Shannan Transportation

Shannan Transportation Guide serves you some information and introduces Shannan flights, Shannan trains, Shannan buses, Shannan taxis and ways of getting to & around Shannan in Tibet. Shannan, also known as Lhoka in Tibet, which is a long-standing prefecture-city located in southeast Tibet. It literally means the south of mountain. Shannan gets its name from its location, which is in the south side of Gangdise Mountains and Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. It is bounded by Lhasa to North, Nyingchi to east, Shigatse on west and border with India and Bhutan on the south internationally, covering a long boundary line of 600 km.

Due to the development in recent years, the transportation system of Shannan is considerately improved. It consists of 12 counties all of which are connected by highways. Travelers can directly head to most of Shannan attractions, such as Samye Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, etc. Generally, flight and driving are two better choices to get to and out of Shannan.

How to Get to Shannan(Lhoka)

By Air

Lhasa Gonggar Airport, located in Jiazhulin town of Gonggar County, Shannan, is the only international airport in Tibet. It is located on the south bank of the magnificent Yarlung Zangbo River, with an altitude of 3,600 meters. The runway is 4,000 meters long and 45 meters wide. About 85 kilometers away from Lhasa city center, the airport is a 4E military and civilian international airport, which is one of the highest airports in the world and the largest aviation hub in Tibet autonomous region. There are frequent domestic flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport from Beijing, Chengdu, Xian, Shanghai, Chongqing, Kunming, Shangri-La, etc. and daily international flights from Kathmandu. Tourists can take a flight to Tibet conveniently and then take a regular bus to Tsedang Town. There is a junction of three roads outside the airport where tourists can wait for the regular bus and it costs about 40 yuan per person. 

Shannan Flights

By Train

Sichuan-Tibet Railway, which stretches as far as 1,629 km, is expected to be finished around 2030. The 1,629 km railway covers 979km in Tibet Autonomous Region and 650km in Sichuan Province, and consists of three parts, i.e. Chengdu-Kangding, Kangding- Nyingchi, Lhasa-Nyingchi. By the time the construction of entire Sichuan-Tibet Railway finishes, it is believed to take only 15 hours to travel from Chengdu to Lhasa. (While currently it takes 41.35 hours). What's more, Sichuan-Tibet Railway passes through Shannan. Once it is completed, it is easy to get to Shannan by train.

By Long-distance Bus

Tsedang Town is about 160km to south Lhasa. There are long-distance buses running to Tsedang Town from Lhasa everyday. The road to Tsedang includes the Airport High Express and S101 National Highway, both in good condition. The whole journey cost nearly 2 hours. Most People from abroad have a deal with travel agencies that will provide a private car for you. Tsedang Bus Station has bus to Gonggar, Gyaca, Lhunze, Qonggyai and some other counties of Shannan area. The buses to Gyaca departs at 9:30 and 11:00, which takes about 7 hours to arrive and costs 80 yuan. 

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How to Get Around Shannan

By Bus

There are buses No. 1 to 5 running in Tsedang Town and the fare is normally 1 yuan. The minibus to nearby scenic spots costs 2 to 5 yuan per person.

By Taxi

Only large counties in Shannan area have taxi that can arrive everywhere inside the downtown, such as Tsetang Town, Quxu and Gonggar.

By Bicycle

Cycling is popular in Shannan. There are several shops renting bikes in Shannan City. The highly recommended way is to contact a travel agency, not only for convenience, but also for your safety. If you want to have a hiking tour in Shannan, please contact us, we have Tibet cycling tours including Shannan, well arranged for your choice.

By Pedicab　

There are many pedicabs in Shannan urban area, generally can be seated with two people, and the fare for the trip in the urban area is about 3-4 yuan.

By Car Rental

The traffic in Shannan is not very convenient compared with other places, such as Beijing, Shanghai, especially there are few regular buses between various scenic spots. It is suggested to rent a car for the whole journey. If you want to rent a car, please contact us. We're confident that our experienced and skilled driver and good-condition vehicle will leave you a deep impression. The specific car rental cost reference is as follows:

  • Ordinary imported off-road vehicle 3.00-3.50 yuan/km;
  • Luxury imported off-road vehicle 3.50-4.50 yuan/km
  • Minicar for 20 people to travel 5.50-6.50 yuan/km;
  • Long distance Bus for 40 people 7.00-8.00 yuan/km.
  • Generally, the cost of a 4-6 person jeep from Lhasa to Shannan is about 1,500 yuan/day with an average of about 300 yuan/person per day.
  • Charter a minibus for 4 people from Zsetang Town and spend 1 day on visiting Trandruk Temple, Yungbulakang Palace and Tombs of Tibetan Kings at the price of 100 yuan for the round-trip cost .

By Suburban Area Bus

If you want to travel to regional tourist destinations such as Tsetang Town, Gonggar County, you can take suburban buses at Shannan Bus Station, and transfer to other counties from the destination county bus station.

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