G318 Sichuan-Tibet (Chengdu to Lhasa) Overland Group Tour

Itinerary Details

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  Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu, Guests gathered in Chengdu before departure (500m)

  Activity: Picked up from Chengdu Airport
  Meals: Dinner
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Chengdu

  Pick up tourists at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and escort them to hotels. For the rest of the day, you may have a good rest at hotel or stroll leisurely yourself at Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Broad and Narrow Alley, Jin Li Ancient Street, etc.

  At around 7pm, the whole tour group, including Tibetan guide, will enjoy a welcome dinner (traditional Sichuan Cuisine). After dinner, the guide will give a briefing about the tour itinerary and dos and don’ts during the tour.

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  Day 2: Chengdu - Kangding - Xinduqiao (410km,10hrs)

  Attractions: Zheduo Mountain, Xinduqiao
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Xinduqiao

  At 7am, we are expected to take tour vehicle from Chengdu to Xinduqiao via Ya’an. As we travel against the flow of Dadu River, upper reaches of Yangtze River, you will pass the first soaring peak on Tibetan Plateau, i.e. Zheduo Mountain (mountain pass 4298m). Instantly, the entire scenery starts to invite you in. Upon seeing exotic Tibetan villages, lush pastures, and grazing yaks, bobbling brooks and fluffy clouds over deep blue sky, you find it hard to move your eyes away from the windows of tour vehicle. Keep heading west, after winding roads, we finally end up in Xinduqiao, known as a paradise for photography.

  

  Kangding

  

  Zheduo Mountain
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  Day 3: Xinduqiao - Litang - Batang (400km,7hrs)

  Attractions: Yalong River, Ke’er monastery, Haizishan Mountain
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Batang

  Xinduqiao wakes up in soft and tender sunlight in the early morning. And its big name as a heaven for photography will never let you down. Accompanied by picturesque small bridges, peaceful local villages and exotic Tibetan houses, and yellow poplar trees, we move westward towards to raging valley of Yalong River and exuberant forest.

  On the way, we will pass famous Yajiang and finally reach Litang, a city on Qinghai-Tibetan plateau with an altitude of 4000m. Litang is a natural grassland on the plateau. Grazing yaks, sheep and nomad’s tents dotted across the massive pasture are the most common scene. If you come in summer, you will be greeted by the waves of blossoming flowers.

  Besides, another star attraction in Litang is Ke’er monastery, a prestigious Gelugpa Monastery on this lively pasture. The entire monastery is built along the mountain, with varied heights. Adorned with gilded frame, the highest temple of it is instantly recognizable at a great distance. Then after visiting Litang, the whole team travel through Haizishan Mountain (4700m) and venture into menacing valley regions and at night we should make it to Batang County.

  

  Litang

  

  Haizishan Mountain
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  Day 4: Batang - Mangkam - Zogong (260km,8hrs)

  Attractions: Jinsha River (upper reaches of Yangtze River), Lawu Mountain, Dongda Mountain 
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Zogong

  Today, we officially enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. As wide as 300 sq km, our tour vehicle will move in regions where Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nu River flow paralleled. The three renowned rivers share the same source originating from rivers of Tanggula Mountains on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As the relentless torrent pounds jagged mountain in deep valley, you can hear the roaring sound of nature. Undoubtedly, this part of the road is also the most difficult one.

  Without any hesitation, we keep travelling westward and pass Lawu Mountain (4358m) and Dongda Mountain (5008m). Standing atop of lofty mountainpasses, covered with snow, you can enjoy the spectacular vista of zigzag Sichuan-Tibet highway and incredible Lancang River crawling through mountainous ranges. Surprisingly, hardly can you find vegetation at the lower part of the valley. Flanked by rugged mountains, the brown river flows afar like a blazing fire, which makes one of the highlights of entire road trip. At night, the whole team will reach the city of Zogong. Stay overnight in Zogong.

  

  Batang

  

  Enjoy the scenery along Sichuan-Tibet Highway G318
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  Day 5: Zogong - Rakwa Tso (295km,6hrs)

  Attractions: Bangda Grassland, Yela mountain (Nu River Mountain), Seventy-two Bends
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Rakwa Tso

  As we hit the road from Zogong, our next destination would be Bangda Grasssland, the most importantnatural pasture in eastern Tibet. The gentle river and boundless grassland are home to flocks of sturdy yaks, horses, and sheep and other wild life. The vibrant grass and other little known flowers and bushes rule this enchanting place. They provide ample food for animal husbandry and Tibetan nomads.

  After a brief tour in enchanting Bangda Grassland, our team is expected to travel across Yela Mountain (4839m), the most dangerous natural barrieron Hengduan Mountain Range. Then we will move downward by following famous Seventy-two Bends till the shore of Nu River. The snow-blanketed mountains range stretches into infinite vista.

  Further moving westward, we begin to be surrounded by soaring snow mountains, pristine forest and idyllic Tibetan villages. All of sudden, you realize we are now in a world of forest where the sheer drop of altitude would reach 2500m. And that leads to huge temperature change (up to 20℃) from mountain pass to the bottom of valley. You can experience 4 seasons in a single day. At night, we will arrive at Rakwa Tso.

  

  Bangda Grasssland

  

  Nujiang Seventy-two Bends
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  Day 6: Rakwa Tso - Bomi (137km,3hrs)

  Attractions: Rakwa Tso, Midui Glacier
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Bomi

  Serving as the source of Parlung Tsangpo Lake, Rakwa Tso is a typical seasonal glacial lake in Chamdo. The narrow strip of river stretches westward for about 10kmand slowly winds up in a giant canyon. In the foreground are the lovely Tibetan villages; as you look further, the shimmering light of Rakwa Tso displays irresistible beauty; while the glacial valley, and snow-capped peaks and primeval forests loom afar in the background. What a feast to your eyes!

  As we continue our journey from Rakwa Tso, our team will follow the scenic road amid dense forest and turbulent Parlung Tsangpo till today’s final destination Bomi. On the way, tourists can tour spectacular Midui Glacier, widely believed to be the most beautiful glacier in China. The main peak of Midui Glacier has an altitude of 6800m. While its snowline stays at 4600m and the lowest end of glacier averaging an altitude of 2400m. For that, Midui Glacier is known the only glacier with the lowest altitude in the world. Tourists can closely enjoy the marvelous ice tongue, measuring 700-800m from the top to bottom.

  

  Rakwa Tso

  

  Midui Glacier
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  Day 7: Bomi - Nyingchi (230km,5hrs)

  Attractions: Lulang Forest, Mt. NamchaBarwa
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Nyingchi

  Following an open and wide valley (2km wide, 5km long), we move into the canyon of Parlung Tsangpo. Flanked by lush forests, the canyon and its surroundings form an earthly paradise. The raging torrent, notorious rapids, and gushing waterfalls can be seen one after another. With jagged glaciers hanging on steep rock face and steamy mist floating over icy mountain peaks, you will get amazed by how truly incredible our planet can be.

  After that, we will head to celebrated Lulang Forest. It is an enchanting forest covering an area of 15 sq km on the plateau. This region is blanketed with vibrant shrubs, spruces and pine trees. At the bottom of the mountain are steppes and local Tibetans living beside the brooks. We can visit the Zhaxigang Village, the iconic Tibetan village in Lulang and meet the locals and enjoy the local snacks, etc.

  At the viewing platform of Lulang, you will be enjoying the panorama of Mt. Namcha Barwa (7782m), one of the most amazing mountains in China. We will make a brief stop at Sejila Mountain Pass (4728m). You can view the colorful leaves on the mountain in autumn which look like a palette overturned by mountain deities. Of course, the seas of clouds, massive forests and lofty Mt. Namcha Barwa are within easy sight. After passing Seijila Mountain Pass, the tour group will keep moving westward and arrive in Nyingchi, the biggest city in eastern Tibet. In spring, the peach flowers in the foot of the forest are in full bloom, which makes Nyingchi the most beautiful peach flower scenery in China.

  Taking photos of the breathtaking scenery along the way to Nyingchi.While visiting Lunang Forest, you will see a typical highland meadow landscape, which is totally different from the landscapes of other parts of Tibet.

  

  Lulang Forest

  

  Mt. Namcha Barwa
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  Day 8: Nyingchi - Lhasa (400km, 5hrs)

  Attractions: Niyang River
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Lhasa

  We will keep moving west to Lhasa by following Niyang River, a tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo River. Different from the awe-inspiring scenery in Hengduan Mountains, most of the view features idyllic pastoral scene along the valley. After passing Mila Pass (5013m), the last mountain pass during the road trip, we will finally arrive in Lhasa valley. Shortly after Dagzê County, the magnificent Potala Palace perched on Red Hill will appear in your sight. You long-expected holy Lhasa city is now only steps away. Check in hotel for a good rest.

  (Optional, if time is enough, pay a visit the Basumtso, which is a beautiful small holy lake of Tibetan Buddhism. Entrance fee around 30 USD is not included in price quotation. Please pay on site by tourists. )

  

  Niyang River

  

  Basumtso Lake
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  Day 9: Lhasa tour

  Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
  Meals: B
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  After your breakfast at the hotel, you will head to the famous landmark Potala Palace.

  Potala Palace

  1. The Viewing Platform of Jag Pori: a popular photo spot where you may appreciate the splendid sunrise
  2. Treasure Hall of Potala: offering you an insight into Tibetan history and culture with precious artworks and cultural relics.
  3. Mountain Path to the Palace: climbing up along the zigzag mountain path with over 900 steps gives you a sense of fulfillment.
  4. White Palace: the Winter Palace of Dalai Lamas shows you Tibetan architectural
  5. Red Palace: the chapel housing stupas, tombs, and relics of Dalai Lamas where you can experience the sanctity and solemnity of religion.

  In the afternoon you will head to the oldest temple in Tibet.

  Jokhang Temple

  1. Main Hall: the central hall serves as the main point for worship and houses the precious statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve.
  2. Golden Roof: an ideal site to overlook Jokhang Temple Square and Potala Palace.

  After viewing the holiest temple, you can visit Barkhor Street encircling it.

  Barkhor Street

  1. The Circumambulation Road: an essential pilgrim route where you can join pilgrims to do a kora around the Temple.
  2. Shops and Restaurants: you can eat local food and buy handcrafts like prayer beads, prayer wheels, and thangkas in this old market.

  Back to your hotel and stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Potala Palace

  

  Jokhang Temple
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  Day 10: Lhasa tour

  Attractions: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Lhasa

  After breakfast at your hotel, driven to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung Monastery was ever the largest monastery with more than 10 thousand monks, and now is one of three great monasteries in Lhasa. Seen from the distant, its grand, white construction gives the appearance of a heap of rice.

  In the afternoon, driven to visit Sera Monastery, which is famous for the unique “Daily Scriptures Debating” activity held from 3:30pm to 5pm in the central courtyard. Then transfer back to the hotel.

  Tips:
  1. The road condition to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery is good.
  2. Pack plenty of drinking water, sun glasses, suncream and some food.

  

  Drepung Monastery

  

  Sera Monastery
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  Day 11: Depart from Lhasa

  Attractions: No
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: No

  Today is free for you until you are escorted to the airport or railway station for departure and the guide will help you get on board.

  

  Send off to the Train Station / Airport

  

  Leave Tibet for next destination