How to Get to Coqen County from Lhasa

How to Get to Coqen County from Lhasa
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Cuoqin County (措勤县), located in the southeastern part of Ngari Prefecture (阿里地区) on the Qiangtang Plateau (羌塘高原), is about 800 km from Lhasa (拉萨). Sitting at an average altitude of over 4,700 m, this remote border county is dominated by pastoralism and is known for its highland lakes, vast grasslands, and wildlife. Major attractions include Zhari Namco (扎日南木措) and Dangre Yongcuo (当惹雍错).

The region has a cold alpine steppe climate, with large temperature differences between day and night, and an annual average temperature below 0℃. The best time to visit is May–September. As the eastern gateway to Ngari, Cuoqin is a representative destination at the far end of Tibet’s transport network, requiring two days’ drive from Lhasa.

Transportation Options from Lhasa to Cuoqin

🚗 Self-Drive

  • Distance: ~800 km via S206 → G317 → S301 → S205.

  • Duration: ~2 days (recommended overnight in Nima County (尼玛县)).

  • Road Conditions: Combination of asphalt and gravel; some sections exceed 5,000 m elevation. In the rainy season (July–August), landslides and mudflows are common. Anti-skid chains are necessary.

Tips:

  • Dangerous curves and permafrost subsidence zones.

  • Drive a 4WD SUV, carry snow chains, and avoid night driving.

🚌 Long-Distance Bus

  • Departure: Lhasa Liuwu Bus Station (拉萨柳梧汽车站), 1 daily departure at 7:30 am.

  • Duration: ~18 hours.

  • Ticket Price: ~280 RMB.

  • Stops: Damxung (当雄), Bangor (班戈), and Nima County (尼玛).

Notes:

  • No regular meal stops – bring your own food.

  • Overnight stop in Nima County is only for driver rest.

  • Limited comfort: narrow seats, no onboard toilet, weak oxygen supply.

✈️ Flight + Car

  • Step 1: Fly Lhasa (拉萨) → Ngari Gunsa Airport (阿里昆莎机场).

    • Duration: 1.5 hrs, 1–2 flights daily.

    • Ticket Price: from 1200 RMB.

  • Step 2: Private car from Ngari to Cuoqin (~500 km, 6 hrs).

    • Cost: 1500 RMB per vehicle (cheaper if shared).

    • Road: Mostly gravel (70%).

Notes:

  • Book vehicles through licensed travel agencies.

  • Refuel at Shiquanhe (狮泉河镇) before heading out.

  • Language barriers possible with local drivers.

🚴 Cycling (Bicycle/Motorbike)

  • Route: Same as self-drive (S206 → G317 → S205).

  • Duration:

    • Bicycle: 15–20 days.

    • Motorbike: 5–7 days (250cc+ recommended).

Cycling Daily Stages (Bicycle):

  • Lhasa → Damxung (当雄): 160 km (2 days).

  • Damxung → Bangor (班戈): 200 km (3 days).

  • Bangor → Nima (尼玛): 240 km (4 days).

  • Nima → Cuoqin (措勤): 200 km (3 days).

Challenges:

  • High-altitude hypoxia, strong winds, extreme weather.

  • Gravel sections, no gas stations after Nima.

  • Carry fuel, oxygen bottles, repair kits, and sub-zero sleeping bags.

Self-Drive Route & Navigation

Recommended Route

Lhasa (拉萨) → S206 (Yangbajing 羊八井) → G317 (Nagqu 那曲) → S301 (Nima 尼玛) → S205 (Cuoqin 措勤)

  • Total: ~800 km, safer to divide into 2 days.

Key Waypoints

  • Yangbajing (羊八井): 4300 m.

  • Bangor (班戈县): 4700 m.

  • Nima (尼玛县): 4500 m.

Road Condition Breakdown

  • Lhasa → Nima (~500 km): First 300 km smooth asphalt, then gravel after Nima.

  • Nima → Cuoqin (~300 km): Entirely gravel, with steep, guardrail-free sections. Scenic highlights: Dawacuo Lake (达瓦错), Zhari Namco (扎日南木措).

Costs

  • Fuel: ~800 RMB (1.5L SUV).

  • Tolls: None (no toll highways in Tibet).

Long-Distance Bus Guide

Schedule & Pricing

  • Station: Lhasa Liuwu (拉萨柳梧).

  • Time: Daily at 7:30 am.

  • Duration: 18 hrs.

  • Fare: 280 RMB.

Stops

  1. Damxung (当雄) – 10-min rest.

  2. Bangor (班戈) – 30-min lunch break.

  3. Nima (尼玛) – overnight driver rest stop (basic inns nearby).

Travel Notes

  • Buy tickets 1–3 days in advance at the station (no online purchase).

  • Bring oxygen, warm clothing, and dry food.

Air + Car Transfer

Flight Info

  • Route: Lhasa → Ngari Gunsa Airport (阿里昆莎机场).

  • Airline: Tibet Airlines TV9837, daily 08:00.

  • Duration: 1.5 hrs.

Car Hire

  • Distance: ~500 km, 6 hrs drive to Cuoqin.

  • Cost: 1500–2000 RMB per car (4–7 seats).

  • Road: 70% gravel.

Alternative Train + Road Options

Currently, Tibet’s railways only connect Lhasa with Shigatse (日喀则) and Nyingchi (林芝). No train directly reaches Cuoqin.

Options

  1. Lhasa → Nagqu (那曲) by train (~2.5 hrs), then bus to Nima → Cuoqin.

  2. Lhasa → Shigatse (日喀则) by train (~3 hrs), then chartered car to Cuoqin (~12 hrs).

Practical Tips & Safety

  • Border Permit: Required (must specify “Ngari Prefecture Cuoqin County 阿里地区措勤县”).

  • Altitude Sickness: High risk – take Rhodiola (红景天), avoid strenuous activity.

  • Offline Maps: Essential (signal weak).

  • Seasonal Closures: After September, snow may close roads – check conditions in advance.

  • Driving Safety: No night driving, beware of wildlife on roads.

  • Emergency Gear: Spare tire, tow rope, oxygen bottles, -10℃ sleeping bag.