10-Day G318 Tibet Small Group Tour Departing from Chengdu

Altitude: [ ] meters

Highlights: Zheduo Mountain, Xinduqiao ("Photographer's Paradise")

Accommodation: Yajiang County

Distance: 400 km

Driving Time: Approx. 7 hours

【Itinerary Overview】Depart from Chengdu in the morning, passing through the famous "Rain City" of Ya'an, take the Ya'an-Kangding Expressway, and pass through the Erlang Mountain Tunnel to reach Kangding, the capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the city mentioned in the folk song "Kangding Love Song". Continue driving, crossing the first high mountain on the southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway—Zheduo Mountain (pass altitude 4298 meters), and arrive at the enchanting "Photographer's Paradise"—Xinduqiao. Here, it's like a picturesque paradise, with magical light, boundless grasslands, winding streams, rolling mountains, scattered Tibetan villages, and peacefully grazing cattle and sheep… The beautiful scenery of the western Sichuan plateau unfolds here. After the visit, head to Yajiang for overnight accommodation.

Breakfast: Included, Lunch: Not included, Dinner: Not included

Accommodation: Standard double room in Yajiang County Hotel

Special Reminders:

(1) We will choose one of two routes, G318 (Zheduo Mountain) or S434 Airport Road (Honghaizi), depending on the travel time and road conditions;

(2) It is recommended not to take a bath for 3 days before going to the plateau to avoid catching a cold and causing altitude sickness, which will affect the entire trip. If you have a certain tolerance, it is recommended to endure it for a few more days and make sure you have adapted to the plateau before taking a bath;

(3) Water and electricity supply in Tibet is insufficient, and there may be occasional water and power outages. Please bring your own wet wipes and flashlight. The water temperature may be unstable or the water may be interrupted during the bath. Therefore, you should take a quick bath and it is best to take a bath after you have fully adapted to the Tibetan area.

Altitude: [ ] meters

Highlights: Litang, hometown of Dingzhen; grassland scenery; Sister Lakes

Accommodation: Entrance of Cuopu Valley/Within the scenic area

Distance: 250km

Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours

After breakfast, depart from Yajiang, passing through the Tianlu Shibawan (Eighteen Bends of the Heavenly Road) and Jianziwan Tunnel, crossing the 4718-meter-high Kazila Mountain to reach Litang. Visit the thousand-household Tibetan village of Letong Ancient Town, tour Renkang Ancient House, and the Kham People's Mini Museum, with a chance to encounter Dingzhen; then visit Changqing Chunke'er Temple, the largest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) monastery in Kham.

Afterwards, continue along the Wuliang River, crossing the 4696-meter-high Tu'er Mountain, traversing the Haizi Mountain Ancient Ice Cap Nature Reserve, enjoying the blooming wildflowers of the Maoya Grassland from June to August, and visiting the Sister Lakes, the pearl of the plateau. Enjoy the scenery along the way, finally arriving at Batang on the Sichuan border.

Breakfast: Included, Lunch: Not included, Dinner: Not included

Accommodation: Standard double room at Cuopugou entrance/inside scenic area

Special reminder:

(1) After acclimatizing to the altitude in the past few days, today's itinerary will proceed to higher altitude areas. To avoid altitude sickness, our company has portable oxygen on board for emergency use;

(2) Depending on factors such as season, road conditions, and room availability, accommodation will be arranged at either Cuopugou entrance or Cuopugou scenic area. If the hotel is fully booked during peak season, accommodation will be arranged in Batang County.

Altitude: [ ] meters

Features: Cuopu Valley, a hidden gem in western Sichuan

Accommodation: Mangkang County

Distance: 155km

Driving Time: Approx. 4.5 hours

【Itinerary Overview】After breakfast, head to the world-renowned 【Cuopu Valley】—the most beautiful encounter on G318, a place that encapsulates the beauty of the plateau, featuring snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, lakes, and temples. Afterwards, transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus at the visitor center. First, we will pass 【Yasuo Temple】, a Nyingma school monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, its red buildings standing out vividly amidst the deep mountains and green waters. Next, we will arrive at 【Rekeng Hot Spring Group】, renowned as the crown jewel of Sichuan's geothermal resources. Within an area approximately 1.5 kilometers long and 300 meters wide, over 150 hot springs and geysers are concentrated, with temperatures reaching over 85℃. Therefore, you can enjoy a delicious hot spring bath in about 10 minutes. Eggs; the next stop is [Zhangde Grassland], once hailed by *China National Geographic* as the most beautiful alpine grassland in western Sichuan. As far as the eye can see, the majestic Zhajinjiabo sacred mountain rises in the distance. Then, we'll visit [Cuopu Lake], the first holy lake of Kham. Its shimmering surface and vibrant wildflowers blooming along its banks in summer will surely captivate you. Finally, we'll visit [Cuopu Monastery], [Kangzhula Tso], and [Zhima Yong Tso], these two turquoise-green sister lakes are a must-see; they are the most beautiful sights in Cuopu Valley. During your visit, if you're lucky, you might even encounter adorable marmots and interact with them, experiencing the perfect harmony between humans and nature. After leaving the scenic area, we'll pass through Zhubalong, cross the Jinsha River Bridge, enter Tibet, and arrive at our destination for tonight, Mangkang.

Breakfast: Included, Lunch: Not included, Dinner: Not included

Accommodation: Standard double room in a hotel in Mangkang County

Altitude: [ ] meters

Highlights: Jinsha River, 72 Bends of the Sky Road, Bangda Grassland

Accommodation: Baxu County

Distance: 360KM

Driving Time: Approximately 8 hours

【Itinerary Overview】After breakfast, depart from Mangkang, cross the [La'u Mountain] (4376 meters), then cross the Lancang River Bridge, and then cross the [Jueba Mountain] (3940 meters) and [Dongda Mountain] (pass altitude 5008 meters). Pass through Zogang County, follow the beautiful Yuqu River upstream, and arrive at Bangda Town. Bangda, meaning "grassland where eagles cannot fly out" in Tibetan, is a vast grassland truly within the Tibetan borders. Due to its terrain, the Yela Mountain pass (4658 meters above sea level) in Bangda forms the famous "72 Bends of the Heavenly Road" on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, often referred to as the "Ninety-Nine Bends." After navigating the 72 Bends, you'll see beautiful terraced fields and pristine villages like Tongni and Gama at the foot of the mountain. Then, cross the Nujiang Bridge and continue along the Lengqu River. Overnight in Baxu County.

Breakfast: Included, Lunch: Not included, Dinner: Not included

Accommodation: Standard double room in a hotel in Baxu County

Special Reminder: After officially entering Tibet, speed limits will be manually enforced throughout the journey. Please cooperate with the driver to manage travel time. Today's journey is quite strenuous; please be prepared and bring snacks and drinking water in advance.

Altitude: [ ] meters

Highlights: Anjiula Mountain, Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier

Accommodation: Bomi County

Distance: 230 km

Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours

【Itinerary Overview】After breakfast, depart from Basu, crossing the 【Anjiula Mountain Pass】(altitude 4468 meters). Along the way, snow-capped mountains, primeval forests, and pastoral scenery create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Then, visit 【Ranwu Lake】, a famous high-altitude glacial lake and a star lake on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. If you're lucky, you can capture the beautiful reflection of Ranwu Lake in the water. Afterwards, proceed to 【Midui Glacier】, located about 100 kilometers east of Bomi County in Yupu Township. As a monsoon maritime glacier, it is formed by the confluence of two world-class icefalls. The glacier shines year-round, creating a magical and captivating scene. Around the glacier, wildflowers bloom against the snow-capped mountains, and lush forests sway like silver snakes. The picturesque and mysterious pastoral scenery of Midui Village, in particular, makes it hard to believe you're on the snowy plateau. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes, and villages create a unique and breathtaking landscape. After the tour, continue your journey to Bomi County for overnight stay.

Breakfast: Included, Lunch: Not included, Dinner: Not included

Accommodation: Standard double room in a hotel in Bomi County

Altitude: [ ] meters

Highlights: Guxiang Lake, Lulang Stone Pot Chicken, Tibetan Experience, Namjagbarwa Peak

Accommodation: Nyingchi City

Distance: 235KM

Driving Time: Approx. 6 hours

After breakfast, depart from Bomi, enjoying the picturesque plateau scenery along the way. Visit Guxiang Lake, where snow-capped mountains and stunning lake views create a breathtaking vista. Enjoy a leisurely hike along the lake to immerse yourself in the plateau's beauty. Then, pass through Tongmai, the former treacherous section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, and admire the now easily accessible Tongmai Bridge. Arrive at Lulang Town, known as a fairyland, and admire the blend of snow-capped mountains, forests, pastures, lakes, and Tibetan culture. Savor the local specialty, Lulang Stone Pot Chicken.

Afterwards, visit a Tibetan village to experience authentic Tibetan customs, receive a hada (ceremonial scarf), taste butter tea, make tsampa (roasted barley flour) by hand, and participate in activities such as horseback riding, archery, and taking photos in Tibetan costumes. Afterwards, we crossed the Sejila Mountain at an altitude of 4702 meters, a superb vantage point for panoramic views of Namcha Barwa Peak. We descended, enjoying the scenery of the Nyang River Valley, and finally arrived in Nyingchi, known as the "Little Jiangnan of Tibet," for overnight rest.

Breakfast: Included, Lunch: Lulang Stone Pot Chicken, Dinner: Not Included

Accommodation: Standard double room in a hotel in Nyingchi City

Altitude: [ ] meters

Highlights: Basum Tso Lake, Lhasa (Holy City)

Accommodation: Lhasa City

Distance: 460 km

Driving Time: Approx. 6.5 hours

【Itinerary Overview】After breakfast, depart from Nyingchi, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Nyang River along the way. Then, we will arrive at the 【Linla Highway】, known as "Tibet's most beautiful highway". After exiting the highway at Bahe Town, turn right and drive approximately 50 kilometers to reach the beautiful 【Basum Tso Lake】. Basum Tso Lake, also known as "Cuogao Lake", is the largest barrier lake in eastern Tibet. Its shape resembles a crescent moon embedded in a deep valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Spring is gentle, summer is vibrant, autumn is elegant, and winter is pure. No matter when you visit Basum Tso Lake, you will be captivated by its serene and breathtaking landscape. Ascend to the small island in the lake, where you'll find the [Tsozong Gongba Monastery], a famous Nyingma sect monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, built in the late Tang Dynasty, with a history of over 1500 years. After the visit, proceed to the holy city of Lhasa for overnight stay.

Breakfast: Included, Lunch: Not included, Dinner: Not included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lhasa, standard double room

Altitude: 3650 meters

Highlights: Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple

Accommodation: Lhasa City

Distance: 20 km

Driving Time: Approx. 0.5 hours

【Itinerary Overview】After breakfast, visit the Potala Palace, located on Marpo Ri Hill in northwest Lhasa. It is the world's highest palace, castle, and monastery complex, and the largest and most complete ancient palace complex in Tibet. Built against the mountainside, the Potala Palace has 13 stories, is 117.19 meters high, and over 400 meters long from east to west. The Potala Palace we see today is divided into two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. Afterwards, proceed to the Jokhang Temple, located in the center of Lhasa's old city. With a history of 1350 years, it is the most magnificent surviving Tubo-era building in Tibet, begun in 647 AD. It has 5 golden roofs and 108 halls. The Tibetan people have a saying: "First came the Jokhang Temple, then came Lhasa City." The Jokhang Temple holds a central position in Lhasa, not only geographically but also in terms of social life. The inner circle around the central Shakyamuni Buddha Hall of the Jokhang Temple is called "Nangkhor," and the outer circle around the temple walls is called "Barkhor." The streets radiating from the Jokhang Temple are called Barkhor Street, also known as the Eight-Cornered Street. A larger circle encompassing the Potala Palace, Chakpori Hill, and Ramoche Temple, centered on the Jokhang Temple, is called "Lingkhor." These three concentric circles form the route for Tibetans performing pilgrimage rituals.

Breakfast: Included, Lunch: Not included, Dinner: Not included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lhasa, double room

Altitude: [ ] meters

Highlights: Free time to explore Lhasa, airport transfer

Accommodation: Not included

Distance: 60km

Driving Time: Approx. 1.5 hours

【Itinerary Overview】After breakfast, pack your luggage. If you have an afternoon or evening return flight, you can leave your luggage at the hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the streets of Lhasa. After your tour, return to the hotel to retrieve your luggage and prepare for your return trip. Please proceed to the airport 2.5 hours in advance. We will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. Upon arrival, your guide will contact you to assist with check-in. This concludes the tour.

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Not included

Dinner: Not included

Accommodation: Not included

Special Reminder: Please inform us of your flight number at least 2 days in advance to avoid delays.