Northwest Route to Gānsù

Introducing Northwest Route to Gānsù

This journey through the extreme northwest of Sìchuān has emerged as a popular back-door route into Gānsù province for many travellers. Even if you’re not headed north beyond the Sìchuān border, this area offers an opportunity to explore more remote Tibetan towns and villages. At an average altitude of 3500m to 4000m, travel through this grassland bog is not recommended for those in a hurry – bus transport is slow and sporadic. If you plan to explore any of the towns or lamaseries on the way, you’ll need a minimum of five days, more if you make a side trip to Jiǔzhàigōu.

In the winter months, roads often become impassable and temperatures plummet way past the tolerance levels of most mortals. While still cold, early autumn sees little rain and many clear and sunny skies. If you are travelling in the autumn or winter, it’s best to buy your onward tickets as soon as possible as, during these colder months, the nomadic Goloks stay closer to main roads and towns and do much of their travel by bus.

The first leg of this route is from Chéngdū to Sōngpān. Most travellers take a side trip from Sōngpān to Jiǔzhàigōu at this point. From Sōngpān you can travel 168km northwest to your next overnight stop in Zöigê, and from there it’s worth heading to Lǎngmùsì, just inside the Sìchuān border, for a day or two before crossing into Gānsù.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009