Transportation in Tibet has greatly changed since 1951. Traveling to the roof of the world is no longer a problem. Highways and airlines connect Tibet from different cities of mainland China, Nepal and other parts of the world.
The transportation options that you can avail
Flights are the quickest means of transport to reach Lhasa. Tibet has two airports in which Gonggar airport has flights from Lhasa to Xian, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Chengdu, Beijing and Kathmandu. However, there lies one disadvantage with flights. You get less time to acclimatize. If you want to experience something thrill and unique, you can choose the highways.
5 highways are present in Tibet. The longest one is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, stretching to 1496 miles. The route has uneven land, but driving across it will let you enjoy summer and spring sceneries. The only bus service is available in Qinghai-Tibet Highway among all the 5 highways. Stretches approximately 720 miles, this road is considered the best road to travel to Tibet. You will be amazed when you cross the grasslands and Kunlun Mountains
Xinjiang-Tibet Highway gives you a mesmerising view of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. It begins from Yecheng and stretches across 902 miles twisting its route among 5 mountains. Yunnan-Tibet Highway is not preferred by the passengers. Another main route is the Chinese-Nepalese Highway, which you can avail to reach Lhasa and Shigatse from Kathmandu.
Traveling to Lhasa via train is also possible. The world’s highest railway – Qinghai – Tibet Railway connects Lhasa with Xining and other Chinese cities. Since its inception, this railway track has become another option for many travelers. Presently, visitors are taking a train from Shanghai, Lanzhou, Chongqing, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xining and Xi’an to reach Lhasa.
Another great access to the Tibet overland is the Yunan-Tibet Highway. Stretching for 1930 km, this highway starts from Yunan’s Jinhong city and runs till Qinghai’s Duopuma. You can reach Lhasa from Lijiang through this highway in around forty-four hours while covering the exquisite beauty of the route. From the remote areas to the snow-capped mountains, this route gives you a lot to remember. However, the condition of the road between Zhongdian and Yanjing worsens at times, so it is advisable for you to take the necessary precautions beforehand. Experience the Dongba culture and the Naxi people while travelling.
Once you reach Tibet, you will find buses traveling to other towns. The fare is 1 CNY per individual. Touring around the city is convenient if you hire a taxi or a double-decker bus. Want to go to a short distance? Opt for pedicabs which are pretty unique and charges 10-20 CNY. Bikes can also be rented in the city and bicycle tour rounds will cost 20-30 CNY.
Now that you know what are the methods of transport and how can you travel in Lhasa, arrange a trip with us.
