10 Days Ultimate Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour

Welcome to Chengdu!

Upon arrival, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. If you have some free time, consider visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the adorable pandas up close, or explore popular spots like Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Wide and Narrow Alley, and Jin Li Ancient Street.

In the evening, your guide will host a welcome dinner at a selected restaurant, introducing you to your fellow travelers and sharing essential tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Begin your journey by navigating China's intricate highway system, which ascends from Chengdu, at 500 meters above sea level, to Kangding, perched at 2,560 meters. Kangding serves as the gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with the ascent continuing all the way to Lhasa.

In Kangding, you'll cross the impressive Zhedo Mountain Pass, standing at 4,298 meters. This signifies your entry into the vast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, marked by towering peaks, low-hanging clouds, and fluttering prayer flags.

Continuing on, you'll drive through winding roads and clear blue skies towards Xinduqiao Town, the first settlement on the plateau. Here, bustling markets and cozy hotels contrast with snowy meadows and flowing rivers. As sunset approaches, the countryside transforms into a picturesque scene of colorful meadows, traditional Tibetan homes, and lush vegetation bathed in a warm glow.

Finally, you'll reach Yajiang, nestled in a gorge. This lower-altitude area provides a tranquil setting to acclimate to the plateau’s environment and weather amidst the rugged landscape.

Stay overnight in Yajiang.

Special Reminders:
1. Depending on travel time and road conditions, we may choose between two routes: S434 Airport Road (Hong Haizi) or G318 (Zheduo Mountain).

2. To avoid catching a cold and potentially triggering altitude sickness, it is advisable not to bathe for the first three days before entering the plateau.

3. Water and electricity supplies in Tibetan areas can be unreliable, with occasional outages. Please bring wet wipes and a flashlight. Additionally, water temperature for bathing may be unstable, and there could be interruptions. Therefore, bathe quickly and only after fully acclimating to the plateau.

Today, your journey continues along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway!

After breakfast, depart from Yajiang and experience the dramatic 18 Bends of Tianlu, including a passage through the Scissor Bend Tunnel. You'll then cross Kazila Mountain Pass (4,718 meters) and reach Litang, the hometown of Ding Zhen.

Litang, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, was celebrated in poetry by the 6th Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso. This vast Tibetan village cluster, with over 4,000 traditional houses, offers an immersive experience in Tibetan culture and Kham traditions. Visit notable sites such as the 318 Memory Micro-Museum, Kham People Micro-Museum, Renkang Ancient House (home to thirteen esteemed living Buddhas), and the Tsangyang Gyatso Micro-Museum.

Next, explore the Changchun Ke'er Monastery, the largest and oldest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) monastery in Kham, and learn about its storied history.

Continue your journey by crossing the Immeasurable River and Rabbit Mountain Pass (4,696 meters). Traverse Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve (4,500 meters), the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau’s largest ancient glacier site, and marvel at the Daocheng Ancient Ice Cap. Enjoy the Maoya Grassland’s picturesque views, especially beautiful from June to August, when it is adorned with wildflowers, cattle, sheep, and vibrant blossoms like Bangjinmeiduo and Gesang.

Next, pass by the Sister Lakes on Haizi Mountain, two serene blue highland lakes nestled together, offering a tranquil and picturesque sight.

As you travel, you'll soon arrive at the Tsopu Valley Scenic Area in northern Batang County.

Stay overnight in Batang.

Today's journey explores the breathtaking Tsopu Valley, a highlight of G318.

After breakfast, head to Tsopu Valley, renowned for its stunning plateau scenery—snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, lakes, and temples. At the visitor center, transfer to a sightseeing bus for your first stop: Yasuo Monastery, a vibrant Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

Next, visit the Re'keng Hot Springs, famous for its geothermal activity with over 150 outlets. Enjoy hot spring boiled eggs prepared in about 10 minutes.

Then, explore Zhangde Grassland, noted as western Sichuan’s most beautiful high-cold grassland, with views of Mount Zakinjiabo. Continue to Tsopu Lake, known for its sparkling waters and colorful wildflowers in summer.

Afterward, visit Tsopu Monastery, Kangzhula Lake, and Zhima'yong Lake, two striking emerald-green lakes. You might spot marmots and enjoy their natural habitat.

Finally, travel through Zhuba Long, cross the Jinsha River Bridge, enter Tibet, and arrive in Mangkang for the night.

Today, prepare for an exhilarating challenge as you descend through the dramatic 72 Bends of Nujiang.

Begin with a drive to Baxoi, crossing Lawa Mountain (4,358 meters) and Dongda Mountain (5,086 meters). From these passes, enjoy panoramic views of the fiery brown-red river valleys and the G318 highway winding through them.

Continue to Bangda Grassland, where herds of cattle and sheep graze amidst the scenic beauty.

Then, tackle the thrilling 12-kilometer descent from Yela Mountain Pass (4,650 meters) to the Nujiang River (2,800 meters). The 72 Bends, a series of sharp turns resembling a coiling dragon, offer the most thrilling part of G318.

As you move west, snow-capped mountains, forests, and Tibetan villages will gradually appear, leading you to Baxoi for the night.

Special Reminders:
1. Once in Tibet, speed limits will be enforced. Please cooperate with the driver to manage travel times. The journey today is strenuous, so bring snacks and water.

2. On your first day in Nyingchi, take it easy to acclimate to the altitude. Avoid bathing and washing your hair, dress warmly to prevent colds, and save your energy for upcoming travels.

Today, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of eastern Tibet.

Start by visiting Ranwu Lake, known for its beauty with its blue waters and diverse scenery including forests, snow-capped peaks, and serene meadows. It offers a peaceful escape from city life.

Next, explore the Midui Glacier, China’s most beautiful and lowest-altitude glacier. Flowing from 6,800 meters down to 2,400 meters, it creates a breathtaking scene with its surrounding blue lake and lush forests. In autumn, the vibrant colors make it feel like a fairy-tale world. Optionally, you can hike to the glacier’s foot and experience its grandeur up close.

Stay overnight in Bome.

Today, you'll explore the lush forests and majestic peaks of eastern Tibet.

After departing from Bome, you'll journey through dense forests and gaze upon snow-capped mountains that shimmer like diamonds against the clear sky. Your first stop is the hidden Guxiang Lake, followed by a climb to the 4,702-meter Sejila Mountain Pass, where you'll catch a distant view of the striking Namcha Barwa Peak, resembling a majestic spear.

Next, visit the Lulang Forest Viewing Platform for another spectacular view of Namcha Barwa towering above the forest. Continue to the lively Lulang International Tourism Town to enjoy local specialties and explore its tranquil surroundings.

In the evening, arrive in Bayi Town, the bustling hub of eastern Tibet, and savor the famous Stone Pot Chicken.

Stay overnight in Bayi Town.

Today, conclude your eastern Tibet adventure with a visit to the stunning Basum Lake before heading to Lhasa.

After breakfast, explore Basum Lake, revered in Tibetan Buddhism and known for its serene beauty. The lake’s central island, with its ancient Tsozong Gompa Temple, offers a unique spiritual experience.

Next, travel via the expressway to Lhasa, crossing the Nyang River—a highlight of the journey with its ocean-like view.

Arrive in Lhasa, where the Potala Palace signals the end of your overland adventure. Your guide will take you to your hotel to relax and refresh.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tips:
On your first day in Lhasa, acclimate slowly to the high altitude. Avoid bathing or washing your hair, dress warmly, and save your energy for the days ahead.

After breakfast, begin your day with a trip to the magnificent Potala Palace, which offers stunning views of Lhasa. Listen as your guide recounts the histories of the Dalai Lamas and shows you around the palace's many halls and treasures. And then, you’ll participate in the folk activities of the local Tibetan people at the Longwangtan Park near the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the remarkable statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Afterwards, take a walk around Barkhor Street to see the religious customs of the local Tibetans.

Finish your day with a tour to visit a bustling Tibetan tea house in Lhasa to enjoy some sweet tea and learn about Tibetan social customs.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

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.