318 travel guide from Chengdu to Lhasa

If you choose to take a road trip to Chengdu and Lhasa, it is recommended that you take the 318 National Highway so that you can enjoy the natural scenery and unpredictable climate environment along the way. It is perfect for young people to take a road trip and experience the infinite charm of nature. Here are some specific strategies and considerations for self-driving travel.

From Chengdu to Ya’an, I drove on the 318 National Highway. After a week's drive, I finally arrived in Lhasa. Since I have never been to a plateau, I was afraid that I would suffer from altitude sickness if I flew directly to Lhasa. I know there is National Highway 318, but I don’t have the courage to drive. I also hope to follow people who have experience in Tibet and think they can give me some help. So, in the end, I randomly found a convoy that took Route 318 to Tibet, and simply bought a ticket and went to Chengdu, where the convoy members met.

1. Is it worth taking the 318 National Highway into Tibet?

Not worth it.

Are you starting to panic? Isn’t National Highway 318 the most beautiful road in China? Why isn't it worth opening? Are you kidding me?

Listen to me and slowly talk about the advantages and disadvantages of National Highway 318 (Chengdu to Lhasa Section):

Is the scenery of National Highway 318 beautiful? pretty! But this beautiful scenery is only a few short sections on 318: from Kangding to Xinduqiao, you can see the majesty of the snow-capped mountains for the first time, and you can see the vastness of the grassland from Litang to Batang. However, the clear water and green mountains of Lugu Lake will leave you with stunning scenery. The Tibetan landscape near Nyingchi integrates rivers, forests, and snow-capped mountains, making people feel relaxed and happy. But if you think about it this way, this section 318 is 80% of the way. Even if I'm sitting in the passenger seat, I won't pick up my phone to take pictures. What's more, a driver may have to drive for 7-8 days, and they will miss more beautiful scenery while driving.

Let’s first talk about the famous scenic spots along 318. These scenic spots (except Ranwu Lake) must be driven from 318, not directly on the side of National Highway 318. 1. Hailuogou Scenic Area; 2. Daocheng Yading Scenic Area; 3. Ranwu Lake Scenic Area; 4. Yarlung Zangbo River Scenic Area; 5. Basongcuo Scenic Area; 6. Namtso Scenic Area; 7. Yangzhuoyongcuo Scenic Area. If your purpose is to visit these famous scenic spots, there is no need to take Route 318: Hailuogou and Daocheng Yading are both in Sichuan, with convenient transportation; most of the remaining scenic spots are near Lhasa, and the middle section is actually It's just a drive. Why not fly directly to Lhasa?

What kind of person is suitable for self-driving 318? First of all, you have 10-15 days of free time; secondly, you like the feeling of driving; finally, your purpose is to relax yourself, take a break for half a month, spend time with yourself or one or two partners, and at the same time feel the mountains and rivers of the motherland water, or go to a few attractions around the bend. With such mental preparation, it is very suitable for you to drive the 318 National Highway to experience Tibet.

For ordinary people, if you want to visit the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes in Tibet after a holiday, please fly directly to Lhasa, and then rent a car to visit the scenic spots around Lhasa, where you can see the best and most beautiful places. The most beautiful scenery of Tibet. It’s not cost-effective to take National Highway 318.

2. If you want to travel to Tibet alone, what form should you take?

Please read the last paragraph of the last question again.

Let me tell you about my experience this time. From Chengdu to Yajiang, I followed Team A. Then something unpleasant happened, which caused me and my friends from Team 1 to immediately decide not to follow them, and find Team B to go all the way to Lhasa. Let me tell you something about these two teams:

A: Team A consists of three people. Each of them drove a car from Chengdu to Lhasa. On the surface, I wanted to take the Grand Loop for fun and recruit a few cyclists to cheer on. In fact, when we went to Hailuogou Scenic Area, they would not go in to play, but would wait for us outside. The fare was agreed before departure. The fare for a rider's trip (Chengdu to Lhasa) is 2,000 yuan, including fare, gas, car maintenance, driver's driving fees, etc. The rest of the trip includes meals, accommodation, and entrance fees AA. Our general *** set off with 10 riders and 3 drivers.

The problem for this team is that before entering Kangding, we found accommodation and restaurants by ourselves, and everyone was fine. After entering Kangding, the captain suddenly designated a restaurant and accommodation. When we asked to change our accommodation, the faces of these three people suddenly turned bad. They said a lot of nasty things and drove dangerous cars. This made our fellow riders very uncomfortable, and also made us realize that their purpose of making money was too clear-cut, which ultimately led to our parting ways.

b: The convoy we took in the second segment was a five-car convoy, driving from all over the country to Sichuan. They may have decided to open 318 together after meeting in the service area, or other circumstances. Most of their cars can seat 1-2 people. If they come to pick us up, they will pay at the gas station and others will have food and accommodation. There are no additional fees or hidden costs, it’s completely free to travel. The thing about this team is that if you follow them, you pretty much move to their beat. They had no intention of going to Daocheng Yading, so I gave up my plan to go to Daocheng Yading this time.

If you are traveling alone and decide to take Route 318, you may come into contact with the above two fleets. If you can’t drive yourself, my suggestion is to find a small fleet of two or less, and a car with three or less people (less people, less ideas). Find out in advance whether it is a fee-based outdoor organization or a pure travel tour for travellers. Their routes do not match your symbols. If you can drive yourself, it is better to drive yourself. It’s most comfortable to listen to yourself talk. If you don’t take bus No. 318 and fly directly to Lhasa, you can meet many like-minded friends in the youth hostels in Lhasa. After arriving in Lhasa, you can also sign up for a one-day tour group to nearby attractions. There are many more possibilities.

If you want to carpool, you can go to Qiongyou, Baidu Tieba, etc. So I won’t go into details.

Finally, if you are a girl alone, I do not recommend hitchhiking or carpooling. You can say that there are always many good people in the world and you want to meet strangers on your journey, but girls are at a disadvantage after all, so please think twice before doing so.

3. What impact will altitude sickness have? How to overcome it?

Before the trip to Sichuan and Tibet, my parents were worried that altitude sickness would affect the trip. They were afraid that I would vomit and faint on the ground while climbing the mountain (laughing). Then my classmates who had never been to the plateau would be very worried. Is altitude sickness so scary?

This time let’s talk about the facts about our 10 car friends. Until 318, none of the 10 people needed oxygen. Some people will feel dizzy and some people will have headaches, but only a minority. The duration is only 1-2 days, not very long. Lhasa is 3,600 meters above sea level. On the second day after arriving in Lhasa, everyone was alive and kicking. Therefore, for a healthy ordinary person, altitude sickness cannot be a moth flying into a flame. If you do anything at high altitude, slow down and everything will be fine. Please relax.

As far as my personal situation is concerned, I was scared by my parents. Ten days before departure, I bought a 10ml bottle of Rhodiola rosea oral liquid from a certain store and drank two bottles a day. You can look for those with high salidroside content. You don’t need to drink it when you reach the plateau. I never felt dizzy or had a headache during the entire process. The only thing that may be related to altitude sickness is diarrhea. But diarrhea may also be caused by acclimatization, so there is no conclusion. If you are really worried about altitude sickness, drink oral liquid in advance and take Nuodikang capsules with you.

If you choose to take National Highway 318 to Tibet, you should choose a place with a low altitude (within an altitude of less than 3,000 meters), so that you can sleep more comfortably. This is the elevation map of National Highway 318 on the Internet (the picture has been deleted). This time we stayed in Chengdu, Hailuogou (between Luding and Kangding), Yajiang, Batang, Basu, Ranwu Lake (elevation 3960), Bayi, and Lhasa. If it is your first time to take bus No. 318, try to avoid staying in Xinduqiao or Litang, as this is not friendly to Van Gogh. Please consider carefully.

4. How to bring an oxygen bottle? What medicines should I take with me on my trip?

This time I saw that the oxygen bottles used by others were portable. A bottle is 20 yuan, bring your own respirator. If you are really worried, you can buy it in Kangding and take it with you. However, it must be used in emergencies, otherwise it will become dependent on the oxygen bottle and may have to be used all the time.

Medicines that must be taken during the trip: 1. Nuodikang capsules combat altitude sickness; 2. Gastrointestinal medicine and berberine: combat diarrhea and intestinal colic caused by acclimatization or irregular diet; 3. Cold medicines such as Fenbid: Be careful not to catch a cold at high altitudes. You can take this if you have a headache; 4. Painkillers and band-aids, etc. 5. Girls can bring some brown sugar and drink it with hot water.

I hope everyone will put these medicines in their luggage. At that time, the captain of our team said that he would take these medicines with him, but no one expected that we would be separated later. A lot of things will happen on the Sichuan-Tibet Line, so be sure to bring the necessary things.

5. What kind of driving level is required for self-driving 318?

As long as you drive through the mountain road, you can drive 318. National Highway 318 is a very mature route with complete roads and at least one lane going back and forth.

Moreover, the legendary dangerous sections on 318: Juebashan Road and Ranwuhu Road are only a short section. Their danger is the sheer cliff on one side, and then you have to turn on the mountain road. In fact, there is nothing wrong with driving slower.

1: Be sure to avoid the rainy season and take National Highway 318. In the event of a mudslide, no one can save you.

Note: If it is already raining lightly at the foot of the mountain, try not to climb the mountain. It might be snowing on the mountaintops. In case the road becomes icy, install snow chains. It is also a good choice to retreat in order to advance. Don't risk your life by driving, especially at night on icy roads.

There is no snow on National Highway 38 from May to September. Don't worry, but bring snow chains just in case. (But there will be rainy season)

6. How much is the total cost from Chengdu to Lhasa?

If you and your friends drive a car and take the 318 National Highway from Chengdu to Lhasa safely, the cost of renting a car is not included, and the fuel cost is up to 2,000 yuan. According to the price level along the way, it costs 200 yuan to live a day and eat two restaurants a day, which is 200 yuan per night. Driving to Lhasa like this for 7 days costs 4,800 yuan for two people and 2,400 yuan per person.

In case you need roadside assistance, the cost of an ambulance is 500-800 yuan.

It seems that the fleet A we contacted at that time can earn 6,000 yuan in fares for one car to Lhasa, which is quite excessive.

At the same time, I sorted out the tickets for various attractions for Reference:

7. What kind of clothes are better in plateau climate zones?

Don’t bring clothes: sweaters! You can't wear them when it's cold, and you can't take them off when it's hot.

The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are particularly strong. Lhasa is very hot during the day when the sun is shining brightly, so a light jacket is enough (short-sleeved or long-sleeved). It gets a little chilly after the sun goes down. If you need to go out, you can wear autumn clothes.

If you drive from Lhasa to two nearby scenic spots, or take National Highway 318 to Tibet, it will be warm in the car, and a long-sleeved sweater is enough. But when crossing the mountain pass, the altitude is often above 4,500 meters. These passes are covered with snow all year round. If you want to get off the car and take pictures at the observation deck, put a thick down jacket on the car and get off for convenience and comfort.

Never bring a sweater! Say important things three times.

:8. What daily necessities should I bring?

1. A hat with a brim! If you don’t do this, your mother won’t recognize you when you go home;

2. Sunscreen! Beware of UV sunburn;

3. Water glass! Tibet is very dry and needs to be hydrated at all times.

4. Snacks to replenish energy! Because we spend a long time sightseeing in scenic spots, we usually can’t finish our meals. Students with gastrointestinal problems must bring snacks to replenish energy and physical strength.

Please put these in your own small backpack. No other traditional travel items are described.

9. What would you recommend during a one-week vacation?

Day 1: Fly directly to Lhasa and rest in the city center. (Lhasa altitude: 3600 meters)

The next day: Visit Barkhor Street and Jokhang Temple, take a rest and adapt to altitude sickness.

Day 3: Visit the Potala Palace, rent a car in the afternoon, and go to Linzhi via Kaila Expressway to rest. (Lingzhi altitude: 2900 meters)

Day 4: Visit Basongcuo Scenic Area and return to Lhasa. On the way you can visit two small towns.

Day 5: Visit Yangzhuoyongco Scenic Area and stay in Lhasa;

Day 6: Visit Namtso Scenic Area and stay in Lhasa.

Day 7: Return the car and fly home from Lhasa.

Let me share with you my trip and the scenery of Route 318.

April 25: Chengdu - Yajiang (lunch) - Luding (attraction: Luding Bridge) - Hailuogou accommodation (elevation 1580m)

April 26 : Visit Hailuogou Scenic Area, accommodation in Hailuogou (elevation 1580 meters)

April 27: Hailuogou - Kangding (lunch) - accommodation in Xinduqiao Yajiang (elevation 2530m)

< p>April 28: Accommodation in Batang, Yajiang (elevation 2425m)

April 29: Batang Rumei Town (lunch) Basu Town - (elevation 3225m)

< p>April 30: Basu Ranwu Lake (lunch) - Ranwu Lake accommodation (elevation 3960m)

May 1: Ranwu Lake - Bomi (lunch) - Linzhi (August 1) Accommodation (elevation 2930m)

May 2: Linzhi-Lhasa Expressway - Lhasa (elevation 3600 meters)

D1: Chengdu-Ya'an-Luding -Hailuogou

You can see signs saying "We must open the Sichuan-Tibet Line in this life" in many service areas, and you can also take photos together. When I went there at this time, I happened to meet many people selling red cherries by the Luding Bridge. Cheap at 5 yuan a pound. It’s sweet and sour, but you can’t buy it in the mainland. Don't miss it. The ticket to Luding Bridge is 10 yuan per person, but the parking fee nearby is more expensive than the ticket.

D2: Visit Hailuogou Scenic Area.

The Hailuogou Scenic Area is very large. There are five drop-off points at the camp after taking the bus up the mountain from the gate. This time we followed the girls who had been to Hailuogou Scenic Area before, got off the bus at Camp No. 4, and then took the hiking route in the black pine forest. When we got off the bus at Camp No. 4, the ground was already covered with snow. Everyone must wear non-slip and waterproof snow boots. If it's summer, this shouldn't be a problem.

Walking along the black pine forest landscape road to the top of the mountain, you can see Glacier No. 1, but because it is a snowy day, the snow covers the glacier, and we can only feel a white world.

Went to visit Hailuogou Scenic Area. We wanted to take a shortcut up the mountain to Kangding, but we encountered heavy snow and the car broke down, so we had no choice but to return to Hailuogou Scenic Area and stay one night. Return to Luding the next day and start taking the 318 National Highway.

This is the Caohaizi Scenic Area between Camp 2 and Camp 3 of Hailuogou Scenic Area:

D3: Hailuogou-Kangding-Xinduqiao-Yajiang

< p>Entering Kangding means entering the actual Tibetan area. You can see that the shop signs are all written in Tibetan.

To go from Kangding to Yajiang, you need to climb Folding Mountain, which is also the first mountain above 4,000 meters above sea level west of 318. At the top of Zheduo Mountain, we happened to encounter the disappearance of dark clouds, and the appearance of blue sky and sunshine made the snow scene more charming.

Stay in Moxi Town next to Hailuogou Scenic Area:

Folding Peak:

D4: Yajiang-Batang

From Yajiang to Batang, especially after passing Litang, for the first time you can feel the vastness of the grassland, combined with the snow-capped mountains, complementing each other. When we went, the grass was still yellow. I heard that in summer, the green grassland will be more beautiful.

You will definitely see a lot of yaks. If they are on the road, be sure to slow down and don't hit them.

When crossing Haizi Mountain, Sister Lake was very famous. Unfortunately, they both have a large chunk of ice in our photos. I saw Sister Hu’s beautiful photos online, but I can only leave behind regrets.

Sister lakes on the top of Haizi Mountain:

D5: Batang-Rumei Town-Basu

In order to get from Batang Town to Basu Town, the actual distance is It’s very long, so be prepared for a full day trip. On this day, you will cross Jueba Mountain, which is slightly dangerous to get lost, and Dongda Mountain, which is 5,000 meters above sea level. If we can reach Basu smoothly, the rest of the trip will be easy. If you can't make the trip, you may need to stay in Zuogong.

Before entering Basu, you will pass the famous scenic spot "Nujiang 72 Turn". Don't miss this observation deck!

Nujiang 72nd Observation Deck:

D6: Basu-Ranwu Lake

Ranwu Lake is really beautiful. We live in Ranwu Lake, owned by Internet celebrity BB, and the beautiful scenery of Ranwu Lake can be seen outside the window. We can sit back and look at the clear water and green mountains and enjoy the passage of time.

UAV aerial photos:

D7: Ranwu Lake-Bomi-Lingzhi

We had a very delicious Tibetan meal in Bomi , this is also the first Tibetan meal that our group has eaten since entering Tibet. You can search for "Holy Land Zhuolong Tibetan Family Banquet" for public reviews.

While we were eating, we happened to meet the boss, who invited us to visit his Tibetan-style living room. It's very Tibetan and exquisite, and you can see the Tibetan people's meticulous love for life.

On the way to Linzhi, you will pass through a small town called Lulang Town, where there is also a lawn and commercial horse riding. The grassland is beautiful. Don't miss it.

On the way to Linzhi, after passing the pass, you can also see a viewing platform of "Nanjiawa Peak". The tile peak on the south slope is more than 7,000 meters high and is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round. It is said that she is a shy girl. This time we were lucky enough to see the sharp point sticking out from behind the clouds. I heard that in the Yarlung Zangbo River Scenic Area, if you are lucky, you can see the top of Nangapawa Peak. But you can’t see it all year round.

The restaurant owner’s living room:

Langzhen Lawn:

South Kapowa Peak:

D8: Linzhi-Lingla Expressway-Lhasa

In addition to the traditional 318 National Highway, the road from Linzhi to Lhasa now also has the Linzhi-Lhasa Expressway. From the map, there is not much difference between the two roads. Linla Expressway is in good condition and has a speed limit of 100 km/h. In this case, there is no need to stick to National Highway 318. It takes 4-5 hours to get to Lhasa via Linla Expressway.

I felt excited and relieved when I walked all the way to the end of the journey and saw the Potala Palace in the distance.

Zonglukang Park:

In Lhasa, you can also visit Barkhor Street and Jokhang Temple, which have a more local flavor of life. You can also see many devout Tibetans walking around the temple to experience their inner worship of the Buddha. During this epidemic, indoor attractions in Lhasa were closed, and the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple were inaccessible. So, I thought that I would come again in the future, so Yang Zhuoyongcuo and Namtso let you go first, hahaha.

Note:

The bus fare from Lhasa city to Lhasa Gonggar Airport is 30 yuan (70 minutes' drive). The urban parking point is on the east side of the Potala Palace. The address is "No. 1, Niangze Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region".