Overland Tour

There are currently five highways to Tibet:

Road 1: Sichuan - Tibet Line, South Sichuan - Tibet road: Chengdu → Ya 'an → Kangding →Ya jiang → Batang → Mangkang → Zuogong → Bangda → Baxoi → Pomi → Nyingchi → Goongbo’ gyamda → Maizhokunggar → Lhasa

North Sichuan – Tibet: Chengdu → Kangding → Garze → Dege → Jomda → Qamdo → Baqing → Nagqu → Damxung → Lhasa Road 2: Yunnan - Tibet Line: Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Zhongdian → Deqin → Yanjing → Mangkang → Baxoi → Nyingchi → Lhasa

Road 3: Xinjiang - Tibet Line: Lhasa → Shigatse → Lhatse → Saga → Zhongba → Bagaxiang → Segge Zangbo → Rutog → Duomaxiang → Jieshanda → Quanshui → Kangxi → Sanshili Yingfang → Mazhadaban → Kudidaban → Pusa → Yecheng → Kashi

Road 4: Qinghai - Tibet Line: Xining → Golmud → Mt. Tanggula → Ando → Nagqu → Damxung → Namtso → Yangbajain → Lhasa

Road 5: Sino-Nepalese Highway: Lhasa → Shigatse → Tingri → Nyalam → Camphorwood border → Nepal

Generally it is recommend the use of off-road vehicles, although most of the road condition is good, are cement and asphalt road, but will go through some of the most complex geological lot, with a curve in the midway. As there are always a few sections of road condition is not good, and have to cross the mountains that over 5,000 meters above sea level, thus off-road vehicle is safer.

The overland route into Tibet include four major lines: the Qinghai-Tibet line, the Yunnan-Tibet line, the Sichuan-Tibet line and the Xinjiang-Tibet line. Xinjiang – Tibet highway is hardest among the others, will cross over the highest elevation. Qinghai – Tibet highway has the best road condition. North Sichuan – Tibet line is the second hard line after Xijiang – Tibet line. The Yunnan – Tibet line has the most beautiful sceneries, can take the chance visit beautiful Yunnan, therefore this route is also very popular among road trips. However, there are certain sections of the road is not that ideal.

Described by many people as paradise, Tibet is famous for its magnificent and magical natural scenery. There are four main highways to Tibet: Xinjiang – Tibet line, Qinghai – Tibet line, Yunnan – Tibet line, Sichuan – Tibet line. Most people choose to go through Sichuan – Tibet line, this highway is noted for its scenic beauty and hard, whether it is a road trip, a bicycle ride or a hike. The north and south line of Sichuan - Tibet line got the higher mountain valleys with very beautiful scenery, including snow mountains, primitive forests, grasslands, glaciers and several large rivers. You will climb more than 10 mountains over 4,000 meters above sea level and cross the Jinsha River, Nu River and Lancang River. Despite the difficulties and dangers along the journey, there are many distinctive local guesthouses along the way, allowing people to linger between reality and dreams.

Tibet, the closest place to heaven, each season has its incomparable beauty.

Spring blossoms (March, April and May): Spring is the time of ice gradually melting, also the time hundreds of flowers in bloom. Entering Tibet during this time, you will see peach blossom, pear blossom, and azalea competing with each other along the way. The Rakwatso Lake is as clear as a mirror, and it is the most beautiful time of the year. However, due to the melting of Snow Mountain and glacier, some of the roads are blocked temporarily. Some scenic spots are also closed, as it is very easy for the mountain collapse and landslide and other disasters occurred. Be sure to get the latest road condition in advance before your departure, and be prepared to keep warm at the same time.

Summer rain (June, July and August): Summer is also the rainy season in Tibet, when the water on the Sichuan - Tibetan line become dangerous, the mudslide and the c debris flow are frequently happening, thus this is the most exciting season of self-driving. Regardless the danger, but also can comprehend the unusual beauty of Tibet, the scenery is extremely beautiful, such as Gesang Blossom. Various festival customs are extremely fascinating, and all the cultural customs are very rich. Because of this, even if immersed in mud, even if the stone block, even if the mountains for resistance, nothing can stop the enthusiasm with adventure and pursues freedom.

Autumn leaves (September, Octomber, Nobember): Tibet at this time is very charming, the temperature is suitable. The mountains were dressed with red leaves, with the clear rivers running passionately. The grass and trees are starting to turn into colorful from the green. During the highlight of autumn, every natures are magnificent and beautiful. Fortunately, this is the most safety season in the year, very suitable for the photographers. It deserves to be mentioned that October is the best time for climbing Mt. Everest, and a blessed season for mountaineers.

Winter snow (December, January, and Feburary): In this season, Tibet belongs to the snow. During the time, Qinghai – Tibet Plateau has the clearest blue sky, and opulent sunshine. The glaciers in Ngari and Nagqu are deserve to visit. The sunshine city – Lhasa is also worthy to go. Tibet will show its true color and original culture during this season, also many adventures and extreme challenge enthusiasts will choose to come. If you choose to travel to Tibet by overland in the winter, you must pay attention to the road conditions and traffic safety, and take effective slip-resistant measures.

Overall, Tibet will be unique in your eyes, no matter what season you are coming. Everybody will have their own preference and idea to choose entry Tibet by overland, Tibet will never let you down.