Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (no.219 National Trunk Highway starts from Yecheng County of Xinjiang and ends at Lhaze County of Shigatse Prefecture in Tibet, and it is 2,300 kilometers long. Built in June 1955, it climbs over the Kunlun and Gangdisi mountains with the highest elevation of 5,433 meters. It then goes southbound along the north slope of the Himalayas and crosses the western deserted land. Many famous attractions and historical sites are in view along the line. Hordes of Tibetan antelopes, wild donkeys and wild oxen drift into view, and they are under the national-level protection. Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is the principal thorough fare of Ngari prefecture's foreign exchange and also an important defense trunk highway. It plays a major part in the economic development of Ngari Prefecture, maintaining social stability, improving people's life and consolidating the southwest frontier defense.

Lines:
A: Yecheng-Shiquanhe: Away from 1,100 kilometers and three days' driving. There are no buses on the line, but you can hitchhike at the truck transportation station.

B: Shiquanhe-Pulan: Away from 430 kilometers and two days' driving. If you want to have a visit to Zhada at midway, you will need another one day's driving for the 280 kilometers, then to Pulan (443 kilometers).

C: Shiquanhe-Lhasa: Away from 1,741 kilometers and about six days' driving. Fewer vehicles available and you should inquiry about more.

Regular Bus

A: Children above 1.3 meters should buy tickets with full price and children between 1.1 and 1.3 meters can buy tickets with half price.

B: Returning a ticket is transacted before a day at least, but 10 per cent of the ticket price is charged. Before two hours, 20 per cent of the ticket price is charged. Before one hour, 50 per cent of the ticket price is charged. Returning a ticket is not permitted when the bus starts.

C: Boiled water is supplied with free charge and tickets back-order and tour consultations are available for the visitors.

D: Visitors' life insurance premiums are charged by 4 per cent of the ticket price.


A: Xinjiang-Tibet Highway can not be used in spring and winter due to the heavy snow. The best driving time is from the beginning of May to the middle of Oct... Prepare more clothing guard against the coldness and more physics against for diarrhea, inflammation and other illness. Anyone who passes by Daban of Jie Mountain will catch highland reaction, so physic and oxygen are necessary.
B: It is hard for room and board; please take enough food and sleeping bag. Because vegetable is short along the road you had better take various vitamin medicaments.

C: If you hike in Tibet, there are many horse ways, pilgrimage canals and ferries for your choice. You can get the specific information by inquiring the local people.


Yecheng-(698 km)-Daban of Jie Mountain-(136 km)-Duoma-(266 km)-Shiquanhe-(112 km)- Gegyai-(385 km)-Gerze-(81 km)-Dongcuo-(184 km)-Cuole-(242 km)-Lagar-(241 km)-Lazi-(151 km)-Xigaze-(91 km)-Gyangze-(254 km)-Lhasa, Shiquanhe-(136 km)-Naburu and Zhada-(144 km)-Naburu-(195 km)- Pa Kagyu-(104 km)-Pulan.