Lhasa to Shannan Transportation

This article introduces the transportation between Shannan and Lhasa.  Shannan (Chinese: 山南), also transliterated from Tibetan as Lhoka (Tibetan: ལྷོ་ཁ།; Chinese: 洛卡; literally: ‘south of the mountains’), is a prefecture-level city in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Shannan includes Gonggar County within its jurisdiction with Gongkar Chö Monastery, Gonggar Dzong, and Gonggar Airport all located near Gonggar town.

Shannan (also known as Lhoka) is a prefecture located to the south of Lhasa, in the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes, including Yumbulagang Palace, Tashilunpo Monastery, and Nyingchi. Traveling from Lhasa to Shannan is relatively straightforward, with various transportation options available.

By Car/Private Vehicle

One of the most convenient ways to travel from Lhasa to Shannan is by private car or a rented vehicle. The distance between Lhasa and Shannan is about 250 km (155 miles), and the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours depending on road conditions and traffic. You also can chose to get there by self-driving. The whole distance is about 150.9 km. You might spend 2 hours and 44 minutes.

Route Information:

  • Via the Lhasa – Shannan Highway (G318): The Lhasa – Shannan Highway is the most direct and commonly used route for travelers. It connects Lhasa with key towns in Shannan such as Tsedang, Gyangtse, and Nang County.
  • Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views of Tibetan villages, rivers, and mountains. The road is well-maintained, and there are several spots to stop and enjoy the view.

Advantages of Traveling by Car:

  • Flexibility: You can stop at attractions along the way, such as Yumbulagang Palace or Trandruk Monastery.
  • Comfort: Traveling by car is comfortable and allows you to travel at your own pace.

Cost:

  • Renting a car can cost around 600-1000 CNY per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental agency. Costs may vary if you opt for a driver.

By Bus

If you prefer public transportation, you can take a long-distance bus from Lhasa to Shannan. There are several buses running daily from Lhasa Bus Station or the Lhasa Eastern Suburb Bus Station to various towns in Shannan. There are some coaches departing from Lhasa Dongjiao Coach Station to Shannan. The tickets have different prices of different model of buses: generally, 40 Yuan per person for minibus, 27 Yuan per person for motor bus and 50 Yuan per person for Santana. There are regular buses since about 8:00 in the morning.

Bus Stations in Lhasa:

  • Lhasa Bus Station (Lhasa Zhongche Zhan): This is the main bus terminal in Lhasa. Buses depart frequently to Shannan and other destinations in Tibet.
  • Lhasa Eastern Suburb Coach Station: Located on the eastern side of Lhasa, this station also offers buses to Shannan, including Nang County and Tsedang.

Bus Routes:

  • Lhasa to Tsedang: Regular buses depart from Lhasa Bus Station to Tsedang, the capital of Shannan. The journey takes around 4-5 hours.
  • Lhasa to Nang County: If you’re heading to Nang County, you can take a bus from the Eastern Suburb Coach Station. The journey takes about 6-7 hours.

Cost:

  • The bus fare is approximately 50-100 CNY for a one-way trip, depending on the destination.

Advantages of Bus Travel:

  • Cost-Effective: The bus is one of the most affordable ways to travel between Lhasa and Shannan.
  • Regular Services: There are multiple departures daily.

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

Tips

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

By Train

There is no direct train service between Lhasa and Shannan. However, Lhasa is connected to major cities in Tibet by the Tibet Autonomous Region Railway (the Qinghai-Tibet Railway). If you are planning to visit other parts of Tibet after exploring Shannan, traveling by train from Lhasa may be an option.

By Air

There are no airports in Shannan. The nearest airport is Lhasa Gonggar Airport, located around 60 km (37 miles) from Lhasa. If you are traveling from outside Tibet, you will most likely arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport before continuing your journey to Shannan.

Attraction Travel Tips:

  • Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Shannan is during the spring and summer months (May to October), as the weather is milder and ideal for sightseeing. The winter months (November to February) can be cold, especially in higher altitudes.
  • Acclimatization: Since both Lhasa and Shannan are located at high altitudes, it’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities for the first couple of days, and eat light meals.

Conclusion

Traveling from Lhasa to Shannan is relatively straightforward, with options ranging from private cars to buses. Whether you prefer the convenience and comfort of a private vehicle or the affordability of a bus, there are plenty of ways to explore this beautiful region of Tibet. Make sure to plan ahead and allow enough time to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment.