How to Get to Banbar County from Qamdo City (Karub District)

Banbar County (边坝县) is located in the southeastern part of Qamdo City (昌都市), Tibet. The journey from Qamdo City (昌都市) to Banbar County (边坝县) involves navigating mountain roads and high-altitude passes. This guide provides comprehensive travel information, including the best routes, travel times, costs, and tips to help you reach Banbar County (边坝县) smoothly.

Overview of Travel to Banbar County

Distance and Travel Time

Distance: Approximately 465 to 666 kilometers, depending on the chosen route.

Driving Time: Travel time ranges from 11 hours (shortest route) to 14 hours (detour route).

Main Routes

Shortest Route:

  • Route: Xijing Line (西景线) + S303 Provincial Road (S303省道) — 465 kilometers, approximately 11 hours of driving.

  • Details: Start from Qamdo City (昌都市), head along Xijing Line (西景线) (G214) for 110.4 kilometers, then turn onto S303 Provincial Road (S303省道) for 107.6 kilometers, and continue to Banbar County (边坝县).

Detour Route:

  • Route: G214 → G349 National Road (G349国道) — 666 kilometers, approximately 14 hours of driving.

  • Details: This route passes through the Nujiang River (怒江) area, which is known for rugged terrain. Be cautious of construction zones and cliffside roads.

Self-Driving Travel Guide

Recommended Navigation Routes

Route 1: Shortest Route via Xijing Line (西景线) and S303 Provincial Road (S303省道)

Starting Point: Qamdo West Road (昌都西路) → Xijing Line (西景线) (G214) → S303 Provincial Road (S303省道) → Xiwang Road (希望路) → Banbar County (边坝县).

Key Landmarks:

  • Nianla Mountain Tunnel (年拉山隧道) and Mopo La Mountain Pass (磨坡拉山垭口) at 4771 meters above sea level. These areas require extra caution as the roads are winding and the terrain is challenging.

Road Condition Tips:

  • Some sections, such as Guoqing Township (郭庆乡), may temporarily close for construction. It’s important to check road conditions before setting out.

  • There are no tolls on this route, but some sections of G349 National Road (G349国道) are complex with winding curves.

Route 2: Detour via G214 and G349 National Roads (G349国道)

Total Distance: 666 kilometers.

Travel Time: Approximately 14 hours.

Notes: This route is more suited for experienced drivers due to the challenging conditions, including areas prone to landslides and narrow cliffside roads.

Fuel Costs and Tolls

Fuel Cost: Approximately 279-333 RMB for the journey from Qamdo City (昌都市) to Banbar County (边坝县).

Toll Fees: No tolls on the main routes.

Long-Distance Bus

Bus Schedule: The Qamdo Bus Station (昌都客运站) operates one bus service daily to Banbar County (边坝县), departing at 08:40 AM. The ticket price is approximately 100 RMB.

Note: Bus schedules may change seasonally, so it is advisable to confirm in advance with the bus station.

Air and Train Travel

Air Travel

Flights: You can fly into Qamdo Bangda Airport (昌都邦达机场) and then take a 4-hour taxi ride (approximately 200 RMB) to Banbar County (边坝县).

Train Travel

Trains: There are no direct train services from Qamdo City (昌都市) to Banbar County (边坝县). You would need to take a train to Lhasa (拉萨) or Chengdu (成都) and then use other transport options to reach Banbar County (边坝县).

Cycling and Motorcycle Travel Guide

Cycling Route

Route: The recommended cycling route is along G349 National Road (G349国道), which is mostly paved but includes high-altitude passes.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for high-altitude cycling, with passes like Bali La Mountain Pass (巴里拉山垭口) at 4810 meters.

  • Carry sufficient supplies and be aware of altitude sickness (high-altitude sickness).

  • Certain sections may have road construction, so detours may be necessary.

Motorcycle Travel

Route: Similar to the cycling route, the motorcycle route follows G349 National Road (G349国道).

Tips:

  • The high-altitude passes, such as Bali La Mountain Pass (巴里拉山垭口), may reduce the motorcycle’s power by about 30%.

  • Make sure to carry extra fuel and essential motorcycle parts, especially for long-distance travel.

Other Tips

Traffic Control: Be aware that some sections of G317 Line (G317线), particularly between K1069+000 and K1206+100, will have single-lane traffic until October 30, 2025.

Accommodation: There are budget hotels in Banbar County (边坝县), such as the Chaya Xingkong Youpin Hotel (察雅星空优品酒店), located near G349 National Road (G349国道).

Detailed Route from Qamdo to Banbar

Start heading southwest for 80 meters, then turn left.

Drive for 40 meters, then turn left onto Xijing Line (西景线).

Continue on Xijing Line (西景线) for 110.4 kilometers, then turn right onto S303 Provincial Road (S303省道).

Continue on S303 for 107.6 kilometers, then make a right turn.

Continue along S303 for 36.3 kilometers, then turn right onto Xiwang Road (希望路).

Drive for 38 kilometers on Xiwang Road (希望路), then turn left.

Continue along Xiwang Road (希望路) for 270 meters, then turn right to merge onto S303 Provincial Road (S303省道).

Travel along S303 for 19.3 kilometers, keeping to the left.

Continue for another 5.9 kilometers, then make a right turn.

Drive for 37.3 kilometers, make a U-turn, then continue along S303.

Travel along S303 for 58.7 kilometers, keeping to the left.

Continue for 50.9 kilometers, then turn into the middle lane.

Finally, continue for 430 meters to arrive at Banbar County (边坝县).

Reaching Banbar County (边坝县) from Qamdo City (昌都市) offers travelers several route options, including self-driving, buses, and alternative transport methods. The shortest route is along Xijing Line (西景线) and S303 Provincial Road (S303省道), while the detour route via G214 and G349 National Roads (G349国道) is longer and more challenging. Whether traveling by car, bus, or bicycle, make sure to prepare for the high-altitude conditions and construction zones along the way.