10 Days Ultimate Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour

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

Start your journey by exploring China's complex highway system. It winds through mountains and over bridges, slowly going up from Chengdu, which is 500 meters above sea level, to Kangding. Kangding is served as the entrance to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and sits at a stunning altitude of 2560 meters. This incredible ascent continues all the way to Lhasa in Tibet.

Once we arrive in Kangding, we pass through the towering Zhedo Mountain Pass, which stands tall at an elevation of 4298 meters. This marks our entry into the vast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Surrounded by lofty peaks and clouds below, fluttering prayer flags confirm our arrival on this high plateau.

Continuing our journey, we encounter winding roads and clear blue skies as we head towards Xinduqiao Town, the first settlement on the plateau. Here, bustling markets and comfortable hotels contrast with snowy meadows and flowing rivers. As the sun sets, the countryside is bathed in a warm glow, creating a picturesque scene of colorful meadows, traditional Tibetan homes, and lush bushes blending harmoniously in the light and shade.

Next, we reach Yajiang, nestled in a gorge. Its lower terrain provides a perfect place to adjust to the plateau's environment and weather, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the rugged landscape.

Special Reminders:
1) Depending on the travel time and road conditions, we will choose between two routes: S434 Airport Road (Hong Haizi) or G318 (Zheduo Mountain).
2) It is recommended not to bathe for the first three days before entering the plateau to avoid catching a cold, which may trigger altitude sickness.
3) Water and electricity supplies in Tibetan areas can be insufficient, leading to occasional outages. Please bring wet wipes and a flashlight. Additionally, the water temperature for bathing might be unstable, or water might be cut off during a bath. Therefore, it's best to bathe quickly and wait until you have fully adapted to the plateau.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Yajiang

Meal:

Breakfast

Today, you will continue your journey along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway!

After breakfast, depart from Yajiang and admire the steep 18 Bends of Tianlu along the way, passing through the Scissor Bend Tunnel. Then, cross the Kazila Mountain Pass (elevation 4,718 meters) to arrive at Litang, the hometown of Ding Zhen.

Litang boasts stunning scenery, famously yearned for by the 6th Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso in his poetry. This is the largest traditional Tibetan village cluster in the world, with over 4,000 traditional Tibetan houses, making it an ideal place to explore Tibetan culture and Kham traditions. With a tour guide, you can visit the 318 Memory Micro-Museum, Kham People Micro-Museum, Renkang Ancient House (which has produced thirteen highly respected living Buddhas), and the Tsangyang Gyatso Micro-Museum.

Next, visit the largest and oldest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Kham, Changchun Ke'er Monastery, and listen to its legendary stories.

After touring, continue your journey, crossing the Immeasurable River and the Rabbit Mountain Pass (elevation 4,696 meters). Pass through Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve (elevation 4,500 meters), the largest ancient glacier site on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and home to the Daocheng Ancient Ice Cap. Enjoy the music in the car while admiring the Maoya Grassland's scenery. The grassland is at its most beautiful from June to August, with wildflowers blooming across the vast expanse, cattle and sheep scattered around, and countless vibrant flowers like Bangjinmeiduo and Gesang blossoms creating a sea of flowers.

Next, pass the Sister Lakes on Haizi Mountain. These two clear, blue highland lakes sit closely together, radiating a serene beauty in their breath. They are like jewels set in the desolate mountain plains, or like God's tears fallen to earth, pure and lovely.

Traveling and enjoying the scenery along the way, you will soon arrive at the Tsopu Valley Scenic Area in the northern part of Batang County.

Stay overnight in Batang.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Batang

Meal:

Breakfast

Today’s journey will take you to explore one of the most beautiful spots along G318—Tsopu Valley.

After breakfast, head to the world-renowned Tsopu Valley, one of the most beautiful scenic areas on G318. This area encapsulates the stunning beauty of the plateau, with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, lakes, and temples.

Upon arriving at the scenic area, transfer to the sightseeing bus at the visitor center. Your first stop will be Yasuo Monastery, a Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist monastery nestled among green mountains and waters, its red buildings standing out brightly. Next, you will visit the Re'keng Hot Springs, home to the renowned Chaluo Re'keng Hot Springs group, the crown jewel of Sichuan's geothermal resources, with over 150 gas and hot spring outlets reaching temperatures above 85°C. Here, you can enjoy delicious hot spring boiled eggs in about 10 minutes.

The next stop is the Zhangde Grassland, praised by "China National Geography" as the most beautiful high-cold grassland in western Sichuan. In the distance, you can see the majestic Mount Zakinjiabo. Afterward, you will arrive at the first holy lake of Kham—Tsopu Lake. The lake’s sparkling surface and the colorful wildflowers blooming along its shores in the summer will leave you enchanted.

Following this, visit Tsopu Monastery, Kangzhula Lake, and Zhima'yong Lake, a pair of emerald green lakes that are the highlights of Tsopu Valley. While exploring the scenic area, you might even encounter adorable marmots and enjoy close interactions with them, experiencing the harmony between humans and nature.

After leaving the scenic area, travel through Zhuba Long, cross the Jinsha River Bridge, enter the Tibet border, and finally reach your destination for the night—Mangkang.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Mangkang

Meal:

Breakfast

Today, you'll face an exhilarating challenge with a rapid descent through the most spectacular and thrilling section of the entire journey—the 72 Bends of Nujiang.

The new day begins with a drive to Baxoi, accompanied by your guide and driver. You'll cross over Lawa Mountain at an elevation of 4,358 meters and Dongda Mountain, which exceeds 5,086 meters. From the mountain passes, you'll have a panoramic view of the brown-red hot dry river valleys you’ve traversed, resembling burning flames, with the Sichuan-Tibet Highway G318 like two shimmering ribbons weaving through the mountains.

Continue westward to reach the Bangda Grassland. Here, herds of cattle and sheep leisurely graze across the vast expanse, showcasing the picturesque pastoral scenery once again.

Next, you'll encounter an exciting challenge: a rapid descent over just 12 kilometers from the Yela Mountain Pass at 4,650 meters down to the Nujiang River at 2,800 meters. This section, known as the "72 Bends of Nujiang," is the most thrilling stretch of G318. Standing atop the mountain and looking down, the winding road resembles a giant coiling dragon, making numerous 180-degree turns before finally reaching the river, with no end in sight.

Continuing westward, snow-capped mountains, forests, and Tibetan villages gradually come into view, bringing you into the idyllic scenery of eastern Tibet.

Finally, you will reach your destination for the night—Baxoi.

Special Reminders:
1) After officially entering Tibet, there will be enforced speed limits, so please cooperate with the driver to manage travel times. Today's journey is quite strenuous, so be prepared and bring snacks and drinking water.
2) On the first day after arriving in Nyingchi, it is advisable to walk slowly and take it easy, allowing your body to gradually adapt to the high altitude. Try to avoid bathing and washing your hair, add layers to prevent catching a cold, and conserve your energy for the upcoming travels.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Baxoi

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 travel to 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

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

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