Welcome to Chengdu, the home of pandas! As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is known for its relaxed lifestyle, attractive historical sites, and flavorful spicy cuisine (hot pot, mapo tofu, etc.). On arrival, you can explore a variety of scenic spots, including Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine. Today, we’ll also help apply for a temporary Chinese driver’s license for your G318 road trip. Overnight in Chengdu.
The Shuangqiao Valley of Mount Siguniang National Park is known as the "Alps of the East" in western Sichuan. You'll enjoy the stunning scenery, towering snow-capped peaks, lush forests and crystal-clear streams along this 34.8km scenic valley. Afterwards, head to Danba County, which was named one of the "Top 6 Most Beautiful Countryside in China" by Chinese National Geographic in 2005. Visitors can seek out the charm of Jiaju Tibetan Village, where traditional Tibetan houses blend with terraced fields and majestic mountains, offering a peaceful retreat into the tranquility of rural life. Overnight in Danba.
Today, we will first drive forward to visit Moshi Park, which is famous for its towering, jagged rock formations that seem to rise abruptly from the earth. These weathered stones create a surreal landscape, evoking a sense of stepping into a stone forest. Around noon, we’ll reach Tagong Grassland, a vast and serene high-altitude grassland in western China. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Yuzixi Mountain Summit Viewing Platform, from where you can have panoramic views of majestic mountains, rolling grasslands, and winding valleys. By evening, we’ll arrive at Xinduqiao, which is a picturesque town nestled beneath snow-capped peaks, and is often referred to as the "Photographer’s Paradise". Overnight in Xinduqiao.
In the early morning, depart from Xinduqiao to Gaocheng Town (Litang County), which sits at a high elevation of approximately 4,014 meters (13,169 feet), making it one of the highest towns in the world. Despite its remote location, this small Tibetan town has a lively local market worth visiting. Afterwards, continue driving to Daocheng, where is a good place for a short rest before continuing to Yading. The journey to Daocheng itself is a highlight - the road winds through breathtaking high-altitude scenery, including spectacular valleys, rivers, and dramatic mountain ranges. Later, arrive at your accommodation in Shangri-La Town. Settle in for the night and have a good sleep for your exploration of Yading Nature Reserve the following day. Overnight in Shangri-La.
The main attraction for visitors to Daocheng is the Yading Nature Reserve, located about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from the county seat. Often referred to as the “Last Shangri-La” or the “Last Pure Land on Earth”, Yading is famous for its three sacred mountains: Chenresig (Xiannairi), Jampelyang (Yangmaiyong), and Chana Dorje (Xianuoduoji), all of which are deeply revered in Tibetan Buddhism. Other highlights of the reserve include Luorong Pasture, Chonggu Monastery, Pearl Lake, and extensive hiking with trails that lead to stunning lakes like Erong Lake (Milk Lake) and Danzhen Lake (Five-Color Lake), both renowned for their unique colors and scenic beauty. Overnight in Shangri-La.
In the early morning, we continue our drive along the G318 Highway, passing through breathtaking snow-capped mountains and deep valleys, revealing the grandeur of the natural landscape. The first leg of the journey between Litang and Batang is incredibly scenic, and we'll stop at Sister Lake [4685m], the largest ancient glacial relic on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As a dazzling pearl nestled at the foot of Haizi Mountain, its tranquil waters are so clear and just look like sapphire. Today's highlights also include Maoya Prairie and the Jinsha River Bridge. In the late afternoon, we'll reach Mangkang, an important county at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. Overnight in Mangkang.
We will begin our journey at Dongda Mountain [5130m], a place revered by Tibetans and often referred to as the 'land of the immortals'. From the mountain pass, you can enjoy fantastic landscapes of brown-red valleys and rugged terrain. Afterwards, we will drive to Zogang, which is a county of Chamdo Prefecture in Tibet Autonomous Region. We then cross the famous Nu River 72 Turns, and descend from the summit of Yela Mountain at 4658m to 2800m in just 12km. This exhilarating route winds its way up and down the mountainside with spectacular views accompany you. You can enjoy a leisurely drive while taking in the magnificent scenery of the rushing river below, showcasing nature's incredible artistry. Finally arrive in Basu for the night.
Today, we continue to drive west and first climb the Anjiula Mountain Pass [4468m]. The scenery is surprisingly beautiful, with snow-capped mountains, primeval forests and idyllic landscapes all along the way. Then we’ll visit Ranwu Lake, which is the largest and most famous plateau glacier lake in eastern Tibet. And then have a tour to the Midui Glacier. Formed by the convergence of two world-class ice waterfalls, the glacier is characterized by its striking contrast of white ice against deep green forests and vibrant blue water. This unique combination offers breathtaking views, especially in late autumn when the surrounding foliage turns colorful. Afterwards, arrive in Bomê to stay overnight.
After breakfast, depart from Bomê and head towards Lulang Town (about a 3-hour drive). Known as the "Oxygen Valley" of Tibet, Lulang Forest is a vast, lush forest nestled between mountains, resembling a fairy-tale landscape, and you’ll enjoy the scenery of ancient pines, azaleas, and grassy meadows dotted with grazing yaks. Then drive through the Sejila Pass [4728m], where you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Mount Namcha Barwa if the weather is clear. Standing at an impressive 7,782 meters, Namcha Barwa is the easternmost peak of the Himalayas, and is often called the "Father of Ice Mountains". Afternoon, continue your journey towards Nyingchi. Overnight in its capital Bayi Town.
Today you will drive to Lhasa, with plenty of time to visit Basumtso Lake on the way. It is the holy lake for the Nyingma sect, also known as the Red Sect of Tibetan Buddhism because of the red colour of the robes worn by the monks. It is shaped like a crescent. Wild birds such as gulls and white cranes live harmoniously in the lake. In the middle of the lake there is a small ancient temple - Tsosong Temple. Tsosong means 'the castle in the lake' in Tibetan. Continuing west, you could stop at the Mila Pass [5013m], where Medro Gongkar is located, the birthplace of King Songtsan Gampo. The scenery along the road from Nyingchi to Lhasa is a beauty in itself. Arrive in Lhasa in the late afternoon and have a good rest for the next day.
Today, you’ll have a tour to Lhasa's cardinal landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site-Potala Palace. Renowned as one of the great wonders on earth for its elaborate architecture built at an elevation of 3700m, this awe-inspiring palace will not disappoint you. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Jokhang Temple, the most respected shrine in Tibet. Thick with the smell of incense and yak butter, you’ll witness a throng of prostrating pilgrims cramming out there. The temple is the masterpiece of Tibetan, Chinese and Nepalese architectural techniques. Then take a stroll around the Barkhor Street, the oldest bazaar in the city and forms a circumambulation path around the sacred Jokhang. Locals walk the kora as part of the religious practice. Overnight in Lhasa.
Today, your guide and driver will be on time to transfer you to the airport / train station. Thanks for traveling with us. Hope to be at your service next time.
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.
