Overview
Litang sits at 4,000 m elevation, making it one of the highest towns on Earth. It's a crossroads where Tibetan nomadic shepherds descend to trade yak, wool, and dairy in the weekly market.
Budget Travel · Culture · Festivals · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Altitude
At 4,000 m, altitude sickness affects many visitors. Descend if symptoms worsen. Bottled oxygen sold in town; some mid-range hotels have oxygen generators.
Connectivity
Chinese SIM cards (China Mobile, China Unicom) work in town. Buy in Kangding or Chengdu before arriving. WiFi in some hotels; expect slow speeds.
Money
Prices higher than Chengdu due to import costs. Cash is king in town. RMB ¥ accepted everywhere.
Safety
Political sensitivity is high. Avoid Dalai Lama imagery and photography near government buildings. Past horse festival incidents have occurred; check current conditions.
Transport
Buses to/from Kangding (8-9 hours) are the main link. Shared taxis serve local destinations. No flights or trains to Litang.
Weather
Winters are brutally cold with limited heating in most accommodations. Electric blankets are common but often insufficient. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms.