Amazing G318: 10-Day Sichuan Tibet Epic Overland Tour in Small Group

Altitude: 500m Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas! Make your way to your hotel independently. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore this panda city at your leisure. Arrival Ideas: Chengdu is well connected by air and high-speed rail. There are two airports - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Chengdu by air from most cities in China, like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing… In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Chengdu from Xian (3-4 hours), Chongqing (1.5-2 hours), Guiyang (3.5-4.5 hours), Kunming (6-6.5 hours), etc. Free Time Ideas: On this day, you have the flexibility to arrange your schedule and make your way to Chengdu. For those who arrive in Chengdu in the morning, you can visit the center of Chengdu, Chunxi Road, and the thousand-year-old ancient temple, Daci Temple. You can also check out the Chinese and Western architecture of Taikoo Li and the IFS Panda Climbing Wall. For those who arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon, you can head to Jinli Old Street and Kuanzhai Alley to experience the most leisurely and comfortable slow life

Altitude: 500m-4,298m-2,600m | Distance: 400km, about 7 hours’ drive After breakfast, drive west from Chengdu towards Western Sichuan, passing through the world-famous "Rainy City", Ya'an. Take the Yakang Expressway, cross the Erlang Mountain Tunnel, and arrive in Kangding, the capital of the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which is famously mentioned in the "Kangding Love Song". After that, you will pass through Zheduo Mountain Pass, which sits at an altitude of 4,298 meters. The name Zheduo Mountain derives from its steep terrain and the unique winding road that features "nine bends and eighteen turns." Known as the "first pass of Kham", crossing Zheduo Mountain marks the official entry into the Kham Tibetan region. Furthermore, the Zheduo Mountain Pass serves as the initial pass on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway to reach an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters, signifying the transition from the Sichuan Basin and the Dadu River Valley to the western plateau of Sichuan. On clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the magnificent Gongga Mountain, also referred to as the "King of Shu Mountains", towering at an elevation of 7,508 meters, from this vantage point. Continuing your journey, you will drive to Xinduqiao, situated in the western part of Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous P

Altitude: 2,600m - 4,014m - 3,300m | Distance: 250km, about 6 hours’ drive After breakfast, we leave Yajiang by car, experiencing the thrilling climb of the "Heaven Road's Eighteen Bends". We'll navigate the "Scissors Bend Tunnel" and then cross the "Kazi La Mountain" (4,718 meters) to reach Litaung, the hometown of Dingzhen. This place boasts magnificent scenery, and the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, once expressed his longing for Litaung in a poem: "Oh, white crane, please lend me your wings. I won't fly far, just to visit Litaung..." Our next stop is the "Letong Ancient Town and Qianhu Tibetan Village", featured in the promotional video of "Dingzhen's World." This world's largest traditional Tibetan village community boasts over 4,000 traditional houses, making it a perfect place to explore Tibetan culture and the Kangba style. Following our tour guide's explanations, we'll visit the "318 Memory Weibo Museum," "Kangba People Weibo Museum," "Rengang Ancient House (the birthplace of thirteen respected living Buddhas)," and the "Tsangyang Gyatso Weibo Museum." You might even have a chance to meet Dingzhen! Next, we head to the Changqingchun Ke'er Temple, the oldest and largest Gelug Yellow Sect Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Kangba region, where we'll learn about its legendar

Altitude: 3,300m - 4,100m - 3,800m | Distance: 155km, about 4.5 hours’ drive After breakfast, we set off for Cuopu Valley, a paradise nestled along the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway. This enchanting valley encapsulates the very essence of the Tibetan Plateau's beauty, boasting snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, lush forests, serene lakes, and sacred temples. Upon reaching the visitor center, we'll transfer to scenic area shuttle buses. Our first stop is Yaso Monastery, a Nyingma sect Tibetan Buddhist monastery that stands out amidst the verdant landscape with its vibrant red architecture. Next, we'll venture to the Zopugou Hot Spring Group, renowned as the "Crown Jewel of Sichuan's Geothermal Resources." Within a 1.5-kilometer-long and 300-meter-wide area, over 150 hot springs and geysers bubble forth, reaching temperatures exceeding 85°C. Here, you'll have the opportunity to savor a unique culinary experience: delicious hot spring-boiled eggs. Our journey continues to Zhangde Grassland, once hailed as the "Most Beautiful High-Altitude Cold Grassland in Western Sichuan" by China National Geographic magazine. As far as the eye can see, the majestic Zajin Jiapo Sacred Mountain looms in the distance. We then arrive at the first sacred lake of the Kangba region - Cuopu Lake. Its sh

Altitude: 3,260m | Distance: 360km, about 8 hours’ drive On this day, you will enjoy a scenic drive from Mangkam County to Basu, with the opportunity to explore some remarkable attractions along the way. First, you will pass through the main gate of Mangkang County and ascend along the road to cross the Lawa Mountain Pass, which stands at an elevation of 4,376 meters. Continuing on your journey, you will come across Dongda Mountain, located within the Zogang Line in Tibet. Recent measurements indicate that the actual elevation of Dongda Mountain Pass is 5,130 meters, making it the highest pass on the South Sichuan-Tibet Highway. During the summer months, you'll be treated to the sight of lush green grassy meadows and herds of yaks, creating a truly picturesque landscape. As you venture further, you'll encounter the expansive Bangda Grassland, which stretches over 80 kilometers in length and spans approximately 20 kilometers in width. Known for its flat terrain and fertile pastures, this grassland is highly suitable for animal husbandry and is considered one of the finest natural grasslands in Tibet. Don't miss the chance to visit the observation deck at an elevation of 4,444 meters, offering breathtaking views of winding rivers and vast grasslands. Lastly, you'll experience the f

Altitude: 2,750m | Distance: 360km, about 6 hours’ drive After breakfast, drive along the G318 National Highway and spend your time visiting Ranwu Lake, also known as Rakwa Tso. This stunning glacial lake is located in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It sits at an altitude of 3,850 meters (12,630 feet) and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and dense forests. The lake is fed by glaciers and meltwater from the surrounding mountains, and its crystal-clear waters reflect the beauty of the landscape. Ranwu Lake is a popular destination for travelers who come to enjoy the scenery, hike in the mountains, and experience the unique culture of Tibet. In Tibetan, it is known as Rannu Co, with "Co" meaning "lake" in the Tibetan language. The lake is adorned with green grass and crops along its shores, while the mountainsides are covered in dense forests, creating breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Later, continue driving another 47 kilometers to visit Midui Glacier. It is located approximately 100 kilometers east of Bomi County in Nyingchi Prefecture. This glacier is notable for being one of the lowest-lying glaciers in the world, with its snowline at around 4,600 meters. It has been recognized as one of the six most beautiful glaciers in China by C

Altitude: 3,000m | Distance: 240km, about 5-6 hours’ drive On this day, you will drive from Bomi County to Nyingchi. On the way, your first stop will be Guxiang Lake in Bomi. Located along the G318 National Highway, the lake features a small island at its center. The surroundings are serene, with smooth and tranquil stones lining the beach. The lake’s water is crystal-clear, reflecting the sky, snow-capped mountains, and other natural scenery, creating a breathtakingly beautiful picture. As you continue the drive, you will pass through Tongmai Bridge before arriving in Lulang Town. This town, situated at an elevation of 3,700 meters, is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, lush forests, and vibrant Tibetan culture. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland of Tibet," Lulang is famous for its alpine landscapes and idyllic charm. For lunch, your group will savor the delicious Lulang Stone Pot Chicken. The unique stone pot, crafted from rare materials, is the pride of the dish. Each pot is prepared with Tibetan free-range chicken and enhanced with ingredients like finger ginseng and gastrodia (a type of medicinal herb). Afterward, you will visit a small Tibetan village, passing through picturesque pastoral landscapes along the way. The lush greenery, grazing cattle and shee

Altitude: 3,650m | Distance: 480km, about 7 hours’ drive After breakfast, you and your group will embark on a scenic journey from Nyingchi to Basumtso Lake (altitude: 3538 meters), a mesmerizing alpine oasis also known as Basong Tso Lake or Dragsum Tso Lake. Nestled in the heart of Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi Prefecture, this ethereal gem beckons with its celestial allure. Basumtso Lake, aptly named "Green Water Lake" in Tibetan, unveils its splendor through pristine turquoise waters that mirror the majestic snow-capped peaks encircling its shores. As a national forest park and a distinguished 5A scenic area, it unveils a kaleidoscope of ever-changing landscapes throughout the day, each more enchanting than the last. Basumtso Lake holds profound spiritual significance for followers of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly those who embrace the Nyingma sect. It is revered as the dwelling place of the sacred spirits of Guru Rinpoche and Gesar King, revered figures woven into the tapestry of Tibetan mythology. The path leading to the lake winds through idyllic valleys and alongside majestic mountains, an awe-inspiring passage that prepares the soul for the breathtaking beauty that awaits. Upon arrival, surrender to the captivating serenity that envelops the lake, immersing yourself in i

Altitude: 3,650m | Distance: 20km, about 0.5 hour Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world-famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. And then, you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans. In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination

Altitude: 3,650-3,660m | Distance: 60km, about 1.5 hours’ drive It is time to end your 10 Days Sichuan Tibet Tour, and your guide will escort you to the airport / train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination. Thank you for choosing VERO TRIP for your China tour, and we are always here, working for you, and hope to see you again for your next trip to China / Asia. Have a safe journey! What’s Included Transportation: Vehicle type arranged according to group size (driver’s meals and accommodation included). Accommodation: 9 nights in standard twin rooms, including one complimentary 4-diamond hotel night on the gathering day (non-refundable if unused). Entrance Fees: Includes admission + sightseeing bus where required for: • Letong Ancient Town • Cuopu Valley • Midui Glacier • Basumtso Lake • Potala Palace • Jokhang Temple Meals: 9 breakfasts + 1 special meal (Lulang Stone-Pot Chicken). Additional personal orders are at your own expense.