What to expect:

This driving route, crossing the Yunnan-Tibet highway to Tibet, has great views, from snow-capped mountains and deep valleys to primitive forests. Local minorities welcome visitors and with some hidden Buddhism monasteries, this route guides you via the real Shangri-la to Tibet!

Itinerary:

Zhongdian-->Deqin-->Yanjing-->Markham-->Pomda-->Pasho-->Pomi-->Nyingtri-->Lhasa

Scenic spots on the way:

Ganden Sumtseling Gompa-->Kawa-->Karpo Lancang River and Jinsha River-->Parlung Tsangpo River-->Draksumtso-->Nyingma-->Potala Palace-->Jokhang Temple-->Barkhor Street
                       

Day-by-day Itinerary

D1: Zhongdian County. Zhongdian, also known as Gyeltang or Gyalthang, marks the start of the Tibetan world. Drive to the north of this town and see the 300-year-old Tibetan monastery Ganden Sumtseling Gompa. Stay overnight in Zhongdian.

D2: Zhongdian-->Deqin (Distance: 180km): Leave Zhongdian and drive past beautiful Lake Napa. If you like, you can stop and climb the roadside mountains. A five-hour drive takes you to Deqin. Deqin, at an average altitude of 3550m, is the last town before entering Tibet. Here you can visit one of Yunnan's most magical mountains, Kawa Karpo, lying to the west of Deqin. Stay overnight in Deqin.