Markam Town (Gartok)
嘎托镇
A highland county town at the junction of G318 and G214, the main hub for food, lodging, and supplies for self-drivers on the Yunnan–Tibet and southern Sichuan–Tibet routes.
Gartok, the county seat of Markam at about 3,870 meters, sits where G318 (southern Sichuan–Tibet route) meets G214 (Yunnan–Tibet route). Heading north you can reach Zogang and Baxoi, heading south you can cross Hongla Mountain to Yanjing, and heading east you can reach Batang. The town is small, with Tibetan-style houses, monasteries, and a market. Here you can acclimatize to the altitude, refuel, and eat Tibetan food or Sichuan dishes. It is a good base for trips to Yanjing, Lawu Pass, and Rumei. Nights are cold, so bring a warm jacket even in summer.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Lawu Pass
- Rumei & Zhuka Lancang Bridge
- Hongla Mountain
- Dongda La Pass
- Quzika Hot Springs
- Yanjing Ancient Salt Fields
- Yanjing Catholic Church