How to Get to Lhorong County from Qamdo City (Karub District)

Lhorong County (洛隆县) is located in the eastern part of Qamdo City (昌都市), in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The journey from Qamdo City (昌都市) to Lhorong County (洛隆县) takes travelers through rugged mountain roads and offers stunning landscapes. The distance between the two locations is approximately 289 to 292 kilometers, and the drive usually takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on road conditions and chosen routes.

This guide will provide you with essential information on the main routes, self-driving tips, and other transport options to help you reach Lhorong County (洛隆县) from Qamdo City (昌都市).

Overview of Travel Options

Distance and Driving Time

Distance: 289-292 kilometers (depending on the route).

Driving Time: Typically 5.5-6.5 hours for self-driving, depending on road conditions.

Main Routes

Shortest Route:

• Starting Point: Qamdo City (昌都市).

• Route: Travel along Xijing Line (西景线) (G214) for about 110 kilometers, then turn onto S303 Provincial Road (S303省道) for approximately 180 kilometers directly to Lhorong County (洛隆县).

Detour Route:

• Via G214 and G349 National Roads (G349国道), totaling approximately 503 kilometers, and taking about 10.5 hours. This route is better suited for experienced drivers.

Self-Drive Travel Guide

Recommended Navigation Routes

Route 1: Shortest Route via Xijing Line (西景线) and S303 Provincial Road (S303省道)

Starting Point: Qamdo West Road (昌都西路) → Xijing Line (西景线) (G214) → S303 Provincial Road (S303省道) → Xiwang Road (希望路) → Lhorong County (洛隆县).

Key Landmarks:

• Nianla Mountain Tunnel (年拉山隧道) and Mopo La Mountain Pass (磨坡拉山垭口) at 4771 meters altitude.

• Pay attention to winding mountain roads and the risk of falling rocks.

Road Condition Tips:

• Some sections (like Guoqing Township (郭庆乡)) may temporarily close for construction, so it is advisable to check road closures in advance.

• There are no highway tolls, but the G349 National Road (G349国道) has a complex terrain with frequent curves.

Route 2: Detour Route via G214 and G349 National Roads (G349国道)

Total Distance: 503 kilometers.

Travel Time: Approximately 10.5 hours. This route is longer and more suited for experienced drivers.

Fuel Costs and Road Tolls

Fuel Cost: Approximately 176 RMB for the entire journey from Qamdo (昌都) to Lhorong (洛隆).

Toll Fees: There are no tolls on the main routes.

Long-Distance Bus

Currently, no specific bus schedule information is available for direct buses from Qamdo City (昌都市) to Lhorong County (洛隆县). However, it is recommended to consult with the Qamdo Bus Station (昌都客运站) for updated bus schedules or arrange for a charter bus.

Air and Train Travel

Air Travel

Qamdo Bangda Airport (昌都邦达机场) does not offer direct flights to Lhorong County (洛隆县).

You will need to take a ground transport option from Qamdo to Lhorong after flying into Bangda Airport.

Train Travel

Currently, there are no direct rail services from Qamdo (昌都) to Lhorong (洛隆).

Train services may be available to Qamdo City (昌都市), but further travel to Lhorong County (洛隆县) would require a combination of road transport.

Cycling Guide

Route

The cycling route follows the same path as the self-driving route. Be prepared for high altitudes, such as crossing Bali La Mountain Pass (巴里拉山垭口) at 4810 meters above sea level, as well as extreme weather conditions.

Tips

Recommended Gear: Bring adequate cycling equipment such as slip-resistant tires, oxygen tanks, and windproof jackets. Ensure your bike is in good condition for long distances.

Avoid:

• The rainy season (July-August), as roads may become slippery.

• Winter months, as snow and icy conditions can be hazardous.

Motorcycle Guide

Bali La Mountain Pass (巴里拉山垭口) has a high altitude that can reduce the motorcycle’s power by up to 30%.

Ensure you are well-prepared with necessary safety gear and spare parts.

Fuel Stations: There are fuel stations available in Qamdo City (昌都市), Bali Town (巴里镇), and Lhorong County (洛隆县).

Additional Tips

Dining Options: There are several Sichuan-style restaurants (川菜馆) in the outskirts of Lhorong County (洛隆县) where travelers can find refreshments.

Emergency Contact: In case of road closures, you can reach out to Zaxi Pingcuo (扎西平措) at 13889052666 for assistance.

Detailed Route from Qamdo to Lhorong

Start from the east along G317, travel 250 meters, and make a U-turn.

Continue along G317 for 790 meters, and turn left onto Xijing Line (西景线) (G214).

Travel along Xijing Line (西景线) for 110.1 kilometers, then turn right onto S303 Provincial Road (S303省道).

Continue on S303 for 107.6 kilometers, then make a right turn.

Continue for another 36.3 kilometers, then turn right onto Xiwang Road (希望路).

Travel along Xiwang Road (希望路) for 38 kilometers, then turn left.

Continue along Xiwang Road (希望路) for 270 meters, and turn right to merge onto S303 Provincial Road (S303省道).

Travel 130 meters, and you will arrive at your destination on the right.

Reaching Lhorong County (洛隆县) from Qamdo City (昌都市) offers a few different travel options. The self-drive route via Xijing Line (西景线) and S303 Provincial Road (S303省道) is the most convenient, while bus and train services are limited. Travelers should prepare for high-altitude conditions and varying weather, particularly if cycling or motorcycling. Make sure to plan ahead, check road conditions, and carry sufficient supplies for the journey.