Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Hotel accommodation - When is the best time to drive on Sichuan-Tibet Line 318?

When is the best time to drive on Sichuan-Tibet Line 318?

I believe many people yearn for a trip to Sichuan and Tibet in their lives, but think about it and feel it is out of reach. People often say that the most beautiful Tibet is not in Lhasa, but on Highway 318. So when is the best time to go to Sichuan and Tibet, and what kind of scenery is there?

1. Travel seasons

In fact, the four seasons of the Sichuan-Tibet Line have different scenery styles, and different people like different scenery. From the perspective of weather and road conditions, the weather on the Sichuan-Tibet Line is warmer and the road conditions are better from March to November, which is the best time period for the Sichuan-Tibet Line.

March/April - The Sichuan-Tibet Line in early spring is unusually deserted, but the peach blossoms in Linzhi in March are a bright spot, clusters and patches of beautiful scenery.

In May and June, the mountains full of azaleas and galsang flowers seem to be in full bloom just because of your arrival. At this time, the snow in Namtso and Yanghu has melted, and the sky is blue and the ground is clear. This is a good time to see the Holy Lake.

July/August - In July/August, the Sichuan-Tibet Line is verdant, with lush trees and charming scenery. At the same time, July/August is the rainy season, making the challenge even more difficult. Drive an off-road vehicle to the Sichuan-Tibet Line and move forward.

September-October - The climate along the Sichuan-Tibet Line is suitable from September to October. At the same time, during the National Day peak season, there are more people traveling together, and the accompanying team is not afraid of loneliness, and can also meet like-minded friends.

——The weather turns cooler in November 2011, especially at the end of the month, and heavy snow may block roads. However, when traveling online in Sichuan-Tibet in early November, you can see the snowy scenery of Tibet.

2. Self-driving strategy

Preparing for Tibet

This is a long-distance self-driving. Before setting off, inspect your vehicle and perform maintenance. You must carry all tools with you (such as car jacks, tire covers, etc.). Special reminder: You must bring the driving license, driver's license, and ID card of each vehicle when entering Tibet. Please check it again before taking it away. The vehicle's annual inspection and insurance period must also be checked. Be sure to fill up your vehicle with gas the day before departure. Since there are many irresistible factors on the Sichuan-Tibet line, be sure to bring more snacks, instant rice, milk and other convenience foods. The ultraviolet rays in Western Sichuan and Tibet are very strong, so you need to pay attention to sun protection. Sunglasses, hats, masks, sunscreen, etc. Need to be prepared. In addition, because the plateau climate is extremely dry, you also need to prepare lip balm and facial mask.

1. Chengdu-Xinduqiao

The first time I entered Tibet, the altitude of the accommodation was over 3,000 meters, entering a real plateau. Therefore, I must have a good rest the night before and avoid drinking and staying up late to prevent altitude sickness after overexertion. At the beginning of entering Tibet, try not to turn on the air conditioner that is too cold; do not eat raw or cold food, do not drink raw water; and be sure not to catch a cold or have diarrhea. When entering Tibet, you must respect the customs of the Tibetan people, especially when passing Mani piles, prayer wheels, and prayer flags.

2. Xinduqiao-Batang

Today it is expected to drive more than 8 hours from Xinduqiao Town to Lhasa, Tibet, along National Highway 318, passing through Yajiang County, Litang County, Shijie County The famous city (4100 meters above sea level) passes through Litang Maoya Prairie and Haizishan Sister Lake Scenic Area. The total distance from Xinduqiao Town to Batang County is about 420 kilometers, and the entire journey is National Highway 318. Most of the roads are in good condition, with many curves. There are villages and market towns along the way, and there is the Jinsha River Bridge in Batang County.

3. Batang Basu

Adjective (abbreviation of adjective) Mangkang County-Rumei Town

This section is about 50 kilometers, and there are many villages throughout the journey , sharp bend, riverside section. There are many children in the village who often cross the road, and there are many cattle, sheep and livestock. In addition, no matter how long the downhill section is, you must strictly follow the speed limit and do not speed or drive illegally.

b. Rumei Town-Juebashan

This section is about 40 kilometers, and the entire journey is in the middle of the cliff! Due to the narrowness of the road, guardrails cannot be installed on many sections. When driving on this section of road, you need to close the sunroof, close the windows on the mountain side, fasten your seat belt, and do not drive illegally. During the heavy rain season, there are often flying rocks on this section of the road, and accidents often occur when passing vehicles fall.

This is the first extremely high mountain on this trip with an altitude of more than 5,000 meters. There are many trucks on National Highway 318. Most of the trucks returning from Lhasa were speeding and illegal. When crossing Dongda Mountain, they happened to encounter a long downhill road with a large truck. You have to honk around the corner. Large trucks must flash their lights when driving illegally and drive defensively.

d. Turn to Nujiang Gorge at Tianlu Road 72.

This section is about 90 kilometers long, downhill all the way, and has many curves. It is strictly controlled by opening paper speed limit strips (this control is not always available, but was not available in the editor in August 2019). The speed limit strip was issued at the previous police station and returned at the next police station. If you exceed the speed limit, police officers on duty will be punished in different ways, including deduction of points, revocation of driver's license, and one hour penalty for exceeding the speed limit of one minute. In addition, this section of road is closed to all public vehicles after 20:00 at night! Because the whole journey is full of sharp bends, riverside, and rocky sections!

4. Basubomi

The whole journey is on National Highway 318, passing through Ranwu Town, Songzong Town, Yupu Town, and then reaching Bomi County. The total distance from Basu County to Bomi County is about 220KM, with an estimated driving time of 4 hours and 30 minutes (refer to the Gaode map); the road conditions on this section are good. There are many electronic speedometers along the way, and you will pass through many villages and towns. Pay attention to the children playing across the road in the village and the horses, cows, sheep, pigs and other livestock raised by Tibetan compatriots. You must slow down when passing through villages. Most of the itineraries cover Tibet’s beautiful snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, primeval forests, and pastoral villages. When getting off the car to take photos and play near the highway, pay attention to safety, observe the passing vehicles, and prevent wild dog attacks when entering the scenic area. Don't do too strenuous activities, such as running or jumping, and be calm.

5. Bomi-Lingzhi

Start along National Highway 318 in the morning and drive through the dense virgin forest. The total distance from Bomi to Nyingchi is about 240 kilometers. The journey is expected to take 5 hours, arriving around 18:30 in the afternoon, passing through Tongmai-Lulang-Sejila Mountain-Bayi, passing Gangxiang Spruce Reserve, Tongmai Nature Insurance, Lulang Forest Sea, and Yangni River. It can be overlooked when the weather is good.

6. Linzhi-Lhasa

Driving along the Linzhi Expressway, the destination is the holy city of Lhasa, with a total length of about 392 kilometers. Along the way, we passed Gongbujangda - Mira Mountain - Mozhu Gongkar - Datze County - Lhasa, crossed the beautiful Yangni River, crossed Mira Mountain, and passed the hometown of Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery, but due to limited road conditions, please pay attention to driving safety. The travel time is long and the plateau climate is dry. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, put on lipstick or wear a mask when going out in the morning.

7. Lhasa-Nagqu

Depart from the hotel and drive along the Qinghai-Tibet Line 109 National Highway. The destination is Namtso, with a total length of about 327 kilometers. It will pass through Lhasa - Damxung - Namtso - Nagqu. Along the way, you will be close to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and you will also see the majestic Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain, the world's highest saltwater lake, and Namtso, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. The scenery is beautiful and pleasant to enjoy.

8. Nagqu-Golmud

Get up early, set off at around 4:30, and drive along the Qinghai-Tibet Line 109 National Highway, destination Golmud. The total journey is about 827 kilometers, passing through Nagqu - Anduo - Tanggula Mountains - Tuotuo River - Hoh Xil - Kunlun Mountains - Golmud. Along the way, you can enjoy the Qiangtang grassland in northern Tibet, and climb over the Nyainqentanglha Mountains with an altitude of 5320 meters, Fenghuoshuo Mountain and Fengshan Mountains with an altitude of 5100 meters. Kunlun Mountain, 4767 meters above sea level, passes through Hoh Xil. It is important to note that due to the high altitude and low temperature, icy roads may occur on some sections of the road. Drivers should pay attention to driving safety and never apply the brakes, swerve, or make sudden stops, etc. It was a very difficult day. You need to prepare a road meal in advance. You need to get an early night's rest the night before. Don't drive while tired.

9. Golmud Ulan

The hotel set out for the Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area, a total journey of about 530 kilometers, and visited the Chaka Salt Lake, known as the "Mirror of the Sky"

Destination: Lanzhou, the total distance is about 620 kilometers. Touring Qinghai Lake is very relaxing, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so be careful to keep warm.

About the Potala Palace

1. Queue for reservation: The queue for reservation is from 9:00 to 17:00 this morning. If you make an appointment to visit the Potala Palace tomorrow, you can make an appointment half an hour in advance. Enter the Potala Palace. The appointment location is at the main entrance of Potala Palace.

2. Online ticket booking: The valid ticket purchase voucher is the second-generation resident ID card or temporary ID card. Visitors can purchase tickets 7 days in advance through the official website of the Potala Palace (www.potalapalace.cn).

3. Group ticket purchase method: travel agency, group tour or travel agency to purchase Bu Palace tickets.

4. Letter of introduction from the unit: The corresponding unit responsible for the reception of the Lhasa Municipal Government shall submit an application, and the tickets will be purchased directly after approval by the relevant departments.

Notes on visiting the Potala Palace:

1. When visiting the Potala Palace, please do not bring cosmetics (foreign objects, water) or dangerous goods.

2. Don’t forget to bring your original ID card when visiting the Potala Palace; tourists who purchase discount tickets need to present the original discount card.

3. Tourists who book Potala Palace tickets online must visit the Potala Palace within the specified time. If they exceed the time limit, they will be responsible for their own responsibility.

4. If tourists who have booked tickets for the Potala Palace cannot visit on time, they must go to the Potala Palace reservation window in time to apply for an extension or cancel the reservation. Otherwise, the Potala Palace ticketing system will automatically add your ticket purchase information to the blacklist, and you will not be able to purchase tickets again within a week!

5. When visiting the Potala Palace, please consciously protect public facilities and do not touch cultural relics at will. Please do not take photos or videos inside the palace.