Adventure ToursA road trip from Chengdu to Lhasa isn’t just an experience, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. The journey, which is often referred to as National Highway 318 or “China’s Scenic Highway,” is one of the most scenic journeys globally, from the Sichuan Basin to the Tibetan Plateau. While there are scenery on route, the best of the experience is reserved for you at the end – Lhasa. Here is a Chengdu to Lhasa self-driving travel guide to help you have a smoother travel experience.
Pre-trip Preparation
Vehicle Selection and Preparation
A reliable car is required for this trip. Since the roads are uneven, with potholes, an SUV or an off-road car is recommended. Check the car very carefully before departing, such as brakes, wheels, engine and cooling system. Bring a spare wheel, jack, and minimal repair equipment. Also, do not forget to install a good-quality GPS navigation system, as mobile network reception is uneven in some areas.
Required Documents
Make sure that you carry all your necessary documents such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and passport or identity card. In case you are planning to visit border areas near proximity to Lhasa, such as Everest Base Camp, obtain a border pass in advance.
Supplies and Equipment
Pack warm clothes. The temperature may fall sharply in areas of high altitude. It is best to pack multiple layers of warm equipment, such as down jackets, thermal underwear and a windbreaker. Sun protection medication is also essential. Pack sunglasses, high-multiple sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat. In addition, you need to carry sufficient water and food, minimal medicine (e.g., antidiarrheal treatment, analgesics, oxygen and anti-altitude sickness pills) and first aid kits. In case of an emergency, you may go to the hospital.
The Journey Itself
The Chengdu-Lhasa highway is like a beautiful painting, with new scenery and experience every day. You will pass by beautiful towns, e.g., Kangding, famous for the scenic views and the traditional “Kangding Love Song”; trek grand mountain passes, e.g., Zheduo Mountain and Dongda Mountain; and watch natural wonders like Maoya Grassland, Sister Lake, and Ranwu Lake. But as you make your way towards the destination stage of the journey and arrive at Lhasa, the anticipation will be at its peak.
Discovering Lhasa: The Spiritual and Cultural Heart of Tibet
The Iconic Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is Lhasa’s wonder and icon of architecture. Sited on Marpori Hill, the medieval palace complex was first built in the 7th century and later enlarged. As you climb the stone staircase, you are left awestruck by its splendor, red and white walls rising upwards to heaven and gold roofs glinting in the sun. Inside the palace, you can stroll through the meandering Buddhist halls, shrines, and stupas of the past Dalai Lamas. Gaze at the stunning thangkas, precious Buddha images, and peaceful atmosphere in each corner of the palace. Pick the sunset or sunrise within the palace, and view how the world is painted with hues of varying colors of light, shrouding the building with an air of mystery that would never leave you.
Barkhor Street
At the heart of Lhasa, Barkhor Street is both a cultural and religious hub. Barkhor Street is in the shape of a circular route around the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple. Observe pilgrims walking around the temple, turning prayer wheels, and offering prayers. Shopfronts along streets offering traditional Tibetan handicrafts vary from multi-colored prayer flags and hand-carved wooden masks to intricately engraved silver jewelry. Sample some of the Tibetan cuisine like Tibetan dumplings and fried barley noodles. Learn about the culture, feel the power of culture, and interact with the friendly Tibetans and get to know Tibetan culture better.
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple is the spiritual core of Tibet. It is said that the temple was built to suppress an evil ghost in the area. You’ll see pilgrims prostrating themselves in reverence once inside. The temple houses ancient Buddha images, like a much-honored life-size figure of the 12-year-old Gautama Buddha, said to have been imported from India. Roam around the various halls and chapels, and listen to the chanting of the monks in rhythmic beat.
Tibetan Cuisine
Lhasa has a variety of food to try. One can experience a local Tibetan drink referred to as butter tea, made out of a mixture of tea leaves, butter, and salt, a hot and cool drink at high altitude. Try tsampa, a local Tibetan staple that can be mixed with butter tea to form a dough. Other riches of the dish are Tibetan roast lamb, soft and spiced, and yak meat dishes, full of nutrients and unique in flavor. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t omit Tibetan yogurt, thick and a bit sour and normally served with honey or brown sugar.
Day-trip Tour Around Lhasa
You can make Lhasa your hub to travel around nearby cities. Drepung Monastery, which is one of the biggest and most important monasteries in Tibet, is just a short drive from you. The gigantic white buildings resemble a small city on the mountains. Visit Sera Monastery, famous for ongoing debate sessions, where you can observe monks debating Buddhist philosophy. Yamdrok Lake, for nature lovers, is a must-see. Ringed by snow white peaks, this blue-green colored lake is so beautiful that you would never want to depart.
Conclusion
The Chengdu-Lhasa drive will be one to remember. Lhasa, with its stunning buildings, profound religious convictions, vibrant culture and delicious food, offers you a unique experience. From the majestic Potala Palace to the lively Barkhor Street, every nook in Lhasa has a story. So, start making your travel plans and head to Lhasa!
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