China Travel Forum

[Arnold]

I am coming into Kashgar from Pakistan and want to head down to Lhasa via Ali, Kailash, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp. I have spent over fifteen months in China in the past (including time in Tibet and Xinjiang) and have conversational Mandarin. When I was in Xinjiang last summer I heard some rumors that they had finally opened up the road down western Tibet to backpackers and ran buses every ten days or so to Ali and then Kailash with out to much hassle. Has anyone done this recently or do you still have to rent private land cruisers to make that trip? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Trying to get my plans together for this summer.

Thanks

[kammal]

They havent exactly opened the road for foreigners. But it seems to be a bit easier to go that way. Last year the road was closed at specific times every month due to maintainancework. In between there is daily buses from Khargilik to Ali. The best known buses are the Tibetan Antelope Company that runs from the main busstation. Quite difficulty to get them to sell you a seat. Prices if succesfull around 800 rmb. The other company is an unmarked bus running from the Ali Road in Khargilik. It's easier to get a seat in that bus. Finally there's hitchhiking. So no one can promise you to get to Ali that way but it came more easy during the summer last year. In Ali you pay a fine of 300 rmb (2004) and for additional 50 rmb gets a permit for Kailash.
The Tibetan Antelope Company also runs daily between Ali and Lhasa, passing Shigatse on the way.