How to Get to Comai County from Lhasa City

Traveling from Lhasa (拉萨市) to Cuomei County (措美县) may not seem far in terms of distance, but due to its high-altitude location and limited transportation options, a detailed guide can make your journey much smoother. Below is a full breakdown of available transportation methods, with a strong recommendation for self-driving.

✨ Quick Overview

🛣️ Self-Drive / Chartered Car (Most Recommended)

Self-driving is the most flexible and convenient way to reach Cuomei County (措美县). It allows you to control your pace and fully enjoy the scenic landscapes along the way.

📍 Detailed Route & Road Conditions

1. Lhasa (拉萨市) → Zegong Expressway (泽贡高速)
   
   Depart from Lhasa via Yaye Expressway (雅叶高速) and Airport Expressway (机场高速), then connect to Zegong Expressway (泽贡高速). Road condition: excellent.

2. Zegong Expressway (泽贡高速) → Shannan City (山南市·泽当镇)
   
   Exit at Zedang Town (泽当镇), pass through the urban area, then take National Highway G349 (G349国道) and connect to Qiongcuo Line (琼错线 / X307 County Road). This is the key junction of the trip.

3. Qiongcuo Line (琼错线) → Cuomei County (措美县)
   
   A winding mountain road with sharp turns and steep slopes, crossing high-altitude passes. Requires careful driving.

💰 Cost Reference

• Fuel: About ¥169 for a small car, one way.

• Tolls: Currently no highway tolls on this route.

• Chartered Car: Starting from ¥1000/day (with driver). Cost-effective if shared among multiple travelers.

⚠️ Important Tips

• Vehicle: SUVs are recommended for higher ground clearance.

• Weather & Altitude: Avoid driving in rain/snow. Be cautious of altitude sickness.

• Navigation: Download offline maps, as some sections have poor signal.

🚌 Long-Distance Bus

Currently, there are no direct long-distance buses from Lhasa to Cuomei County. The typical route involves two stages:

1. Lhasa (拉萨市) → Shannan City (山南市·泽当镇)
   
   Take a bus from Lhasa North Bus Station (拉萨北郊客运站) to Zedang Town (泽当镇). Tickets can be checked via the official “Xizang Bus Ticket (西藏汽车票)” app or at the station directly.

2. Shannan City (山南市) → Cuomei County (措美县)
   
   From Zedang, find a local bus or shared ride to Cuomei. This part is less certain and may require on-site arrangements.

👉 This option is time-consuming and less reliable, but suitable for backpackers with flexible schedules.

✈️ Flights & 🚆 Trains

• Airports: The nearest airports are Lhasa Gonggar Airport (拉萨贡嘎机场), Nyingchi Mainling Airport (林芝米林机场), and Shigatse Peace Airport (日喀则和平机场), none of which are in Cuomei County.

• Railway: Current railway lines serve Lhasa (拉萨市) and Shigatse (日喀则市) but do not extend to Cuomei (措美县).

👉 Conclusion: Travelers must reach Lhasa (拉萨市) first, then continue by car or bus.

🚲 Cycling / Motorcycle Adventure

Cycling is a challenging option, recommended only for highly experienced riders with strong stamina and high-altitude adaptation.

📍 Route & Intensity

• Route overlaps with the self-drive road.

• Total distance: ~388.9 km.

• Elevation gain: +4377 m / descent: -3895 m.

• Maximum altitude: 5075 m.

🗓️ Best Season

• April–October: Stable weather, beautiful landscapes.

• Avoid November–March: Harsh cold, icy roads.

🧰 Preparation Checklist

• Bike: Reliable mountain bike (own or rent in Lhasa, ~¥300–800/day).

• Gear: Repair kit, spare tires, warm waterproof clothing, helmet.

• Supplies: Carry water & energy food; some stretches have limited supply points.

• Altitude Adaptation: Stay in Lhasa for 2–3 days before departure.

💎 Final Recommendations

• Best Choice: Self-drive or chartered car → balances flexibility, comfort, and safety.

• Backup: Bus option (via Shannan City) → cheaper, but time-consuming.

• Not Feasible: Flight/train direct access.

• For Adventurers Only: Cycling/motorcycle → requires top fitness and high-altitude experience.