7 Days World-Class Overland: Chengdu to Lhasa via G318 Highway

Travel from Chengdu to Kangding at 2560 meters above sea level, moving from flat lands to a higher plateau. See the first tall snowy mountains over 4000 meters, marking the start of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Pass Tibetan villages and old watchtowers before reaching Xinduqiao Town, the first highland stop.

The 450-kilometer trip from Chengdu to Xinduqiao combines highways and pretty country roads, taking just 3 hours. It swiftly moves us from the 500-meter plains to snowy mountains and scenic Tibetan villages near the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in a canyon area. Xinduqiao is our first stop, the entrance to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. On the way, catch sight of the famous Four Sisters Mountain in the western Sichuan Plateau, with peaks at 5025, 5276, 5355, and 6250 meters.

This area has lots of Tibetan villages, where many Tibetan people live. Their homes are built in Tibetan styles. Danba County, called the Valley of Beauties, is famous for its villages with watchtowers and beautiful Tibetan girls.

By late afternoon, as you near Xinduqiao, the way light and shadow play on the calm villages, green fields, tall bushes, and rivers turn Xinduqiao into a colorful, dreamy place.

Stay overnight in Xinduqiao.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Xinduqiao

Starting from Xinduqiao Town, we'll go to Litang, which sits at a towering 4015 meters above sea level. We'll pass through the expansive Maoya Grassland and reach Batang County at 2575 meters. Staying at this lower altitude is good for getting used to the high plateau if you've just arrived there.

Batang is known for its beautiful Maoya Grassland. 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.

On our way, we'll visit Ke'er Monastery, also called Litang Monastery. It was set up in 1580 by the Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso. This monastery belongs to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is the oldest and largest one in the historical Kham region. It's huge, covering an area of over 500 acres, and about a thousand monks practice there.

Stay overnight in Batang.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Batang

Meal:

Breakfast | Dinner

Today's journey will take you deep into the rugged mountains and canyons along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, allowing you to witness the magnificent spectacle of the roaring Jinsha River, Lancang River, and Nu River cascading down.

As the new day begins, accompanied by your guide and driver, you'll drive towards Zogang. Along the way, you'll traverse the most spectacular canyon region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau - the Three Rivers Confluence. The towering grandeur of this canyon is profound and vast, where the Jinsha River, Lancang River, and Nu River run side by side within a 300-kilometer area, rushing like fierce beasts breaking free from the confines of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's deep mountain canyons. These three great rivers meander through the canyon before eventually flowing down as the mother river nurturing Chinese civilization - the Yangtze River.

After navigating through the treacherous canyon, you'll head westward, crossing the 4358-meter-high Lawu Mountain and the towering 5086-meter-high Dongda Mountain. Standing at the mountain pass and gazing into the distance, you'll see the reddish-brown arid valleys you've passed through, resembling burning flames, while the G318 National Highway winds like two bright ribbons amidst the myriad of mountains and valleys.

Stay overnight in Zogang.

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 | Dinner

Today marks the final leg of your journey through eastern Tibet. You'll drive via the expressway linking Lhasa and Bayi toward the sacred city of Lhasa.

On the way, you will make a short visit to the 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.

As we continue on the expressway to Lhasa, 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 seven days. The sacred city of Lhasa welcomes your arrival!

Complete your tour in Lhasa. If you wish to explore further into Tibet, such as Mt. Everest, Shigatse, or Mt. Kailash, let us know. We offer fantastic tours to various destinations in Tibet that begin from Lhasa.

Meal:

Breakfast