Yunnan-Tibet Overland Journey

The Dian-Zang highway (otherwise known as the Yunnan-Tibet Road) has the lowest altitude of the four highways entering Tibet. The total distance of this highway is 1930km, starting from Jinghong (also known as the mythical Shangri-la) and ending in Lanzhou, converging with the Sichuan-Tibet highway at Markham. The best months to travel this route are from August to October.

On the first day, view the sacred Meili mountain from the viewing platform. There are 13 peaks over 6000 meters high of which Kawagebo peak is the highest, with the altitude of 6740m and has a snow covered peak all year round. However, because of the heavy fog during the summer months, it is sometimes hard to see the face of the mountain. Morning and forenoon are the best times to take photos. Go along the Lancang River valley, enter Yanjing at the border of Yunnan and Tibet, and visit the unique ancient salt well and the only Catholic church in the area. This part of road is perched perilously on a high cliff, although the views are stunning. After that, cross Hongla jokul and arrive at Markhan and stay overnight at a guest house.

On the fourth day morning, visit Jampaling monastery, which was built in the 15th century and is the biggest monastery of Gelugpa sect in East-Tibetan area, Kham. In its glory days, there were more than 1000 monks in the monastery. In the afternoon head for Riwuqi, a 5 to 6 hour journey, and stay at a guest house.

Then on the seventh day, drive alongside the Sok Tsanden Zhol village, and during the journey stop to visit two monasteries of Nyimpa sect: Sok Tsanden Gonpa and Kapgye Lhakhang. After that cross over two passes and reach the city of Shakchuka. Still another 100 km and two other passes have to be traversed before arriving at the today's destination: Nakchu (270 km). Rest overnight.