How to Get to Gongbo Gyamda County from Nyingchi City (Bayi District)
Gongbo Gyamda County (工布江达县) is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, near Nyingchi City (林芝市). It is a fascinating destination known for its natural beauty, including majestic mountains and the sacred Basho Lake (巴松措). The distance between Nyingchi City (林芝市) and Gongbo Gyamda County (工布江达县) is approximately 202 kilometers (via Linla Road (林拉公路)) or 227 kilometers (via G318 National Road (G318国道)), with an estimated driving time of 3-4 hours depending on the route and road conditions.
This guide provides essential details on how to get from Nyingchi City (林芝市) to Gongbo Gyamda County (工布江达县) using different modes of transport.
Overview of Travel Options
Distance and Driving Time
Distance:
202 kilometers (via Linla Road (林拉公路))
227 kilometers (via G318 National Road (G318国道))
Driving Time:
Self-driving: Approximately 3-4 hours depending on the route chosen.
Main Transportation Options
Self-Drive:
Recommended Route: Linla Road (林拉公路) is the best option, as it is a fast, free highway with good road conditions.
Long-Distance Bus:
Route: Buses leave from Nyingchi Bus Station (林芝客运站) daily with multiple departures between 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ticket Price: Around 60-80 RMB.
Train / High-Speed Rail:
The Lalin Railway (拉林铁路) has a station at Gongbo Gyamda (工布江达). Trains from Nyingchi Station (林芝站) to Gongbo Gyamda Station (工布江达站) take approximately 1.5 hours.
Cycling:
Route: The iconic G318 National Road (G318国道), which stretches 227 kilometers, takes you through Mira Mountain Pass (米拉山口) at an altitude of 5013 meters.
Self-Drive Travel Guide
Recommended Routes
Route 1: Linla Road (林拉公路)
Starting Point: Nyingchi City (林芝市) → Linla Road (林拉公路) → Gongbo Gyamda County (工布江达县) (approximately 202 kilometers).
Features:
Dual-lane road with a speed limit of 80 km/h.
No tolls, with scenic spots along the way like Basho Lake Scenic Area (巴松措景区).
Travel Time: Around 3-4 hours.
Route 2: G318 National Road (G318国道)
Features:
Passes through the Mira Mountain Pass (米拉山口), which is at 5013 meters above sea level.
More winding roads and steeper sections.
Winter driving precautions: be aware of potential ice and snow.
Road Conditions:
The Linla Road (林拉公路) has several tunnels (such as the Dazi Tunnel (达孜隧道)), so speed limits should be observed.
During the rainy season (June-September), be cautious of falling rocks and debris.
In winter, prepare for icy road conditions and bring snow chains if needed.
Long-Distance Bus Guide
Bus Service:
Departures from Nyingchi Bus Station (林芝客运站), with buses running from 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ticket Price: 60-80 RMB.
Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours.
Bus Type: Mid-sized buses with air conditioning.
Booking: Tickets can be reserved through the “Tibet Passenger Transport” WeChat Official Account.
Train / High-Speed Rail Guide
Train Route: The Lalin Railway (拉林铁路) has service to Gongbo Gyamda Station (工布江达站), which is about 8 kilometers from the county seat.
Travel Time: From Nyingchi Station (林芝站) to Gongbo Gyamda Station (工布江达站), it takes about 1.5 hours.
Ticket Price: Around 40 RMB for second-class seats.
Connection: From Gongbo Gyamda Station, you can take a taxi (approximately 20 RMB) to the town center.
Cycling Guide
Route: G318 National Road (G318国道) from Nyingchi (林芝) to Gongbo Gyamda (工布江达), approximately 227 kilometers.
Suggested Itinerary:
-
Day 1: Nyingchi → Baha Town (巴河镇) (120 km, 3000 meters elevation).
-
Day 2: Baha Town (巴河镇) → Gongbo Gyamda (工布江达) (107 km, crossing Mira Mountain Pass (米拉山口)).
Equipment: Bring an oxygen cylinder for high-altitude cycling, along with a windproof jacket and sufficient supplies.
Important Note: Mira Mountain Pass (米拉山口) is at 5013 meters above sea level, and cycling in such high altitudes requires caution.
Motorcycle Guide
Mira Mountain Pass (米拉山口) is particularly challenging for motorcycles due to the high altitude (where engine power may decrease by 30%).
If you’re planning to visit border regions (such as Moitang), you will need to apply for a border pass.
Fueling Stations: Nyingchi City (林芝市), Baha Town (巴河镇), and Gongbo Gyamda County (工布江达县) all have PetroChina gas stations (中石油).
Other Recommendations
Best Travel Season: From May to October (avoid the winter months with ice and snow).
Accommodation: Hotels in Gongbo Gyamda County (工布江达县) are typically priced between 150-300 RMB per night, such as the Gongbo Manor Hilton (工布庄园希尔顿).
Alternative Route: If you have time, you can detour to visit Basho Lake Scenic Area (巴松措景区), which adds about 30 kilometers to the journey.
Detailed Driving Directions from Nyingchi to Gongbo Gyamda
Start by heading west along Guangfu Avenue (广福大道) for 770 meters, then take the 4th exit at the roundabout.
Continue on Guangfu Avenue (广福大道) for 420 meters, then take the 2nd exit at the roundabout.
Continue along Guangfu Avenue (广福大道) for 370 meters and turn right onto Huxie Line (沪聂线).
Drive along Huxie Line (沪聂线) for 12 kilometers, and continue straight onto Linla Road (林拉路).
Continue on Linla Road (林拉路) for 260 meters, then take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto Huxie Line (沪聂线).
Continue for 87.6 kilometers along Huxie Line (沪聂线), then turn right.
Continue on Huxie Line (沪聂线) for 25.7 kilometers, then turn left.
Keep following Huxie Line (沪聂线) for 71.2 kilometers, then turn right.
After 14.5 kilometers, turn right again.
Continue for 15.3 kilometers, then enter Zhamu West Road (扎木西路).
Continue for 350 meters on Zhamu West Road (扎木西路), then continue straight onto Zhamu Middle Street (扎木中街).
Continue straight for 810 meters, then continue on Huxie Line (沪聂线) for 128.8 kilometers.
Turn left, continuing on Huxie Line (沪聂线) for 183.2 kilometers.
Keep left, continue for 150 meters, then turn onto Changdu West Road (昌都西路).
Drive for 169.3 kilometers on Changdu West Road (昌都西路), then turn right onto Qichi Street (齐齿街).
Follow Qichi Street (齐齿街) for 850 meters, then continue on Hainan Street (海南街).
Continue for 680 meters on Hainan Street (海南街), then turn right onto Chengna Line (成那线).
Continue on Chengna Line (成那线) for 170 meters, then turn left.
Continue for 1.8 kilometers, then turn right.
After 51.4 kilometers, turn right again.
Continue for 120.4 kilometers on Chengna Line (成那线), then turn left.
After 5.4 kilometers, turn left again.
Continue for 1.9 kilometers, then turn right.
Finally, continue for 31.4 kilometers and turn left.
After 17.1 kilometers, you will reach your destination on the right side.
Traveling from Nyingchi City (林芝市) to Gongbo Gyamda County (工布江达县) offers various options, from self-driving to bus, train, and cycling. The routes are well-maintained, and the scenery is spectacular, making it a memorable journey. Be sure to plan ahead for the weather and road conditions, especially in winter and the rainy season.
