How to Get to Mainling County from Lhasa City
Traveling from Lhasa (拉萨市) to Milin County (米林县) covers approximately 471 kilometers and typically takes around 10 hours 43 minutes by road. Options include self-driving, long-distance buses via Nyingchi (林芝市), or high-speed rail. The route follows National Highway 318 (318国道), Sichuan-Tibet Highway (川藏公路), and Provincial Highway 306 (306省道), passing through scenic river valleys, mountains, and Tibetan villages. Due to the high-altitude environment, travelers should prepare for potential altitude sickness and variable weather. Cycling and motorcycling are possible for experienced adventurers.
Self-Driving
Route: Lhasa (拉萨市) → Linkuo East Road South Section (林廓东路南段) → Jiangsu Road (江苏路) → National Highway 318/Jiangsu East Road (318国道/江苏东路) → National Highway 318/Sichuan-Tibet Highway (318国道/川藏公路) → Provincial Highway 306 (306省道) → Milin County (米林县)
Distance: About 471 km
Duration: Approximately 10 hours 43 minutes
Public Transportation
- Long-distance bus: Take a bus from Lhasa (拉萨市) to Nyingchi Bus Station (林芝市客运站), then transfer to a bus to Milin County (米林县).
- High-speed rail: High-speed train from Lhasa (拉萨市) to Milin County (米林县), approximately 4.5 hours.
The Route for Cycling and Motorcycling
Cycling or motorcycling from Lhasa (拉萨市) to Milin County (米林县) offers an immersive highland adventure.
- Cycling: The 471 km route can be completed in 5–7 days depending on fitness, altitude adaptation, and rest stops.
- Motorcycling: Typically takes 10–12 hours with stops for sightseeing and acclimatization.
- Highlights: Travel along National Highway 318 (318国道), Sichuan-Tibet Highway (川藏公路), and Provincial Highway 306 (306省道). Experience Tibetan villages, river valleys, forested mountains, and the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
This route is suitable for experienced cyclists and motorcyclists prepared for high-altitude travel.
Notes
- Road Conditions: Generally good, but some sections are mountainous and winding.
- Altitude Sickness: Milin County (米林县) is at high elevation; acclimatization and necessary medications are recommended.
- Weather: Weather in Tibet is variable; check forecasts and plan clothing and gear accordingly.
The journey from Lhasa (拉萨市) to Milin County (米林县) combines accessibility with stunning Tibetan scenery. Self-driving provides flexibility, while buses and high-speed rail offer convenient alternatives. Cycling or motorcycling allows travelers to experience the plateau more intimately, though proper preparation for altitude and road conditions is essential. With planning and precautions, this route provides a safe, scenic, and memorable highland adventure.
