Looking for an adventurous 5-day journey in Tibet? Consider embarking on a self-drive adventure into this sacred land! A self-drive tour allows you to explore the region deeply and at your own pace.

To inspire and better prepare you for a self-drive tour in Tibet, here are some recommended routes and helpful tips to ensure your journey is truly memorable.

5 Days Self-Drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake: Discover Village Life by the Turquoise Waters

The 5-day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake tour is perfect for a short self-driving experience in Tibet. Starting from Lhasa, you can drive along the way to Yamdrok Lake in Shannan. Although the straight-line distance from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake is just around 75 kilometers, the actual mileage is about 128 kilometers, and it takes around two hours to get to the platform from downtown Lhasa.

During your self-drive trip to Yamdrok Lake, you can take your time driving along the lakeside and soak in the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters from various viewpoints. You will marvel at how the blue lake winds through the valley like a shimmering ribbon, or appreciate another angle where it appears dotted with countless islands. While spending a day exploring this sacred lake at your own pace, you can relish the stunning landscapes and visit nearby villages. Each stop offers a unique perspective, making your journey a memorable adventure in this serene setting.

Enjoy a different view of Yamdrok Lake with a self-drive trip around the holy lake.

Sample Itinerary for a -day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Self-drive Tour:

Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Road Condition

The road condition from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake is excellent. It is well-paved all the way and all types of vehicles can go there. However, once off the highway, be cautious of the winding mountain roads as you approach Yamdrok Lake.

The Best Time for a Self-Drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake

Self-drive tours from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake are available year-round, each season offering unique beauty. Spring and autumn feature mild weather, clear skies, and stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Summer attracts the most tourists, showcasing vibrant landscapes. In winter, the snow-covered peaks and the frozen lake provide a serene and solemn atmosphere.

5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour: Take a 360° Tour and Visit the Loneliest Temple in the World

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa

Price from USD689 p.p

5 Days Self-Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse: Explore the Two Largest Cities of Tibet in One Go

Generally, a Lhasa to Shigatse tour takes 6 days. But by self-drive, you can visit the two major cities in Tibet within 5 days. Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibet, while Shigatse is known for its monastic traditions and as the seat of the Panchen Lama. The two largest cities in Tibet are about 365 kilometers apart, and the journey from Lhasa to Shigatse will take you along the G318 highway from east to west through the most fertile areas of the Tibetan Plateau. If you are interested in Tibetan culture, religion, and history, the journey from Lhasa to Shigatse will be the perfect trip.

Sample Itinerary for a 5-day Lhasa to Shigatse Self-drive Tour:

Lhasa to Shigatse Road Condition

The journey from Lhasa to Shigatse follows the G318 Friendship Highway, which is the most-used road in Tibet. This two-lane highway is one of the best-kept roads in the region. From the Tibetan capital to the second city, the amazing road is all asphalt, taking you through some of the platelet's most stunning scenery with a pleasant driving experience.

Well paved highway from Lhasa to Shigatse

The Best Time for a Self-Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse

The best time to travel from Lhasa to Shigatse is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the views along the route are exceptional. As you journey, you’ll pass by expansive Tibetan barley fields, which transform with the season - vibrant green in summer and a stunning golden hue during the autumn harvest. This scenic drive offers breathtaking glimpses of the region's agricultural beauty.

6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse- Lhasa

Price from USD799 p.p

5 Days Self-Drive from Lhasa to Namtso Lake: Get a Glimpse of the Holy Lake

Namtso Lake is known to be the most popular holy lake in Tibet. It is the largest saltwater lake in China and the world’s highest lake at 4,718 meters above sea level. The journey from Lhasa to Namtso Lake is a popular short itinerary for exploring Lhasa and northern Tibetan grassland in Nagqu. It covers all the major highlights of Lhasa while you are acclimatizing, such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and takes you out of the city to Namtso Lake. The Lake Namtso Scenic Area not only provides a serene atmosphere for reflection and photography but is also rich in cultural significance, with the nearby Tashi Dor Island housing ancient monasteries.

Sample Itinerary for a 5-day Lhasa to Namtso Lake Self-drive Tour:

Lhasa to Namtso Lake Road Condition

The route from Lhasa to Namtso is mainly along the G119 National Highway, with good road conditions and suitable for self-driving. The entire journey is about 200 kilometers, most of which are flat asphalt or concrete roads, and only small parts are mountain roads or gravel roads.

The closer you get to Namtso Lake, the higher the altitude and some sections of the road may have snow and ice, so you need to be careful when driving. In winter or early spring, the road may be closed due to heavy snow.

The road to Namtso Lake winds through the Nyainqentanglha Mountains.

Best Time for a Self-drive from Lhasa to Namtso Lake

The best time to visit Namtso Lake is from May to October. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant. Especially in summer months, the flowers on the Northern Tibetan grassland are in full bloom, and the lake is sparkling on a sunny day, making the most charming scenery of the holy lake.

Winter is not a good time to visit Namtso Lake, as the road to Namtso Lake may be closed due to the heavy snow. Additionally, driving through mountain passes in snowy conditions can be risky for those who aren’t familiar with the area.

9 Day Lhasa to Mt. Everest and Lake Namtso Self-drive Road Trip

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Damxung - Namtso Lake - Lhasa

Price from USD1,762 p.p

5 Days Self-Drive from to Everest Base Camp: Possible with Careful Planning

No trip to Tibet is truly complete without visiting its most iconic landmark, Mount Everest. Located on the border with Nepal in the far west of Shigatse Prefecture, this majestic mountain is now easily accessible by car from Lhasa.

Without considering the time you stay in Lhasa, you can spend 4 days traveling from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and back. During this period, you will go from Lhasa, which is 3,650 meters above sea level, through Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, and finally reach the base camp at an altitude of nearly 5,200 meters.

However, if you start such a trip as soon as you arrive in Lhasa, your body will not have enough time to adapt to the high altitude of Tibet, and it is very easy to get altitude sickness, which is dangerous for self-driving.

Therefore, although it is feasible to travel between Lhasa and Everest in 5 days, for tourists who arrive in Tibet for the first time, we still recommend extending the tour length appropriately and staying in Lhasa for a few more days, so that you can visit the local attractions in Lhasa and adapt to the altitude before driving to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Self Drive Road Trip

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Tingri - Everest Base Camp - Sakya - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD1,660 p.p

Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Road Condition

The road from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is generally well-maintained. It covers about 6,000 kilometers from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and typically takes around 10 to 12 hours, depending on weather and road conditions. To better acclimatize to the high altitude, we often spread the journey over several days. Be cautious of the winding roads leading to the base camp. It’s essential to slow down when navigating these mountain curves for your safety.

The winding road to Everest Base Camp in Tibet

Best Time for a Self-drive from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

The best time to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet is April, May, September, and October, during which the weather is pleasant with less rainfall, so you can enjoy clear views of the majestic Mount Everest as well as other top peaks of the Himalayas.

Winter is a good time to visit Everest Base Camp, but it’s too cold for overnight stays at tent hotels. Everest Base Camp accommodation options are limited to guesthouses in Zhaxizong Village or Rongbuk Monastery at the base of the mountain.

Summer is the rainy season in Tibet, and the rain will increase during this time. Mist and heavy clouds will block the summit of the mountain, and you may not be able to see the magnificent view of the world's highest peak.

5 Days Self-Drive from Lhasa to Nyingchi: A Cultural and Natural Journey in Eastern Tibet

It is an off-the-beaten path to drive from Lhasa to Nyingchi and Shannan to explore both cultural and natural wonders in eastern Tibet. From the iconic landmarks of Lhasa, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, to the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Nyingchi and the historical roots of Tibetan civilization in Shannan, you will get a deeper understanding of Tibet, its people, and its rich religious and cultural heritages like nowhere else on the plateau.

Sample Itinerary for a 5-day Lhasa Nyingchi Shannan Self-drive Tour:

Lhasa to Nyingchi Road Condition

The road from Lhasa to Nyingchi, primarily along the Lalin Expressway, is in excellent condition. The journey offers some of the most stunning scenery in Tibet, featuring a diverse range of natural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush grasslands, and enchanting forests.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Nyingchi is spring and autumn. From late March to early May, the spring months, the weather is pleasant, with blooming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is particularly popular for its lush landscapes and the rich greenery of the forests.

Enjoy the beautiful peach blossoms in spring by driving from Lhasa to Nyingchi.

What Travel Documents Are Required for a Self-Drive Tour in Tibet?

Similar to ordinary Tibet tours, you need to obtain a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet. For a self-drive tour, you will also require the following documents:
1). Vehicle Entry and Exit Formalities
2). Valid Chinese Driving License or a Permission Letter stating the same
3). Correct and Licensed Vehicle Plate Number
4). Photocopies of your passport, and your Chinese Visa
5). 3 photographs of your car from all sides - document the condition of the vehicle
6). 2 photos of yourself and the people travelling with you, with a white color background

To ensure a hassle-free experience, we offer comprehensive Tibet self-drive tour packages that cover all essential travel documents. We also provide a variety of rental vehicles and diverse self-driving itineraries to suit your preferences.

Should I Rent a Vehicle or Drive My Car for a Self-Drive Trip in Tibet?

You can either drive your own car to Tibet or rent a vehicle locally after arriving in Lhasa. Regardless of the vehicle type, you must book your Tibet self-drive tour in advance and be accompanied by a local tour guide throughout the journey.

As the best-known local Tibet travel agency, we at Tibet Vista have assisted hundreds of tourists in realizing their self-driving adventures. Once you book a self-drive tour with us, we will manage the Tibet Travel Permit and all necessary local travel and driving documents, ensuring your trip is smooth and hassle-free. Simply share your travel ideas with us, and we'll make your dream trip a reality.

Take a once-in-a-lifetime self-drive trip to Tibet with Tibet Vista.

What to Pack for a 5-Day Self-Drive Tour in Tibet?

A 5-day self-drive in Tibet is mainly around Lhasa and its surroundings. You don’t need to pack too many things as it is convenient to get supplies in Lhasa.

Clothing-wise, you are best having light but warm pants, with long underwear for those traveling in the colder months, and layers of long-sleeved tops to combat the cold if needed. Since you will be driving, you need to have comfortable driving shoes, instead of heavy boots, though it is handy to have some good strong shoes or hiking boots for the rough areas where you are exploring on foot.

It is suggested to carry some snacks and dried or packed foods with you for eating along the way, as you can easily get hungry when traveling at the higher altitudes of the plateau.

A good camera is a necessity when traveling in Tibet, as you will be faced with countless and innumerable sights that you are going to want to photograph for the memories. You can also bring a power bank for recharging your devices on the go. Most of these can be recharged in the hotels at the end of the day, or in the vehicle if you have an adaptor.

7 Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Self Drive Road Trip via the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD1,599 p.p

More Travel Tips for a Self-Drive Tour in Tibet

Before a self-drive tour in Tibet, downloading local navigation apps is essential for accurate directions and real-time updates. For our clients, we provide rental vehicles with onboard navigation. Also, our experienced local tour guides will be with you and provide co-pilot service throughout the journey, leading your way to your destination safely and comfortably.

Familiarizing yourself with the Chinese traffic rules is also important for safety and respect for local customs. Additionally, be aware of wild animals crossing roads in Tibet, especially in rural areas, to avoid accidents. These tips will help you delve into an ultimate adventure while ensuring a smooth and safe journey through Tibet's breathtaking landscapes.

It is common to see wild yaks by the road while driving in Tibet.

Conclusion

Self-driving in Tibet is one of the best ways to explore the plateau at your own pace. Any experienced and ardent driver would jump at the chance to drive themselves across the vast Tibetan plateau, and now you can. With our amazing 5-day self-driving tours in Tibet, you can enjoy a clean, well-maintained vehicle while exploring Lhasa and nearby attractions within a week.