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Tibet Road Trip: Lhasa to Shigatse

Dangerous Road Trip through Rural Tibet (-20 celcius)

Destination:ChinaProvince:TibetCity:Lhasa
Dangerous Road Trip through Rural Tibet (-20 celcius)
Two Mad Explorers36 min

Dangerous Road Trip through Rural Tibet (-20. This was filmed by Two Mad Explorers. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

Today we are driving over 8 hours through rural Tibet from Lhasa to Shigatse. This trip takes us through mountain passes of over 5,000 metres plus and freezing cold road conditions. Join us on our hectic adventure across Tibet.

--- Two Mad Explorers
May 1, 2025, Spring in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Two Mad Explorers make the long drive from Lhasa to Shigatse through rural Tibet. They cross high mountain passes, including routes above 5,000 metres, and stop to look across turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding mountains. The journey includes a village, Karola Glacier, Nojin Kangsang and Simila Pass, followed by Garze County, Belchuk Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. After reaching Shigatse, they check into a quirky hotel and take a nighttime walk. Their account also describes walking more slowly at altitude, tasting local food and seeing prayer flags across the landscape.

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Dangerous Road Trip through Rural Tibet (-20 celcius)

From Lhasa toward Yamdrok Lake

Two Mad Explorers set out on a long drive through rural Tibet from Lhasa to Shigatse. The route crosses high mountain passes, with some above 5,000 metres, and takes more than eight hours. At the beginning of the trip they note an altitude of 4,280 metres. The travelers move more slowly than usual in the thin air and describe short walks as physically demanding.

Yamdrok Lake is one of the main stops. Its turquoise water sits among snow-covered mountains, and the travelers pause to take in the view. Prayer flags appear across the landscape as a visible part of local religious life. They also pass Yamdok Yumtso village and continue toward Karola Glacier and Nojin Kangsang pass. At Simila Pass, the road opens to broad mountain views.

Belchuk Monastery and arrival in Shigatse

Later, the travelers reach Garze County and visit Belchuk Monastery. They discuss its history, including a past conflict with the British, and look at the architecture and painted details inside. They also explore Kumbum Stupa, where being allowed inside is described as unusual, and take care to respect the sacred space. Along the way they try local food, including yak and potatoes and stir-fried lamb with Tibetan bread.

The road ends in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The travelers check into a colorful, unusual hotel and take a walk at night. Their impressions include a friendly monastery dog, cold weather, high-altitude challenges and the quiet pace of life in the region. They plan a second part focused on more of Shigatse. The video is a personal record of a long route and its stops, not a claim that every traveler will experience altitude in the same way.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How does the altitude affect walking?
A: The travelers describe thin air and a need to walk much more slowly. They say even a short distance can feel like jogging, illustrating their own experience at high altitude.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the road trip?
A: The travelers single out the views, especially Yamdrok Lake. They describe the lake and surrounding mountains as peaceful and striking during the long drive.
Q: What did the travelers see at Belchuk Monastery?
A: They describe the monastery as beautiful, discuss a history that includes conflict with the British, and admire the interior and its painted details.
Q: What food did they try on the route?
A: The travelers mention yak with potatoes and stir-fried lamb served with Tibetan bread. They particularly enjoyed the tender lamb dish.
Q: What was their hotel in Shigatse like?
A: They found it one of the quirkiest places they had stayed, with a colorful Tibetan style. They also said it felt a little creepy at night.

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Tibet Road Trip: Lhasa to Shigatse

Today we are driving over 8 hours through rural Tibet from Lhasa to Shigatse. This trip takes us through mountain passes of over 5,000 metres plus and freezing cold road conditions. Join us on our hectic adventure across Tibet. 🔴 We would like to thank our channel members, this is only possible...

Tibet Road Trip: Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake

Two Mad Explorers embark on a thrilling 8-hour road trip across rural Tibet, from Lhasa to Shigatse. Brave the freezing temperatures and challenging mountain passes exceeding 5,000 meters. This adventurous journey showcases the raw beauty and unpredictable nature of the Tibetan landscape. Experience the excitement and challenges of navigating this demanding terrain firsthand.

Attractions in this video: Yamdrok Lake, Belchuk Monastery, Kumbum Stupa