The Xinjiang Tibet Highway is an important highway connecting Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Tibet Autonomous Region, offering the ,most challenging overland experiences among all highways to Tibet.

In this article, we will introduce the details of the world’s highest and longest highway to Tibet. Now, get ready to follow this amazing route to Lhasa with us!

Xinjiang Tibet Highway: The World’s Highest Road for 3000km with Mostly Well-Paved

Stretching 2,942 kilometers from Yecheng to Lhasa, the Xinjiang Tibet Highway boasts an average altitude of more than 4,500 meters. As the world’s highest road, it passes through the Karakoram Mountains and crosses five mountain passes over 5,000 meters, making this the most challenging road route to Tibet.

Most sections of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway are well paved, but some areas at high altitudes may be in relatively poor condition. The road from Yecheng to 30 Miles Barracks, for example, is quite rough, and the mountain passes in Xinjiang can face issues like landslides during the rainy season.

However, once you enter Tibet, the road conditions improve significantly, especially when you join the G318 National Highway to Lhasa. The section in Tibet offers a pleasant driving experience, but be cautious on winding mountain roads, such as the zigzag route to Everest Base Camp.

The Xinjiang-Tibet Overland Tour is the most challenging way to reach Tibet, offering breathtaking landscapes throughout western China.

The 1st Section of Xinjiang Tibet Highway: Kashgar to Shiquanhe, the Toughest Section

The first section of the Xining Tibet Highway starts from Kashgar to Shiquanhe. It covers 1,305 kilometers and most are tar and sand roads through the wild in-inhabited areas. The road conditions of this section are mostly tarred and unpaved roads that wind through remote and uninhabited areas.

Kashgar to Shinquanhe - the First Section of the Xinjiang Tibet Highway Route

Major Cities and Sites along the Kashgar to Shiquanhe Section of the Xinjiang Tibet Highway

From Kashgar to 30 Miles Barracks via Yecheng (607km)

Kashgar, an important international economic zone in west China, is the starting point of the Xinjiang Tibet Highway. Driving 274 kilometers from Kashgar, you will get to the Yecheng, a small town and a resting point during the trip.

After passing through Yecheng, you will head to 30 Miles Barracks (Sanshili Yingfang), and pass by three mountain passes, namely Kudidaban, Mazhadaban, and Heikadaban. It will be a long and hard journey because of the harsh environment. The road is rather bumpy, and it will be worse if you encounter rain or snow. The temperature is always below zero and most of the road is sand road.

From 30 Miles Barracks to Rutog (577km)

This section reaches an average altitude of around 4,800 meters, with the highest point being Kunlun Mountain Peak, soaring over 5,170 meters above sea level. At such high altitudes, the road conditions and climate can be challenging.

Before arriving at Rutog County, you can see Pangong Lake on the roadside. This is an inland lake at an altitude of 4,240 meters and the highest bird island in the world. You can stop here for a while to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the plateau lake.

The desolate and magnificent scenery on the way to Rutog.

From Rutog to Shiquanhe (127km)

This is the easiest part of the first section. The road condition from Rutog to Shiquanhe is quite good and mostly are well paving. During the driving from Rutog to Shiquanhe, you’ll be captivated by stunning vistas that include serene wetlands and majestic high mountains in western Tibet. The wetlands of the Ngari Plateau serve as a paradise for a variety of wild birds, allowing you to witness their playful antics in a pristine environment.

The 2nd Section of Xinjiang Tibet Highway: Shiquanhe to Lhasa via Mount Kailash and Mount Everest

From Shiquanhe to Lhasa is the most scenic section of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway. Passing by the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, the highway road will join the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway at Saga and stretches to Lhasa. The road distance from Shiquanhe to Lhasa is about 1,649 kilometers, and the road conditions are generally good, with some sections being rugged.

Shiquanhe to Lhasa - the Second Section of the Xinjiang Tibet Highway Route

Major Cities and Sites along the Shiquanhe to Lhasa Section of the Xinjiang Tibet Highway

From Shiquanhe to Darchen (248km)

From Shiquanhe, first, you will meet the Ruins of the Guge Kingdom. The precious temples, ancient palaces, and well-kept wall paintings showcase the mysterious culture of the Guge Kingdom, which was founded in the 10th century.

Not far from there is the holing Monastery which was the Buddhist center of the Guge Kingdom. It was built in the 12th century, with Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan architectural styles together.

Upon your arrival in Darchen, a small town at the foot of Mount Kailash, you will see the sacred Mount Kailash in the distance. Praised as the Center of the world by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, Mount Kailash is the most sacred site for those pilgrims. You can arrange a 3-day Kailash Kora before heading to the next destination.

The sacred Mt.Kailash along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.

From Darchen to Saga (493km)

Located 60 kilometers from Darchen, Laang-tso Lake, previously known as ‘Ghost Lake’ is the first sight you will meet. It is named for its salty water, which is undrinkable for both humans and animals. On the opposite side of the road lies the holy Lake Manasarovar. Together with Mount Kailash, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a lifelong goal for many pilgrims.

Continue the journey to Saga, where you will immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the majestic Gangdise Mountains. Along the way, you'll have the chance to pause at lush pastures and shimmering lakes, allowing you to connect with the rich nature and diverse wildlife of Ngari.

From Saga to Everest Base Camp (494km)

After passing through Gangga, you will enter the Mount Everest region. The road conditions from Saga to Everest Base Camp are well-paved and mostly asphalt roads.

At around 5,000 meters above sea level, the Everest Base Camp in Tibet can be easily reached by car. From the base camp, you can enjoy a close view of the majestic summit of Mount Everest. About 8 kilometers away from Everest Base Camp is the Rongbuk Monastery. Lying at the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier at 5,100 meters above sea level, it is the highest monastery in the world.

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From Everest Base Camp to Lhatse (195km)

After visiting Everest Base Camp, you’ll make your way to Tingri, a vital trading post between China and Nepal. From Tingri, your next stop is Lhatse County, just 85 kilometers away. Nestled in the southwest of Shigatse, Lhatse is situated in the picturesque Yarlung Zangbo River valley, making it a perfect place to relax and recharge.

From Lhaste to Shigatse (154km)

After Lhatse, it will be Shigatse, which is the second largest city in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Located 240 kilometers southwest of Lhasa, Shigatse is the hub of the road network between Lhasa, Nepal, and western Tibet.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is a must-see site in Shigatse. It is an important monastery in terms of both history and culture. In addition, this monastery is the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas.

From Shigatse to Lhasa via Gyantse and Yamdrok Lake (360km)

The distance from Shigatse to Lhasa along the G318 National Highway is around 265km. But for a better travel experience, it is recommended to drive to Lhasa via Gyantse and Yamdrok Lake.

The Gyanste Ancient Town offers you a glimpse into the past of Tibet. The iconic Kumbum Stupa and the impressive Gyantse Fortress are must-see attractions in the old town of Gyantse, showcasing stunning views and intricate craftsmanship.

Located about 90 kilometers east of Gyantse, Yamdrok Lake is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this fan-shaped lake reflects various shades of blue under different sunlight. Its turquoise waters create a stunning ribbon that winds through the valley.

After driving the final 100 kilometers, you will reach Lhasa, the ultimate destination of your Xinjiang-Tibet overland tour. You can spend 2 to 3 days in the city, exploring landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Drepung Monastery, among others, at your leisure.

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How Many Days for a Classic Xinjiang Tibet Tour via the Xinjiang Tibet Highway?

Generally, an overland journey from Xinjiang to Tibet via the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219) takes about 10 days to cover nearly 3,000 kilometers. If you plan to include a Mount Kailash tour and visit Everest Base Camp along the way, the journey may extend to around 14 days. Additionally, if you wish to explore the sights in Kashgar and Lhasa, it’s advisable to allocate at least 18 days for the entire trip from Kashgar to Lhasa via the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.

During the weeks’ journey, you will experience a series of magnificent natural landscapes and unique cultural experience of western Tibet and southwest Xinjiang. You will not only cross multiple high mountain passes, but also acclimatize to the plateau climate and high altitude environment.

Insider Tips:
Since the altitude changes greatly along the way from Kashgar to Lhasa, it is important to maintain a leisurely pace to give your body enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude along the way.

When is the Best Time to Travel via the Xinjiang Tibet Highway?

The best time to travel to Tibet via the Xinjiang Tibet Highway is from May to October, among which May and June are the first choices for a Xinjiang to Tibet overland trip. At this time, the winter ice and snow have gradually melted, and the temperature is pleasant. Since the rainy season has not yet arrived, the road conditions are stable during these months. In addition, early summer in May and June are the breeding season for the wild animals along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway. You may get more chances to witness those lovely creatures along the way.

June and August are the rainy season in Tibet, but it rains mostly at night and basically does not affect daytime travel. The lakes after the rain are more charming, showing a different style.

In September and October, the climate along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is pleasant. The grassland is still green and wild animals, such as Tibetan wild donkeys and Tibetan antelopes are dynamic. These months are also the best time to visit Everest Base Camp for clear views of mountain peaks.

During the winter months, from November to March, the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is often prone to snow. It is not recommended to undertake an overland tour from Xinjiang to Tibet during winter due to harsh conditions, as it can be extremely cold at such high altitudes. Additionally, driving on icy roads can be quite dangerous for those unfamiliar with the area.

When summer arrives, the grassland of Ngari is filled with vitality.

What Travel Permits are required for the Xinjiang Tibet Highway overland journey?

Traveling along the Xinjiang Tibet Highway requires several permits. A China Visa is no doubt the first thing you need to obtain. When you visit Xinjiang, no extra travel documents are required. However, before you enter the Tibet Autonomous Region, you need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit in advance with a pre-booked Tibet tour. Additionally, you’ll need an Alien’s Travel Permit and a military permit for traveling along the way from Ngari prefecture to Lhasa.

To make your trip smooth, it is suggested to apply for your Tibet Travel Permit at least one month before you go.

As the largest local travel agency, we at Tibet Vista managed to fulfill the overland journey from Kashgar to Lhasa for thousands of tourists in the past decades. Once you book a Xinjiang Tibet tour with us, simply provide the scanned copies of your passport and Chinese Visa, and we will handle the rest for you.

Can I Take a Self-drive Tour via the Xinjiang Tibet Highway to Tibet?

Yes, it is possible for foreign tourists to take a self-drive tour from Xinjiang to Tibet. You can drive along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219) either from Kashgar to Lhasa or vice versa. To do this, you’ll need to book a Tibet self-driving tour through a local travel agency, as you must be accompanied by a local tour guide once you enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. Both rental cars and your own vehicle are available for your self-driving tour in Tibet.

You can enjoy a self-driving tour along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.

More Insider Tips

The elevation along the Xinjiang-Tibet route is high, with significant temperature variations between day and night. Be sure to pack warm clothing, such as down jackets, thermal layers, gloves, scarves, and hats.

Don’t forget to bring sunglasses and a high-SPF sunscreen, as the UV rays in the Tibet Plateau can be intense, making sun protection essential to prevent skin burns.

Accommodations and dining options along the route are limited, so it’s wise to carry some drinking water and snacks for emergencies, and prepare some personal hygiene products, such as disinfectant wipes, etc.

Conclusion

The Xinjiang Tibet Highway is the longest route to Lhasa, spanning over 2,900 kilometers. Starting from Kashgar, you will spend at least 10 days on the journey. If you plan to fully explore key sights along the way, you may need to spend 15 to 18 days in total.

With an average altitude of more than 4,500 meters above sea level, the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is the highest road in the world and the most challenging way to enter Tibet. The stunning landscapes along the route embody the essence of Tibet - pristine beauty that remains untouched by civilization. We hope you’re ready to face the challenges of this journey and fully savor the unforgettable experiences it has to offer.

If you need any help arranging your Xinjiang Tibet highway tour, feel free to contact us for fast and professional assistance.