Travelers driving through western Tibet should be aware of temporary nighttime road closures on National Highways G216, G219 and G349 during road maintenance and repair works in 2026 and early 2027.
The restrictions mainly affect routes around Saga County and Ngamring County in Shigatse Prefecture. During the construction period, affected sections will be closed to traffic between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM the following morning. Roads will normally reopen to traffic during the daytime from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The project management office has announced the restrictions to ensure construction safety and maintain orderly traffic on these important highways across the Tibetan Plateau.
G216, G219 and G349 Road Closure Schedule
The traffic restrictions apply to three road sections, with different construction periods.
| Highway | Affected Section | Construction Period | Nighttime Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| G216 | K3270+040–K3326+438, Saga County | Sept. 15, 2026–Jan. 10, 2027 | 8:00 PM–8:00 AM |
| G219 | K4388+000–K4390+884, Saga County | Nov. 8–18, 2026 | 8:00 PM–8:00 AM |
| G349 | K1815+000–K1850+800, Ngamring & Saga | Sept. 15–Dec. 10, 2026 | 8:00 PM–8:00 AM |
Construction schedules may be extended if unexpected circumstances affect the projects.
G216 Saga Section
The G216 section from K3270+040 to K3326+438 will undergo repair and maintenance from September 15, 2026, to January 10, 2027, for a planned period of 118 days. Traffic will be controlled during nighttime construction hours.
G219 Saga Section
The G219 section from K4388+000 to K4390+884 will be under construction from November 8 to November 18, 2026, for approximately 11 days. This section will also experience nighttime full closures.
G349 Ngamring–Saga Section
The G349 section from K1815+000 to K1850+800 will be affected from September 15 to December 10, 2026, for a planned period of 86 days. This section crosses Ngamring County and Saga County and forms part of the same general road corridor connecting Ngamring and Saga.
What Time Can Vehicles Travel?
The most important information for travelers is the daily traffic-control schedule.
- Nighttime: 8:00 PM–8:00 AM — Traffic restrictions
- Daytime: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM — Normal traffic
During the construction period, traffic will be released intermittently in both directions according to the instructions of traffic police and construction personnel. Travelers should therefore avoid arriving at the affected sections late at night. Even when daytime traffic is permitted, temporary delays may occur because construction vehicles and road crews may still be operating.
Recommended Detour for Travelers
The official notice provides a detour connecting Saga County and Shigatse while avoiding the construction sections.
Saga to Shigatse
Travelers heading from Saga toward Shigatse can follow this general route:
Saga → G216 toward Yajiang Bridge and Zheba Township → G219 toward Gyirong and Tingri → G219/G216 junction → S209 toward Menkamai Village → S209 toward Suozuo Township → S209 toward Riwuqi Township → S209 toward Sangzhu Town → G349 toward Lhatse → G318 toward Shigatse
This route is designed to bypass the affected construction sections.
Shigatse to Saga
For travel from Shigatse toward Saga, the recommended route is:
Shigatse → G318 toward Lhatse → G349 toward Ngamring → G349 toward Sangzhu Town → S209 toward Riwuqi Township → S209 toward Suozuo Township → S209 toward Menkamai Village → G219 toward Tingri and Gyirong → G216/G219 junction → G216 toward Saga
Travelers should follow the temporary traffic signs, road-control notices and instructions from traffic police because road conditions and detour arrangements can change during construction.
What This Means for Tibet Travelers
These restrictions are particularly important for travelers visiting Saga, Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, western Tibet and the Nepal–Tibet border region.
Saga is an important stopping point for long-distance journeys toward Ngari and Mount Kailash, while G219 is one of the principal highways crossing western Tibet. Travelers driving between Shigatse and Saga should therefore allow additional time for road controls and possible delays.
If your itinerary includes Lhasa → Shigatse → Saga → Mount Kailash, check the latest road conditions before departure and coordinate your schedule with your local travel operator.
For private tours, the driver and travel agency can also adjust the daily itinerary when construction or temporary traffic controls affect the planned route.
Important Safety Advice for Driving in Western Tibet
The affected highways pass through high-altitude mountain areas where weather and visibility can change quickly.
Travelers should:
- Plan the day’s driving before departure and aim to pass construction areas during permitted daytime hours.
- Avoid reaching controlled sections close to 8:00 PM.
- Follow all temporary road signs and traffic-control instructions.
- Drive slowly through construction areas.
- Allow extra time for unexpected delays.
- Do not attempt to cross a closed section without authorization.
- Never stop or park inside an active construction zone.
- Keep sufficient food, water and warm clothing in the vehicle, particularly on long western Tibet journeys.
- Check road conditions before leaving Saga, Ngamring or Shigatse.
Because this is a high-altitude region, travelers should also avoid unnecessarily tight schedules. A small delay on the plateau can have a much larger effect on a long-distance itinerary.
Are G216, G219 and G349 Completely Closed?
No. The announced restrictions are primarily nighttime closures during the specified construction periods. Under the announced schedule, affected roads generally remain open between:
8:00 AM and 8:00 PM
During the nighttime construction period: 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM traffic may be completely stopped on affected sections.
Traffic may also be released intermittently under the direction of traffic-control personnel. Travelers should therefore follow the actual conditions and instructions at the site rather than assuming that a road will remain continuously open throughout the daytime.
Travel Planning for Mount Kailash and Western Tibet
If you are planning a Mount Kailash kora, Lake Manasarovar trip or western Tibet overland journey, these road works should be considered when arranging your itinerary. The most important point is to avoid building a schedule that requires your vehicle to cross the affected G216, G219 or G349 sections after 8:00 PM.
For example, a route from Shigatse to Saga should ideally be planned so that the vehicle reaches the relevant construction area during the daytime opening period. For journeys farther west toward Darchen and Mount Kailash, travelers should allow sufficient flexibility for road construction, weather, traffic controls and other conditions on the plateau.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the G216 Saga road restrictions begin?
The G216 Saga section is scheduled for construction from September 15, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Nighttime traffic restrictions apply during the construction period.
What are the G216 traffic-control hours?
The announced nighttime restriction is 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Daytime traffic is normally permitted from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
When will G219 in Saga be affected?
The G219 Saga section is scheduled for construction from November 8 to November 18, 2026.
Which section of G349 is affected?
The affected G349 section runs from K1815+000 to K1850+800, covering areas of Ngamring and Saga counties.
Can tourists still travel between Shigatse and Saga?
Yes. The roads are not permanently closed. Travelers can use the roads during permitted periods and follow the designated detours and traffic-control instructions when necessary.
Will the construction affect Mount Kailash tours?
It may affect travel times and routing, particularly for itineraries passing through Saga. Travelers should check the latest road conditions and allow additional time when traveling toward Mount Kailash and other destinations in western Tibet.
Final Travel Advice
The G216, G219 and G349 road projects are temporary maintenance works, but they can significantly affect long-distance travel across western Tibet. If you are traveling between Shigatse, Saga, Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar or the Nepal–Tibet border, plan your driving around the 8:00 PM–8:00 AM nighttime closure period and allow extra time for construction-related delays.
Road conditions and traffic-control arrangements can change, so travelers should always follow the latest official notices, temporary road signs and instructions from local traffic authorities. For Tibet tours in 2026–2027, flexible scheduling is strongly recommended, especially for long-distance journeys through Saga and western Tibet.
