Nature · Labrang
Walking up from Phodong to Labrang
Walk the steep 2 km lane from Phodong up to Labrang through forest, with the option of taking a car back. A modest climb, best done in the morning in clear weather, with birdsong and views over terraced slopes.
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The lane from Phodong to Labrang is about 2 km and climbs several hundred metres, from roughly 1,400 m to about 2,130 m by our approximate figures. Allow 45 minutes to an hour uphill and 30 minutes down. The road is narrow, and a few vehicles use it, so keep to the edge and listen at bends.
Wear shoes with grip, carry water and a rain jacket, and start before 10 am. The forest around Labrang is dense and the afternoon mist can close in. Pace yourself: the altitude is modest, but the climb is steady, and older walkers may prefer to drive up and walk down.
Avoid the walk in heavy rain, when the lane is slippery and slides are possible, and during the June to September monsoon. Leave no litter, do not pick plants and ask before photographing people. Check current status before you travel.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How steep is the walk to Labrang?
It is steady and steep in places, about 2 km uphill from Phodong, climbing several hundred metres. Most fit walkers take 45 minutes to an hour. If you are unsure, drive up and walk down. Wear shoes with grip and carry water. Check current status before you travel.
Is the lane safe to walk?
By day in dry weather, yes, with care. It is a narrow road shared with a few vehicles, so keep to the edge and take care at bends. Avoid it in heavy rain or mist, and tell your driver or hotel about your plan.
Can I get a taxi from Phodong to Labrang?
Local taxis usually run between Phodong and Labrang for a few hundred rupees, indicative, and your own car can do the same. Ask in the bazaar. Fares are negotiable and may change, so ask before you get in and check current status before you travel.
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