How to Get to Shuanghu County from Lhasa

Hidden deep in the heart of the Qiangtang Plateau (羌塘高原), Shuanghu County (双湖县) is famous for its vast high-altitude landscapes and rare wildlife, attracting adventurous travelers from around the world. However, getting there is far from easy—it is a true expedition.

This detailed guide summarizes all the main transportation options from Lhasa (拉萨) to Shuanghu County (双湖县).

Transportation Overview

Mode of Travel Distance Estimated Time Core Features & Difficulty
Self-Drive ~700–800 km 2–3 days Highest flexibility; challenging road conditions; requires strong driving skills and a suitable vehicle.
Long-Distance Bus No direct line Transfers required Must first reach Nagqu City (那曲市), then find a vehicle to Shuanghu. Time-consuming and uncertain.
Airplane – – No airport in Shuanghu. The nearest is Nagqu Airport (那曲机场), with very limited flights, and still ~500 km away by road.
Train – – No rail service to Shuanghu. You can take a train to Nagqu (那曲站), then continue by car.
Cycling ~700 km 7–10 days or more Extreme adventure, suitable only for highly experienced riders with full preparation.
Motorbike ~700 km 3–4 days More flexible than cycling, but still a tough endurance test.

🚗 Self-Drive Guide

Route & Road Conditions

The common route is: Lhasa (拉萨) → Damxung (当雄) → Nagqu (那曲市) → Shuanghu (双湖县).

  • The section Lhasa → Nagqu along G109 Qinghai–Tibet Highway (青藏线) is in relatively good condition.

  • The real challenge begins after Nagqu. Roads are remote, bumpy, and often unpaved, with washboard surfaces and potholes.

  • Most of the journey is above 4,500 meters altitude—altitude sickness prevention is essential.

Vehicle & Equipment

  • Strongly recommended: off-road SUVs/4x4s (e.g., Tank 300 (坦克300), BJ40 (北京BJ40)).

  • Must carry: full-size spare tire, snow chains, tow rope, air pump, jack, and at least 2–3 days’ worth of spare fuel (few gas stations after Nagqu).

  • Also prepare food, water, and altitude medication.

Important Tips

  • Traveling with multiple vehicles in convoy is much safer than solo.

  • Check weather forecasts and avoid the rainy season (June–August).

  • Remote sections have almost no supplies—self-sufficiency is key.

🚌 Long-Distance Bus

Current Situation

  • No direct buses run from Lhasa (拉萨) to Shuanghu (双湖县).

  • Step 1: Take a long-distance bus from Lhasa to Nagqu (那曲市). Tibet Shunda Company (西藏顺达公司), under Tibet Transportation Group, operates routes such as Lhasa–Nagqu.

  • Step 2: From Nagqu, find a shared car or hire a private vehicle to reach Shuanghu.

Things to Know

  • Buses on high-altitude routes are usually equipped with oxygen and heating.

  • Be prepared for delays and uncertainty when arranging onward transport in Nagqu.

✈️ Flights & 🚆 Trains

Flights

  • Shuanghu (双湖县) has no airport.

  • The nearest option is Nagqu Airport (那曲机场), where Tibet Airlines (西藏航空) operates limited seasonal flights.

  • From Nagqu Airport, you still face a nearly 500 km road journey to Shuanghu—only feasible with a private car hire.

Trains

  • The nearest railway station is Nagqu Station (那曲站) on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway (青藏铁路).

  • You can take a train from Lhasa (拉萨) to Nagqu (那曲), then switch to a car or shared transport.

  • Tickets should be booked in advance via the official 12306 system.

🚲 Cycling & Motorbike Expeditions

Route & Terrain

  • Same as the driving route: Lhasa (拉萨) → Damxung (当雄) → Nagqu (那曲) → Shuanghu (双湖).

  • Expect extreme conditions: thin air, unpredictable weather (“four seasons in one day”), and rugged, washboard roads after Nagqu.

Equipment

  • Cycling: heavy-duty mountain bikes.

  • Motorbike: reliable off-road models only.

  • Essential gear: cold-weather clothing, rainproof gear, helmet, repair tools, spare parts, satellite phone (no mobile signal in many sections).

Physical Preparation

  • Spend 2–3 days in Lhasa (拉萨) beforehand to acclimatize to the altitude.

  • Only attempt this with strong fitness, high-altitude experience, and adequate support.

⚠️ Essential Reminders

  • Safety First: Natural conditions are harsh—do not travel alone. Always plan backup strategies.

  • Travel Permits: Certain regions in Tibet require a border permit (边防证). Apply in advance in your hometown or via local online services.

  • Seasonal Timing: Avoid rainy season (June–August) to reduce risks of landslides and flooding.

💡 Final Recommendations

  • Best for adventurers with time & resources: Self-driving with a reliable 4×4 convoy.

  • Budget-conscious travelers: Combine bus/train to Nagqu (那曲), then hire a car.

  • Extreme explorers only: Cycling or motorbiking is the ultimate test of endurance and preparation.

A journey to Shuanghu County (双湖县) is not just travel—it is a true expedition into one of the wildest and least accessible corners of Tibet.