{"id":11109,"date":"2021-08-27T09:18:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-27T01:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/?p=11109"},"modified":"2021-08-27T21:54:11","modified_gmt":"2021-08-27T13:54:11","slug":"4-wheel-drive-trip-from-lhasa-to-ranwu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/tibet-travel\/lhasa-travel\/4-wheel-drive-trip-from-lhasa-to-ranwu","title":{"rendered":"4-Wheel Drive Trip from Lhasa to Rakwa Tso (Tips, Photos & Map)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you in the process of arranging your Lhasa tour<\/a> or Tibet tour<\/a>? Tibet is\u00a0difficult to explore\u00a0on a short\u00a0trip since it\u00a0is\u00a0quite huge in size, the second largest provincial-level region in China, just after Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basically Tibet is officially classified into 6 tourism zones: 1) Lhasa Historical and Cultural Center Tourism Area; 2) Mt. Everest Eco Tourism Area;3) Linzhi (Nyingchi) Forest Eco Tourism; 4) Shannan Yalong River Cultural Scenic Area; 5) Ali Holy Mountains and Lakes Area; 6) Nanqu Grassland Eco Tourism Area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ABC of Tibet Officially Claimed Six Tourism Zones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lhasa Historical and Cultural Center Tourism Area<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This area is\u00a0simply called Lhasa Area. Lhasa Area is the most visited place in Tibet. First time visitors coming to Tibet cannot afford to miss the capital city of Tibet. A general Lhasa tour<\/a> normally takes you approx. 4-5 days, visiting a handful of impressive attractions such as Potala Palace, Bahkhor Street, Sea Temple\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Tibet Tourist Map<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mt. Everest Eco Tourism Area<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Called Mt.Everest Area for short. Glimpsing the EBC, the Mount Everest Base,\u00a0is a dream of many tourists. Make an extended tour to Mounta Everest\u00a0either from Shigatse<\/a> or from Zhangmu fort<\/a> bordering Nepal. 2 days are necessary to drive up to the base of Mr.Everest mountain area<\/a> and back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linzhi (Nyingchi) Forest Eco Tourism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dubbed as \u201cSwiss Landscape\u201d, Linzhi boasts the most beautiful mountain in China \u2013 Namcha Barwa or Namchabarwa and the most beautiful glacier \u2013 Midui Glacier and Lulang Forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ali Holy Mountains and Lakes Area <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Short for Ali Area, this region is a mecca for Tibetan Buddhists. Circling the holy mountain \u2013 Mount Kailash is the must-do buddhist event for many local Tibetans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nanqu Grassland Eco Tourism Area <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Also known as North Tibet Area. This area is famous for its vast and wild area typified\u00a0by grasslands, lakes and gobi. In this area, most people know more about Namtso Lake <\/a>than Naqu itsself. You can have a 4-wheel drive day trip to Namtso Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linzhi (Nyingchi) Forest Eco Tourism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u00a0boasts the most scenic travel route of the all the tourism zones where you will see the most beautiful mountain in\u00a0China \u2013 Namcha Barwa in Lulang\u00a0and the most beautiful glacier in China \u2013 Midui Glacier in Ranwu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We made a 4-wheel drive trip from Lhasa to Ranwu (Rakwa Tso) last October and the amazing driving experience still lingers in my mind. Well, follow me to\u00a0drive cross the dreamland again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lhasa \u2013 Bayi \u2013 Lulang \u2013 Ranwu (Rakwa Tso) 4 Wheel Drive Trip
(Total 755km one way drive) <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We drive eastwards along the Chuanzang Highway (Sichuan Tibet Highway). Completed in 1958, the Chuanzang Highway is 2115km long starting from Chengdu<\/a>, which is also part of the 5476km National Highway No.318 starting from Shanghai <\/a>to Zhangmu <\/a>T<\/a>own<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Lhasa \u2013 Bayi \u2013 Lulang \u2013 Ranwu (Rakwa Tso) 755km<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lhasa River, the mother river of Lhasa, accompanies us on\u00a0our left side running down from the south side of Nyainq\u00eantanglha range. Lhasa River<\/a>\u00a0is one of te five major tributaries of Yalong Tsangpo River with a total length of 551 km. Lhasa River passes the south area of Lhasa City from east to west, then runs south and meets Tsangpo River at Qushui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The autumn view of the crystal waters of Lhasa River with the bald and dark mountains reflected on the river.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
The autumn view of the crystal waters of Lhasa River <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The autumn view of the crystal waters of Lhasa River At the distance of 69km from Lhasa(within Maizhokunggar County), we get off at the site of the birth place of Songtsan Gampo (604 AD \u2013 650 AD), the founder of the Tibetan Empire. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth place of Songtsan Gampo (604 AD \u2013 650 AD) We continue to drive along the Chuanzang Highway (also called National Highway 318). <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Birth place of Songtsan Gampo (604 AD \u2013 650 AD)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We continue to drive along the Chuanzang Highway (also called National Highway 318).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
The Chuanzang Highway (also called National Highway 318)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

At the distance of 156km, we reach the Mila Pass (5013m), the highest point on the way from Lhasa to Ranwu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The Mila Pass (5013m)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

All the passing by travelers stop for a break at the pass. Three statues of Yaks stand high on the platform by the Mila\u00a0Pass\u00a0to welcome visitors coming afar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Three statues of Yaks stand high on the platform by the Mila Pass<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Driving down the pass, we are amazed to see the Tibetans prostrating all the way to Lhasa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
The Tibetans prostrating all the way<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

On the route, we meet quite a few travelers challenging themselves by cycling on the high elevation paved highway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Cycling on the high elevation paved highway<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

he Mila Pass is the division line between the Lhasa River and the Nyang River. The Nyang River\u00a0is 307.5 km long\u00a0and originates at 5,000 meters above the sea level from the Cuomuliangla, west of the Mila Mountain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The river\u00a0meets the Yarlung Tsangpo in Cemeng, Nyingchi. So from Mila Pass, the river on our left side is not Lhasa River, instead, it is the beautiful Nyang River. Escorted by Nyang River and colored by the autumn leaves, we continue to drive to our destination today \u2013 Lulang Town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Escorted by Nyang River and colored by the autumn leaves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

At the distance of 262km (within Gongbogyamda County), we get off at the sight of the massive Rock Pillar ( sea-level 3600m ) in the middle of the Nyang River. The Rock Pillar has a\u00a0beautiful Chinese name \u2013 \u4e2d\u6d41\u7825\u67f1 which implies a mainstay or a tower of strength. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the distance of 410km, we pass by Bayi Town (Bayi or Bayizhen),\u00a0\u00a0the capital of Nyingchi County. It lies on the Nyang River at an altitude of 2994 metres. It is a characterless new town built on the ancient village of Drakchi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nyingchi, which literally means \u201cthrone of the sun\u201d in Tibetan has a relatively lower altitude bestowed with the green mountain slopes, snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear rivers. Nyingchi is dubbed as \u201cSwitzerland of Tibet\u201d. The county boasts  the Namjiagbarwa Peak, and the Yarlung Zangbo Great Canyon, and the abundant nature resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the distance of 457km in the late afternoon, we reach the Serjila Pass (the Seche La Pass) at the elevation of 5020m where we are lucky to see the golden summit of Namcha Barwa Mountain (or Namchabarwa and the Namjiagbarwa Peak). Namchabarwa (7787m) is selected as the most beautiful mountain in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Serjila Pass, or the Seche La Pass\u00a0(5020m)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
The Serjila Pass (5020m)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The golden summit of Namcha Barwa Mountain <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
The golden summit of Namcha Barwa Mountain<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

At the distance of 482km, we get to Lulang Town. Today we\u00a0stay overnight at Lulang Town. Lulang is a two-horse town,\u00a0nestled between the mountainous peaks with\u00a0the vast expanse of trees (dubbed as Lulang Forest Sea). The so called town is a handful of basic houses and bungalows lined along the Chuanzang Highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early next morning, we have a stroll around the two-horse town before continuing to drive to our destination of Ranwu today.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Lulang is a two-horse town<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lulang is a two-horse town From Lulang Town to Ranwu Town, we have to pass through the most dangerous road on the way \u2013 Tongmaitianxian (Tongmai Dangerous Road), which is very dangerous with the average width ranging from 6m to 7m, difficult for\u00a0two vehicles to pass in opposite\u00a0directions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We successfully drive along the death road \u2013 Tongmaitianxian. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
We successfully drive along the death road \u2013 Tongmaitianxian. <\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We choose the Tongmai Town for lunch. Tongmai is a booming town teeming with inns and restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Tongmai is a booming town teeming with inns and restaurants.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

After lunch, we continue to along the National Highway 318 from Tongmai to Bomi, and further to Ranwu Town \u2013 our final destination. This is a scenic and sightseeing driving road.

The landscape along the roadside is particularly beautiful. The scenic highway boasts the far snow mountains, glaciers, primitive forest, pristine villages and crystal rivers. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
The landscape along the roadside is particularly beautiful<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

About 30km to the\u00a0west of our final destination of Ranwu, we turn to the south driving along the mountain road, then change for a horse ride and get to the foot of the most beautiful glacier in China \u2013 Midui Glacier with various styles and beautiful conformation. It is\u00a0a rare natural wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most beautiful glacier in China \u2013 Midui Glacier<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
The most beautiful glacier in China \u2013 Midui Glacier<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Midui Glacier Midui Glacier is\u00a0a rare natural wonder <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Midui Glacier is a rare natural wonder<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Before we reach our final destination of Ranwu Town (Rawa Town) at the distance of 768km from Lhasa, we visit the Ranwu Lake (Rakwa Tso) which has the reputation of \u201cSwiss Landscape\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Ranwu Lake (Rakwa Tso)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It is wonderful\u00a0combination\u00a0of the Swiss Alps snow peaks and glaciers. The melted snow and ice\u00a0is the water source for\u00a0the lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay overnight in Ranwu Town at the distance of 768 from Lhasa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hassle-free Lhasa Guided Tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for guided tours to Lhasa:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lhasa Tour<\/a>
Lhasa Tibet Group Tour<\/a>
Lhasa Tibet Private Tour<\/a>
Beijing Lhasa Tour<\/a>
Lhasa China Tour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Readings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Best Time to Visit Lhasa<\/a>
Top 10 Attractions in Lhasa<\/a>
Lhasa Tourist Traps, Tourist Scams Lhasa<\/a>
Where to stay in Lhasa<\/a>
Makye Ame Lhasa Restaurant \u2013 Your Kitchen in Lhasa<\/a>
Lhasa Airport, Lhasa Gonggar Airport<\/a>
Xian Lhasa Flight Experience, Xian Lhasa Flight<\/a>
Lhasa Railway Station Transportation, Taxi, Public Bus<\/a>
Get around in Lhasa with Pedicab or Trishaw<\/a>
lhasa Taxi<\/a>
Best Places to Take Picture of Potala Palace Lhasa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4-Wheel Drive Trip from Lhasa to Ranwu<\/a>
Drak Yerpa, My trip to Drak Yerpa Monastery<\/a>
The Pilgrim Kora in Lhasa, Lhasa Pilgrim circuits<\/a>
Monks at Sera Je College at Sera Monastery in Lhasa<\/a>
Beijing Road in Lhasa<\/a>
A Fun to Walk along Lhasa River in the City of Lhasa<\/a>
Lhasa Great Mosque, the Mosques in Lhasa<\/a>
Lhasa Yamdrok-Tso Lake Road Trip<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any questions, just drop a line.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Are you in the process of arranging your Lhasa tour or Tibet tour? Tibet is\u00a0difficult to explore\u00a0on a short\u00a0trip since it\u00a0is\u00a0quite huge in size, the second largest provincial-level region in China, just after Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Basically Tibet is officially classified into 6 tourism zones: 1) Lhasa Historical and Cultural Center Tourism Area; 2)…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[2165,2167,2166,3897,3896],"class_list":["post-11109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lhasa-travel","tag-lhasa-bayi-road-rip","tag-lhasa-nyingchi-road-trip","tag-lhasa-ranwu-road-trip","tag-midui-glacier","tag-rakwa-tso"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11109"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11109"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26972,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11109\/revisions\/26972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}