How to Get to Namling County from Lhasa City (Chengguan District)

The distance from Lhasa (拉萨) to Namling County (南木林县) is approximately 285-287 kilometers, and the travel time by car typically ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 hours. The primary transportation options include driving, long-distance buses, and cycling (both bicycles and motorcycles). There are no direct flights or trains to Namling County from Lhasa.

Transportation Options & Detailed Guide

1. Self-Driving Guide

Navigation Route

  • Starting Point: Lhasa City → Chaoyang Road (朝阳路) → Jin Zhu East Road (金珠东路) → Airport Expressway (机场高速) → Huniè Line (沪聂线) → S203 Provincial Road (S203省道) → Xianghe North Road (湘河北路) → Namling County.

  • Key Points: Lhasa River Bridge (拉萨河大桥), Yarlung Tsangpo Bridge (雅鲁藏布江大桥), intersection of S203 Provincial Road.

Road Conditions & Costs

  • The route mainly involves highways and provincial roads, with some tolls on sections like the Yayeh Expressway (雅叶高速).

  • Fuel Costs: Approximately 200-300 CNY.

  • Toll Fees: Around 37 CNY (some sections are toll-free).

2. Long-Distance Bus Guide

Bus Information

  • Departure: Buses leave from the North Suburb Bus Station (拉萨北郊客运站) every day. The ticket price is 90 CNY per person, with a journey time of about 6 hours.

  • Booking Tips: It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Bus Station Location

  • The bus station is located at 11 Zhaqi Road (扎基路11号), and you can take Bus No. 13 to reach the station.

3. Cycling Guide

Route

  • The total cycling distance from Lhasa to Namling County is approximately 400 kilometers, and it typically takes 2-3 days to complete the journey.

  • The route includes National Road 318 (318国道) and S203 Provincial Road, with some sections consisting of gravel roads.

Road Conditions

  • You will encounter high-altitude sections, some of which exceed 5000 meters. Be aware of the challenging terrain and weather changes.

Cycling Tips

  • It is recommended to carry oxygen bottles and warm clothing for protection against the cold and altitude sickness.

  • Avoid night riding due to the cold temperatures and possible fatigue.

  • Hitchhiking options (e.g., in trucks or pickup vehicles) are available but may be costly (around 700 CNY per person).

4. Other Transportation Options

Air/Train Travel

  • There are no direct flights or trains to Namling County. You will need to first travel to Shigatse (日喀则) by train (approximately 2.5 hours, ticket price 64 CNY) and then take a bus to Namling County.

Road Detours

  • From August 2024 to April 2025, construction on S512 Provincial Road near Aima Bridge (艾玛大桥) may require detouring through Shigatse or Dazhu Ka (大竹卡).

Driving from Lhasa to Namling County

Distance

  • 284.76 km

  • Time: Approximately 5.3 hours

  • Fuel Cost: Around 171 CNY

  • Toll Fees: None

Detailed Driving Route

  1. Start from Lhasa City and head west for 420 meters, then turn right onto Chaoyang Road (朝阳路).

  2. Continue along Chaoyang Road for 260 meters, then turn left onto Jin Zhu East Road (金珠东路).

  3. Continue straight for 1.2 kilometers on Jin Zhu East Road, then proceed straight to Jin Zhu Middle Road (金珠中路).

  4. Continue along Jin Zhu Middle Road for 1.3 kilometers, then turn right onto Luding South Road (鲁定南路) towards the train station.

  5. Travel 1.8 kilometers along Luding South Road, then turn right onto Century Avenue (世纪大道).

  6. Continue for 2.9 kilometers and take the exit for the Airport Expressway (机场高速).

  7. Drive along the Airport Expressway for 8.5 kilometers, then take a left turn.

  8. Continue along the Airport Expressway for 3.0 kilometers, then take another left turn.

  9. Continue driving on the Airport Expressway for 13.2 kilometers, then take another left.

  10. After another 220 meters, take a left turn and continue for 12.4 kilometers.

  11. Take a right turn at 540 meters and drive over the Lhasa River Bridge (拉萨河大桥).

  12. After crossing the bridge, continue for 1.6 kilometers and take a left turn.

  13. Drive for 290 meters, then continue straight onto Huniè Line (沪聂线).

  14. Travel for 11.1 kilometers on Huniè Line, then continue straight along Along the River Road (沿河路).

  15. Continue for 2.9 kilometers, then stay straight on Huniè Line.

  16. Drive for 60.2 kilometers, then take a left turn at the next junction.

  17. Continue along Huniè Line for 42.2 kilometers, then take a right turn.

  18. Drive for 9.5 kilometers, then turn right onto S203 Provincial Road.

  19. Travel 44.9 kilometers along S203, then turn left.

  20. Continue for 260 meters, then take a right turn onto Xianghe North Road (湘河北路).

  21. Travel 900 meters, make a U-turn, then continue for 300 meters to reach the destination.

The drive from Lhasa to Namling County offers stunning views of Tibet’s high-altitude landscapes and provides a rewarding experience for those looking to explore the region.