Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Loop Self-Drive

A loop from Lanzhou connecting Linxia, Labrang Monastery, Langmusi, Zhagana, and Yeliguan to experience monasteries and grasslands.

This is a comprehensive version of the classic Gannan loop, with an average daily drive of 3 to 4 hours and elevations mostly around 3,000 meters. It features a two-night stay in Zhagana and returns via a different route, turning east from Hezuo to Yeliguan before heading back to Lanzhou. By skipping Zoige and Maqu, the high-altitude segments are kept short, making it ideal for first-time self-drive travelers to Tibetan areas.

The X412 road in Zhagana is usually closed for winter control starting in November; check road conditions after late October.

Day by day

Day 1 · Bafang Shisanhang to Xiahe

Linxia（Bafang Thirteen Lanes） → Xiahe（Labrang Prayer Wheel Circuit）

Drive from Lanzhou to Linxia via the highway (approx. 2 hours), then continue to Xiahe in the afternoon (approx. 1.5 hours). Total distance is about 230 km.

Stay: Xiahe County Town near Labrang Monastery

Day 2 · Labrang Monastery via Sangke Grassland to Langmusi

Xiahe（Labrang Monastery、Sangke Grassland） → Langmusi & Zhagana（Gahai Lake）

Visit the monastery in the morning, then drive through Sangke Grassland and Luqu along G213 to Langmusi (approx. 220 km, 4 hours drive).

Most halls in Labrang Monastery close to visitors after 4:00 PM, so a morning visit is highly recommended.

Stay: Langmusi Town

Day 3 · Langmusi Monasteries & Drive into Zhagana

Langmusi & Zhagana（Langmusi (Sertri Gompa, Gansu side)、Taktsang Lhamo (Kirti Gompa, Sichuan side)、Bailong River Source & Namo Gorge）

Explore the two monasteries and the gorge on foot in the morning, then drive to Zhagana in the afternoon (approx. 120 km, 2 hours).

Gas stations are scarce between Diebu and Langmusi; refuel whenever you see one. Watch out for construction detours.

Stay: Zhagana Village

Day 4 · Hiking in Zhagana Villages

Langmusi & Zhagana（Zhagana、Lasang Monastery, Zhagana、Joseph Rock Trail、Xiannutan Meadow, Zhagana）

Park your car at the scenic area parking lot and take the sightseeing bus into the villages. Spend the day walking or taking short shuttles; no long-distance driving today.

Some trails like Yixiantian are permanently closed; follow the scenic area's official announcements.

Stay: Zhagana Village

Day 5 · Mountain Drive to Hezuo for the Nine-Story Milarepa Tower

Xiahe（Milarepa Palace (Hezuo)、Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum）

Drive from Zhagana through Diebu and over the mountains to Hezuo (approx. 200 km, 4 hours). The mountain roads have many sharp bends.

Stay: Hezuo City

Day 6 · Taozhou Old City to Yeliguan

Yeliguan（Taozhou Garrison City、Chibi Youngu (Red Cliff Valley)）

Drive east from Hezuo through Lintan to Yeliguan (approx. 150 km, 3 hours). Some county roads are narrow and winding.

Chibi Yougu (Red Cliff Valley) has the best lighting in the afternoon. Drive carefully on narrow roads on rainy days, and try to travel during daylight.

Stay: Yeliguan Town

Day 7 · Yehai Lake to Lanzhou

Yeliguan（Yehai Tianchi Lake） → Lanzhou

Visit Yehai Lake in the morning, then take G248 and G75 back to Lanzhou in the afternoon (approx. 150 km, 3 hours).