15 Days Chengdu Lhasa Shigatse Overland Tour via G318 National Highway

Welcome to Chengdu!

Upon your arrival in Chengdu, our staff will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the city. If you have some free time, consider visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to get up close with the adorable pandas. Alternatively, you can explore popular attractions such as Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Wide and Narrow Alley, Jin Li Ancient Street, etc.

In the evening, your guide will host a welcoming dinner at a carefully selected restaurant. During this time, the guide will introduce your travel companions and share important travel tips to ensure a pleasant and smooth journey.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Chengdu

Meal:

Welcoming dinner

Today, you will begin an exciting journey along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway! Departing from Chengdu, you'll head to Kangding, situated at an altitude of 2560 meters, enjoying the stunning landscapes from plains to plateaus.

After breakfast, begin the 300-kilometer road trip, a 3-hour journey that traverses through the Chengdu Plain, ultimately arriving at Kangding, located on the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Surrounded by mountains and valleys, this city has historically thrived, serving as important town on Ancient Tea-Horse Road and the significant gateway for trade between Tibetan and Han Chinese merchants.

Upon arrival in Kangding, your guide will take you to the first stop of the journey - Mugecuo (Kangding Love Song Resort). The Mugecuo Scenic Area is characterized by highland lakes, pristine forests, hot springs, snow-capped peaks, unique rock formations, and the 8-kilometer-long Waterfall Canyon, crafting a splendid and colorful landscape.

After the visit, your guide will accompany you back to Kangding County.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Kangding

Meal:

Breakfast

Today, you will cross the first high mountain on your journey to Tibet—the Zheduo Mountain, and pass through the picturesque photography haven of Xinduqiao.

In the morning, departing from Kangding County, you'll arrive at the first gateway to Kham, the Zheduo Mountain (4962 meters). Here, the scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau unfolds before your eyes—Tibetan villages, grasslands, yaks, blue skies, white clouds, streams, and poplar trees—all breathtakingly beautiful.

After crossing Zheduo Mountain and continuing westward, you'll reach Xinduqiao (3460 meters). This tranquil village with its meandering streams, vibrant traditional Tibetan folk houses, fragrant alpine meadows, feels like a glimpse into an idyllic countryside, evoking a sense of being in a dreamy homeland. Xinduqiao is highly sought after by photographers, serving as a paradise for capturing serene rural landscapes. Especially in autumn, the alpine meadows and trees exhibit a rich spectrum of colors, turning Xinduqiao into a series of vivid paintings.

As night falls, you'll arrive at Yajiang County.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Yajiang

Meal:

Breakfast | Dinner

Today, you'll set off for what is acclaimed as the "Last Shangri-La on Earth" - Daocheng Yading.

After breakfast, your guide will lead you on a journey from Yajiang towards the town of Daocheng Yading. Along the way, you'll traverse the Kazila Mountain (4718 meters) and reach the world's highest city, Litang(4014 meters), also the hometown of the 7th Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso.

In Litang County, you'll notice streetlights and portraits shaped like cranes scattered around. Arriving in Litang feels like being visited by cranes, bestowing blessings from the Buddha in the hometown of the 7th Dalai Lama.

After Litang, you'll arrive at Haizi Mountain(4500 meters). This location hosts the largest ancient glacial remains on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, consisting of 1145 lakes of varying sizes. At first glance, these lakes, big and small, appear like diamonds scattered by the hands of a careless deity across the plateau, prompting awe at nature's exquisite craftsmanship.

Subsequently, you'll journey through Chitu River Valley and tranquil Tibetan-style villages, finally reaching your destination for the day - Shangri-La Town.

Stay overnight in Shangri-La Town.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Shangri-La Town

Meal:

Breakfast

Today, you'll immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Daocheng Yading.

After breakfast, accompanied by a guide, you'll board the sightseeing bus to venture deep into the heart of Daocheng Yading - Chonggu Temple. Here, you'll gaze upon the 6032-meter-high Xiannairi Mountain. Below the snow-capped peaks, grasslands, forests, murmuring streams, colorful prayer flags, and mani stones form a dreamlike scene.

Later, aboard the scenic area's sightseeing bus again or optionally trekking for three hours, you'll reach Luorong Cattle Farm, encountering two other sacred mountains of Daocheng Yading - Xianuo Duoji Mountain (also known as Mt. Chenadorje) and Yangmaiyong Mountain.

Stay overnight in Shangri-La Town.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Shangri-La Town

Meal:

Breakfast

After enjoying the splendid scenery of Daocheng Yading, today you'll immerse yourself in the embrace of Maoya Prairie in Litang.

In the morning, you'll return from Daocheng Yading to Litang by car. During the return journey, you'll once again appreciate Haizi Mountain. Subsequently, you'll arrive at today's destination, Batang (2560 meters).

Upon reaching Batang, you'll head to Maoya Prairie. This vast grassland is surrounded by mountains, resembling an endless blue sea, adorned with tents emitting wisps of cooking smoke. Cattle and sheep leisurely roam across the lush grassland. If you're fortunate, you might catch sight of wild animals like antelopes, yellow ducks, and marmots. Here, you'll experience the vastness of the plateau and the vitality of life, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

Stay overnight in Batang.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Batang

Meal:

Breakfast

Following a wide valley, you will move into Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon. The canyon and its surroundings form an earthly paradise, where you can see raging torrent, gushing waterfalls one after another. After that, heading to the lush Lulang Forest. Noted for Switzerland Scene of Tibet, Nyingchi Lulang Forest has typical alpine scenery depicting authentic rural scenery of snow-caped forest nature. Here, you can can visit the Zhaxigang Village, the iconic Tibetan village in Lulang, enjoy the local famous Lulang Stone Chicken and other local snacks.

Standing at the viewing platform of Lulang, You will enjoy the stunning panorama views of Mt. Namjagbarwa (7782m). We will have a short stay at the Sejila Mountain Pass (4728m), where you can view the colorful leaves on the mountain in autumn. After that, we will move westwards to Nyinchi, the biggest city in eastern Tibet.

Stay overnight in Nyingchi.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Zogang

Meal:

Breakfast

Today, get ready for an exhilarating, rapid descent challenge through one of the most spectacular and thrilling mountain roads—the Nu River 72 Turns.

After breakfast, you'll depart from Zogang, heading westward to reach another grassland wetland area—Bangda Grassland. Here, herds of cattle and sheep leisurely graze on the expansive grasslands, offering a picturesque pastoral scene.

Next, brace yourself for an exciting challenge: within just 12 kilometers, descend rapidly from the 4650-meter Yela Mountain Pass to the 2800-meter elevation at the banks of the Nu River. This stretch known as the "Nu River 72 Turns" is the most thrilling section along the G318 route. Standing atop the mountain, the winding road resembles a twisting dragon, with countless hairpin turns of 180 degrees before reaching the riverbank, seemingly endless as it stretches away.

Continuing westward, snow-capped mountains, forests, and Tibetan villages gradually come into view, guiding you through the pastoral landscapes of eastern Tibet.

Finally, you'll arrive at tonight's destination—the captivating Ranwu Lake, one of the most charming lakes in eastern Tibet, where you'll conclude today's journey.

Stay overnight by the lake.

Accmodation:

Overnight by Ranwu Lake

Meal:

Breakfast

Today, immerse yourself entirely in the poetic and picturesque landscapes of eastern Tibet, enjoying the snow-capped mountains along the lake shore, serene grasslands, and exploring the hidden glaciers within the forests of eastern Tibet.

In the morning, you'll visit Ranwu Lake (also known as Rakwa Tso), renowned as the most beautiful lake in eastern Tibet. The elongated blue waters and over 20 kilometers of shoreline gradually lead you through forests, snow-capped peaks, flower-filled meadows, serene Tibetan pastoral scenes, and villages. This place feels like a serene and peaceful haven amidst the bustle of city life.

Next, your guide will take you to another hidden gem in eastern Tibet—the Midui Glacier. Celebrated as China's most beautiful glacier, it's also the world's lowest-altitude glacier. Like an elusive elf in the mountains, the glacier flows down from an elevation of 6800 meters, reaching down to its tongue at about 2400 meters near the lake surface. Dense forests, the blue lake, and the pristine white glacier create a dreamlike, Edenic landscape.

Especially during deep autumn, the vibrant forest colors turn this secret haven into a fairy-tale world, utterly enchanting. If you wish, you can even choose to hike to the foot of the glacier, touching its colossal tongue.

Stay overnight in Bome.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Bome

Meal:

Breakfast

Today, you'll venture into the lush forested areas of Tibet, navigating through vibrant green forests.

In the morning, you'll depart from Bome, continuing your journey eastward. The snow-capped mountains ahead become even more enchanting, and the forests denser. These snow peaks seem like diamonds embedded in the clear sky, an overwhelming sight. Below the snow-capped mountains lie vast forests, with wisps of white clouds floating between the mountains and forests.

Soon, you'll arrive at the secluded Guxiang Lake hidden within the forest, and ascend to the 4702-meter Sejila Mountain Pass, offering a distant view of the famous eastern Himalayan snow peak—the Namcha Barwa Peak. Towering into the sky, Namcha Barwa appears like a majestic spear, its snowy peak sparkling like diamonds against the blue sky.

Continuing, you'll reach the second viewpoint for admiring Namcha Barwa—the Lulang Forest Viewing Platform. Here, you'll once again witness the breathtaking sight of Namcha Barwa towering above the vast forest.

After experiencing the visual feast brought by the snow-capped mountains and forests, you'll arrive at the bustling Lulang International Tourism Town. Here, indulge in the local delicacies of Lulang Forest and stroll around the town, embracing its tranquil atmosphere.

In the evening, you'll reach the vibrant Bayi Town, the most prosperous town in eastern Tibet. Here, you'll have the chance to taste the renowned Stone Pot Chicken, a specialty of Nyingchi.

Stay overnight in Nyiching City (Bayi Town).

Accmodation:

Overnight in Bayi town

Meal:

Breakfast

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Today marks the final leg of your journey through eastern Tibet as you visit the stunning Basum Lake before continuing by car to the sacred city of Lhasa.

After breakfast, your guide will lead you to explore Basum Lake. Unlike other lakes in Tibet, Basum Lake holds sacred significance in the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Its central island resembles a tranquil water garden surrounded by azure waters, ancient trees shading temples—a unique sight distinct from other temples and landmarks along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Here, you'll visit the millennium-old Tsozong Gompa Temple on the island, experiencing its ancient and profound religious culture.

Next, you'll drive via the expressway linking Lhasa and Bayi toward the sacred city of Lhasa. Along the way, there's a segment crossing the Nyang River that might give you a surreal sensation of speeding over a blue ocean.

Spotting the majestic Potala Palace signifies the end of your adventurous journey through the Sichuan-Tibet Highway of over ten days. The sacred city of Lhasa welcomes your arrival!

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for check-in, allowing you to rest and rejuvenate after this extensive journey.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tips:
On your first day in Lhasa, it's advisable to take it easy, allowing your body to acclimate slowly to the high altitude. Try to avoid bathing or washing your hair, add layers of clothing to prevent catching a cold, and conserve your energy for the upcoming travels.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, where you'll stand atop its heights and gaze down upon the city of Lhasa. Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls.

Once you've explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences.

In the afternoon, you'll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple—the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs.

Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast

After exploring Lhasa, you'll travel overland to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Along the way, immerse yourself in Tibet's splendid scenery and discover the leisurely lives of local villagers.

The first stop will be at Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. This stunning lake unveils its beauty from the Gambala Mountain Pass (4790m), curving like a blue ribbon, while the towering Mt. Noijin Kangsang (7191m) can be seen in the distance. As you descend to the lakeshore, explore various viewpoints offering intimate encounters with the lake's shoreline. Towards the lake's end, you'll have the opportunity to visit a welcoming local family in the village and have lunch with them.

Next, you'll pass by the Karola Glacier (5100m). Positioned right by the roadside, it resembles a serene maiden grooming herself while gazing from afar at the majestic snow-capped mountains.

Continuing your journey towards Gyantse, you'll make a stop at Simila Mountain Pass. Here, you can hang prayer flags, offering prayers for global peace and the well-being of your loved ones.

Upon arrival in Gyantse, seize the opportunity to capture memorable photos of the ancient city. En route from Gyantse to Shigatse, you will witness vast stretches of lush green barley fields (in summer) and golden fields (in autumn), alongside numerous farms.

Finally, upon reaching Shigatse and checking into the hotel, take a moment to relax and prepare for the upcoming trip to Mount Everest the following day.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Shigatse

Meal:

Breakfast | Lunch

In the morning, you will explore the residence of the Panchen Lama, Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is also the largest monastery in Shigatse. This expansive monastery occupies the hillside, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha, serving as the spiritual heart of Shigatse. You can see monks, wearing yellow hats and red robes, walking through the temple. If you are lucky, you will also see a Dharma ceremony held in the temple.

Then, you will journey back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, revered as the Mother River of Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast

Today your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight or train details in advance with your guide. The tour ends.

Meal:

Breakfast