I. Timing
1. Autumn
Autumn is the best time to travel. The roads are less likely to be blocked due to landslides caused by rain, and the oxygen level is higher compared to spring and winter. Many mountains along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway are colorful at this time, making it the most beautiful season for photography lovers.
2. Spring
Spring is the second-best season. If you take the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, the blooming peach blossoms will captivate many photography enthusiasts.
3. Rainy Season
For those who enjoy a challenge, traveling to Tibet during the rainy season not only tests your ability to handle various road conditions but also challenges your willpower—it's very thrilling and satisfying.
II. Road Conditions
1. Gravel Roads
Although Tibetan roads are much better than before, many areas such as from Nyalam to Zhangmu, Bomi to Motuo, and the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway are still dirt roads, gravel roads, and washboard roads. If you're going to these places, it’s best to use AT tires (All Terrain, or all-terrain tires). Our 6-cylinder Jeep experienced some issues on these roads, but the newly replaced AT tires we had before departure were great—no flats or blowouts (though luck may have played a part).
2. Northern Route (Great Northern Route)
For those driving along the Ali Great Northern Route, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is a must. Accurately judging the road is also very important—you should always follow tracks that are clearly visible. Otherwise, it’s easy to get stuck or take a wrong turn and end up driving in circles.
3. Snow and Ice Roads
After mid-October, if you're going to high-altitude places like Namtso, it’s essential to bring snow chains for your four-wheel-drive vehicle. During this season, high-altitude areas generally have snow, and there are many very narrow icy or snowy roads. Some sections even have cliffs on one side and ravines on the other—if you skid, the consequences could be dire.
One tip: keep a bucket of water in the car. When you encounter an icy or snowy road, pour water on the surface. When your vehicle drives over it, you’ll feel some adhesion, which increases friction. You can then drive through slowly without problems, and if necessary, you can also pour water on the tires.
III. Vehicle Types
Many friends planning to drive to Tibet often ask what kind of vehicle is most suitable.
1. Recommendations
The Beijing Jeep 80 series and Mitsubishi Pajero are the top choices. In fact, many types of vehicles can now make it to Tibet, but for an in-depth trip, a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle is definitely needed. Of course, there are also those who drive a two-wheel-drive Iveco solo to Ali South Road and then to Xinjiang—but that depends on your skill and luck. Personally, I believe any four-wheel-drive vehicle can handle the trip to Tibet. Our 6-cylinder Jeep performed well, though it’s not as comfortable as the 80 series.
2. Not Recommended
Vehicles like Hummer or Land Rover are not recommended for driving to Tibet.
First, the fuel grades available in Tibet are limited, which is quite harmful to vehicles with high fuel quality requirements.
Second, these models are rare in Tibet, and spare parts are hard to find. If something goes wrong with the vehicle, you’ll either have to wait for parts or have the vehicle transported back.
IV. Driving Skills
Because of the unique environment, driving in Tibet is very different from driving inland. So, even if you’re skilled in circuit racing, don’t be too overconfident—circuit racing may cover various road conditions, but it’s still short-distance.
1. Driving Technique
When driving in Tibet, you’ll often spend over ten hours bumping along dirt roads, and some places are at very high altitudes where many people experience varying degrees of altitude sickness—the physical and mental exhaustion can be huge. So never drive while overly fatigued or push yourself too hard. It’s necessary to stop in time to take photos or use the restroom. If you have a co-driver, they shouldn’t sleep; instead, they should keep an eye on the road and chat with the driver, because if the person next to you is asleep, the driver can easily get drowsy too. Being sleepy while driving combined with altitude sickness in Tibet is a very dangerous combination.
2. Driving Techniques
There are many washboard roads in Tibet, so when driving on them, it's best to maintain a speed of over 60 mph to avoid feeling too much jolting. When crossing water, if you're unfamiliar with the road conditions, don't take chances—best to engage four-wheel drive.
The roads in Medog may not seem too difficult for many four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, but average speeds on many sections are around 10 km/h, which is a major test of endurance. Therefore, the most important thing when driving on such roads is to maintain a good mindset.
3. Experience-Based Techniques
Driving experience is crucial in Tibet. In mid-July, when we were going up to Yamdrok Lake, our car stalled on an uphill slope. A Tibetan driver told us that trying to tow the vehicle on a winding uphill road was unrealistic. Instead, we could turn the car around and push it downhill. Once the engine started and the RPMs increased, quickly turning around and accelerating uphill would usually solve the problem.
There’s also a strange phenomenon here: driving in Tibet actually uses less fuel than driving inland, but the engine sometimes feels weaker, with noticeably less power than on the plains. Perhaps this is due to the high-altitude effects of air pressure and oxygen levels on the vehicle.
5. Notes
1. First-Time Visitors to Tibet
It’s best to start taking Rhodiola Rosea supplements half a month in advance. Upon arrival, you can take “Plateauan” capsules. If you experience dizziness or headaches, taking one tablet each of Shule An and Fenbid before bedtime can effectively relieve the symptoms.
2. Smoking
According to many friends, smokers can prevent altitude sickness by having a cigarette when they start feeling unwell. (Personal opinion, for reference only)
3. Altitude Sickness
Once, a friend’s company sent him and a colleague to pick up a leader from inland at the airport. When they arrived, they realized the oxygen bag they brought wasn’t inflated. In a panic, they used their mouths to inflate the oxygen bag, hoping the arriving leader wouldn’t need it. Shortly after the leader got into the car, he said he was experiencing altitude sickness and needed oxygen. Neither of them dared to say anything and simply handed the oxygen bag to the leader. After taking a few puffs, the leader said, “I feel much better now.” This true story shows that altitude sickness is often more psychological than physical.
4. Documents
It’s best to apply for your passport and border permit locally before departure. Many friends traveling to Tibet suddenly decide they want to go to Nepal, but have to give up because they didn’t bring their passports. Many places in Tibet require a border permit, and applying for one locally involves complicated procedures. Travel agencies usually charge about 100 yuan in handling fees for processing it, while applying locally only requires a 10-yuan deposit.
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