Self-Drive | 8 Tibet Routes Revealed, Each with Its Own Scenery

It's no exaggeration to say that almost every Chinese person dreams of a self-drive trip to Tibet. Some lack the time, some lack the money, some lack the experience... Entering via the southern Sichuan-Tibet route (G318) and exiting via the Qinghai-Tibet route (G109), commonly called "Sichuan-in, Qinghai-out," takes 16 days round trip, covering over 7,000 kilometers.

Self-drive Tibet route map

Currently, among the eight self-drive routes into Tibet, the most common and well-known one is the Sichuan-Tibet route, followed by the Qinghai-Tibet route. Most of the time, when people talk about the Sichuan-Tibet route, they default to National Highway G318.

In fact, the Sichuan-Tibet route is divided into the southern line (G318 National Highway) and the northern line (G317 National Highway). The two routes differ in distance, road conditions, scenery, and the self-drive time required.

Today, I’ll share the self-drive itineraries for both the southern and northern Sichuan-Tibet routes, for your reference.

Southern Sichuan-Tibet Route (G318):

D1: Chengdu – Yaan – Tianquan – Luding – Kangding – Yajiang (approx. 465 km)

D2: Yajiang – Litang – Daocheng – Shangri-La Town (approx. 395 km)

D3: Shangri-La Town – Yading Scenic Area (approx. 30 km)

D4: Shangri-La Town – Litang – Batang (approx. 325 km)

D5: Batang – Mangkang – Zuogong – Baxoi (approx. 460 km)

D6: Baxoi – Bome – Nyingchi (approx. 450 km)

D7: Nyingchi – Lhasa (approx. 410 km)

D8: Lhasa

The southern Sichuan-Tibet route (G318 National Highway) spans eastern, central, and western China, embracing landscapes of plains, hills, basins, and plateaus, as well as Tibetan cultural sights. It packs thrills, dangers, breathtaking beauty, and stunning views all the way from plains to plateaus, with a diversity of natural scenery rarely seen elsewhere. It is known as "China's most beautiful scenic highway."

Representative scenic spots: Zheduo Mountain, Heaven's Road 18 Bends, Daocheng Yading, Maoya Grassland, Dongda Mountain, Ranwu Lake, Heaven's Road 72 Turns

Northern Sichuan-Tibet Route (G317):

D1: Chengdu – Dujiangyan – Wenchuan – Maerkang (approx. 310 km)

D2: Maerkang – Seda (approx. 280 km)

D3: Seda – Garze County – Dege (approx. 330 km)

D4: Dege – Jomda County – Qamdo (approx. 325 km)

D5: Qamdo – Riwoqe – Dengqen (approx. 240 km)

D6: Dengqen – Baqen (approx. 220 km)

D7: Baqen – Sog County – Biru County – Sapu (approx. 360 km)

D8: Sapu – Nagqu (approx. 310 km)

D9: Nagqu – Damxung (approx. 170 km)

D10: Damxung – Lhasa (approx. 160 km)

The northern Sichuan-Tibet route (G317 National Highway) centers its landscape on steep, majestic high mountains and gorges, and the mysterious, devout Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Representative scenic spots: Que'er Mountain, Seda, Zizhu Monastery, Sapu Sacred Mountain, Namtso Lake

If it's your first self-drive trip to Tibet, I personally suggest choosing the southern Sichuan-Tibet route (G318 National Highway).

There are two reasons: first, the road conditions are better—entirely paved asphalt, making it less challenging. Second, the service facilities and capacity along G318 are also better, with more convenient options for accommodation, dining, vehicle repair, and medical care.

The northern Sichuan-Tibet route (G317 National Highway) has poorer road conditions, requiring an SUV to pass, and demands some self-drive experience. There are fewer towns along the way, and resupply is not as convenient.

No matter which route you take to drive to Tibet, safety is the top priority. Traveling in high-altitude areas brings unique challenges, so here are four safety tips:

1. Road conditions on a self-drive trip to Tibet are quite complicated; stay focused on driving. Sightsee when not driving, and do not sightsee while driving.

2. At high altitudes, both acceleration and braking performance of vehicles will decline; plan ahead accordingly.

3. Obey the rules and laws. Don't drive fatigued, don't drive aggressively, and be absolutely sure it's safe before overtaking.

4. If you feel unwell due to altitude sickness, seek medical attention immediately to prevent the condition from worsening with delays.

May every friend who drives to Tibet set off with joy and return safely.