For the golden light of Namcha Barwa, I drove myself in Tibet for 3 days and 2 nights

🌈 The "most beautiful snow mountain in China," Namcha Barwa's sunlit golden peak is worth waiting two days for in Suosong Village!
Before departure, I booked a car in advance on the Trip.com car rental app, picked up the car right after landing at Gongga Airport, and started the "chasing light + meeting blue" journey.

💫 Self-driving route: Lhasa — Mila Mountain Pass — Suosong Village — Namcha Barwa Peak — Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon — Yamdrok Lake

【Core self-driving route & highlights】
🌈1. Gongga Airport → Lhasa City (70km/1.5h)
• Road conditions: Airport expressway to Jin Zhu West Road, paved asphalt road friendly for beginners
• Must-see: The sparkling tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River beside the highway, on clear days you can catch a glimpse of the golden roof of the Potala Palace
• Suggestion: Stay 1 night to adapt to the 3650m altitude, have Tibetan noodles at Barkhor Street in the evening

🌈2. Lhasa → Mila Mountain Pass → Suosong Village (250km/4.5-5h)
• Segments: Lhasa to Mila Mountain Pass 150km (2.5h), then to Suosong Village 100km (2h)
• Highlights: Mila Mountain Pass (5013m) with fluttering prayer flags, after the pass is the emerald green Niyang River, golden barley fields in September-October, scenic spots where you can stop anytime
• Must experience: Choose a guesthouse with a viewing platform in Suosong Village, open the window to see Namcha Barwa, stargazing at night is super healing

🌈3. Suosong Village → Namcha Barwa → Grand Canyon (25km/1h)
• Chasing light: The "Shy Girl Peak" sunlit golden mountain is rare to see! After waiting 2 days, finally caught the golden light spreading over the snow peak after sunrise
• Canyon: Walk along the plank road to see the deep canyon and rushing river

🌈4. Grand Canyon → Yamdrok Lake (280km/5-5.5h)
• Must photo: Gangbala Mountain Pass (4990m) overlooking Yamdrok Lake, from sapphire blue to Tiffany blue, with yaks by the lake perfect for photos
• Reminder: Slow down on the mountain road

🌈5. Yamdrok Lake → Lhasa → Gongga Airport return car
• Bonus: If time allows, detour to Karola Glacier (30km from Yamdrok Lake), the pale blue glacier is stunning
• Return: 10 minutes to return the car at the airport

💫 If you also want to chase the golden light of Namcha Barwa on a holiday, self-driving should be the answer.
The wind along the way, the sound of prayer flags, the blue of the lake, will all become your exclusive memories.