How to Get to Samzhubze District from Lhasa City (Chengguan District)

Distance & Transportation Options

The distance between Lhasa (拉萨) and Samzhubze District (桑珠孜区) in Shigatse City (日喀则市) is approximately 280 kilometers via National Road G318. The journey typically takes between 5 to 6 hours by car. There are no direct flights to Samzhubze District, but other available transportation options include self-driving, long-distance buses, trains, and cycling (bicycle/motorcycle).

Best Season to Travel:

The best time to visit is from June to September, as this avoids the monsoon season (which may cause landslides). In winter, be cautious of icy roads at high altitudes.

Transportation Options & Detailed Guide

1. Self-Driving Guide

Navigation Route

  • Recommended Route: Lhasa → G318 → Samzhubze District (approximately 280 kilometers, 5-6 hours).

Detailed Path:

  • Start from Lhasa, passing through Duilong Deqing District (堆龙德庆区), Qushui County (曲水县), Nimu County (尼木县), and Renbu County (仁布县), continuing along G318 directly to Shigatse.

Road Conditions

  • The entire route is paved, but sections such as the Dazhu Ka to Shigatse stretch have winding roads and steep slopes, requiring careful driving.

  • During winter (November to March), high-altitude sections may be icy, so it’s advisable to carry anti-skid chains.

Costs

  • Fuel Cost: Approximately 200 CNY.

  • Toll Fees: Around 37 CNY (for some parts of Yaye Expressway 雅叶高速).

2. Long-Distance Bus Guide

Bus Information

  • Departure Point: Lhasa West Suburb Bus Station (拉萨西郊客运站) operates daily services to Shigatse.

  • Ticket Price: 90 CNY per person.

  • Travel Time: 5-6 hours.

Booking Tips

  • It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through “Tibet Ticketing” (西藏票务通) or buy tickets on-site (for early buses to avoid congestion).

3. Train Guide

Train Information

  • Train Departures: From Lhasa Station (拉萨站) to Shigatse Station (日喀则站), there are 2-3 trains per day.

  • Ticket Price: 64 CNY for hard seat.

  • Travel Time: 2.5-3 hours.

Transfer to Samzhubze District

  • From Shigatse Station, Samzhubze District is about 8 kilometers away. You can take a taxi (20 CNY) or a bus (Route 1).

4. Cycling Guide

Route

  • From Lhasa → G318 → Samzhubze District, the total cycling distance is about 280 kilometers. This journey is best completed over 3-4 days.

Road Conditions

  • The majority of the route follows National Road 318 (G318) and S203 Provincial Road (S203省道), with some sections of gravel roads.

  • Cyclists should be prepared for high-altitude riding (some areas exceed 5000 meters above sea level) and weather changes.

Cycling Tips

  • It is highly recommended to carry oxygen bottles and warm clothing.

  • Avoid night riding due to the cold and potential fatigue from the altitude.

  • For those who may not want to cycle the entire distance, hitchhiking (e.g., in trucks or pickups) is possible but can be expensive (around 700 CNY per person).

Additional Travel Tips

Altitude Sickness

  • Shigatse (日喀则) is located at an altitude of approximately 3800 meters. It is advised to acclimatize in Lhasa or nearby areas before traveling to Samzhubze District to avoid altitude sickness.

Weather Conditions

  • In winter, temperatures can be quite low.

  • In summer, there is a higher chance of rainfall, so be sure to carry waterproof gear and proper clothing.

Recommended Attractions Along the Way

  • Yamdroktso Lake (羊卓雍措), known for its stunning turquoise waters,

  • Karola Glacier (卡若拉冰川), a popular stop along the route for its breathtaking glacial views.

Driving Route: From Lhasa to Samzhubze District

Total Distance: 266.0 kilometers

Estimated Travel Time: 5.3 hours

Fuel Cost: Approximately 171 CNY

Toll Fees: 0 CNY

Driving Directions

  1. Start in Lhasa City

    • Drive west for 440 meters on Sun Island Road (太阳岛路), 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 for 1.2 kilometers on Jin Zhu East Road, then continue straight to Jin Zhu Middle Road (金珠中路).

  4. Travel 1.3 kilometers on Jin Zhu Middle Road, passing Liuwu Interchange Bridge (柳梧立交桥), and continue straight to Jin Zhu West Road (金珠西路).

  5. After 20 meters, drive through Liuwu Interchange Bridge (柳梧立交桥) towards the train station (slightly to the right).

  6. Continue for 4.8 kilometers on Liuwu Interchange Bridge, then turn slightly right to enter the Airport Expressway (机场高速).

  7. Continue for 30 meters on the Airport Expressway, and drive another 37.2 kilometers before taking the exit ramp.

  8. Drive for 550 meters along the ramp, turning right into Lhasa River Bridge (拉萨河大桥).

  9. Cross Lhasa River Bridge for 1.9 kilometers, then continue straight onto Huniè Line (沪聂线).

  10. Travel for 11.1 kilometers along Huniè Line, then turn left towards the Airport Road (along the river road).

  11. Continue for 2.9 kilometers, then continue straight on Huniè Line.

  12. Drive for 60.3 kilometers, then continue straight for another 1.3 kilometers on X102.

  13. Continue for 140.2 kilometers, then turn left into Yingbin Road (迎宾路).

Samzhubze District Driving Directions

  1. Continue for 1.1 kilometers on Yingbin Road, then turn left onto Qingdao Road (青岛路).

  2. Travel for 1.0 kilometer on Qingdao Road, then make a U-turn and continue on Qingdao Road.

  3. Continue for 90 meters to your destination at Samzhubze District Second Middle School (桑珠孜区第二中学).