Your journey begins in Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province. Known for its laid-back charm, world-famous cuisine, and as the home of the beloved giant panda, Chengdu offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Take your time to enjoy the city’s teahouses, lively streets, and historical sights as you prepare for an unforgettable adventure along the Chengdu-Garzê Highway (G317). No drive today. Overnight in Chengdu.
Today, you’ll embark on the scenic G317 National Road, leaving behind Chengdu’s urban buzz for the peaceful landscapes of western Sichuan. After breakfast, you'll begin your drive west from Chengdu to Dujiangyan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient irrigation system, still in use today. Dujiangyan was built in the 3rd century BCE and helped prevent flooding in the region, bringing prosperity to Sichuan.
Continue your drive towards Wenchuan, a town nestled in the foothills of the mountains. The drive through the Min River Valley offers dramatic landscapes of deep valleys, alpine forests, and rocky mountains. Wenchuan is also the site of the devastating 2008 earthquake, and you can observe the reconstruction efforts here.
As the road climbs into the highlands, you’ll reach Barkam, located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau with dramatic mountain vistas. As you approach the lively Tibetan town, you'll start to notice the Tibetan architecture and culture, with its distinct whitewashed buildings and prayer flags. You can explore the town, which serves as a gateway to the Tibetan plateau. Overnight in Barkam.
Depart from Barkam and drive to Guanyin Bridge Town, known for its serene natural surroundings. The journey takes you through pastoral Tibetan villages and lush meadows. Stop to take in the sweeping views of the Tibetan Plateau and its unique culture. The most famous cultural landmark in the scenic area is the Guanyin Temple, which was built in the 7th century and has a history of over 1,200 years. It is one of the three major Guanyin temples in the country.
Continue your drive to Luhuo (3,000m), a small Tibetan town located in the foothills. Luhuo is a quiet place known for its wide grasslands and grazing yaks. You can also visit the Luhuo Tibetan Monastery, which offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
After Luhuo, we drive towards Garzê, a significant town nestled in a stunning valley surrounded by high peaks and famous for Tibetan Buddhism. Garzê is surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, and its monastery, Garzê Monastery, is one of the largest in the region. It houses numerous monks and is a key pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. Overnight in Ganzi.
Start your day early with a drive from Garzê towards Garzê White Tower, a Tibetan Buddhist monument that holds both historical and cultural significance. The Garzê White Tower is located at the foot of the Garzê Mountain and stands as a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built to honor the teachings of the Buddha and is a place for prayer and reflection. The tower, with its pristine white exterior, provides a striking contrast against the surrounding mountainous backdrop.
Afterwards, continue your journey towards Gesar King City, located approximately 100 km from Garzê. King Gesar, a legendary hero in Tibetan culture, is said to have been born in this area. He is the central figure in the Epic of King Gesar, one of the longest epic poems in the world, telling the story of his heroic deeds and battles. The city features several monuments, statues, and murals that depict his legendary feats. The Gesar King City is not only significant for its historical value but also for its role in Tibetan folklore and culture.
After your visit to Gesar King City, you will continue your drive towards Dege. The journey to Dege will take you through breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and Tibetan villages. Overnight in Dege.
In the morning, we will visit the Dege Sutra Printing House (3,900m). The printing house, founded in the 17th century, holds over 200,000 woodblocks containing sacred texts. It is one of the most important centers for preserving Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
Next, we embark on a scenic drive to Chamdo, a historical town that has been an important center for trade, culture, and politics. Chamdo is one of Tibet's oldest towns, nestled between mountain ranges and known for its rich cultural and spiritual significance, where traditional Tibetan life meets stunning natural beauty. Along the way, we’ll drive into the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). The landscapes grow more dramatic as we move into the plateau. Prepare for stunning mountain passes, high-altitude lakes, and rushing rivers along the route. You’ll also cross several valleys and small Tibetan settlements on the way to Chamdo. Once in Chamdo, you can visit the Chamdo Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The town itself offers a unique blend of traditional Tibetan and modern architecture, with winding streets and vibrant markets. Overnight in Chamdo.
Today, we're venturing into some of Tibet's most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes, as we make our way from Chamdo to Dengqen. Located in the eastern part of Tibet near Chamdo, our first major stop is Galden Jampaling Monastery, which sits at an altitude of around 3,800 meters. It is a small but significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its peaceful environment and local importance. The monastery is often less crowded than the more famous sites in Tibet, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a serene experience. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, observe the daily life of monks, and gain insight into Tibetan monastic traditions.
Next, we continue on to the awe-inspiring scenery as you ascend Zizhu Mountain, where dramatic peaks rise above the surrounding valleys. Zizhu is often referred to as a "mountain of purity" by locals. The mountain is home to a number of small monasteries, perched precariously on the cliffs, offering peaceful moments for reflection. Pilgrims from surrounding areas visit the mountain for spiritual reflection and meditation. It’s an excellent spot to stretch your legs and take in the surrounding wilderness.
Then, we drive towards to Dengqen, nestled between towering peaks. As we descend towards this tranquil town, the landscape continues to unfold in its raw, unspoiled beauty. The journey offers excellent opportunities to spot nomadic herders with their yaks, as well as wildlife in its natural habitat. Upon arrival in Dengqen, take a moment to appreciate the simple and serene Tibetan lifestyle, before relaxing for the evening and preparing for tomorrow’s adventure. Overnight in Dengqen.
We will start our day early with a drive from Dengqen to Baqen. Baqen is known for its vast open plains and Tibetan nomadic culture. As you drive through the region, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau, with wide grasslands, herds of yaks and sheep, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Take some time to enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of Baqen. This is a great place for photography, especially if you stop by some traditional Tibetan herders’ settlements, where you can see the nomadic lifestyle up close. The atmosphere is peaceful, offering a true sense of the untamed wilderness of Tibet.
After spending some time in Baqen, continue your journey towards Tsanden Monastery. This monastery is one of the most important spiritual centers in the region, known for its serene setting and historical significance in Tibetan Buddhism. It is believed that Zandan Monastery was founded in the 15th century and is famous for its large Tibetan Buddhist murals, statues, and sacred relics.
Travel through the wide-open landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau, with rolling grasslands stretching to the horizon and nomadic herders tending their flocks. The G317 leads you to Nagqu, a vibrant town at the heart of Tibet’s nomadic culture and the largest town in the northern part of Tibet, where you’ll experience the simplicity and beauty of traditional Tibetan life. The road from Zandan to Nagqu is a scenic drive through high-altitude grasslands and wide-open plateaus. As you approach Nagqu, you’ll begin to see the high-altitude nomadic lifestyle in full display, with Tibetan herders tending to their flocks and colorful tents dotting the landscape.This region has traditionally been a hub for Tibetan traders and pilgrims, so you’ll encounter a mix of local Tibetan culture and traditions.
Upon arrival in Nagqu, you can explore the town, which is a key trading post between Tibet and inland China. Nagqu is known for its vibrant Tibetan markets, where you can purchase local goods such as yak products, Tibetan jewelry, and handmade crafts. The town also has several Tibetan Buddhist temples, where you can learn more about the spiritual practices and traditions of the Tibetan people. Overnight in Nagqu.
We will start the day with a visit to Namsto Lake, one of Tibet's most sacred lakes. Known as the "Heavenly Lake," its crystal-clear blue waters are surrounded by snow-capped peaks, making it a spectacular stop. Sacred to Tibetan Buddhism, this breathtaking lake is a photographer’s paradise.Take time to relax and enjoy the panoramic views.
From there, we will descend to Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural capital of Tibet, where ancient traditions meet modern life. As you head towards Lhasa, you’ll begin to see the majestic Himalayan Mountains in the distance. The road to Lhasa offers sweeping views of the Tibetan Plateau, with its stark yet beautiful landscapes. Overnight in Lhasa.
Lhasa is a city that captures the heart and soul of Tibet. We will begin with the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Tibetan culture, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Perched high above the city, this grand structure is an architectural marvel, filled with Tibetan Buddhist art and artifacts. Next, we will visit Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, where pilgrims from across the plateau gather to pay homage here. The atmosphere inside the temple is serene and meditative.
We will End our day with a stroll along Barkhor Street, a vibrant market filled with traditional crafts and Tibetan treasures around Jokhang Temple. Here you’ll find traditional Tibetan handicrafts, religious items, and souvenirs. It's the perfect place to soak in the local culture and pick up a memento from your trip. Overnight: In Lhasa.
As your G317 road trip adventure comes to an end, take time to reflect on the incredible landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable moments you’ve experienced. Your guide will see you off at the airport or train station. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back for another journey!
Potala Palace
Mt. Everest
Yamdrok Lake
Sera Monastery
Namtso Lake
Mt. Kailash
From Mr. Gerard AdrienHi Daniel. We are already on our way back to Shanghai. We would like to thank you for the great trip we had. Our guide Jampa and our driver did an excellent job. They are both very recommendable! We enjoyed the trip despite the altitude discomfort we experienced during the first 3 days. Thank you!
From Ms. Elena Maria ValisiI highly recommend this agency. I travelled with other 2 couples who booked through different agencies and they paid a lot more to have less assistance, same hotels/tour/guide/car, less flexibility and no travel insurance included.
