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.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Bafang Shisanhang to Xiahe
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.
住宿：拉卜楞寺周邊縣城
第 2 天 · Labrang Monastery via Sangke Grassland to Langmusi
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.
住宿：郎木寺鎮
第 3 天 · Langmusi Monasteries & Drive into Zhagana
郎木寺·扎尕那（郎木寺（甘肅賽赤寺）、郎木寺（四川格爾底寺）、白龍江源頭·納摩大峽谷）
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.
住宿：扎尕那村寨
第 4 天 · Hiking in Zhagana Villages
郎木寺·扎尕那（扎尕那、拉桑寺、洛克之路徒步、扎尕那仙女灘）
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.
住宿：扎尕那村寨
第 5 天 · Mountain Drive to Hezuo for the Nine-Story Milarepa Tower
Drive from Zhagana through Diebu and over the mountains to Hezuo (approx. 200 km, 4 hours). The mountain roads have many sharp bends.
住宿：合作市
第 6 天 · Taozhou Old City to Yeliguan
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.
住宿：冶力關鎮
第 7 天 · Yehai Lake to Lanzhou
Visit Yehai Lake in the morning, then take G248 and G75 back to Lanzhou in the afternoon (approx. 150 km, 3 hours).