Transportation in Tibet

    The main highways to Tibet are the Chengdu-Lhasa,2,330 kilometers long; the Xining-Golmud-Lhasa,1,907 kilometers long. The average elevation of this highway is above 4,000 meters, running through the mountains of Kunlun and Tanggula;the Yecheng-Burang, 1,455 kilometers. This highway is the highest highway in the world, passing through five mountains above 5,000 meters high. The highest mountain is 6,035 meters above sea level; the Xiaguan- Markam,800 kilmetrs long; abd tge Lhasa-Zham Friendship Bridge-Kathmandu, 900 kilometers. Every day, two buses shuttle between germu and Lhasa. They start from germu at eight in the morning and arrive in Lhasa the next afternoon. The detailed information is listed as followings:

The Lhasa Airport and airlines

    Lhasa airport (Gonga Airport) directly links with 5 cities: Chengdu, Chongqing, xian, Beijing, Kathmandu. Chengdu & KTM are chosen by most of the tourists as their entrance port to Tibet by flight.
All the airlines to Tibet are holding by China South West Airlines with the plane of Boen. It is said there was no big air accident happened since the opening in 1956.
Lhasa Gonga Airport is located in Gonga County in South East of Lhasa with 100km to Lhasa city. There is public bus for the passenger at the price of 35 Yuan (Rmb) Gonga Airport.

Travel by Bus

    In Tibet, distances are huge, many of the roads are not well-paved, all gasoline must be trucked in, and long trips to remote areas can be expensive. Travelers can travel by bus on local or long-distance routes, hire vehicles for small or large groups, arrange landcruiser trips through travel agents in Lhasa, hire or buy bicycles, or bring their own bikes with them.

    There are no air routes within Tibet. There are regular buses from Lhasa to Golmud, Tsedang and Shigatse, using fast, comfortable Japanese vehicles. The main bus station is on the corner of Minzu Lu, south of the Norbulingka. Tickets are put on sale two days before departure and usually sell quickly. Get seats in the front half of the bus for greater comfort on rough roads and better visibility through the dust. Buses go from these stations to a number of other destinations, but do not expect to be able to buy tickets for destinations not normally open to tourist. Watch out for thieves and pickpockets at both stations.

    The local bus station is opposite Tibet University, at the southeast corner of town, near the bridge. Dilapidated buses run from here on routes to Maizhokunggar, Yangbajing, Damxung and other places in central Tibet. People planning to visit the Gonggar region can also use the bus service from the CAAC building to the airport and start walking from there. Take food and drink for the journey, as you cannot always count on the bus making stops en route.

Travel By Hired Vehicle 

    In Tibet, distances are huge, many of the roads are not well-paved, all gasoline must be trucked in, and long trips to remote areas can be expensive. Travelers can travel by bus on local or long-distance routes, hire vehicles for small or large groups, arrange landcruiser trips through travel agents in Lhasa, hire or buy bicycles, or bring their own bikes with them. There are no air routes within Tibet.

    A wide range of vehicles suitable for long or short trips and large or small groups can be hired. Toyota Landcruisers and Nissan Troopers are both comfortable and strong four-wheel-drive vehicles taking five passengers and heavy luggage. Modern Japanese buses and coaches seat between ten and 33 people. Beijing Jeeps, like those used by the army, are also commonly used there and there are other Chinese buses used. A hired vehicle will normally come with an English-speaking guide. Vehicles can be hired through any hotel or travel agency in Lhasa, who will make arrangements if they do not have suitable vehicles themselves.

    Check hotel notice boards for other people who have already made all the arrangements and are looking for passengers to share the costs. You can also advertise that you are interested in a particular journey and want to meet others to share the organizing of the trip. In addition to the agencies, some hotels have their own fleets of vehicles. 

Travel By Bicycle

    In Tibet, distances are huge, many of the roads are not well-paved, all gasoline must be trucked in, and long trips to remote areas can be expensive. Travelers can travel by bus on local or long-distance routes, hire vehicles for small or large groups, arrange landcruiser trips through travel agents in Lhasa, hire or buy bicycles, or bring their own bikes with them. There are no air routes within Tibet.

    Touring Tibet by bicycle is becoming increasingly popular. Bicycles can be transported as baggage on CAAC flights or brought in from other places. Within Tibet, they can be carried on the luggage racks of local buses. Mountain bikes are ideal for Tibet's rough, stony roads. Good pannier systems are essential for carrying camping and survival gear, food, fuel, spare parts (especially derailleurs, spokes and freewheels) and tools.

    Chinese bicycles with thick 28-inch tyres and rod brakes can be hired in several places in Lhasa and Tsedang, including most hotels. You must leave security you passport or a deposit equal to the current cost of a new bike. Some hotels have some newer, lighter bicycles with 26-inch wheels, or even smaller, including some with ladies' frames, but these are not as strong as the bigger ones. An alternative to renting is to buy a bicycle. There are bicycle shops along Beijing Lu and bikes can also be bought in the second-hand bike market. If you buy a new bike, get a shop receipt and retain it.