The northern line of the Sichuan-Tibet railway begins in Chengdu and terminates in Lhasa. The entire course converges upon the No. 317, No. 213, No. 214, and No.109 National Roads. In comparison with the southern route, the territory that the northern line covers is more nomadically rural (for example the Nagqu Prefecture) and higher in elevation, with a scarce population and scenery that has much more untouched majesty. The highest crossing point along the route of the northern line is Chola Mountain, which stands at 4,916 meters above sea level.

The entire length of the northern line runs 2,320 kilometers:

Chengdu => 383km => Danba => 160km => Dawu => 72 => Trango => 97km => Garze => 95 => Manigego => 112km => Derge => 24km => Jinsha River Bridge => 85km => Jomda => 228km => Chamdo => 290 km => Tengchen => 196km => Bachen => 260km => Nagqu => 164km => Damshung => 153km => Lhasa.

The Best Times to Go 

Late spring (May/June) or early fall (September/October)

Scenic Spots along the way 

1) Wolong Village

2) The Jiaju Tibetan residence

3) The Dawu indigenous dwellings

 
4) Chola Mountain

 
5) Dragon Lantern Grasslands

 
6) The 99 bendings

 
7) The Grand Canyon of the Nujiang River

Food and Beverage Options 

Although there are some Chinese food restaurants, the northern line gives priority to Tibetan cuisine. If you drive yourself, you can experience the taste of Tibetan food, but if you're worried about being too unused to Tibetan style cooking, you can always pack some chocolates, instant noodles, crackers or other items for yourself.

Notes: 

The closer to Tibet one travels along the northern line, the more the temperature will drop. The temperature difference between day and night is large, so it is very necessary to bring along thick clothes. If traveling in winter time, woolen clothing and a down-feather jacket must be brought.

The southern line of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway was formally opened in 1958. The southern line begins in Chengdu and terminates in Lhasa. The entire course converges on the No.318, No.108 and No.214 National Roads. The territory that the southern line covers has a comparatively denser population. The highest crossing point along the route is Litang County, which stands at 4,700 meters above sea level.

The entire length of the southern line runs 2,140 kilometers:

Chengdu => 147km => Ya'an => 168km => Luding => 49km => Kangding => 75km => Xinduqiao => 74km => Yajiang => 143km => Litang => 165km => Bathang => 36km => Zhubalong => 71km => Markham => 158km => Zogang => 107km => Bangda => 94km => Pashod => 90km => Ra-ok => 129km => Pome => 89km => Tangmey => 127km => Nyingchi => 19km => Bayi => 127km => Kongpo Gyamda => 206km => Medrogungkar => 68km => Lhasa.

The Best Times to Go 

Late spring (May/June) or early fall (September/October)

Scenic Spots Along the Way 

 
1) Xinduqiao Town

 
2) Gonggar Snow Mountain

 
3) Daocheng

 
4) Ra-og Tso Lake

 
5) Midui Glacier

 
6) Medog County

 
7) Mt. Namjagbarwa

 
8) Lulang Town

Notes: 

First, do not be concerned about the effects of high elevation. The line goes west, so the rise in elevation is very gradual. Although there are many mountains that stand above 4,000 meters above sea level, the time to pass them is very short and area is covered in rich vegetation and dense forest, so there's no need to be worried about any kind of oxygen deprivation or shortage at the high altitudes.

Second, do not worry about food and beverage. The Southern Line is the route with the most villages along the way. In addition to typical home-style cooking, there is also an abundance of delicacies and venison produced in the mountain areas, so one can eat one's fill while on the road. However, because the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is frequently waylaid, one should remember to buy some biscuits or crackers in Chengdu to be prepared for such instances.

Third, it is imperative that one take measures against rainfall. All cameras, equipment, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, etc, all must be water resistant otherwise there will be a tremendous amount of rain damage.

Fourth, there are many rock/mud slides on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, usually occurring on the stretches between Bangda and Pashod, Bomi and Bayi, as well as other areas. It is a frequent occurrence for the route to get held up for several days, so it is important to pass through these areas during times of favorable weather as to avoid difficulties on your trip.