How to Get to Namling County from Shigatse City (Samzhubze District)

The distance from Shigatse (日喀则) to Namling County (南木林县) ranges between 71 and 308 kilometers, depending on the route you take. Travel time typically varies from 1.3 hours to 4 hours. Since there are no direct flights or trains to Namling, road transportation is the primary means of getting there. This guide outlines the best routes and travel options for reaching Namling County from Shigatse.

Travel Options & Detailed Guide

1. Self-Driving Guide

Recommended Route

  • Shigatse → G318 National Road → S203 Provincial Road → Xianghe North Road → Namling County (approximately 71 km, 1.3 hours).

  • Alternate Route:

  • Shigatse → G349 → G562 → Namling County (approximately 308 km, 4 hours).

Road Conditions

  • The S203 Provincial Road is a paved road, though certain sections (e.g., near Aima Bridge) may be closed for construction between August 2024 and April 2025. You will need to detour via G349 or G562.

  • During the winter, the high-altitude sections of the road may be icy, so it’s advisable to bring snow chains.

Cost

  • Fuel costs: Approximately 43-172 CNY, depending on the route.

  • Tolls: Around 139 CNY for the longer route.

2. Long-Distance Bus Guide

Bus Information

  • Fixed Schedule: Small minibuses depart from the right side of Zhashiji Cai Road (扎西吉彩路) in Shigatse. The fare is 40 CNY, and buses depart when full.

  • Flexible Schedule: Tickets can also be purchased at Jiefang Zhong Road Bus Station (解放中路汽车站) or Ankang Hotel Parking Lot (安康宾馆停车场) in Shigatse.

Ticket Purchase Advice

  • You can purchase tickets in advance through the Tibet Ticketing Service app (西藏票务通), with a 2 CNY service fee. The total fare is approximately 112 CNY.

3. Flight/Train Guide

  • Flights: There are no direct flights to Namling County. You will need to fly into Shigatse Peace Airport (日喀则和平机场) and then take a bus or car to Namling County, which is about 100 km away.

  • Trains: There is no direct train service to Namling. You can take a train to Shigatse and then continue your journey by road.

4. Cycling Guide

Cycling Route

  • The cycling route follows the same path as the self-driving route, but you should be aware that some sections of S203 have steep inclines.

  • It’s advisable to keep your daily cycling distance to ≤50 km to avoid issues related to altitude sickness.

Cycling Tips

  • Be sure to carry windproof clothing and high-energy food.

  • Take necessary precautions to avoid oxygen deprivation at high altitudes.

Other Considerations

High Altitude Sickness

  • Namling County is located at an altitude of around 4000 meters, so it’s important to acclimatize before your trip to avoid altitude sickness.

Best Time to Visit

  • The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September), as the weather is mild and the roads are clear. Winter (November to March) may bring snow and ice, making travel more difficult.

Scenic Spots Along the Way

  • Along the journey to Namling County, you can visit beautiful sites like Tse Dong Lin Tso (测东林措) and Se Lin Tso (色林措) lakes.

Driving from Shigatse to Namling County

Distance:

  • 71.91 km

  • Time: 1.3 hours

  • Fuel Cost: Approximately 43 CNY

  • Toll Fees: None

Detailed Driving Route

  1. Start from Shigatse City and head south for 20 meters, then turn left onto Qingdao Road (青岛路).

  2. Continue along Qingdao Road for 1.4 km, and then turn onto Yingbin Road (迎宾路).

  3. Drive for another 1.2 km along Yingbin Road, then continue straight onto Huniè Line (沪聂线).

  4. Continue on Huniè Line for 22.9 km, then turn left onto S203 Provincial Road.

  5. Continue along S203 for 27.9 km, then turn left at the junction.

  6. Drive for 1.8 km, then turn left again.

  7. After 1.4 km, you will arrive at your destination: Duo Jiao Township (多角乡) in Namling County.