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

Distance & Transportation Options

The straight-line distance between Shigatse (日喀则) and Lhatse County (拉孜县) is approximately 150 kilometers. The actual driving distance is 151 kilometers via G318 National Road (G318国道).

The main transportation methods include self-driving, long-distance buses, and charter/shared rides. There are no direct flights or trains available between these two locations.

Travel Time

  • Self-Driving: 2.5-3 hours (depending on traffic conditions).

  • Long-Distance Bus: 3 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 41-50 CNY.

Detailed Travel Guide

1. Self-Driving Route

Route: From Shigatse city center, drive along Qingdao East Road (青岛东路), then continue on G318 National Road (G318国道) towards Lhatse County.

Cost: There are no toll fees for this route. The fuel cost is approximately 100-150 CNY (depending on the vehicle type).

Important Notes:

  • Weather in high-altitude areas can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to allow an additional 30 minutes for potential delays.

  • Some sections of the road may have temporary closures due to construction. Always check the road conditions in advance.

2. Long-Distance Bus

Fixed Schedules:

  • Buses depart daily from Shigatse Bus Station (日喀则汽车站) at 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM. The ticket price is between 41-46 CNY.

Flexible Schedules:

  • Small minibuses depart from the west side of Tashilhunpo Monastery Square (拉什伦布寺广场西侧), leaving once full. The fare is 50 CNY.

Return Journey:

  • The pick-up point for buses heading back from Lhatse County is located 150 meters east of Lhatse Hotel (拉孜饭店东侧).

3. Airplane and Train

Airplane:

  • There are no direct flights from Shigatse Peace Airport (日喀则和平机场) to Lhatse County. Travelers will need to fly to Lhasa (拉萨) first and take a bus from there to Lhatse.

Train:

  • The Lhasa-Shigatse railway operates Fuxing bullet trains (复兴号动车组) but does not have a direct route to Lhatse.

4. Cycling Guide

Bicycle/Motorcycle:

  • Traveling by bicycle or motorcycle requires adaptation to high altitudes (around 4500 meters on average). It’s advisable to carry an oxygen bottle for emergencies.

  • There are limited charging stations along the route, so if you’re traveling with an electric bike, plan your charging points ahead of time. One available charging station is at the Shangkeyou Parking Lot (尚客优停车场站) in Lhatse County.

5. Additional Tips

Charter/Shared Ride:

  • The cost of a charter or shared ride from Shigatse to Lhatse is approximately 300-500 CNY, and prices are negotiable.

Road Conditions Update:

  • The section of G318 from Shigatse to Co La Mountain (措拉山) may occasionally face intermittent road closures. It’s recommended to check for updates and plan an alternate route if necessary.

Detailed Driving Route from Shigatse to Lhatse

Starting Point: Head south from Shigatse city center, drive 10 meters, and turn right onto Qingdao East Road (青岛东路).

Continue on Qingdao East Road for 380 meters, then continue straight onto Qingdao West Road (青岛西路).

After 220 meters, turn left onto Shandong North Road (山东北路).

Drive 590 meters and turn right onto Everest West Road (珠峰西路).

Continue on Everest West Road for 720 meters, then turn right onto Jijilangka Road (几吉郎卡路).

Follow Jijilangka Road for 2.5 kilometers, then continue straight onto Hu-Nie Line (沪聂线).

Drive 11.1 kilometers and stay to the right.

Continue along Hu-Nie Line for 1.7 kilometers, then turn right.

Drive another 52.4 kilometers along Hu-Nie Line, then enter G318 National Road (G318国道) and stay to the right.

Continue along G318 for 3.6 kilometers, then continue straight onto Hu-Nie Line.

Drive for 77.1 kilometers, and turn left onto Jiadin Road (嘉定路).

Continue along Jiadin Road for 1.1 kilometers, and you will reach your destination on the right side of the road.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to travel from Shigatse (日喀则) to Lhatse County (拉孜县), including driving directions, bus options, and other essential travel tips. Whether you are self-driving, taking a bus, or even considering a cycling adventure, ensure you plan your journey carefully for a smooth and enjoyable experience in the high-altitude region of Tibet!