To Tibet by overland (Drive to Tibet on 4 Wheel Vehicles):

For those real adventure people, drive a 4-wheel vehicle to Tibet is a better choice! It needs better physical conditions, more time, more money, and a lot of courage and determination

There are five major road routes to Lhasa.The five major road routes are Chuanzang (Sichuan-Tibet hightway),Qingzang(Qinghai-Tibet highway),Xingzang(Xingjia-Tibet highway),Dianzang(Yuannan-Tibet hightway), Sino-Nepal highway (Nepal-Tibet).

Sichuan-Tibet Highway

Sichuan-Tibet Highway which was originally called Kangding-Tibet Highway (a section of No. 318 National Trunk Highway) starts from Chengdu of Sichuan on the east and ends at Lhasa of Tibet on the west. It is 2,415 kilometers long including 1,304 kilometers in Tibet.Sichuan-Tibet highway divides two routes: sichuan-Tibet Highway north line,Sichuan-Tibet Highway south line. Sichuan-Tibet highway traverses high mountains, lakes and valleys, crosses primeval forest and numerous dangerous sections. It has fine views along the line, with unique customs and practices.

Yunan(kunming)-Tibet Highway (2317km)

Yunnan-Tibet highway (a section of No.214 Naitional Trunk Highway) traverses Jinghong, Zongang, Qamdo, Leiniaoqi of Yunnan Province and Duopumanei at the Qinghai-Tibet border. The 803 kilometers long highway crosses the primeval forest of the Hengduan mountainous area and the Jinshajiang River, climbs over the 4,300 meters high Baimang snowy mountain and Mt. Hongla, and links up with the southern line of Sichunan-Tibet Highway (No. 318 National Trunk Highway) at Markam County. It is the main thoroughfare between Tibet and Yunnan.

Qinghai(xining)-Tibet Highway (2743km)

Qinghai-Tibet Highway ,completed in the early 1980s, starts from Golmud of Qinghai, which is the only road providing bus service among the five highways and the main road to travel Tibet. 1160 kilometers (720 miles) long and averaging 4000 meters (13120 feet) high, along Kunlun Mountains and vast grassland, which amaze people living in modern civilization, the bituminous road is the best road leading to Tibet.

Xinjiang(yecheng)-Tibet highway (2743km)

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway starts from Yecheng in Xinjiang. It runs 1455 kilometers (902 miles), winding its way among fives mountains soaring more than 5000 meters (16400 feet) high above the sea level. A spectacular view of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarova shows before travelers while traveling along the road.

Sino-Nepal Highway

Sino-Nepal Highway starts from Lhasa, through Chusu, Shigatse, Lhaze, Dingri, Nielamu and Zhungmu, along the Friendship Bridge, ends at the defense highway of Kathmandu.  Sightseeing can be conducted along the Sino-Nepal Highway, and the world No 1 summit Mt. Everest is worth mentioning.

Among the above routes, driving from Qinghai or Kathmandu ("friendship highway") are easier. We do not suggest you drive to Tibet from the other ways except you are "professional" adventurers with all the necessary gears and backup.