How to Get to Gyantse County from Shigatse City (Samzhubze District)

Distance and Transportation Overview

Distance: The road distance from Shigatse (日喀则) to Gyantse County (江孜县) is approximately 87-93 kilometers, and the driving time is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Main Route: The journey primarily follows G318 National Road (G318国道), turning onto G349 and S307 Provincial Roads (S307省道). The road is fully paved, and there are no tolls for the journey.

Direct Trains or Flights: There are no direct trains or flights to Gyantse County. The route mainly relies on road transport.

Transportation Options and Detailed Guide

1. Self-Driving Guide

Recommended Route:

From Shigatse, drive along G318 National Road (G318国道), turn onto G349 and then S307 Provincial Road (S307省道) to reach Gyantse County (江孜县), covering a distance of around 87 kilometers.

Detailed Path:

Start from Shigatse Station South Road (日喀则站南路), pass through Heilongjiang South Road (黑龙江南路), G318, and the Shigatse Airport Expressway (日喀则机场高速), then switch to G349, leading directly to Gyantse.

Road Conditions:

The entire route is paved, but be cautious on sections of G349 (such as Luobu Jiangzi Bridge 罗布江孜大桥), which are two-lane roads where overtaking requires extra care.

During the winter months, certain high-altitude sections (such as near Karola Glacier 卡若拉冰川) might have ice, so it is recommended to carry snow chains for safety.

Fuel and Costs:

  • Fuel cost: approximately 43 CNY for the entire journey.

  • There are no tolls.

2. Long-Distance Bus Guide

Bus Information:

  • Fixed Bus Schedule:

    Buses from Shigatse Liberation Middle Road Bus Station (日喀则解放中路汽车站) to Gyantse operate with a travel time of 2 hours. The ticket price is around 40 CNY, and the buses depart as soon as they are full.

  • Flexible Bus Schedule:

    There are additional buses available at the Ankang Hotel Parking Lot (安康宾馆停车场) in Shigatse, with frequent departures. Tickets can be bought on-site.

Ticket Purchase Suggestions:

Tickets can be purchased in advance via “Tibet Ticketing” (西藏票务通) for a small service fee of 2 CNY, with a total price of 112 CNY.

3. Air and Train Guide

Air Travel:

There are no direct flights to Gyantse County. The nearest airport is Shigatse Peace Airport (日喀则和平机场), about 100 kilometers from Gyantse. You will need to take a car from the airport to reach Gyantse.

Train:

There are no direct trains from Shigatse to Gyantse. You can take a train from Shigatse to Lhasa (about 2 hours 21 minutes, costing 64 CNY for a second-class seat) and then transfer to a bus for the journey to Gyantse, which takes about 2.5 hours.

4. Cycling Guide

Bicycle/Motorcycle:

  • Route: The cycling route is the same as the self-driving path, but keep in mind that certain sections of G349 are steep and may be more challenging for cycling.

  • Suggestions:

    • Carry windproof gear and warm clothing.

    • Limit daily cycling distances to no more than 50 kilometers to avoid issues with high-altitude oxygen levels.

    • Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue from altitude sickness.

Additional Considerations

Altitude Sickness

Gyantse County (江孜县) is located at around 4000 meters above sea level, so it’s crucial to allow for acclimatization before beginning your journey to avoid altitude sickness.

Weather

Winter (November to March): Snow and icy roads are common, so it is advisable to take extra precautions.

Summer (June to September): This is the best season to travel, with clearer weather and more stable road conditions.

Scenic Recommendations

Along the route, you can visit Bai Ju Temple (白居寺) and Karola Glacier (卡若拉冰川). These spots offer a great opportunity to explore Tibet’s natural beauty while taking a break from your journey.

Driving Directions from Shigatse to Gyantse County

Total Distance: 93.8 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: 1.8 hours

Fuel Cost: 56 CNY

No Toll Fees

Step-by-Step Directions

From the starting point, head south for 20 meters, then turn left onto Yingbin Road (迎宾路).

Continue for 1.6 kilometers on Yingbin Road, then turn right onto G318 National Road (G318国道).

Travel along G318 for 8.8 kilometers, then turn left.

Continue for 18.8 kilometers, then take the right lane.

Turn left onto S204 Provincial Road (S204省道) and drive for 7.3 kilometers.

Continue on S204 for 12.6 kilometers, then turn left onto S307 Provincial Road (S307省道).

Travel for 1.1 kilometers on S307, and continue straight onto Jiangluo Road (江洛路).

Follow Jiangluo Road for 360 meters, then take the first exit at the roundabout onto Guofang Road (国防路).

Travel for 460 meters on Guofang Road, then turn left.

Continue for 680 meters, then turn left onto Weiguo Road (卫国路).

Travel for 260 meters on Weiguo Road and you will reach your destination on the right side.

Recommended Routes and Scenic Stops

Route Options from Shigatse to Gyantse

Route A: Shigatse → G318 National Road → Gyantse.

Route B: Shigatse → Lhoka County → Gyantse, via G349 National Road (G349国道).

Recommendation: Route B is preferable because it passes Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措) and Karola Glacier (卡若拉冰川), offering more time to appreciate these stunning natural sites.

Travel Tips

Motion Sickness:

The high-altitude route (around 4700 meters at Yamdrok Lake and 5000 meters at Karola Glacier) has winding roads. It is recommended to avoid heavy meals and gas-inducing foods before the trip. Bring plastic bags, napkins, and water to prepare for any potential discomfort.

Photography:

During the journey, you will undoubtedly encounter mesmerizing scenery. Be prepared for your camera to work overtime – the views are truly breathtaking!