How to Get to Gerze County from Gar County (Shiquanhe Town)
Distance and Transportation Options
The distance between Gar County (噶尔县) and Gerze County (改则县) is approximately 486 kilometers, and the journey takes around 7 to 8 hours by road. The entire route is served by National Highway G317 (阿里北线) and National Highway G216 (New Tibet Highway), with parts of the route being newly constructed. There are no direct flights or trains to Gerze County.
Detailed Transportation Guide
1. Self-Driving Guide
Navigation Routes
G317 Traditional Route:
Gar County → G317 → Geji County (革吉县) → Gerze County (486 km, 7 hours 11 minutes).
G216 New Tibet Route:
Gar County → G216 → Cuoqin County (措勤县) → Gerze County (approximately 500 kilometers, better road conditions).
Road Conditions
G317: The route is primarily paved, but some sections (e.g., from Geji to Gerze) are unpaved and may have unstable roadbeds, requiring cautious driving.
G216: A newly constructed second-class road (2024), which is fully paved, but travelers must obtain a fuel permit at the Gerze County Government Hall (改则县政务大厅) for the route.
Cost
Fuel: Approx. 145 CNY (for G317 route).
Toll Fees: None for the G317 route.
2. Long-Distance Bus Guide
Bus Departure Information
Departure Point: Gar County Bus Station
Departure Times: There is one bus per day to Gerze County.
Ticket Price: 120 CNY
Travel Time: 8 hours
Bus Type: Medium-sized bus
Ticket Purchase Tips
It is advisable to buy tickets at least one day in advance, especially during holidays.
For reservations, call: 0897-2821234.
3. Cycling Guide
Bicycle/Motorcycle Route
Total Distance: Approximately 486 kilometers.
Travel Time: Around 3 to 4 days. It is recommended to ride in segments, such as Gar County → Geji → Gerze.
Route Conditions
The primary routes are G317 and G216, which are mostly paved, but certain sections may have gravel roads.
Cycling Tips:
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Carry extra fuel for the G216 route as there are no fuel stations along the way.
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Anti-skid chains are advisable, especially during the months of May to September, as hailstorms can suddenly occur.
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High-altitude sections, such as Sangmula Daban (桑木拉达坂), reach altitudes of 5,000 meters and it is essential to carry oxygen tanks to prevent altitude sickness.
4. Other Transportation Options
Airplane/Train
There are no direct flights or trains to Gerze County. Travelers must return to Lhasa or Shigatse (日喀则) and transfer to other modes of transportation, such as buses or cars.
Additional Information
Border Permit
Since Gerze County is located in a border area, travelers must obtain a border pass in advance. You can apply for this permit in either Lhasa or Gar County.
Best Travel Season
The best time to visit is between June and September to avoid the winter months, where snow and ice can make travel challenging.
Recommended Scenic Spots
Along the G216 route, you can visit the “Tree of Earth” (大地之树) natural wonder, located at the 2860 km mark in Gerze County.
Driving Route: From Gar County to Gerze County
Total Distance: 486.4 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours 32 minutes
Route Details:
Starting Point: Gar County
Route:
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Enter Gar Road (噶尔路) and drive 40 meters.
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Turn right onto Sacred Lake Road (圣湖路), drive 350 meters.
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Turn right onto Yingbin Avenue (迎宾大道), drive 2.5 kilometers.
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Continue straight onto G317, drive 88 kilometers.
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Pass Geji Bridge, continue straight for 130 meters.
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Continue on G317 for 30.7 kilometers.
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Turn right onto Ring City Road (环城路), drive 960 meters.
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Continue straight onto Salt Lake West Road (盐湖西路), drive 230 meters.
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Continue straight onto Salt Lake Middle Road (盐湖中路), drive 260 meters.
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Turn right onto Lian Tong South Road (联通南路), drive 240 meters.
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Continue straight onto Lian Tong South Road for 1.1 kilometers.
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Continue straight onto G317, drive 361.2 kilometers.
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Continue onto Luren Road (鲁仁路), drive 630 meters.
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Turn left to Gerze County, drive 10 meters to your destination.
