10-Day Overland Tour from Chengdu to Lhasa via G318

Attractions: No
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Ovenight in Chengdu

Pick up newly-arrived tourists at the Shuangliu International Airport and escort them to hotels. The rest of the day is for you to have a good rest or you can explore around the streets near your hotels.

Attractions: Xinduqiao, Zheduo Mountain
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Ovenight 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). Keep heading west, after winding roads, we finally end up in Xinduqiao, known as a paradise for photography.

Attractions: Yalong River, Ke’er Monastery, Haizi Mountain 
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Batang

Xinduqiao’s 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.

Besides, another star attraction in Litang is Ke’er Monastery, a prestigious Gelugpa Monastery on this lively pasture. Then after visiting Litang, the whole team travel through Haizi Mountain (4700m) and venture into menacing valley regions and at night we should make it to Batang County.

Attractions: Jinsha River, Lancang River, Nu Riverflow, Lawu Mountain, Dongda Mountain
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight 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 Riverflow paralleled. This part of the road is also the most difficult one.

Then, we keep travelling westward and pass Lawu Mountain (4358m) and Dongda Mountain (5008m). Standing atop of lofty mountain passes, covered with snow, you can enjoy the spectacular vista of zigzag Sichuan-Tibet highway and incredible Lancang River crawling through mountainous ranges. At night, the whole team will reach the city of Zogong.

Attractions: Bangda Grasssland, Yela Mountain, Seventy-two Bends
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Rakwa Tso

Our next destination would be Bangda Grasssland, the most important natural pasture in eastern Tibet. The gentle river and boundless grassland are home to flocks of sturdy yaks, horses, and sheep and other wild life.  After a brief tour in enchanting Bangda Grassland, our team is expected to travel across Yela Mountain(4839m), the most dangerous natural barrier on Hengduan Mountain Range. Then we will move downward by following famous Seventy-two Bends till the shore of Nu River.

Further moving westward, we begin to be surrounded by soaring snow mountains, pristine forest and idyllic Tibetan villages. At night, we will arrive at Rakwa Tso.

Attractions: Rakwa Tso, Parlung Tsangpo, Midui Glacier
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Bomi

Serving is 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 10km and slowly winds up in a giant canyon.

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.

Attractions: Parlung Tsangpo, Lulang Forest, Mt. Namcha Barwa, Sejila Mountain Pass
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Nyingchi

Following an open and wide valley (2km wide, 5km long), we move into the canyon of Parlung Tsangpo. 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. 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). After passing Seijila Mountain Pass, the tour group will keep moving westward and arrive in Nyingchi, the biggest city in eastern Tibet.

Attractions: Basomtso Lake, Mila Pass
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Ovenight in Lhasa

We will keep moving west to Lhasa by following Nyang River, a tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo River. First head to the Basomtso Lake which is around 360km east of Lhasa. Basom tso Lake, situated at 3,500 meters above sea level, originates from Nyenchen Tangha Mountain and is dozen kilometers long. Snow-covered mountains, glaciers and trees are reflected upon the lake’s rippled surface. There are small islands in the middle of the lake with Lamaist temples built upon them. 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. Our guide will escort you to hotels for a good rest.

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

Today’s tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Attractions: No
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Not Included

The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.