Lhasa to Nyingchi Transportation

Nyingchi, also known as Linzhi, is a prefecture-level city in southeast of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The administrative seat of Nyingchi is Bayi District. The Chinese claim part of Arunachal Pradesh, which is one of the states of India, as part of the prefecture.

Traveling from Lhasa to Nyingchi is a popular route for those exploring Tibet, as it connects the capital city with the stunning landscapes of eastern Tibet. Nyingchi, known as the “Switzerland of Tibet,” is famous for its lush forests, beautiful rivers, and scenic beauty. Here’s an overview of how to get from Lhasa to Nyingchi:

By Air:

Nyingchi Mainling Airport (林芝米林机场 – LZY)

The fastest way to travel from Lhasa to Nyingchi is by air. The Nyingchi Mainling Airport is the closest airport to Nyingchi, located in the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley, the world’s largest canyon. It is Tibet’s lowest airport at 2,949 meters (9,675 feet), making it a popular choice for travelers who prefer a quicker journey with less risk of altitude sickness. There are no direct flights flying from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Nyingchi Mainling Airport. You can get to Chengdu than transfer to Nyingchi. If you want to know more information about flight schedules and booking, please transfer to Lhasa- Nyingchi Flights.

  • Flight Duration: The flight from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Nyingchi Mainling Airport typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
  • Flight Frequency: Daily flights are available between Lhasa and Nyingchi. Airlines like Air China and Sichuan Airlines operate this route, connecting Lhasa to major cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Lhasa, Guangzhou, and Xi’an.

Airport to Nyingchi City:

  • Distance from Nyingchi Airport to Bayi Town: 50 km (31 miles).
  • Taxi Ride: Around 150 CNY and takes about 1 hour to reach Bayi Town, the main town in Nyingchi.
  • Shuttle Buses: Depart from Mainling County to the airport, taking about 30 minutes, with a ticket cost of around 25 CNY.

Advantages of Flying:

  • Fastest Option: It only takes about 45 minutes to an hour to fly from Lhasa to Nyingchi.
  • Low Altitude: Nyingchi’s airport is the lowest in Tibet, which helps minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

By Road:

Driving from Lhasa to Nyingchi

Traveling by road gives you the opportunity to enjoy Tibet’s beautiful landscapes, including stunning mountains, lakes, and valleys. This route is popular among tourists who want to experience the rugged beauty of Tibet firsthand.

Route Overview:

  1. Distance: The total distance is approximately 400 km (249 miles).
  2. Driving Duration: The journey typically takes around 8 hours, depending on the road conditions and weather.
  3. Road Type: The road between Lhasa and Nyingchi is a well-maintained highway, primarily following the Lhasa – Nyingchi Highway (G318), which is also known as the China National Highway G318.
  4. Scenic Stops: Along the way, you will pass through Mila Pass (5,013 meters), which forms the boundary between Lhasa and Nyingchi. You will also have the chance to visit scenic spots like Basumtso Lake and enjoy the views of the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley.

Route Details:

  • Mila Pass: At an elevation of 5,013 meters, it is the highest point on the journey and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Basumtso Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, it’s a popular stop for taking photos and enjoying the scenery.
  • Bayi Town: Upon arrival, you’ll reach Bayi, the main town of Nyingchi, where many hotels and restaurants are located.

Travel Tips:

  • The journey by car offers a flexible pace and gives you the chance to stop at various scenic locations.
  • Renting a car or booking a tour with a local operator is a great way to ensure you have a safe and comfortable trip.
  • Keep in mind that the road conditions may vary depending on the season and weather. Some parts of the road may be rough, especially during the winter months.

By Bus:

Long-Distance Buses

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, long-distance buses operate between Lhasa and Nyingchi. The buses are a common mode of transportation for locals and travelers alike. There are some buses departing from Lhasa Dongjiao Coach Station to Nyingchi. Because of the influence of climate, the journey might takes 10 hours.

  • Travel Time: The bus ride takes approximately 8 hours, depending on road conditions and stops along the way.
  • Bus Stations: Buses depart from Lhasa’s main bus station and are scheduled throughout the day. It is best to check the timetables at the bus station upon arrival.

Types of Buses:

  • Tourist Buses: Some tour operators offer buses specifically for tourists, providing a more comfortable and direct route with more stops for sightseeing.
  • Local Buses: These buses may be more crowded and offer fewer amenities, but they are an affordable option for those on a budget.

Lhasa Dongjiao Coach Station 
Add: No.3 Jiangsu East Road, Chenguan District, Lhasa
Tel: 0891-6340523 

Tips

  • The above information is for reference, if any change is based on actual information.
  • If you wan to book tickets please contact us. Email: contact@MysteriousTibet.com; Tel: +86-871-63511469.

By Train (Indirect Route)

While there is no direct train service from Lhasa to Nyingchi, travelers can take the Lhasa to Nyingchi Train route with a stopover at Lhasa Railway Station. This would involve multiple transfers, and is a more complex and time-consuming option compared to flying or driving. The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway is the proposed section of the Sichuan Tibet railway, which will soon become the second railway to Tibet from mainland China. The Nyingchi to Lhasa segment was approved on 31 October 2014 and is currently under construction. 

Best Options for Traveling from Lhasa to Nyingchi:

  1. By Air: If you’re looking for speed and convenience, flying is the quickest and easiest option.
  2. By Road: For those who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of Tibet, driving is a fantastic option. The journey takes longer but offers spectacular views and the opportunity to experience Tibet’s landscape up close.
  3. By Bus: An economical choice for those with a flexible schedule, but the bus journey is less comfortable than flying or driving.

Note:

Regardless of the mode of transport, it is important to consider the altitude and prepare accordingly for high-altitude travel in Tibet. Be sure to carry enough water, dress warmly, and acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.