14-Day Trip from Lhasa to Ali
[ General Overview ]
This is a 14-day ultimate loop tour that departs from Lhasa and ventures deep into Tibet’s Ali region. The itinerary covers a total distance of approximately 3,700 kilometers, taking you across the Ali Plateau—known as the “Roof of the Roof of the World”—and the vast Qiangtang Uninhabited Area.
Over the next couple of days, we’ll take an in-depth tour of Lhasa and acclimate to the altitude. We’ll then head west to pay homage to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mapam Yumco, and explore the ancient and mysterious Zada Earth Forest and the ruins of ancient civilizations.
In the second half of the journey, we’ll traverse the Qiangtang in northern Tibet—a paradise for wildlife—and encounter the breathtaking cluster of high-altitude lakes known as “One Lake After Another,” before finally returning to Lhasa via Lake Namtso. The itinerary takes us through regions of extreme altitude, where the scenery is pristine, awe-inspiring, and truly spectacular. We’ll provide you with comprehensive support to ensure you safely experience the most magnificent hidden wonders of Tibet.
Details of the Experience
Duration of the Trip
14 days, 13 nights
Price
Starting at 13,000 yuan per person
Every year from May through October
Best Time to Visit
[ Highlights ]Highlights of the Itinerary
The Holy City Unveiled: Discover the Glacial Lakes of Back Tibet
Departing from Lhasa, take an in-depth tour of the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple to experience the millennia-old Tibetan faith. Travel along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to Shigatse, where you’ll discover the hidden beauty of the Blue Lake (Yamdrok Lake) and get an up-close view of the Karola Glacier. Take in the classic cultural sights of Back Tibet alongside the glacial and lake scenery all at once, while gradually acclimating to the high-altitude environment.
The Heart of Tibet: Pilgrimage to the Sacred Mountain and the Guge Civilization
Venture deep into the Ali Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World,” to pay homage to the sacred Mount Kailash and visit Lake Mapam Yumco and Lake La’angco. Traverse the majestic Zada Earth Forest and explore the remnants of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization. Amid geological formations dating back hundreds of millions of years and historical sites spanning millennia, experience the unique, majestic desolation and profound cultural heritage of the western Tibetan wilderness.
Traveling Through the Qiantang Uninhabited Area in Search of the Plateau’s Wildlife
Roam the vast Qiangtang Grasslands and venture deep into the hidden wonders of Northern Tibet. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to encounter rare wildlife such as Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild asses, and wild yaks. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, take in the unspoiled scenery of the Northern Tibetan Plateau and experience the pure, untamed, and boundless natural power of this uninhabited region on the Roof of the World.
Step by step, take in the many sacred highland lakes of Northern Tibet
Along the way, you’ll encounter, in order, Zhari Namco, the Bon religion’s sacred lake Dangra Yumco, the vast high-altitude lake Selinco, and Namco. Lakes of all sizes are scattered across the Qiangtang Plateau, their waters a deep blue and backed by endless snow-capped mountains. Marvel at the diverse landscapes of these high-altitude lakes and immerse yourself in the classic Northern Tibet experience of “one lake after another.”
Travel Itinerary
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Days 1–3: Acclimatization in Lhasa and a First Glimpse of Glaciers and Sacred Lakes
Day 1 | Arrival in Lhasa
Upon arrival at Lhasa Airport, you’ll be met by a dedicated pick-up service and driven to your hotel to check in and rest. As you’re just arriving at high altitude, it’s important to slow down, adjust your schedule to acclimate to Lhasa’s elevation, and avoid strenuous activities. We recommend eating light meals and getting plenty of rest to build up your stamina for the long Ali Loop journey ahead.
Day 2 | In-Depth Tour of Lhasa City
Spend the day exploring the holy city of Lhasa, step inside the majestic Potala Palace, and discover the millennia-old history of this “Palace of the Snows.” Visit the Jokhang Temple to experience the profound atmosphere of pilgrimage, and stroll clockwise along Barkhor Street alongside the pilgrims. In your free time, seek out local Tibetan cuisine to get an up-close look at Lhasa’s authentic folk customs and the spiritual culture of Tibet.
Day 3 | Lhasa → Shigatse (358 km)
Cross the Gangbala Pass and look down upon Yamdrok Lake, one of the Three Sacred Lakes, as its winding blue waters nestle among the mountains. Continue on to the Karola Glacier to witness the majestic grandeur of this massive ice mass up close. Enjoy the scenic views of the Back Tibet valleys along the way, and arrive in Shigatse in the evening to experience the unique cultural atmosphere of this major city in Back Tibet.
Days 4–6: Journey to Ali for a Pilgrimage to the Sacred Mountains and Lakes
Day 4 | Shigatse → Saga (450 km)
We officially set out on the road to Ali, heading west along a wide plateau valley. Along the way, snow-capped mountains stretch endlessly, the sky and earth stretch vast and open, and the landscape gradually becomes desolate and barren, with the scenery constantly shifting. We arrived in Saga for a rest stop, which served as an important acclimatization point before venturing deeper into the Ali Plateau.
Day 5 | Saga → Tagin (490 km)
As we drive into the Ali Plateau, with an average elevation of over 4,000 meters, vast grasslands stretch out between heaven and earth, while the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains rise majestically on either side. We’ll pass through the unique Five-Color Desert. Wilderness, snow-capped mountains, and desert intertwine and blend, offering a chance to admire Tibet’s pristine and majestic hidden landscapes. We’ll spend the night in Taqin, at the foot of the sacred mountain.
Day 6 | Day Trip to Tagin (90 km)
Visit the Mount Kailash Prayer Flag Square to offer prayers and gaze up at the majestic sacred mountain, Mount Kailash, up close. Then head to Lake Mapam Yumco and Lake La'angcuo: the sacred freshwater lake is clear and serene, while the “Ghost Lake” is vast and salty. Adjacent to one another, the two lakes present a striking contrast, creating a visually stunning panorama of high-altitude lakes against the backdrop of the wilderness.
Days 7–8: The Spectacular Zada Earth Forest and a Rest Day in the Capital
Day 7 | Tagin → Zada (240 km)
Travel across the vast, desolate plains of Ali toward Zada, arriving at the awe-inspiring Zada Earth Forest. Shaped by millions of years of wind and rain erosion, this landscape features a series of undulating, unique formations that resemble sculptures carved from the earth. Venture deep into the Earth Forest area to explore the ruins of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization and experience the unique atmosphere created by the fusion of nature’s masterful craftsmanship and ancient civilization.
Day 8 | Zada → Shiquanhe (250 km)
Leaving the Zada Earth Forest behind, we headed north along the Ali Plateau, traversing desolate plains and snow-capped mountain gorges. The journey offered expansive views of the typical high-altitude landscape of western Tibet, eventually leading us to Shiquanhe Town, the capital of the Ali Prefecture. There, we rested and restocked our supplies before setting out on the next leg of our journey: a trek across the uninhabited Qiangtang region.
Days 9–11: Deep into the Heart of Qiangtang and “One Lake After Another”
Day 9 | Shiquanhe → Gaize (490 km)
Venture deep into the heart of the Qiangtang Plateau and roam freely across the endless grasslands of northern Tibet. With few people along the way and the pristine natural environment well-preserved, you’ll have a good chance of encountering rare wildlife such as Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild asses, and wild yaks, allowing you to experience the untamed, vast, and desolate spirit of the Qiangtang.
Day 10 | Gaize → Cuoqin (260 km)
Continue deep into the heart of the mysterious Qiangtang Uninhabited Area, where towns are few and far between. Pristine highland lakes, rolling snow-capped mountains, and boundless grasslands unfold before your eyes, far from the hustle and bustle of crowds. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural scenery of the “Roof of the World” and enjoy the quiet, majestic beauty of the Northern Tibetan wilderness along the way.
Day 11 | Coqen → Wenbu (270 km)
Travel to Lake Zhari Namco, Tibet’s third-largest lake, where the vast expanse of water stretches as far as the eye can see. Then head to Lake Dangra Yumco, a famous Bon sacred lake, which is backed by the Dargo Snow Mountain, creating a picturesque landscape where the mountains and waters reflect each other. Stroll along the lakeshore to experience the unique tranquility of this ancient Bon sacred site and admire the stunning, off-the-beaten-path scenery of Northern Tibet’s lakes.
Days 12–14: The Largest Group of Plateau Lakes and a Satisfying Return Journey
Day 12 | Monbu → Bangor (450 km)
Continue through the wilderness of the Qiangtang Uninhabited Area, where the ecosystem remains pristine and you may have the chance to encounter high-altitude wildlife along the way. Arrive at Selin Co, Tibet’s largest inland lake, where the vast lake surface displays a rich palette of colors and the shores are sparsely populated, allowing you to fully appreciate the unspoiled scenery of this massive high-altitude lake.
Day 13 | Bangor → Lhasa (380 km)
Visit Lake Namtso, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, and admire the iconic scenery of the deep-blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. After the tour, cross the vast Dangxiong Grasslands and head eastward on the return journey toward the holy city of Lhasa, reflecting on the wild landscapes and lakes of Ali and Qiangtang along the way.
Day 14 | Airport Transfer in Lhasa
Our journey along the Ali Northern Route is drawing to a close, and a private car has been arranged to take us to Lhasa Airport. Carrying with us fond memories of the sacred mountains, holy lakes, earthen forests, and the Qiangtang Grasslands, we bid farewell to the Snowland Plateau, bringing our 14-day in-depth self-drive tour of Ali to a successful conclusion.
[ Journey ]
Fee Information
Letter of Entry into Tibet and All Necessary Procedures
Chinese-English Tour Guides
Accommodations for the Entire Trip
Breakfast + Selected Specialty Meals
Travel Insurance + High-Altitude Insurance
Medical Oxygen
Support Vehicle
RESO Intercom
What's Included
Transportation to and from Lhasa
Single Room Supplement
Personal Expenditures
Suggested tip: ¥50 per person per day
Toll fees, parking fees
Vehicle/Motocycle Rental Fee (Inclued Fuel)
Attraction Tickets
The fee does not include
[ Travel Questions ]
Frequently Asked Questions
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We recommend traveling in the spring (April, May, June) or fall (September, October). During these months, the weather and road conditions in western China are generally more stable.
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Traveling to and from Tibet is very convenient. Currently, there are flights, trains, and several overland routes to choose from.
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Tibet is currently open to international tourists. However, when planning your trip, you should be aware of the relevant restrictions: for example, you must apply for an Entry Permit to Tibet in advance, and you must participate in a fixed itinerary arranged by a travel agency; Tibet does not currently allow independent travel.
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The price includes off-road vehicle or motorcycle rental, hotel accommodations, licensed tour guide services, first-entry admission tickets to attractions, and all administrative permit and licensing procedures.
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You will need to provide your passport, a driver’s license valid for at least 6 months, and the registration documents for your car or motorcycle. We will assist you with all the legal formalities required to drive in China.
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Yes. We will arrange transportation for you on the day of your arrival and departure, providing round-trip service between the hotel and the airport or train station.
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Sure. After a detailed consultation with our travel advisors, we’ll design a customized road trip itinerary in China based on your specific needs.
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