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

Markam County (芒康县) is located in Qamdo City (昌都市), Tibet. Traveling from Qamdo City (昌都市) to Markam County (芒康县) involves navigating mountainous roads and high-altitude passes. This guide provides essential information on the best routes, travel time, transportation options, and tips for making the journey as smooth as possible.

Overview of Travel to Markam County

Distance and Travel Time

Distance: The road distance from Qamdo City (昌都市) to Markam County (芒康县) ranges from 260 kilometers to 433 kilometers, depending on the chosen route.

Driving Time: Travel time varies between 6-9 hours, based on your chosen route.

Main Routes

Shortest Route:

  • Route: G214 National Road (G214国道) — 298 kilometers, approximately 6-7 hours of driving.

  • Details: From Qamdo City (昌都市), take Xijing Line (西景线), then follow Huni Line (沪聂线), and proceed on G214 National Road (G214国道) to Markam County (芒康县).

Detour Route:

  • Route: G317 National Road (G317国道) + G318 National Road (G318国道) — 433 kilometers, approximately 8-9 hours of driving.

  • Details: This longer route is ideal for those with more time, passing through Gongjue County (贡觉县) and Lewa Qizhi County (类乌齐县).

Self-Driving Travel Guide

Recommended Navigation Routes

Route 1: Shortest Route via G214 National Road (G214国道)

Starting Point: Qamdo West Road (昌都西路) → Xijing Line (西景线) → Huni Line (沪聂线) → G214 National Road (G214国道) → Markam County (芒康县).

Key Landmarks:

  • Karo District (卡若区) (G214): Some road sections may experience delays due to construction or subsidence (K1250+800 meters).

  • Winter Conditions: Snow may accumulate on G317 National Road (G317国道) during the winter months.

Route 2: Detour via G317 National Road (G317国道) and G318 National Road (G318国道)

Total Distance: 433 kilometers.

Travel Time: Approximately 8-9 hours.

Notes: This route passes through scenic regions, including Gongjue County (贡觉县) and Lewa Qizhi County (类乌齐县), but involves more challenging terrain.

Fuel Costs and Tolls

Fuel Cost: Approximately 180-260 RMB for the journey from Qamdo City (昌都市) to Markam County (芒康县).

Toll Fees: No tolls on either of the main routes.

Long-Distance Bus

Bus Schedule: The Qamdo Bus Station (昌都客运站) operates one bus service daily to Markam County (芒康县), departing at 08:00 AM. The ticket price is approximately 120 RMB, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours.

Note: Bus schedules may change seasonally, so it’s recommended to confirm in advance.

Air Travel

Connecting Flights

Flight Details: To get to Markam County (芒康县), you can fly to Qamdo Bangda Airport (昌都邦达机场). From there, you will need to take a 4-hour taxi ride (approximately 200 RMB per person) to Markam County (芒康县).

Cycling and Motorcycle Travel Guide

Cycling Route

Route: The recommended cycling route is along G214 National Road (G214国道), which is paved but requires crossing high-altitude passes.

Tips:

  • Prepare for high-altitude cycling, as passes reach over 4500 meters.

  • Be cautious of night riding, especially in areas with potholes and muddy conditions (such as County Road 501), and prefer to ride during the day.

Motorcycle Travel

Route: Motorcycle routes follow the same path as cycling, on G214 National Road (G214国道).

Tips:

  • Be aware of altitude-related power loss, especially when crossing high-altitude passes.

  • Carry enough fuel, especially since fuel stations may be sparse along remote sections.

Other Tips

Traffic Control:

  • In the Karo District (卡若区) of G214 National Road (G214国道), large vehicles are required to detour via G349 National Road (G349国道).

Accommodation:

  • Budget hotels are available in Markam County (芒康县), including the Chaya Xingkong Youpin Hotel (察雅星空优品酒店), located next to G349 National Road (G349国道).

Detailed Route from Qamdo to Markam

Start heading southwest for 80 meters, then turn left.

Drive 40 meters, then turn left onto Xijing Line (西景线).

Continue on Xijing Line (西景线) for 125.4 kilometers, then turn right.

Continue for 44.6 kilometers, then keep left.

Drive for 120 meters, then continue straight onto Huni Line (沪聂线).

Travel along Huni Line (沪聂线) for 42.0 kilometers, then turn right.

Continue for 62.6 kilometers, then turn right.

Continue for 84.1 kilometers, then turn left.

Drive for 24.6 kilometers, then turn right.

Continue for 48.6 kilometers, then turn right onto G214 National Road (G214国道).

Drive 70 meters, then turn right.

Continue for 1.4 kilometers, then turn right.

Drive 140 meters to reach the destination on the left side.

Reaching Markam County (芒康县) from Qamdo City (昌都市) offers a variety of transportation options, including self-driving, long-distance buses, and cycling. The shortest route is along G214 National Road (G214国道), while the detour route through G317 and G318 is longer and more scenic. Travelers should be prepared for high-altitude conditions, especially if driving or cycling, and check for potential road construction or weather-related issues before starting their journey.