How to Get to Gonggar County from Shannan City (Nedong District)

Gonggar County (贡嘎县), located in the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区), is a popular destination known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to Gonggar Airport (贡嘎机场). This guide provides detailed information on how to travel from Shannan City (山南市) to Gonggar County (贡嘎县), with a variety of transportation options available.

Overview of the Route from Shannan City to Gonggar County

The distance between Shannan City (山南市) (specifically Zedang Town (泽当镇)) and Gonggar County (贡嘎县) is approximately 97 kilometers, and the journey takes about 2 hours by car. The most common modes of transportation are self-driving, long-distance buses, and chartered vehicles. Currently, there are no direct trains or flights to Gonggar County (贡嘎县) from Shannan City (山南市).

Transportation Options

By Car (Self-Drive or Chartered Vehicle)

Self-Drive Route:

Main Route: From Shannan City (山南市), head towards Nayou Road (乃东路) → Gesang Road (格桑路) → Qu’nai Expressway (曲乃高速) → G349 National Highway (G349国道) → Gonggar Airport Terminal T3.

Total Distance: Approximately 111.8 kilometers, with an estimated travel time of 1.5 hours.

Road Conditions: The journey primarily follows highways and national roads, which are in good condition. However, travelers should be aware of potential weather changes in the high-altitude region.

Travel Tips:

Altitude: Gonggar County (贡嘎县) sits at an altitude of about 3,600 meters. It’s important to acclimatize to the altitude before traveling to avoid altitude sickness (AMS).

Weather: The weather in this region can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to check road conditions before starting the journey, especially in winter when snow may cause road closures.

By Bus

Bus Service: The Shannan City (山南市) transport company operates direct buses to Gonggar Airport (贡嘎机场), with stops in Gonggar County (贡嘎县).

Schedule: Buses run 6 times a day, from 5:40 AM to 4:00 PM.

Ticket Price: Approximately 60 RMB per person.

Departure: From Shannan City Long-Distance Bus Station (山南市长途客运总站).

Return Trip: Buses leave Gonggar Airport (贡嘎机场) at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:30 PM.

Booking: Tickets can be purchased through the “Tibet Ticketing” WeChat account or at the Shannan City Long-Distance Bus Station (山南市长途客运总站).

By Train

No Direct Trains: There are no direct trains from Shannan City (山南市) to Gonggar County (贡嘎县). Passengers must travel via Lhasa (拉萨), and use local transportation from there.

By Air

Flights: While Gonggar Airport (贡嘎机场) is located in Gonggar County (贡嘎县), there are no flights from Shannan City (山南市) to Gonggar County (贡嘎县). Travelers must take a bus or drive to the airport from Shannan City (山南市).

By Bike (Cycling or Motorbiking)

Cycling: If you’re looking for an adventurous experience, you can cycle from Shannan City (山南市) to Gonggar County (贡嘎县). The total cycling distance is approximately 97 kilometers, primarily along G349 National Highway (G349国道).

Cycling Tips:

The high-altitude environment requires riders to pace themselves carefully to avoid altitude sickness.
Ensure that you bring enough water, food, and sunscreen.
Be aware of the weather conditions as they can change rapidly in the mountains.

Motorbiking: Similarly, motorbikers can use the same route as cyclists but should ensure they have enough fuel, as some segments may lack gas stations.

Important Travel Considerations

Altitude: Gonggar County (贡嘎县) is located at a high altitude of around 3,600 meters. Travelers should allow themselves time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.

Weather: In winter, snowfall can cause temporary road closures, so it’s highly recommended to check real-time road conditions before departure.

Road Conditions: The road conditions are generally good, especially on highways and national roads, but travelers should always be prepared for possible construction delays or detours, particularly in high-altitude areas.

Travel Route by Car

Here’s a step-by-step guide for driving from Shannan City (山南市) to Gonggar County (贡嘎县):

From Shannan City (山南市), drive 110 meters towards Nayou Road (乃东路).

Turn left onto Nayou Road (乃东路) and drive 440 meters.

Turn left onto Gesang Road (格桑路) and drive 650 meters.

Turn right onto Xiangqu West Road (香曲西路) and drive 3.6 kilometers.

Enter the roundabout and head onto Qu’nai Expressway (曲乃高速) for 90.2 kilometers.

Keep left and continue onto Airport Expressway (机场高速) for 7.6 kilometers.

Take the exit to Yingbin Road (迎宾路) and drive 520 meters.

Turn right onto Yingbin Road (迎宾路) and drive 100 meters.

Turn left onto Youyi Road (友谊路) and drive 330 meters.

Continue straight and turn onto G349 National Highway (G349国道), driving for 7.7 kilometers.

Turn left onto Yajiang Road (雅江路) and drive 180 meters.

Turn right onto Changsha Road (长沙路) and drive 380 meters.

Continue to Gonggar County (贡嘎县), and you will reach your destination.

Gonggar County (贡嘎县) is easily accessible from Shannan City (山南市), whether you prefer driving, taking a bus, or cycling. With the right preparation and attention to altitude and weather conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and scenic journey through Tibet’s stunning landscapes.