Destination: China
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Yunnan into Tibet
EIGHT DAYS/LIJIANG TO LHASA
This enticing 1000km+ overland adventure takes you from southwest China into Tibet through some of China's most visually spectacular scenery. Concluding in Lhasa, the tour will involve considerable preparatory work (and flexibility time-wise), but it's second to none for those seeking a more exploratory taste of China.
Kick off this trip walking Tiger Leaping Gorge, north of gorgeous Lijiang, before taking the bus to Zhongdian, where your adventure proper begins. This epic, once-in-a-lifetime journey takes you from Zhongdian (Tibetan name: Gyalthang) through a breathtaking landscape of valleys, mountains and Tibetan villages to Lhasa in Tibet. You will need a minimum of eight days for the trip and the optimum months for travel are late spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October); winter is definitely out as the route crosses half a dozen passes over 4500m. Embark on this journey only if you are in good health (medical facilities en route are basic) and ensure you read up on information about acute mountain sickness. Joining a tour (which can arrange all the necessary permits, vehicle, driver and guide for you) is probably the best and safest way as individual travel through Tibet is not permitted, but increasing numbers of travellers are hitching through with little hassle. Outfits such as China Minority Travelor Khampa Caravan can arrange the entire tour for you. Your first stop after Zhongdian is Deqin (Dechen) before reaching the town of Yandin (Yanjing) in southeastern Tibet's Chamdo Prefecture. Continue your journey by road to Markam (Mangkang), then west to Dzogang (Zuogo ng) and on to Pasho (Basu) via Pomda (Bangda; Bamda). The journey then continues to Rawok (Ranwu) and the gorgeous alpine lake of Rawok-tso and on to Lhasa via Pomi and Bayi.
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