How to Get to Markam County from Lhasa

✨ Highlights of the Journey

Four Seasons in One Day: Travel just a few hundred kilometers and experience vertical climate zones from snowy plateaus to tropical rainforests.

China’s Ultimate Off-Road Route: Zhamo Highway (扎墨公路), hailed by Chinese National Geography as “China’s Ultimate Off-Road Road,” offers both breathtaking scenery and thrilling challenges.

Two Route Options: Choose between Zhamo Highway via Bomi (波密) or Paemo Highway (派墨公路) via Pai Town (派镇), each with distinct landscapes.

📝 Essential Information

Total Distance: Approx. 694.8 km from Lhasa (拉萨) to Medog (墨脱).

Altitude Variation: From Lhasa (3,650 m) to the highest point at Galongla Pass (嘎隆拉山垭口, 4,741 m), then descending to Medog town (1,225 m, with Beibeng Village 背崩乡 at just 900 m).

Best Season: April–October (avoid heavy snow in winter and landslides during rainy season).

Traffic Policy: Medog follows a “dual-in, single-out” policy (cars with even license plate numbers can enter, odd numbers can exit). Plan accordingly.

🚗 Transportation Options Overview

Mode of Travel Duration Pros Cons Best For
Self-Drive 2–3 days Flexible, stop anytime for photos Rough road conditions, requires off-road driving skills Experienced drivers
Public Transport 3–4 days Budget-friendly, no need to drive Multiple transfers, less predictable Backpackers
Train + Car Hire 2 days Combines comfort with flexibility Car rental in Nyingchi (林芝) is costly Small groups, families
Cycling/Motorbike 4–7 days Ultimate adventure & immersion Demanding on fitness & equipment Adventurers, pro riders

🛣️ Detailed Transport Options

1. Self-Drive Adventure (Most Recommended)

Driving is the best way to truly experience the Medog journey.

Suggested Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Lhasa (拉萨) → Nyingchi (林芝), ~400 km, 4–5 hrs.

Follow the Lalin Expressway (拉林公路) along the Nyang River (尼洋河).

Visit Basum-tso Lake (巴松措) in the afternoon. Overnight in Nyingchi (3,100 m).

  • Day 2: Nyingchi (林芝) → Bomi (波密) → Medog (墨脱), ~280 km, 7–9 hrs.

Cross Sejila Pass (色季拉山口, 4,728 m) for a view of Mt. Namjagbarwa (南迦巴瓦峰).

Pass through Lulang Forest (鲁朗林海) and Tongmai Bridge (通麦特大桥).

From Bomi, head south along Zhamo Highway (扎墨公路), crossing Galongla Tunnel (嘎隆拉隧道) into Medog.

Road Notes:

  • Roads are mostly paved but landslides, potholes, and rockfalls remain common.

  • Altitude drops dramatically from over 4,000 m to 1,000 m — both vehicles and travelers need to adapt.

Vehicle Recommendation:

  • High-clearance SUV or 4×4. Avoid sedans.

  • Ensure brakes and tires are in good condition, carry a spare tire.

Cost Estimate:

  • Rental: ¥500–800/day

  • Fuel: ~¥600

  • Food & lodging: ~¥300/person/day

2. Train + Car Rental Combo

Ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenic Qinghai–Tibet Railway without driving all the way.

  • Railway: Take the Lhasa–Nyingchi Railway (拉林铁路), ~3.5 hrs, crossing the Yarlung Tsangpo River (雅鲁藏布江) 16 times.

  • Car Rental: Pick up a rental in Nyingchi for the onward drive to Medog.

3. Long-Distance Bus

There is no direct Lhasa–Medog bus. Travelers must transfer multiple times:

  • Lhasa → Nyingchi (八一镇): Bus (5 hrs, ¥150) or shuttle van (¥180).

  • Nyingchi → Bomi (波密): Bus, ~4 hrs.

  • Bomi → Medog (墨脱): Local bus or shared van, 5–6 hrs.

Tip: Travel time is long (3–4 days). Pack light for easier transfers.

4. By Air (via Nyingchi Airport)

  • Flight: Lhasa Gonggar Airport (贡嘎机场) → Nyingchi Mainling Airport (米林机场), ~1 hr.

  • Ground Transfer: Rent a car or take a bus to Medog.

Note: Flights are limited but save time. Discounted fares (up to 50% off) available for Tibet routes until Dec 2025.

5. Cycling Expedition

  • Route: Lhasa → Nyingchi (2 days) → Bomi (1–2 days) → Medog (2 days).

  • Challenges: Steep gradients, remote stretches, potential leeches during rainy season.

  • Requirements: Excellent fitness, repair tools, and strong gear.

6. Motorbike Journey

  • Vehicle: 250cc+ off-road or rally motorbike.

  • Notes: Be cautious on slippery sections and waterfalls. Carry extra fuel and waterproof gear.

💡 Travel Tips for Medog

  • Border Permit: Required for foreign and Chinese travelers. Apply in advance in Lhasa or at your local police bureau.

  • Best Seasons:

April–May: Rhododendrons in bloom.

September–October: Post-monsoon, clear skies — highly recommended.

  • Food & Lodging:

Wide range of hotels/guesthouses in Medog town.

Don’t miss Stone Pot Chicken (石锅鸡), cooked in unique soapstone pots.

  • Top Attractions:

Great Bend of Yarlung Tsangpo (雅鲁藏布江大拐弯): A spectacular river curve (ticket ~¥60).

Renqinbeng Monastery (仁钦崩寺): The oldest and largest monastery in Medog.

Trekking Routes: Short hikes into primeval forests and waterfalls.

  • Safety Reminders:

Check weather daily — landslides and mudslides are common in rainy season.

Download offline maps — some areas lack phone signal.

Pack both warm layers and rain gear — altitude and climate change rapidly.

💎 Final Thoughts

The journey to Medog (墨脱) is not just a geographical adventure but also a spiritual encounter with nature. Whether by car, train, motorbike, or bike, every route promises unforgettable landscapes. The key is to stay flexible, respect local culture and nature, and let Medog’s mystery reveal itself at its own pace.