An 11-Day Panoramic Tour of the Sichuan-Tibet Route

Day 1 – Arrival in Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, a guide well-versed in the culture of Sichuan and Tibet will kick off your exciting journey through the region. Departing from the airport or train station, a private vehicle will take you to a well-equipped hotel in the city center. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the unique scenery of this “Land of Abundance” while listening to the guide’s relaxed commentary on Chengdu’s diverse culture, local characteristics, and authentic cuisine. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You can wander the surrounding streets and alleys, visit city landmarks such as Chunxi Road and the Wide and Narrow Alleys, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle. Along the way, feel free to ask your guide for practical information on popular attractions, local cuisine, and travel tips. Your guide will be happy to offer recommendations and, if needed, assist you in planning your itinerary or ordering meals, ensuring an immersive experience of authentic Sichuan culture.
Meals included: None

Day 2 – Chengdu → Ya’an → Kangding → Xinduqiao
After breakfast, we set off from Chengdu, heading west along the Chengya Expressway. We pass through the Erlang Mountain Tunnel and arrive in Kangding, the “City of Love Songs.” Along the way, you can admire the crystal-clear scenery of the Qingyi River and experience the majesty and grandeur of the Western Sichuan Plateau. In the afternoon, we’ll cross Zheduo Mountain at an elevation of 4,298 meters. This snow-capped mountain pass, hailed as the “First Gateway of Kham,” marks the cultural boundary between Han and Tibetan cultures. We’ll stop here to take photos and capture the breathtaking scene of snow-capped peaks intertwined with prayer flags. Afterward, head to Xinduqiao, known as a “photographer’s paradise.” Here, lush green meadows and babbling streams are interspersed with Tibetan-style dwellings nestled harmoniously in the valley. In the evening, enjoy the pastoral scenery bathed in the afterglow of the sunset and experience the tranquility and healing energy of the western Sichuan plateau.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Xinduqiao → Litang → Batang
After breakfast, we set off from the “Eighteen Bends of the Sky Road,” crossing the 4,718-meter-high Kazi La Pass. Along the way, the scenery gradually shifts from forested meadows to open highland plains. As the altitude rises, the air becomes increasingly thin; it is advisable to bring oxygen cylinders in advance. In the afternoon, we arrive in Litang, known as the “Highest City in the World.” This Tibetan town, situated at an altitude of 4,014 meters, is one of the birthplaces of Kangba culture. Take a stroll through the ancient town of Letong to admire the unique charm of the “Thousand-Household Tibetan Village” and experience the local Tibetan culture. Later, we cross the Maoya Grasslands, where lush green grass and herds of cattle and sheep create a scene reminiscent of a living, breathing grassland painting. After the tour, proceed to Batang County and check into the hotel to rest.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Batang → Mangkang → Zogang
After breakfast, we set off from Batang, cross the Jinsha River Bridge, and officially enter Tibet. Along the way, we’ll admire the magnificent scenery of the Jinsha River Gorge and experience the geographical wonders at the border between Sichuan and Tibet. In the afternoon, we arrive in Mangkon County, the junction of the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway and the Yunnan-Tibet Highway. Here, we’ll visit the ancient salt fields of Mangkon to witness the traditional salt-drying techniques that have been practiced for thousands of years and experience the unique Tibetan culture. We then crossed the Dongda Pass at an altitude of 5,130 meters. This snow-capped mountain pass, hailed as the “most perilous stretch of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway,” is a must-stop for photos to capture the breathtaking interplay of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. After exploring, we proceeded to Zogang County and checked into our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 – Zogang → Bangda Grassland → Ranwu
After breakfast, we head to Bangda Grassland, the largest grassland along the southern Sichuan-Tibet route. With its gentle, open terrain, lush green grass, and meandering streams, the area is dotted with herds of cattle and sheep, creating a serene pastoral scene. Stroll along the grassland boardwalk to experience the vastness and tranquility of the high-altitude grasslands—every snapshot you take will be a soothing masterpiece. In the afternoon, we head to Ranwu Lake, a high-altitude lake hailed as the “Pearl of the Sichuan-Tibet Region.” The lake’s waters shift in color with the seasons. In spring, as the snow and ice melt, the water turns a deep, clear blue, creating a striking contrast with the distant snow-capped mountains and nearby meadows—a scene that resembles a living, breathing natural oil painting. Driving along the lakeside road, you can pull over at any time to capture the breathtaking view of the sacred lake and snow-capped mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Ranwu → Lagu Glacier → Bomi
After breakfast, we head to Lagu Glacier, the largest and widest known glacier in Tibet. Its massive ice tongue cascades down from the mountain peaks, glistening silver-white in the sunlight. Experience the glacier’s grandeur and austerity up close, stroll along its edge, touch the millennia-old ice, and marvel at nature’s masterful craftsmanship. After exploring, we’ll drive along the Palong Tsangpo River, taking in the scenic views of the forested canyons of southeastern Tibet. Upon arrival in Bomi County, we’ll check into our hotel. Known as the “Home of Glaciers,” Bomi is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests, with fresh, invigorating air that makes it a natural oxygen-rich haven on the plateau.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Bomi → Gangyun Spruce Forest → Lulang Town → Lulang Forest Sea → Nyingchi
After breakfast, we head to the Gangyun Spruce Forest, a primeval forest renowned as one of “China’s Ten Most Beautiful Forests.” Here, towering spruce trees reach into the clouds, casting a dense canopy that blocks out the sun, while babbling streams and moss-covered ground create a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Stroll along the forest boardwalk, breathe in the fresh forest air, and feel the tranquility and healing power of nature. In the afternoon, we head to Lulang Town, known as the “Switzerland of the East.” Here, Tibetan-style dwellings are arranged in a picturesque layout, and lakes, meadows, forests, and snow-capped mountains blend perfectly, creating a scene reminiscent of an idyllic landscape painting. Afterward, head to the Lulang Forest Sea, where dense spruce forests meet alpine meadows. Herds of cattle and sheep graze amidst the babbling streams. Climb to a vantage point to admire the breathtaking scenery where the forest sea meets the snow-capped peaks. After the tour, proceed to Nyingchi city center and check into your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 – Nyingchi → Lake Basum Tso & Central Island → Lhasa
After breakfast, we head to Lake Basum Tso, an iconic attraction in Nyingchi—known as the “Southeast of Tibet.” This alpine lake, whose name means “green water” in Tibetan, features emerald-green, crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The historic Tsongkhapa Monastery on the central island harmoniously complements the lake’s scenery and the surrounding mountains. We’ll take a boat to the island and stroll along its boardwalk, admiring the breathtaking scenery where snow-capped mountains, forests, and the lake intertwine, and experiencing the tranquility and sacredness of this high-altitude lake. After exploring, we’ll drive back to Lhasa along the Lin-La Expressway, once again enjoying the clear waters of the Nyang River and the serene views of Tibetan villages along the way. Upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel to rest and recover from the journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Lhasa → Potala Palace → Jokhang Temple → Barkhor Street
After breakfast, we head to the Potala Palace, a landmark of Tibet. This magnificent palace, perched on Red Hill, is a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism and a symbol of Tibet’s history and culture. As we climb the steps and enter the palace, we admire the exquisite murals, Buddhist statues, and stupas, listen to the guide recount the historical tale of Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo, and experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Tibetan architecture and the solemn sanctity of religion. Next, we head to the Jokhang Temple, considered the “center of the universe” by Tibetan Buddhists. Inside, a life-size golden statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha is enshrined, and the air is filled with the scent of incense, reflecting the deep devotion and faith of the faithful. After the tour, take a stroll along Barkhor Street, a millennium-old pilgrimage route lined with numerous Tibetan shops and handicraft workshops. Here, you can purchase unique souvenirs and experience the vibrant local life and cultural heritage of Lhasa.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Lhasa → Gamba La Pass → Yamdrok Lake → Lhasa
After breakfast, we’ll cross the Gamba La Pass at an elevation of 4,990 meters. This is a prime spot to gaze out over Yamdrok Lake; we’ll stop here to take photos and capture the breathtaking view of the sacred lake against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. We then head to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. The lake’s waters shimmer with dreamlike hues of blue and green as the light shifts, resembling a giant piece of turquoise set amidst the valley. Driving along the lakeside road, every turn reveals breathtaking scenery. You can pull over to stroll along the shore and experience the lake’s clarity and serenity up close. After exploring, we return to Lhasa and check into our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 – Departure from Lhasa, End of the Tour
After checking out, your tour guide will accompany you to the airport or train station, where you will board your return flight or train, bringing this majestic and rejuvenating panoramic tour of the Sichuan-Tibet region to a close as you bid farewell to the magnificent beauty of Tibet.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel Tips

We are committed to ensuring that every journey you take is efficient and fulfilling. If you need help planning your next trip, we are always available to provide professional assistance. With our nationwide service network, we can take care of all the details for you, including booking trains and flights departing from Lhasa, Chengdu, or any other city in China. Please note: Fees may apply for these services at our discretion. The Sichuan-Tibet route spans a wide range of altitudes. Upon first arriving at high altitudes, please avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water, and bring items to help prevent altitude sickness, such as Rhodiola rosea and oxygen cylinders. UV rays are strong at high altitudes, so please take measures to protect yourself from the sun and stay warm by bringing gear such as a windbreaker, hat, and sunglasses. Please respect local religious beliefs and customs; do not touch Buddhist statues or prayer wheels without permission, and do not take photos of local residents without their consent.