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16 Days Kham Tibet Tour via G317 National Highway

Tour Route: Chengdu - Danba - Daofu - Dege - Xinlong - Litang - Xiangcheng - Derong - Dechen - Zhongdian

Trip Overview:

Compared to the bustling and hustling of G318 National Highway, the northern route of Sichuan Tibet Highway, namely G317 National Highway is less travelled and more arduous. However, it presents another charming view primarily featuring devotional Tibetan culture. Kham area, on the other hand, is an isolated region on Tibetan Plateau, home to numerous gorgeous monasteries, snow-capped peaks, herds of animals and abundant rainfall and meadows.

This 16-day Kham Tibet overland tour will take you to explore the some of the highlights of G318 National Highway for the first part, including Wolong Nature Reserve, Jiaju Tibetan village, Gompa monastery etc., and then travel to Zhongdian via Litang and Dechen. Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La located in Yuannan province, is surprisingly wondrous place surrounded by mountains, lakes and grasslands. The tour will end in Zhongdian, where you can take a flight to your next destination.

  • Tour Code: TTO-PT-KT16

  • Trip Level:

  • Tour Type: Private tour with private guide and vehicle

  • Time to Visit:

Highlights:

  • Challenge the wilder yet exotically charming overland route of G317 National Highway.
  • Have a close contact with Giant Pandas at Wolong Nature Reserve.
  • Visit Medor Monastery with unique combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity.
  • Enjoy the famous Litang Horse Festival, one of the largest and most colorful horse festivals throughout the whole Tibet.
  • Take in the impressive view of Gyalthang, the capital of the Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Shangrila).

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu, Guests gathered in Chengdu before departure (500m)

Welcome to Chengdu! Upon arrival, be greeted by our local guide at the airport or train station.

After a group photo at airport, you will board on the coach and transfer to your hotel or have a stroll at the famous Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Wide and Narrow Alley, Jin Li Ancient Street, etc. Around 7 pm, the whole tour group, including Tibetan guide, will enjoy a welcome dinner (traditional Sichuan Cuisine).

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Day 2: Chengdu - Jiaju (330km, 6-7h)

Drive along the Sichuan Tibet Highway (northern route) and make a small detour along this route to Danba via Dujiangyan, Wolong and scenic Four Ladies Mountain. At Wolong Nature Reserve, you can have a close contact with the Giant Pandas.

Danba is a fascinating small but compact town sitting in the canyon dotted with dozens of Qiang and Tibetan villages, along with numerous soaring stone watchtowers perched on the surrounding hills and cliffs. Drive to Jiaju Zangzhai Tibetan village, proclaimed as the best village in China, you can stroll around and meet with local Gyarong Tibetan families and possibly dine with them.

Stay overnight in Jiaju.

Day 3: Danda Tour

Visit and walk in Zhonglu village and Suopo village the next day, where you can have lunch in local Tibetan Inn, and visit the local families to see some of the remarkable Qiang watchtowers of the region, and visit Medor Monastery with unique combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity.

Day 4: Gantze to Daofu

Drive to Ganzi via Daofu and Luhuo. Along the way, pass through spectacular Yak Valley, regarded as the Natural Bonsai Garden, then cross Yala Snow Mountain, Longdeng Grassland, Yuke Grassland and rural farmland sceneries.

Daofu is well-known for its marvelous local houses with impressive interiors, which you will get a better understanding by visiting a local Tibetan family.

Gantze is a buzzing small town populated mostly by Tibetans. You can see low wooden houses sprawling the valley, with vast expanse of farm and grasslands, ringed by Chola mountains. You also can pay a visit to a 540-year-old Garze Gompa monastery near the town, and later stroll around the town.

Stay overnight in Daofu.

Day 5: Gantze to Dege (184 km, 3h)

Drive through vast farmlands, nomadic settlement and arrive in Manigango, a small rural town where you can stop for lunch and then head to Derge. Shortly after leaving Manigango, you will arrive in Yihun Lhatso, a stunning holy alpine lake fed by the glaciers of Chola Mountains.

After visiting the lake, you will traverse across the dramatic Chola (Trola), passing at nearly 5000m with towering snowy peaks. After the pass, descend first through scenery consisting of green vegetations of temperate forests and then through the Derge Canyon, a natural wonder. Free to rest and stroll around in the evening.

Stay overnight in Dege.

Day 6-7: Baiyu Tour

In the morning, visit the famed Derge Parkhang Scripture Printing Monastery, a storehouse of engraved blocks of Tibetan scriptures. The monastery is the storehouse of culture or Tibetan world in many respects.

Then drive for about 5hr along the Jinshajiang River to Baiyu or Paiyul. You can make a turn and take the side-valley road to visit the village of Hepo en-route, which is known for the metal crafts, especially in the art of making knifes, swords and silver bowls.

During the Karthok festival, you can spend a night in the village and reduce one night in Baiyu. During the festival at Baiyu, skipping the visit of Hepo on regular tour, you will have one day to take easy and stroll around in Baiyu, a pleasant town located along the banks of Dingchu River, overlooked by an important Pelyul monastery, straddling the hill dotted with lots of beautiful wooden Tibetan houses.

Stay overnight in Baiyu.

Day 8: Baiyu to Xinlong

Head through the wild of Nyarong, there is a rarely visited region off the main road of eastern Tibet. Nyarong was once known as the home to the feared Khampa brigands, but it is much tamer these days and our destination is the Nyarong town of Xinlong, a medium sized Tibetan town with two major monasteries. One is Yixi Monastery, the largest Bon Sect Monastery in Kham. In the town, you can visit a local Tibetan family and other sites in your available time.

Stay overnight in Xinlong.

Day 9: Xinlong to Litang (152 km, 3h)

Head to Litang. Thousands of yaks, hundreds of nomadic tents, men on horses with rifles strapped to their back can be seen along the road from Xinlong to Litang (4015m), which is one of the world's highest towns, with a “wild west” setting, as Khampas cross eastern Tibet to trade all kinds of goods from sheepskins to yaks to large pieces of turquoise or amber, or even the rare “dzi” beads.

Stay overnight in Litang.

Day 10: Litang Tour

Next day, you will head out to the beautiful Genyen holy mountain area, the home to farming and herding families, and visit the sprawling complex of Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling Monastery locate near the town and was founded in 1580.

In July, you can enjoy the famous Litang Horse Festival, one of the largest and most colorful horse festivals throughout the whole Tibet. Spectacular horse races, galloping riders in full costume, lively competitions between dance troupes are a delight at this festival. It is a great chance to see Khampa men and women dressed in traditional finery.

Stay overnight in Litang.

Day 11: Litang to Xiangcheng (207 km, 4h)

Head to Xiangcheng. After crossing the Bamu mountains, the sights of beautiful villages scatter amongst wheat-field-paddies in the valley ground will appear at once. As you approaching closer, they are quite large, cubicle houses that look like little castles, with white-chalked exterior walls.

Xiangcheng town occupies a high ridge above the river gorge and consists of an old village paired with a modern Chinese downtown. Above the town is large renovated Chaktreng Monastery of Gelukpa sect with great views of the town and the valley below.

Stay overnight in Xiangcheng

Day 12-14: Derong & Dechen

Drive to Derong and Dechen. After saying goodbye to XiangCheng, you will spend a night in small Tibetan town of Derong or Songmai (2800m), situated on the banks of the river. You can see Sun Valley en-route. From Derong town, drive into Yunnan and take a diversion north to Dechen or Deqin (3450m).

The drive is through ever-changing terrain as you dip into the Yangtze Valley and then climb over the Baima Snow Mountain passes and descend again through temperate forests. Explore picturesque villages with strong local traditions and visit an active monastery of Dhodrupling en route.

Day 13, you will take a scenic side trip in the Mekong River watershed to visit Nyithong villages, have lunch at a Tibetan home, and enjoy fabulous views of sacred Mount Khawakarpo (Meili) and Metsomo, the tranquil yet divine consort of Mount Khawakarpo. You’ll have the option to take a short one-hour hike along one of the brooks that feed into the Mekong. If you feel a bit more adventurous, we can arrange a 2-hour pony trek.

Return to Dechen for staying overnight.

Day 15: Zhongdian (Gyalthang)

Rejoin the southern road and drive to Gyalthang, the capital of the Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Shangrila). Stop at Napa Lake and upon arrival in Gyalthang, you will visit Sumtsenling Monastery, founded in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama.

In the evening, you are recommended to take a stroll from your hotel to nearby Tibetan square of shops, restaurants and market square, where you can see the local people gathering for evening circle dancing.

Stay overnight in Zhongdian.

Day 16: Finish this Unforgettable Tour

The driver will transfer you to the airport in time for your flight. Gyalthang is connected by flights to Lhasa and to Kunming, where there are several flights to other destinations.

What’s included?

1. Tibet Entry Permit

2. Comfortable, clean and safe vehicle depending on your group size with reliable local driver;

3. Admission fees of tourist sites listed in the itinerary;

4. Professional English-speaking tour guide;

5.Accommodations depend on your preference. Please tell us your preferred accommodation class when submitting the enquiry, and we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.

6.All meals listed in the itinerary;

7.Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance

What’s excluded?

1. International flight to and out of China;

2. Chinese Visa

3. Domestic flight / train not listed in the itinerary (If you need ticket booking service, please leave your requirements in the Online Inquiry form.)

4.Meals not specified in the itinerary;

5.Tips to driver and tour guide, Tip as you wish

6.Personal expenses, such as laundry, phone call, optional tour activities and so on.

Trip Notes

  • 1. How to Get the Tibet Travel Permit?

    The Tibet Travel Permit is essential for any Tibet tour. We help to obtain this permit free of charge when you book your Tibet tour through us. Simply send us copies of your passport and China visa at least 20 days in advance. Once we receive your documents, we will promptly process the permit application with the Tibet Tourism Bureau. After obtaining your permit, we will notify you and send it to your hotel in mainland China.

    In exceptional cases, our staff can personally deliver the permit to you at the airport or railway station. With years of experience in handling Tibet Travel Permit, we assure you a smooth visit to Tibet by ensuring the acquisition of your permit.

  • 2. Where to Stay in Tibet?

    Accommodation facilities and services in Tibet might not match those found in the coastal and central parts of China. However, there's a diverse range of hotel options available. However, you can choose from a wide range of hotel options. In big cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, from cheap and clean youth hostels to distinct Tibetan-style 3-star and international 5-star luxury hotels, you will find one that suits your interests and budget.

    As you travel to remote areas of Tibet, such as EBC and the Mount Kailash region, the accommodations tend to be more basic. Some may have air-conditioning in the hotel, while others may only offer electric blankets in the guesthouses. Nonetheless, we always handpick cozy and safe accommodations for you along your itinerary in Tibet, ensuring a pleasant night's stay for your Tibet tour.

  • 3. How about the Guiding and Tipping in Tibet?

    Our English-speaking guides are natives of Tibet with good knowledge of Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. Most are trained to offer Western-standard service. Throughout your stay in Tibet, we will monitor your health and provide prompt assistance to you. If you encounter any trouble, please do not hesitate to contact them or our customer service manager.

    Travelers' tipping to Tibetan guides and drivers is seen as extra gratitude for their excellent service, much like what you do in the West. Normally, a tipping amount of 7 USD per day is acceptable. The basic principle is rewarding good service with fair pay.

  • 4. How are the Toilets in Tibet?

    Undoubtedly, for many Western tourists, using toilets in Tibet can be a challenging experience. Therefore, it's advisable to moderate your expectations. If you travel to Lhasa by Tibet train, both western-style and squat toilets are available onboard. Staying in hotels rated above 3 stars in cities like Lhasa and Shigatse ensures access to standard Western flush toilets, eliminating any discomfort.

    However, when visiting attractions like Yamdrok or Namtso or outdoor sites like EBC, you're likely to encounter smelly and unclean pit toilets. It's recommended to carry sufficient toilet paper for such occasions.

  • 5. How is the Weather in Tibet? What to Pack for Visiting Tibet?

    One of the notable weather features on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the significant temperature fluctuation between day and night. In Lhasa, the annual temperatures range from -2℃ to 12℃ (spring), 9℃ to 22℃ (summer), 7℃ to 19℃ (fall), and -7℃ to 9℃ (winter). Ensure proper clothing, such as thermal tops, a fleece jacket, breathable underwear, a down jacket, jeans, a beanie, and other essentials.

    Moreover, essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are crucial to shield yourself from the intense, blinding sunlight of the plateau. Staying hydrated by drinking more water and including vegetables in your diet is advisable to prevent dehydration during your travels in Tibet.

  • 6. How to Prevent from Altitude Sickness in Tibet?

    For first-time visitors to Tibet, whether arriving by flight or train, allowing ample rest is crucial for quick acclimation to the high altitude in Lhasa. Avoid rushing to explore the streets or attractions independently. Walk at a slower pace and refrain from exerting yourself by running or jumping. Spending at least two days in Lhasa before venturing to places like Shigatse or Namtso allows for better acclimatization. If you experience any discomfort, inform your guide, and they will assist you.

  • 7. Are There some Dos and Don'ts while Touring Tibet?

    Photography is generally prohibited in monasteries. If you wish to capture images of Tibetan pilgrims, kindly seek their permission or maintain a considerable distance while taking photos. Swimming and fishing are prohibited in the sacred lakes of Tibet. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics. According to policy, international tourists are not permitted to travel alone in Tibet.

    While navigating Barkhor Street, adhere to the custom of walking clockwise. Refrain from exploring unfamiliar trails. Take proactive steps to preserve Tibet's delicate ecosystem.

    Given that Tibetan Buddhism profoundly influences the lives of Tibetans, always show reverence and respect for their unique customs. If uncertain about any practice, it's advisable to seek guidance from your tour guide before proceeding.

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    Sep 2024 We J
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    We had the best guide ever: thanks Keldor for the effort and for helping us throughout the tour! We could see Everest, Kailash and he also put extra effort to show us best spots and providing amazing pictures. I believe that guides make 90% of the journey and I am glad that we had the chance to visit Tibet with the best people! ...More reviews

    Aug 2024 Maria Elena S
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    My 10 day solo trip with Gonpo(guide) and Tsering(driver) was wonderful. Gonpo was veru accommodating of my medical needs and went the extra mile when it came to showing me spots not on the itinerary, from walks through backstreets and maekets/bazaars...More reviews

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  • Amazing Journey with Tibet Vista

    My friends and I participated in the Mount Kailash tour on July 2 this year. This trip went very smoothly, and I was very lucky to see the full view of Mount Everest and its unparalleled beauty in the setting sun for only one minute...More reviews

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    My trip to Mt. Kailas with Mr. Tenzin Lhasa as our guide was an unforgettable experience. Mr. Tenzin's Lhasa expertise and deep knowledge of the region greatly enriched our journey. His support throughout the trip was exceptional, ensuring that every aspect of our adventure was seamless and enjoyable...More reviews

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