The Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour has recently reopened. This new and exclusive Tibet travel route, a 2,000 km circuit, takes travelers through the G318 and G317 highways—two iconic routes known for breathtaking scenery, remote cultural sites, and vibrant Tibetan communities.
For western tourists seeking the essence of Tibet’s wild beauty and spirituality, the Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour offers a rare and immersive experience. This article covers each section of the loop, highlights key attractions, and provides practical information on accommodations, road conditions, and travel requirements.
Overview of the Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour
The Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour begins in Lhasa, weaving through remote eastern forests, highland lakes, Buddhist and Bon monasteries, and scenic valleys. Visitors experience the unique cultures of Tibetan cities and nomadic regions, including:
1. Lhasa to Nyingtri via Darksum Lake
• Distance: ~500 km
• Driving Time: 9–10 hours
• Highlights: Drive through scenic forests and mountains, with stops at Darksum Lake for beautiful lake views and Bayi for cultural sites.
2. Nyingtri to Pomei (Bomi)
• Distance: ~233 km
• Driving Time: 5–6 hours
• Highlights: Pass through lush forests, Tibetan villages, and stunning views of the Namcha Barwa mountain range and along the Palong Tsangpo River.
3. Pomei to Pashoe, with stops at Ranwu Lake and Pashoe Glacier
• Distance: ~125 km
• Driving Time: 3–4 hours
• Highlights: Ranwu Lake’s beautiful turquoise waters and Pashoe Glacier offer amazing photography spots and rest stops.
4. Pashoe to Chamdo (via the 72 Zigzag Road)
• Distance: ~290 km
• Driving Time: 7–8 hours
• Highlights: This route includes the famous 72 Zigzag Road, a thrilling section with hairpin turns, providing exciting views of the mountains.
5. Chamdo to Riwoche
• Distance: ~89 km
• Driving Time: 2–3 hours
• Highlights: A scenic drive with stops to explore Riwoche Monastery, a prominent religious site in the area.
6. Riwoche to Dingqing County
• Distance: ~142 km
• Driving Time: 3–4 hours
• Highlights: Gorgeous landscapes along the way with opportunities to experience more remote Tibetan life.
7. Dingqing to Baching County
• Distance: ~216 km
• Driving Time: 5–6 hours
• Highlights: Mountain views, rivers, and small villages provide an authentic experience of Tibetan rural life.
8. Baching County to Sok Dzong County
• Distance: ~30 km
• Driving Time: 1 hour
• Highlights: This short drive includes a visit to Sokdzong Monastery and beautiful scenery.
9. Sok Dzong to Nakqu
• Distance: ~230 km
• Driving Time: 5–6 hours
• Highlights: Wide-open Tibetan grasslands, nomadic camps, and local yak herding communities offer an immersive cultural experience.
10. Nakqu to Damxiong (Namtso Lake) and Return to Lhasa
• Nakqu to Damxiong (Namtso Lake):
Distance: ~158 km
Driving Time: 3–4 hours
Highlights: Stunning views of the vast plains and arrival at Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes.
• Damxiong (Namtso Lake) to Lhasa:
Distance: ~170 km
Driving Time: ~3 hours (via new highway)
Highlights: This new highway cuts the drive to Lhasa down to around 3 hours, offering a comfortable return with mountain and plateau views.
Total Journey Overview
This journey offers around 2,000 km of diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high mountain passes, making it a breathtaking route filled with cultural and natural wonders at every turn. The total travel time across all sections, without extended stays or sightseeing delays, would be approximately 45–50 hours spread over a multi-day itinerary.
This is Tibet at its most natural and pristine, with highlights like the glacial Ranwu Lake, dense forests, ancient Riwoche Monastery, and the picturesque 72 Zigzag Road pass near Chamdo.
Key Attractions and Scenic Highlights Along the Loop
1. Lhasa to Nyingtri via Darksum Lake
Start your journey from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. The route takes you to Nyingtri, a city known for its greenery, forested hills, and diverse flora and fauna—a unique contrast to the high-altitude desert regions of Central Tibet. Nyingtri is part of Tibet’s Eastern Forest Region and is renowned for its lower altitude and temperate climate.
• Darksum Lake: A beautiful alpine lake surrounded by forested hills, offering peaceful views and a serene atmosphere.
• Bayi Bon Monastery: A significant site for the Bon religion, one of Tibet’s oldest indigenous spiritual practices.
• Lunang Forest Park: A lush, green haven with stunning views of Namchark Barwa, one of Tibet’s tallest mountains in the eastern forest region of Tibet. It’s an ideal stop for photography and short nature walks.
• Pelung Tsangpo River Gorge: On the road to Pomei, this scenic gorge provides views of verdant forests, Tibetan villages, and rivers winding through the valleys.
2. Nyingtri to Pomei
This route is a journey through picturesque Tibetan villages and forested landscapes that showcase traditional Tibetan architecture, fields of wildflowers, and river valleys.
3. Pomei to Pashoe – Ranwu Lake and Pashoe Glacier
• Ranwu Lake: An icon of Eastern Tibet, Ranwu Lake reflects the towering mountains and changing skies, creating unforgettable vistas. Known for its crystalline waters, it’s a popular photography spot.
• Laigu Glacier in Pashoe county in Chamdo: Close to Pashoe County, this glacier offers a stark contrast to the green forests. It’s an impressive sight for visitors to witness Tibet’s rugged and icy landscape up close.
4. Pashoe to Chamdo – The 72 Zigzag Road
As you head towards Chamdo, you’ll encounter the thrilling 72 Zigzag Road, an iconic stretch of switchbacks that has captivated travelers and photographers alike. This challenging but well-maintained road is famous for its breathtaking curves and incredible mountain views, making it a highlight for adventure lovers.
5. Chamdo
One of Tibet’s six major cities, Chamdo is a cultural hub that represents a unique blend of Tibetan and Chinese influences. As a historical trade town, Chamdo offers insights into Tibet’s vibrant history and spiritual heritage.
• Chamdo to Riwoche County: The journey from Chamdo to Riwoche is filled with scenic landscapes and leads travelers deeper into the Tibetan heartland, the Tibetan villages beautifully located in the forested gorge and valley.
6. Riwoche and Riwoche Monastery
• Riwoche County: Known for its Tibetan Buddhist heritage and remote highland atmosphere.
• Riwoche Monastery: This monastery has more than 700 years history, built in around 13th century is unique for its rectangular architecture and striking appearance. A site of spiritual significance, it serves as a pilgrimage destination for locals and offers a window into Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
7. Dingqing County, 3850mts
This county offers a quiet and scenic stopover with landscapes that are vast and untouched. Dingqing is a great place for travelers seeking solitude in nature.
8. Baching County to Sok Dzong County, 3900mts
The route through Baching and Sok Dzong presents spectacular mountain and valley views. You’ll experience remote Tibetan life and find traditional villages dotted along the way, with rich landscapes for photography.
9. Sok Dzong and Sokdzong Monastery
• Sok Dzong County: Known for its spiritual sites and natural beauty.
• Sokdzong Monastery: A culturally important monastery, it provides insight into local religious practices and Tibetan Buddhist architecture. The monastery was built in the 17th century according to the style of the Potala Palace. The monastery was built on a small hill with a designed architecture of the Potala Palace including the red monastery and white monastery as the Potala Palace has red Palace and white Palace.
10. Nakqu,4500mts
• Nakqu Town: Nakqu is a remote Tibetan town surrounded by vast grasslands and inhabited by nomadic communities. Here, visitors can observe traditional Tibetan nomadic life and experience the highland culture.
• New Nakqu-Lhasa Highway: The recently completed highway allows for a smooth, scenic drive back to Lhasa in about three hours.
11. Namtso Lake, 4718mts
One of the most beautiful lakes in Tibet, Namtso Lake is a serene spot surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Known as one of Tibet’s “Three Sacred Lakes,” Namtso is particularly breathtaking at sunrise and sunset when the colors of the lake shift with the sky.
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Accommodation and Road Conditions for the Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable accommodations are available along the loop with private bathrooms, 24-hour hot water, heating, and good facilities. The region has developed over the years to accommodate visitors, ensuring a comfortable stay in even the more remote areas.
Road Conditions: The roads are fully paved and well-maintained. The newly completed Nakqu to Lhasa highway has significantly reduced travel time and ensures a smooth, safe journey. However, some segments, such as the 72 Zigzag Road, can be thrilling for those with a sense of adventure.
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Travel Permits and Entry Points for the Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour
As a newly reopened travel route, this journey requires standard Tibet travel permits, which may take about 20 days to process. Required documents include a valid Chinese visa and passport copies.
Entry Points:
• By Air: Flights from Chengdu to Nyingtri or Chengdu to Lhasa are convenient options. You may also fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer longer flights to Lhasa.
• By Train: The Xining to Lhasa train is the most scenic, showcasing the beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. Other routes include trains from Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu to Lhasa, though they are longer.
• By Road: From Yunnan or Shangri-La, it’s possible to drive to Chamdo. The two-day drive offers stops at Deqin County with views of Kawa Karpo Snow Mountain and the Markham Salt Field.
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Best Time to Visit the Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour
The best times to visit are April to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant and landscapes are at their best. July and August are rainy months, and landslides and traffic may disrupt travel along the G318. During spring and autumn, travelers will experience Tibet’s colorful landscapes, with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and clear views of snow-capped peaks.
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Unmissable Highlights of the Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour
This new and exclusive Tibet travel route offers rare sights, such as:
• Alpine Lakes: Ranwu Lake and Namtso Lake are breathtakingly beautiful, set against the backdrop of towering mountains.
• Snow-Capped Peaks and Glaciers: Mountains like Namchark Barwa and glaciers near Pashoe provide surreal views and photographic opportunities.
• Historical Monasteries: Riwoche and Sokdzong monasteries are rich in history and spirituality, offering a deep sense of Tibetan culture.
• 72 Zigzag Road: This thrilling route segment near Chamdo has become famous online for its exciting curves and panoramic views.
• Dense Forest Gorges and Valleys: The lush greenery along the Pelung Tsangpo River and Lunang Forest Park is a unique sight in Tibet.
• Nomadic Grasslands: In Nakqu, visitors witness the traditional lifestyle of Tibetan nomads, complete with grazing yaks and open skies.
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Final Thoughts
The Eastern Tibet Forest and Central Kham Loop Tour is a must-experience journey for any traveler seeking to explore the untouched beauty of Tibet. With its newly reopened route, travelers have the chance to explore Tibet as few have before, discovering pristine lakes, ancient monasteries, and authentic Tibetan culture. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, spiritual traveler, or photography enthusiast, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.
