Winter has arrived, and it is very cold. Tibet is one of the best travel destinations in China, so is it suitable for self-driving to Tibet in winter? The answer is yes. Tibet is probably the most suitable place for winter travel, and there are many beautiful winter scenery in Tibet. You will discover a different kind of beauty in Tibet in winter.
1. Is it suitable to self-drive to Tibet in winter?
It is still very suitable to self-drive to Tibet in winter, but you need to pay attention to safety, because it is a plateau area, and sometimes there will be heavy snowfall. Tibet in winter has winter scenery, and other seasons have their own beauty. Therefore, it is not necessary to distinguish between seasons when traveling to a place, because each season has its own characteristics.
2. Advantages of going to Tibet in winter
No summer crowds
The peak tourist season in Tibet is concentrated from May to September. If you travel during the off-season, you can quietly appreciate the beauty that you can’t see or experience during the peak season at the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, etc., without being disturbed by anyone, without the noise of people, and purify your restless mind.
Climate is more comfortable than you think
Tibet usually gives us the impression of being covered in ice and snow, but from November to March each year, the daytime temperature in towns here is 10℃-18℃. Under the sunshine in winter, it feels like spring here.
Lower cost
Winter is the most economical time to travel to Lhasa in terms of transportation, food, accommodation and tours. From November onwards, due to joint promotions, the prices of Tibet tour lines have dropped by up to 50% compared with the same period last year, while service standards remain unchanged.
3. Precautions for self-driving to Tibet in winter
The asphalt pavement looks flat but is actually made of small particles pressed together. When the temperature drops, the ice formed by small water droplets will fill the small holes on the pavement. At this time, the originally flat and rough pavement will become a smooth mirror, greatly reducing friction. The road to Tibet is mountainous and has many valleys. Ice will form on the shaded side of the mountain when the temperature drops (especially at night, when the temperature difference between day and night is large). Black ice appears regardless of whether it is winter or summer. Black ice is mainly concentrated in three places: inside the Mingdong corridor, on the bends of mountain roads, and under snow-covered roads.
The journey to Tibet is relatively complex in all seasons. In the rainy season, there will be landslides, debris flows, etc. In winter, Tibet is not in the rainy season, and the road surface will not be slippery or muddy. However, the road conditions in Tibet have always been complicated. Self-driving friends must be equipped with anti-skid chains.
Oxygen content is reduced. The season with the highest oxygen content in Tibet is autumn, and it will drop by 3 to 4 percentage points in winter. It is an unchangeable fact that people are prone to hypoxia when they come to Tibet, and they are more likely to experience altitude sickness.
Replace the coolant below -35 degrees Celsius: to prevent the water tank from freezing and bursting.
If possible, replace snow tires.
There are fewer tourists in winter, and the occupancy rate of restaurants and hotels is not high. Make reservations in advance and prepare thick clothes and food.
Diesel vehicles need to replace -20~-40 number diesel.
In conclusion, it is possible to self-drive to Tibet in winter, but you should avoid extreme weather conditions, understand the Tibetan climate in advance, and make preparations. Beginners are best not to go at this time, after all, the driving difficulty will increase by one level.
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