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

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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")

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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).