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

Distance and Transportation Options

Distance: Approximately 707 kilometers with an estimated driving time of 11 hours (depending on road conditions and route).

Main Transportation Methods:

• Self-driving/Charter: The most flexible option, you can travel along G318 and G349 National Roads (G318国道, G349国道).

• Long-Distance Bus: Requires transfers as there are no direct buses.

• Air Travel: There are no direct flights to Sagya County, you need to fly to Shigatse Peace Airport (日喀则和平机场) first, then transfer by road.

• Cycling: Suitable for experienced cyclists, but it involves high altitudes and challenging road conditions.

Transportation Guide

1. Self-Driving Route

Recommended Route:

Departing from Lhasa (拉萨), travel along G318 National Road (G318国道) to Shigatse (日喀则), then switch to G349 National Road (G349国道) toward Sagya County. The journey covers approximately 707 kilometers and passes notable attractions like Yamdrok Lake (羊湖) and Karola Glacier (卡若拉冰川).

Navigation Key Points:

From Lhasa, take Jinzhudong Road (金珠东路) → Airport Expressway (机场高速) → Hu-Nie Line (沪聂线) → G318 → G349 to Sagya County.

Important Notes:

• Certain sections of the route exceed 4500 meters in altitude, so it’s essential to carry oxygen supplies and snow chains for added safety.

• Fuel costs are estimated at 500-800 CNY (depending on vehicle type), with no toll fees on the route.

2. Long-Distance Bus

Segmented Transfers:

• Lhasa to Shigatse: There are several minivans or off-road vehicles departing from Lhasa to Shigatse daily. The ticket price is between 38-80 CNY.

• Shigatse to Sagya County: You need to contact local bus stations for shared rides or private charters. No fixed schedules are available.

• Non-Official Buses: Some travel groups provide buses to Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐), passing through Sagya County. The journey takes approximately 28 hours, and comfort levels are relatively low.

3. Air and Train Travel

Flights: There are no direct flights to Sagya County. You can fly to Shigatse Peace Airport (日喀则和平机场) from Lhasa, which takes about 1 hour. From Shigatse, you can then hire a car to Sagya County (approximately 4 hours by road).

Train: There is no direct train to Sagya County. The route involves traveling by train from Lhasa to Shigatse (around 3 hours), then transferring to road transport to reach Sagya County.

4. Cycling Guide

Route: The most recommended cycling route is along the G349 (Sichuan-Tibet Line), passing through Bangla Pass (帮拉山口) at an altitude of 4710 meters. This route offers a challenging journey requiring careful acclimatization and the ability to handle extreme cold temperatures.

Gear Recommendations:

• Warm clothing, oxygen bottles, and high-calorie food are essential for the ride.

• Be aware that supply points along the route are scarce, so planning ahead is crucial.

5. Motorcycle Travel

Important Notes:

• Before embarking on a high-altitude motorcycle ride, ensure the bike is in top condition and carry enough fuel.

• Some sections of the route are gravel roads, so drive cautiously and be prepared for sudden changes in terrain.

Detailed Driving Route from Lhasa to Sagya County

Total Distance: 414.43 kilometers

Estimated Time: 7.1 hours

Fuel Costs: 249 CNY

Toll Fees: None

Key Roads and Road Conditions

Chaoyang Road (朝阳路) → Jinzhudong Road (金珠东路) → Jinzhuzhong Road (金珠中路) → Luding South Road (鲁定南路) → Century Avenue (世纪大道) → Airport Expressway (机场高速) → Lhasa River Bridge (拉萨河大桥) → Hu-Nie Line (沪聂线) → Along River Road (沿河路) → G318 → Sachu Line (萨初线) → Deji Middle Road (德吉中路).

Detailed Route Instructions

From the starting point, head west for 420 meters, then turn right onto Chaoyang Road (朝阳路).

Continue on Chaoyang Road for 260 meters, then turn left onto Jinzhudong Road (金珠东路).

Travel 1.2 kilometers along Jinzhudong Road, then continue straight onto Jinzhuzhong Road (金珠中路).

Drive 1.3 kilometers toward the train station, then turn right onto Luding South Road (鲁定南路).

Continue for 1.8 kilometers, then turn right onto Century Avenue (世纪大道).

Drive 2.9 kilometers along Century Avenue, then continue straight onto Airport Expressway (机场高速).

Follow the Airport Expressway for 8.5 kilometers, then turn left.

Continue on Airport Expressway for 3.0 kilometers, then turn left again.

Continue for 13.4 kilometers, and then turn left at the next junction.

Keep following the Airport Expressway for 12.4 kilometers, then turn right.

Continue for 120 meters, then turn right to Lhasa River Bridge (拉萨河大桥).

Travel 1.6 kilometers along the bridge, then turn left.

Continue straight for 290 meters, then turn right onto Hu-Nie Line (沪聂线).

Follow Hu-Nie Line for 11.1 kilometers, then continue straight onto Along River Road (沿河路).

Continue along Along River Road for 2.9 kilometers, and then turn right onto G318.

Follow G318 for 22.0 kilometers, then continue straight on Hu-Nie Line.

Follow Hu-Nie Line for 51.5 kilometers, then turn right to stay on G318.

Continue on G318 for 3.6 kilometers, then turn right again onto Hu-Nie Line.

Follow Hu-Nie Line for 53.6 kilometers, then turn left onto Sachu Line (萨初线).

Continue on Sachu Line for 20.0 kilometers, then turn right.

Drive 1.4 kilometers, and then turn left onto Deji Middle Road (德吉中路).

Travel 3.7 kilometers on Deji Middle Road, and you will reach your destination on the left side of the road.

This detailed travel guide provides all the essential information for reaching Sagya County from Lhasa, including transportation options, road conditions, and route recommendations. Whether traveling by car, bus, or bike, make sure to plan ahead and check the weather conditions for a safe and smooth journey.