Strategy Plan: Where to Start

The travel plan of Xizang 318 came from an accidental idea. Originally just a casual chat among friends, but as the discussion deepened, this idea gradually became concrete and feasible. The 318 National Highway is known as the “landscape avenue of the Chinese people”, making it our preferred destination for this trip. National Highway 318 spans Sichuan and Xizang, attracting numerous tourists with its magnificent natural landscape and unique cultural charm.

After determining the destination, we began to work on preliminary itinerary planning. The first thing to decide is the travel time. Xizang has a special climate. The best travel season is usually from May to October every year. At this time, the weather is relatively mild, which is suitable for long-distance travel. Considering this, we have set our departure time for June.

Next is the selection of the route. The 318 National Highway has a total length of approximately 2142 kilometers, starting from Chengdu and passing through Ya’an, Kangding, Daocheng, Litang, Mangkang, Zuogong, Basu, Bomi, Linzhi, and finally reaching Lhasa. We have decided to follow the classic route, starting from Chengdu and gradually advancing westward. This route not only covers a variety of landforms and landscapes, but also offers experiences of different ethnic customs and cultures.

The choice of transportation is also an important part of itinerary planning. Self driving tours are the most popular mode of transportation on National Highway 318, which not only allows for free control of time and pace, but also allows for better appreciation of the scenery along the way. In order to ensure the smooth progress of the journey, we conducted vehicle maintenance and inspection in advance, and prepared sufficient spare parts and emergency supplies.

When screening the main attractions, we referred to various guides and travelogues, and finally determined several must visit places, such as Daocheng Yading, Ranwu Lake, Nanjiabawa Peak, etc. These scenic spots not only have beautiful scenery, but also have important cultural and historical value, making them the highlights of this trip.

In order to help readers have a clear direction in the early stages of planning, we suggest consulting relevant materials when formulating the itinerary, and making reasonable arrangements based on their own interests and actual situation. In addition, understanding the weather conditions, road conditions, and local customs of the destination in advance can also add more security and fun to the trip.

Travel Tip: Practical Information

It is very important to choose the best travel time for the 318 route to Xizang. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are considered the most suitable seasons. These two seasons have a mild climate, moderate rainfall, and the scenery is the most magnificent. Try to avoid the rainy season (July to August) as roads may be blocked by landslides and mudslides. Also, avoid the cold winter season (November to March of the following year) as many roads are closed due to snow.

For the choice of transportation modes, self driving, chartering, and public transportation all have their advantages and disadvantages. Self driving is the most flexible option, allowing drivers to stop and take photos and rest at any time, but it requires a rich experience in mountain driving and familiarity with the vehicle. Chartering a car is suitable for passengers who do not want to drive on their own but want to arrange their itinerary flexibly. Charter services are usually provided by experienced local drivers who understand the road conditions and can provide a safer travel experience. Public transportation, such as buses and shuttle buses, is the most cost-effective option, but the schedule is relatively fixed, suitable for tourists who have plenty of time and are willing to experience local life.

In terms of accommodation, options along the way range from affordable homestays to comfortable hotels. For travelers with limited budgets, homestays are a good choice as they can experience local customs while saving costs. Many homestays provide basic living facilities and a clean and tidy environment. For travelers who pursue comfort, some boutique and mid-range hotels along the way can provide higher quality services and facilities, such as 24-hour hot water, heating, and wireless network.

In a word, no matter what kind of transportation mode and accommodation type you choose, doing your homework well in advance and knowing about the road conditions and weather conditions will make your trip to Xizang 318 more smooth and pleasant.

Precautions during travel

During the journey of Xizang 318, it is very important to understand and cope with altitude response. High altitude sickness may affect people who have not adapted to high-altitude environments, and common symptoms include headache, nausea, insomnia, and fatigue. It is recommended to start taking altitude sickness prevention drugs, such as Rhodiola, a few days before departure and slowly adapt to changes in altitude upon arrival.

Carrying essential medicines and items is also an important step in ensuring smooth travel. Commonly used medications such as headache medicine, stomach medicine, cold medicine, and antidiarrheal should be carried with you. In addition, sunscreen, lipstick and moisturizing cream are essential in the dry plateau climate. Considering unexpected situations that may arise during the journey, carrying a small first aid kit is also a wise move.

Maintaining good health is equally important throughout the entire journey. Adequate rest and proper dietary habits are key to maintaining good physical condition. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, while high calorie, high nutrient foods can provide enough energy for the body. In addition, moderate daily exercise can also help the body better adapt to high-altitude environments.

Safety is an essential element that cannot be ignored during travel. Ensuring smooth communication is crucial when engaging in outdoor activities. It is recommended to carry a backup battery or mobile power source to prevent the phone from running out of battery. Informing family or friends in advance of your itinerary can provide assistance in emergency situations. Meanwhile, choosing experienced tour guides or participating in guaranteed tour groups can also increase the safety factor.

In a word, making adequate preparations and plans in advance can make your trip to Xizang 318 more smooth and enjoyable. Remember, safety and health are always the top priorities of travel.

Budget suggestion: Reasonably arrange expenses

When planning a trip to Xizang 318, a reasonable budget is the key to ensure the smooth progress of the trip. According to different travel methods and personal consumption levels, the budget range for the entire itinerary is roughly between $500 and $2000. The following are detailed explanations of some major cost items to help you better plan your budget.

Transportation cost: The air ticket cost from the departure place to Xizang may be a larger part of the travel budget. It is recommended to book air tickets in advance, as you can usually get a more favorable price. In addition, if choosing a self driving tour, gasoline, tolls, and vehicle maintenance costs also need to be included in the budget consideration.

Accommodation expenses: There are various accommodation options in Xizang, ranging from economical hotels to high-end hotels. Generally speaking, the price of economy hotels ranges from $20 to $50 per night, while the price of high-end hotels may reach over $100 per night. To save accommodation costs, it is recommended to book in advance and choose a cost-effective accommodation location.

Catering expenses: In Xizang, the catering expenses are relatively affordable. The dining cost in a typical restaurant ranges from $5 to $15 per meal. If you choose some local specialty snack shops or street stalls, you can further reduce food and beverage expenses.

Admission fees: Many scenic spots in Xizang need to buy tickets, ranging from a few dollars to tens of dollars. It is recommended to understand the ticket prices of each scenic spot in advance and arrange the visit plan reasonably.

In addition to the main cost items mentioned above, there are also some money saving tips that can help you control your budget. For example, booking air tickets and hotels in advance usually entitles you to discounts; Choosing restaurants and attractions with high cost-effectiveness can not only save costs but also experience the local customs and traditions. In addition, planning your itinerary reasonably and avoiding unnecessary expenses is also an important part of controlling your budget.

By reasonably arranging the expense budget, you can enjoy this unexpected trip to Xizang 318 without affecting the travel quality.