Drive down the Ali-Nyingchi section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway
4 cities |
41 attraction(s) |
total distance 2639
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day1: Lasa > Shannan > Rikaze
8 attraction(s) ·
371 km
1
There are often many Tibetan people who prostrate and worship on the square, which is a good place to shoot documentaries. At the same time, it is also a good angle to film the Potala Palace.
63
km
3
Yamdrok Lake, along with Namtso and Manasarovar, are known as the Three Great Sacred Lakes of Tibet. It is regarded as "turquoise earrings scattered by goddesses" in the hearts of Tibetans.
50
km
4
Belonging to the scenic Sichuan restaurant, this is the only place on the road with restaurants, and all the restaurant prices are similar.
30
km
5
Naijingangsa, one of the four major snow mountains in Tibet. Like a beautiful lady dressing quietly, Karola gazes afar among the mountains. It is said that Karola Glacier is the closest glacier to the highway in Tibet, only about 300 meters away. Karola Glacier is located at the border of Langkazi County and Shigatse County, 71 kilometers away from Shigatse County. After leaving Yamdrok Lake, you will come to the terminal moraine of Karola Glacier after crossing the 4,330-meter Semila Pass. The elevation of the front of the glacier tongue is 5,560 meters, and the viewing area of Karola Glacier is about 5,400 meters above sea level, in the area around 5,600 meters north of the mountain pass. Naijingangsa is the main peak of Lhagangri Mountain, north of the Himalayas. According to legend, it is the residence of the four major mountain gods of Tibetan Buddhism, the Western Mountain God Noji Kangwa Sangbu. Naijingangsa is surrounded by more than 10 peaks above 6,000 meters and is one of the four major snow mountains in Tibet.
49
km
6
Manla Reservoir is a large-scale water conservancy project located in Longma Township, Jiangzi County, Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet. It is mainly used for irrigation, power generation, flood control, and tourism. The dam is made of clay core wall and stone, with a length of 287 meters, a height of 76.3 meters, and a top width of 10 meters. It is known as the "number one dam in Tibet." It is 28 kilometers away from the county seat and 113 kilometers away from Shigatse City. Manla project is a major (Ⅱ) type project, and it is the "leading" project on the Nianchu River. The elevation of the dam site is between 4200-4300 meters. The winter is cold and dry, and there is a lack of oxygen. The actual construction period is only 7-8 months, and the construction conditions are harsh.
31
km
7
Gyantse, located on the upper reaches of the Nyang Chu River, is a historical city with a long history and many famous attractions. After the collapse of the Tubo Dynasty (7th-9th century), Gyantse became the stronghold of the Phagmodrupa Dynasty. Originally called "Jiekaerzi", it gradually changed its name to Gyantse. During the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368), the Palkhor Monastery was built in Gyantse, attracting followers from all directions. As it was also an important transportation hub and had a prosperous business, Gyantse became the third largest town in Tibetan history.
96
km
8
Near the front gate of the Zhashenbur Temple, the Tibetan waiters are all beautiful. There are photos of Panchen Lama hanging on the wall. The air is still filled with a strong smell of butter, which is authentic Tibetan style. The hotpot of Tibetan style is recommended. There are many ingredients and portions are generous, and the taste is also good. It is suggested to order dishes according to one's own taste.
2
km
Day2: Rikaze
4 attraction(s) ·
489 km
1
Opened in 2003, the pedestrian street is over 900 meters long with Tibetan-style buildings on both sides. Starting from Zhashilunbu Temple on the east side, you can enter the city center by strolling along the street. The pedestrian street offers a variety of shops, restaurants, hotels, and pharmacies to meet various needs such as food, accommodation, and shopping. Here, you can buy Tibetan ethnic handicrafts, amber, divination beads, Tibetan knives, Tibetan medicine, clothing, Buddhist instruments, and prayer mats. There are also unique Tibetan cuisines such as "Niutou" (beef head) and "Songzan". Special hotels like "Xizi" and "Dengbake Zhan" are also located on this street. The street is a mix of Tibetan people, lamas, and Han Chinese, creating a unique exotic atmosphere, and of course, there are also dogs being set free on the street.
149
km
3
The Dagejia Fountain is located in the Qiere Township of Angren County, Shigatse, Tibet. There are dozens of springs of various sizes scattered on both sides of the several hundred meters long river valley. It is the largest intermittent fountain group in China. This place is at an altitude of 5086 meters, 25 kilometers away from National Highway 219. The formation of Dagejia Fountain is related to the recent uplift of the Himalayas. This fountain group is of great significance for the study of the geological history of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
227
km
4
Any Sichuan cuisine restaurant in the local area, no specific recommendation as they are mostly similar. Choose based on personal taste.
81
km
Day3: Rikaze > Ngari
9 attraction(s) ·
553 km
3
Unnamed small lake, reflections look especially beautiful when there's no wind. With strong off-road capabilities, you can drive onto the small island in the middle of the lake.
35
km
4
Overgrazing in the Ali region has led to the formation of small deserts due to grassland desertification.
235
km
5
Mapam Yumco, Namtso, and Yamdrok Lake are known as the three sacred lakes of Tibet. Many books and scriptures describe the water of Mapam Yumco as "pearl-like" and drinking it can cleanse "centuries of sins". Almost all Tibetan people praise the water of Mapam Yumco as "very sweet".
6
La'ang Cuona leans tightly against the side of Lake Mapam Yumco, forming a beautiful crescent-shaped lake on its west side. The shape of Mapam Yumco resembles the sun, and their inherent shapes demonstrate a harmonious and perfect state. The area between the two lakes is a must-pass route for entering and exiting Ngari County. It is said that Lake Ghost has no waves even without wind. In fact, the scenery here is very beautiful, with dark red mountains on the lake shore, creating a mesmerizing color. As you walk along the lake, you can hear the sound of waves. The pebble beach looks like a bright silver belt embedded along the lake. There is also a small island in the lake, which is dark red. Standing on the shore of Lake La'ang Cuona, a strange feeling rises in your chest; the vast lake area is devoid of people and animals, as if standing on the edge of the universe. Lake Mapam Yumco and Lake Ghost are not only close to each other, but also connected by waterways. Perhaps due to nature, the water quality of Lake Mapam Yumco and Lake Ghost is completely different: the water of Lake Mapam Yumco is clear and refreshing, while the water of Lake Ghost is bitter and hard to swallow. The contrast between these two extremes reminds us of the great symbol of unity between the original self and the primordial mother – the spirit of the universe, even down to a tiny creature. Just as you see now, Lake Mapam Yumco and Lake Ghost gently undulate in a soft wind, without arrogance or sorrow, only the eternal companionship throughout the ages.
75
km
9
There are two types of lamb offal soup: one is to eat lamb head meat, lamb stomach, lamb tripe before drinking the soup, savoring the freshness of the soup with small sips, the soup is slightly salty, and the calories are not reduced. The soup with added chili oil becomes more flavorful the more you drink, and the more you drink, the more calories you get. After finishing a bowl of soup, you feel warm all over your body.
Day4: Ngari
8 attraction(s) ·
289 km
1
Mount Kailash is regarded as a sacred mountain worldwide, and it is recognized by the Bon religion, Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Jainism as the center of the world. As the main peak of the Gangdise Mountains in China, Mount Kailash is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring mountains in China.
77
km
2
The only place to have lunch halfway is here, mainly Sichuan cuisine
55
km
4
'Zadatulin' is located within the jurisdiction of Alizadat County. It was formed through geological changes over millions of years, resulting in ancient lake basins and riverbeds. The soil in Zadatulin covers an area of nearly a few hundred square kilometers and is filled with various "trees" of different heights and shapes, as well as early human cave sites.
5
km
6
In the 10th century to the early 17th century, the Guge Kingdom thrived in western Tibet, spread Buddhism, resisted invasion, and played an important role on the historical stage after the Tubo Dynasty in Tibet. However, it was destroyed in a war in 1630 and disappeared. Among the subsequent period of fragmentation in Tibetan society, the influence of Guge lasted the longest for seven hundred years and left behind remarkable religious artworks such as murals, sculptures, and stone carvings. Guge is a marvel that has attracted countless explorers, scholars, artists, and journalists to come from afar to study, explore, and search for treasures.
19
km
7
1
km
8
Day5: Ngari > Rikaze
5 attraction(s) ·
722 km
1
Toling Monastery is located on the banks of the Xiangquan River in Zada County, Ali Prefecture, southwestern China's Tibet Autonomous Region. It was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty and is the first Buddhist monastery built by the Guge Kingdom (10th-17th century) in the Ali area.
172
km
4
Any local Sichuan restaurant, no recommendation, as they are all similar, go according to personal taste
5
Day6: Rikaze
4 attraction(s) ·
149 km
2
On the way back, along National Highway 318, until Lhasa, the scenery on both sides of the road probably won't be of much interest to everyone, because compared to the previous 9 days, it is a world of difference.
22
km
3
Last time I mainly experienced Tibetan hot pot, this time I'll try real Tibetan cuisine.
1
km
4
Located in the city center of Shigatse, close to Zhashilunbu Monastery, it is a 4-star standard.
Day7: Rikaze
3 attraction(s) ·
68 km
1
Tashilhunpo Monastery, also known as Zashilhunpo Monastery, is the largest monastery in the Shigatse area of Tibet. It is located on the eastern slope of Mount Nima, west of Shigatse city. It is the residence of the Panchen Lama after the fourth reincarnation. Together with the "Three Great Monasteries" in Lhasa (Ganden Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery), it is known as one of the "Four Great Monasteries" of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. Tashilhunpo Monastery is also one of the six major Gelugpa monasteries, along with Tashilhunpo Monastery in Qinghai and Labrang Monastery in Gansu. It was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council on March 4, 1961. In terms of transportation, walking is convenient within Shigatse city. You can also take a rickshaw for 2-3 RMB per person or negotiate the fare. Taxis charge a flat rate of 10 RMB within the city.
3
km
