Transportation

Transportation condition in Tibet has changed greatly since the liberation in 1951 when pack animals were the main mode of transportation in the region. Now highways and airlines are connecting it to other regions of China.

Planes are by far the fastest means to move to the Roof of the World. There are two airports in Tibet while Gonggar airport connects Lhasa, hence Tibet, with Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, Chongqing, and even Katmandu and Hong Kong. There is no air route within Tibet at present. Traveling by air into Tibet will surely brings visitors unique and thrilling experience. Just imagine that you are above the world highest snow and cloud clad peaks! However, since planes travel fast and there is little time for acclimatization.

There are five highways stretching into Tibet. Sichuan-Tibet Highway is the longest, 2413 kilometers (1496 miles) long, built in 1950 and opened for traffic in 1954. The roads ply the uneven terrain over 14 mountains which average 4000-5000 meters (13120-16400 feet) high, and over a dozen of famous rivers such as Lantsang River (Mekong). The climate along the road presents beautiful scenery ranging from spring to winter. However, the road condition is not good.

Qinghai-Tibet Highway starts from Golmud of Qinghai, the only road providing bus service among the five highways and the main road to travel Tibet. 1160 kilometers (720 miles) long and averaging 4000 meters (13120 feet) high, along Kunlun Mountains and vast grassland, which amaze people living in modern civilization, the bituminous road is the best road leading to Tibet.

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway starts from Yecheng in Xinjiang. It runs 1455 kilometers (902 miles), winding its way among fives mountains soaring more than 5000 meters (16400 feet) high above the sea level. A spectacular view of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarova overwhelm travelers while traveling along the road.

Yunnan-Tibet Highway spans 800 kilometers (492 miles) to reach Markham, a less beaten track by travelers.

Chinese-Nepalese Highway is another main road traveled often. It stretches 900 kilometers (558 miles) from Kathmandu to reach Shigatse and Lhasa.

Among the five highways, only Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Chinese-Nepalese Highway are open to foreigners at present. Inside Tibet, there are now regular buses shuttling between major towns.

The conditions of minor roads are only passable by jeeps. In Lhasa minibuses are the main transportation, charging 2 RMB per person. It is easy to hire a taxi which is painted verdurous and silver. The fare is 10 RMB no matter where the destination is within the city. Pedicabs are unique vehicles to look around the highest city in the world. Bikes can be easily hired at Lhasa at most hostels.

Tibet Railway has already been open to traffic since July 1, 2006. Now travelers can make convenient access to Tibet by train.

Travelers' Voices on Transportation of Tibet

1.

Sep. 25,2009 07:17 Reply

Mr.Jesse(USA) said:

This is an excellent page for someone interested in travelling to Tibet. Thank you for all this wonderful information.

2.

Sep. 22,2009 12:03 Reply

Mr.Michel S(USA) said:

I am interested in a brief (3-4) day visit to Lhasa in January 2010. Is it possible to fly directly to/from Lhasa from Hong Kong, or is it possible to fly into Lhasa from the US directly then onto Hong Kong?

Sep. 22,2009 20:26
Mr.ritsa(cn) replied:

There is no direct flight to tibet neither from Hong Kong nor from us

3.

Apr. 26,2009 11:25 Reply

Mr.Allen Kahn(USA) said:

I am very intrested in taking my wife somewhere very exotic and TIBET IS JUST THE PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would like to get some information on train service to tibet from a major city that I can fly to from the USA. I have been wanting to do this my whole life and I wish to make it happen sometime in the near future.

Apr. 26,2009 21:07
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:

It's Beijing. You can fly to Beijing Capital International Airport and then go to Beijing West Railway Station to take the Train T27. It's the through train from Beijing to Lhasa. The whole trip needs about 45 hours. The ticket fare is
hard seat: CNY389 soft seat: CNY619
hard sleeper: CNY653/675/699
soft sleeper: CNY1033/1079
But I suggest you should but the soft sleeper ticket. After all, it's a very long journey. On the way, you can see beautiful grassland and large area of wild lands. The train will cross Xining, Golmud and Nakchu.

By the way, besides China visa, you should apply for a Tibet Travel Permit through a travel agency. And also overseas individuals are not allowed to go to Tibet.You should join a group tour to go there. Hope your wish come true.

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