a 900 kilometer drive to Kashgar, but the journey is well worth it, as it takes travelers through some of the most beautiful and captivating landscapes in Western China.
Kashgar is a great destination for those looking to explore Central Asia and experience the unique culture of the Uyghur people. From the bustling markets to the ancient mosques, Kashgar is an unforgettable destination that will be a highlight of any West Tibet Road Trip.
Kashgar - China - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
West Tibet Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
Lhasa
-
End:
Kashgar
-
Distance:
2,840 km
-
Stay:
18 days
-
Getting there:
Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)
-
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
The West Tibet Road Trip is an epic 2,906-kilometer (1,806 miles) journey from Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, to Kashgar, an ancient Silk Road city. Spanning across roughly 18 days, this adventure affords travelers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau and explore centuries of history.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
The route winds past azure lakes, across high-altitude plains, and through traditional Tibetan towns. In Gyantse, travelers can marvel at the Kumbum Stupa in the Pelkor Chode Monastery, one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet. Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, is home to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama. As you continue, the ancient Sakya Monastery in Lhatse is a treasure trove of Tibetan religious art.
Two of the most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites you'll encounter are the Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, and the Jokhang Temple, arguably the most revered religious structure in Tibet. These sites not only offer insight into Tibetan Buddhism but also showcase the pinnacle of Himalayan architecture.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal period for this Road Trip is from April to October. This time frame avoids the harsh winter weather and coincides with Tibetan festivals, providing a deeper cultural experience.
Potential Risks:
Drivers should prepare for the challenges of high-altitude driving, including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The route traverses several passes over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) and areas with limited medical facilities, making acclimatization and a well-stocked first aid kit essential.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
This journey is accessible with careful financial planning and is achievable for drivers with varying levels of experience. However, it's important to note that foreign travelers require special permits to visit Tibet, and self-driving is typically not allowed for non-Chinese visitors, necessitating a hired vehicle with a driver.
A good choice for:
The West Tibet Road Trip is not just a Road Trip but a pilgrimage through the heart of Tibetan Buddhism and the stunningly raw nature of the plateau. Each twist and turn offers a new perspective on the resilience of the human spirit and the breathtaking beauty of one of the most remote areas on Earth.
-
