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Tibet Location Map: Where Is Tibet on a Map?
Tibet, known as Xizang in Chinese, is located in the southwest of China. Situated on the southwestern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Tibet has an average altitude of over 4,000 meters and is famously referred to as the "Roof of the World."
To the north, Tibet borders Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province. To the east and southeast, it is adjacent to Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces. To the south and west, it shares borders with Myanmar, India, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Tibet City Map: How Many Cities & Regions Are There in Tibet?
Tibet comprises 6 prefecture-level cities and 1 prefecture. Check the Tibet city (region) map.
Lhasa (拉萨): The capital city, serving as Tibet's political, economic, and cultural hub. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, making it a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhism.
Shigatse (日喀则): Located in southwestern Tibet, Shigatse is the political and economic center of the Tsang region. The Tashilhunpo Monastery is a symbolic landmark.
Chamdo (昌都): Situated in eastern Tibet, Chamdo serves as a vital transit point on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and is famous for its natural attractions like Ranwu Lake and Laigu Glacier.
Nyingchi (林芝): Often called "the Jiangnan of Tibet," Nyingchi boasts a relatively humid climate and stunning landscapes. The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is located here.
Shannan (山南): Also called Lhoka, known as the cradle of Tibetan culture, Shannan is home to notable attractions like Yamdrok Lake and Samye Monastery.
Nagqu (那曲): Situated in northern Tibet, Nagqu is part of the vast northern plateau, famed for its expansive grasslands and breathtaking natural scenery.
Ngari (阿里): Located in western Tibet, Ngari is often referred to as "the roof of the roof of the world," featuring unique historical sites like the Guge Kingdom ruins and natural wonders like Mount Kailash.
Ngari Map (Western Tibet): Tourist Map of Ngari Tibet
Shigatse Map: Shigatse Tourist Map
Lhasa Maps: Lhasa City Map & Tourist Map
Nyingchi Maps: Map Tourist Attractions & Transportation
Tibet Tourist Map: Top Tibet Attractions on Map
Tibet draws countless visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty and profound religious culture. The Tibet Tourist Map below shows the top attractions from Tibet's seven regions: Lhasa, Shigatse, Chamdo, Nyingchi, Shannan, Nagqu, and Ngari.
In Lhasa
Potala Palace (布达拉宫): An iconic landmark of Lhasa and Tibet, the Potala Palace is celebrated for its majestic architecture and profound historical significance. It symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and national unity.
Jokhang Temple (大昭寺): Housing the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni, Jokhang Temple is a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists, filled with a deeply religious atmosphere.
Barkhor Street (八廓街): Encircling Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street is one of Lhasa's oldest streets, rich in Tibetan culture and religious ambiance. It is a great place for shopping and experiencing Tibetan customs.
Namtso Lake (纳木措): Known as the world's highest large lake, Namtso's crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes create a serene, otherworldly experience.
In Shigatse
Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰): The world's highest peak, located in Tingri County, attracts climbers and visitors worldwide.
Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺): A major monastery of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, it houses many precious artifacts and murals, offering insight into Tibetan culture.
In Chamdo
Ranwu Lake (然乌湖): Also known as Rakwa Tso, a stunning alpine lake in Tibet, known for its turquoise waters, snow-capped mountains, and pristine natural beauty.
Laigu Glacier (来古冰川): One of the largest and most magnificent glaciers in Tibet, offering breathtaking views of ice formations and surrounding peaks.
In Nyingchi
Basum Tso Lake (巴松措): A beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, ideal for photography and leisure.
Lulang Forest (鲁朗林海): A lush, pristine forest offering tranquility and breathtaking scenery, ideal for nature walks.
In Shannan (Lhoka)
Yumbu Lhakhang (雍布拉康): Tibet’s first palace, perched atop Tashi Tsering Hill, offering panoramic views of the Yarlung River Valley.
Samye Monastery (桑耶寺): Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery, known for its unique architectural style blending Tibetan, Han, and Indian influences.
Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措): One of Tibet's three sacred lakes, renowned for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
In Nagqu
Siling Co Lake (色林措): The largest saltwater lake in Tibet, featuring pristine waters and a rich diversity of wildlife.
In Ngari
Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐峰): One of the four sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, revered by pilgrims and admired for its imposing beauty.
Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍措): A sacred lake known for its crystal-clear waters and spiritual significance.
Guge Kingdom Ruins (古格王国遗址): An ancient Tibetan kingdom with well-preserved ruins, murals, and artifacts, crucial for understanding Tibet's history.
Tibet Transportation Map: How to Get to & around Tibet?
Getting to Tibet requires choosing a convenient starting city. Below are common options to plan your journey:
Travel to Tibet by Flight with Map
Flying is the fastest way to reach Tibet. Currently, there are direct flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport from various cities in China. Below is a list of major cities offering direct flights:
- Chengdu: As a transportation hub in Southwest China, Chengdu offers frequent direct flights to Lhasa. The flight duration is approximately 5-3 hours, making it one of the most popular routes to Tibet.
- Chongqing: Direct flights from Chongqing to Lhasa are also convenient, with a flight time of about 3 hours.
- Xi’an: The ancient capital Xi’an has direct flights to Lhasa, taking approximately 3-3.5 hours, suitable for travelers from Northwest China.
- Xining: Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, serves as an important gateway to Tibet. There are several daily direct flights from Xining to Lhasa, with a flight time of about 5 hours.
- Guangzhou: As a major city in South China, Guangzhou offers stopover flights to Lhasa, with a total flight duration of about 5 hours.
- Beijing: From the capital city Beijing, non-stop flights to Lhasa are frequent, with a flight time of around 5 hours.
- Shanghai: Shanghai has stopover flights to Lhasa, with a total flight duration of about 7-8.5 hours, making it ideal for travelers from East China.
- Kunming: Direct flights from Kunming to Lhasa take approximately 3 hours.
- Kathmandu: The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, also has direct flights to Lhasa, Tibet of China. With a flight time of about 5-2 hours, it offers the only international direct flight to Tibet.
- Singapore: Direct flights from Singapore to Lhasa in as little as 10.5 hours are now available, with one or two stopovers in Chengdu, Kunming, Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou.
Travel to Tibet by Train with Map
Traveling to Tibet by train is another comfortable and scenic option. Several cities in China have direct trains to Lhasa. Below is a list of major departure points:
- Xining: Xining is the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, offering multiple daily trains to Lhasa. The journey takes approximately 21-22 hours.
- Beijing: Trains from Beijing West Station to Lhasa follow an important route of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, passing through several cities and taking about 40-41 hours.
- Shanghai: While the train journey from Shanghai to Lhasa is lengthy, it offers spectacular views, making it an excellent way to experience the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The trip takes approximately 44-45 hours.
- Guangzhou: Trains from Guangzhou to Lhasa traverse several provinces. Though the journey is long, it is an economical option. The train ride takes about 53-54 hours.
- Chengdu: The Chengdu-Lhasa train is a popular route, offering stunning views along the Sichuan-Tibet route. The journey takes about 34-35 hours.
- Chongqing: Similar to Chengdu, the Chongqing-Lhasa train is a favored option. The journey takes about 33-34 hours.
- Lanzhou: As a transportation hub in Northwest China, Lanzhou offers 23-hour direct trains to Lhasa along the scenic Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
- Xi’an: A popular tourist city in China, Xi’an provides direct trains to Lhasa. The journey takes approximately 30-31 hours.
Travel to Tibet by Overland with Tibet Road Map
For travelers who enjoy road trips, the following Tibet Road Map showcases some classic self-driving routes to Tibet:
- Qinghai-Tibet Highway (G109): Starting from Xining, passing through Golmud and Nagqu, and ending in Lhasa, this route has well-maintained roads and a gradual altitude increase, making it a safer option for self-driving. Takes 5-7 days.
- Southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318): Starting from Chengdu, passing through Kangding, Litang, and Batang, and ending in Lhasa, this route offers breathtaking scenery and is one of the most scenic routes to Tibet. Takes 7-10 days.
- Northern Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G317): Starting from Chengdu, passing through Ganzi, Dege, and Chamdo, and ending in Lhasa, this route has more challenging road conditions but features stunning and pristine landscapes, ideal for adventure enthusiasts. Takes 8-12 days.
- Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214): Starting from Kunming, passing through Dali, Shangri-La, and Deqin, and ending in Lhasa, this route crosses the Hengduan Mountains and offers unique landscapes. Takes 8-12 days.
- Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219): Starting from Yecheng, passing through Ngari, and Shigatse, and ending in Lhasa, this route traverses the Kunlun and Himalaya mountain ranges. It features magnificent scenery but has complex road conditions, suitable for experienced drivers. Takes 9-13 days.
- Nepal-Tibet Highway (Friendship HWY): The overland route from Kathmandu to Tibet covers approximately 1,300km. Travelers cross the Gyirong border into Tibet, following the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway and the G318 Highway to Lhasa. Takes 3 days or so.
Get Around Tibet
Tibet is vast and sparsely populated, making driving a popular mode of transportation. It offers tourists greater freedom to stop and enjoy the stunning scenery or visit remote towns and villages at their own pace.
Additionally, you can also transfer by plane or train.
- Lhasa to Shigatse: 380km, about 7 hours’ drive or 2.5 hours’ train ride
- Shigatse to Mt. Everest Base Camp (EBC): 340km, about 7 hours’ drive
- EBC to Saga: 320km, about 7 hours’ drive
- Saga to Darchen: 500km, about 8 hours’ drive
- Saga to Sayka: 430km, about 7 hours’ drive
- Sayka to Shigatse: 150km, about 2.5 hours’ drive
Tibet Airports & Train Stations on Map: What Are the Main Airports & Railway Stations in Tibet?
Main Airports in Tibet
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (Elevation: 3,570m): Located in Gonggar County, Shannan, about 50 km southwest of Lhasa. It is the largest and busiest airport in Tibet..
Qamdo Bangda Airport (Elevation: 4,334m): Situated in Bangda Town, Baxoi County, Chamdo, about 126 km from Chamdo city center.
Nyingchi Mainling Airport (Elevation: 2,949m): Located in Mainling County, Nyingchi, about 19 km from Nyingchi city center.
Shigatse Peace Airport (Elevation: 3,836m): Located in Sangzhuzi District, Shigatse, about 44 km from the city center.
Ngari Gunsa Airport (Elevation: 4,274m): Situated in Gar County, Ngari, about 35 km from the county seat.
Shannan Longzi Airport (Elevation: 3,950m): Located in Longzi County, Shannan, about 140 km from the city center. It is one of Tibet’s newer airports.
Main Train Stations in Tibet
Lhasa Railway Station (Elevation: 3,641m): Located in Doilungdêqên District, about 6 km from Lhasa city center. As the terminus of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, it is the most important railway hub in Tibet, with multiple lines connecting Tibet to mainland China.
Shigatse Railway Station (Elevation: 3,836m): Located in Sangzhuzi District, about 3 km from Shigatse city center.
Nagqu Railway Station (Elevation: 4,507m): Located in Seni District, about 2 km from Nagqu city center.
Nyingchi Railway Station (Elevation: 2,930m): Located in Bayi District, about 5 km from Nyingchi city center.
Tibet Travel Map: Visit Tibet with a Map
A classic Tibet tour takes you to visit Lhasa’s iconic sites like the Potala Palace, see the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake. Then head to Shigatse to camp at the foot of Everest before return back to Lhasa. You can spend your time in Tibet like this:
- Lhasa (3-4 Days)
- Shigatse (2-3 Days)
- Everest Base Camp (1 Day)
Sample Itinerary for a Classic Tibet Tour
Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
Day 2 Lhasa Culture Tour | Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, Sera Monastery
Day 3 Lhasa City Tour | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Tibetan-style Featured Dinner
Day 4 Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse | Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier
Day 5 Shigatse - Mt. Everest | Gyawu La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, Mt. Everest Base Camp, EBC Hot Pot Dinner
Day 6 Mt. Everest - Shigatse | the Sunrise over Mt. Everest, Gyatso La Pass
Day 7 Shigatse to Lhasa by Train & Vehicle | Tashilunpo Monastery
Day 8 Lhasa Departure | Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfers
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