Ali Grand Loop Travel Guide

Classic Ali Grand Loop Route (10-14 days) Route Features: Southern route for culture + Northern route for wilderness, total distance about 2500 km, average altitude 4500m+ Suggested Itinerary (adjustable based on time): D1-2 Lhasa acclimatization → Yamdrok Lake → Karola Glacier → Shigatse (Tashilhunpo Monastery) D3 Shigatse → Sakya Monastery → Everest Base Camp (view of Everest) → Dingri/Gangga D4 Dingri → Shishapangma Peak → Peiku Tso → Saga D5 Saga → Lake Manasarovar → Lake Rakshastal (Ghost Lake) → Mount Kailash (Tarchen Town) D6-7 Mount Kailash Kora (2 days, non-trekkers can choose to view from a distance) or Lake Manasarovar circuit D8 Tarchen → Zanda Earth Forest → Guge Kingdom Ruins → Tholing Monastery → Zanda County D9 Zanda → Xiayigou → Shiquanhe Town (Ali capital) D10 Shiquanhe → Pangong Tso → Rutog Rock Paintings → Return to Shiquanhe D11-12 Northern Route Crossing (optional): Shiquanhe → Gêrzê → Coqên → Wenbu South Village (Tangra Yumco) → Nyima County D13-14 Nyima → Siling Co → Namtso → Lhasa --- Pre-Trip Checklist 1. Documents: - ID card, Border Pass (apply in your hometown or Lhasa, specify "Ali Region") - Driver's license, Vehicle registration (for self-driving) 2. Altitude Sickness Supplies: - Oxygen bottle/portable oxygen concentrator, Altitude sickness medication/Rhodiola (start taking 7 days in advance), Glucose oral solution - Pulse oximeter (for monitoring), Thermos (drink plenty of hot water) 3. Clothing and Gear: - Windproof jacket, Fleece lining, Down jacket (huge temperature difference between day and night) - High-top waterproof hiking boots, Sun hat, Sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), Buff - Sleeping bag (limited accommodation in remote areas) 4. Vehicle Tools (for self-driving/rental): - Snow chains, Tow rope, Spare tire, Air pump (some areas have no signal) - Offline maps (recommend "Avenza Maps") --- Notes 1. Altitude Sickness Response: - Acclimate for at least 2 days in Lhasa, avoid strenuous activities and bathing. - If severe symptoms like headache or vomiting occur, descend to a lower altitude immediately! 2. Road Conditions and Vehicles: - Southern route (G219) mainly asphalt roads, Northern route (G317) mostly gravel and washboard roads, recommend 4WD SUV. - Refuel daily! Gas stations are scarce in Ali (available in major towns like Shiquanhe, Gêrzê, Coqên). 3. Accommodation and Food: - County towns along the route have budget hotels (standard room 200-400 RMB/night), accommodation in Tarchen and Zanda is tight, book in advance. - Meals mainly Sichuan and Tibetan cuisine, bring your own snacks (compressed biscuits, chocolate).