Self-Drive Journeys to Tibet

Tibet, the roof of the world, the land of snow, the mysterious kingdom of Buddhism, is close to the deepest part of people's hearts.

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway might be one of the most dangerous routes in the world, but it's also among the most beautiful ones.

Taking the Sichuan-Tibet Highway can help you beat altitude sickness. The road starts in Chengdu, located in the Sichuan basin. As you drive west, the attitude rises gradually. Though the highest part surpasses 4000 meters, the flourishing forests along the road produce oxygen to help you reduce the effects of altitude sickness.

There are plenty of towns and villages along the road where you can enjoy delicious treats from different parts of China. However, since landslides often happen on the highway and block portions of the road, it's essential to bring lots of ready-to-eat food in your car.

Avoid the rainy season. Weather is an important factor when traveling in Tibet. Rain can cause landslides. The rainy season in Tibet is July and August. Be sure to bring tents, a sleeping bag and enough clothes with you. Sometimes landslides can keep

The Yunnan-Tibet Highway

The Yunnan-Tibet Highway starts from Dali in Yunnan province. If you go this route, you will encounter many local ethnic groups. There are Miao, Tibetan and Naxi minorities in Dali. You will also find many foreigners there. The famous "Foreigner Street" is located in Dali.

Like the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, there are landslides on occasion. Travelers are advised to make full preparations before travelling.

The Qinghai-Tibet Highway

The Qinghai-Tibet Highway is among the busiest routes of the four main roads to Tibet.

If you take this path, you should be wary of altitude sickness. The average altitude of the road is above 4,000 meters, giving it its nickname, "The Way to Heaven."

Transportation on the highway is pretty busy. Sometimes accidents happen along the way. Drivers need to pay attention and not drive when tired.

There are many wild animals along the road, like the chiru, or Tibetan antelope, and Tibetan wild donkeys, but it's always hard to take a nice shot. There are also many Muslim restaurants and hotels, so there is no need to worry about accommodation.

The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway

The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is probably the most difficult route among the four roads. It's very remote and its average altitude is even higher than the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. However, the unique scenery along the road draws many people to risk the difficulty of the journey.

One is advised to find a guide if you want to drive along this path. There are many crossings on the highway. Taking a wrong turn will waste plenty of your time, not to mention gas. Gas is very precious and even priceless in this area. If you run out, you will have to beg others to sell you gasoline.

Driving along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is a challenging journey. Compared with the other three highways to Tibet, the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is remote and hard, but at the same time, also mysterious and sacred. Once you have experienced it, it will be worth your whole lifetime to remember it.