Transportation Services and Road Conditions in Tibet
A transport network centered around Lhasa has taken shape in Tibet, covering various parts of Tibet.
Road conditions in Tibet have also improved significantly in recent years, especially in the cities and roads between big cities. Most of the famous sightseeing places have asphalt-paved road, such as the Lhasa area, Tsetang, Nyingchi, Gyangtse town, Shigatse, Chamdo, etc.
In Lhasa minibuses are the main means of transportation and it is easy to hire a taxi. Pedicabs are unique vehicles to tour around the city of Lhasa. Bikes can be easily hired at Lhasa at most hostels. Inside Tibet, there are now regular buses shuttling between major towns.
Pedicabs in Lhasa | Taxies in Lhasa | Buses in Lhasa |
While getting to Lhasa is straightforward, transport to some remote mountain areas or other isolated religious destinations, such as Ngari prefecture, may not be convenient. Public bus routes are not developed like those you see in Beijing. The road gets bumpy and dusty. It will be even worse in rainy seasons. If you are going to those places, renting a good quality Land Cruiser from local travel agency is recommended. The price is judged by day. The conditions of minor roads are only passable by jeeps. Due to the rough road condition from Tingri to Everest Base Camp, 4WD plays main role for Everest Base Camp tours.
Here are some recommended itineraries for your choice.
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Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa by air/rail Day 2: Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street) Day 3: Lhasa (Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery) Day 4: Leave Lhasa by air/rail |
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Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa by air/rail Day 2: Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street) Day 3: Lhasa (Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery) Day 4: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Lhasa Day 5: Leave Lhasa by air/rail |
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7 Days Lhasa Highlights and Tsedang Tour Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa by Day 2: Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street) Day 3: Lhasa (Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery) Day 4: Tsedang (Yumbulagang Palace, Trandruk Monastery) Day 5: Samye Monastery Day 6: Chimpu Hermitage (popular day trek) Day 7: Leave Lhasa by air/rail |
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9 Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Exploration Overland Tour with Mt. Everest Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa by air/rail Day 2: Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square) Day 3: Lhasa (Tibet Museum, Sera Monastery) Day 4: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse Day 5: Gyantse (Palkhor Monastery) - Shigatse (Tashilhunpo Monastery) Day 6: Shigatse - Sakya Monastery - Tingri Day 7: Tingri - Rongphu Monastery - Everest Base Camp - Tingri Day 8: Tingri - Zhangmu Day 9: Zhangmu - Kathmandu |
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Pedicabs in Lhasa
Taxies in Lhasa
Buses in Lhasa
Tibet Travel Documents
Air Travel to Tibet
Train Travel to Tibet
High Altitude Travel Tips