Trip Overview
Touted as the world’s most beautiful road, Sichuan-Tibet Highway (via G318 National Highway) enjoys much praise and abuse for its winding roads along grotesque gores and rugged peaks. The epic road trip covers 2250km in around 8 days. You will embark your journey from Chengdu, the gateway city to Tibet on the easternmost edge of Tibetan Plateau, and pass soaring mountain passes along eastern ridge of Tibetan Plateau. The epic overland journey across world’s spine takes you to venture into the deepest ravines in the world and further to the heart of Tibetan culture and history.
Highlights:
----An epic road trip to the heart of Tibetan history and culture through steep ravines on the fringe of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Cost & Calendar(minimum pax NO.2)
2018.1.1---2018.3.31:￥--- RMB/per person
2018.4.1---2018.6.25:￥11800 RMB/per person
2018.6.26---2018.8.25:￥13150 RMB/per person
2018.8.26---2018.10.15:￥13150 RMB/per person
During national holiday vacation：￥14450 RMB/per person
2018.10.16---2018.11.15:￥13150 RMB/per person
Single room supplement(3★Hotels)：￥2550 RMB/per person
Notes
1.The price is based on twin sharing accommodation,single room supplyment will be charged for solo occupancy.
2.Reservation is suggested to make at least 15 days ahead of your departure date.
3.Shopping won't be arranged in this tour,which help the visitors avoid traps.
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu (500m)
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. An night, you can enjoy the welcome dinner with your Tibetan guide and other group members. Details of the itineraries and tour guidance will be given to all tourists.
Overnight in Chengdu, 3★
Day 2: Chengdu—Ya’an—Luding—Kangding—Xinduqiao Bridge (410km, around 10h)
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.
Overnight in Xinduqiao
Day 3: Xinduqiao—Yajiang—Litang(Ke’er Temple)—Haizishan Mountain—Batang (400km)
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 Haizishan Mountain (4700m) and venture into menacing valley regions and at night we should make it to Batang County.
Overnight in Batang
Day4: Batang—Jinsha River (upper reaches of Yangtze River)—Markam—Lawu Mountain—Dongda Mountain—Zogong (260km)
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. 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.
Overnight in Zogong
Day5: Zogong—Bangda Grassland-- Yela mountain (Nu River Mountain)—Seventy-two Bends—Baxoi-- Rakwa Tso (200km)
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.
Overnight in Rakwa Tso
Day6: Rakwa Tso—Midui Glacier-- Parlung Tsangpo—Bomi (250km)
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 Haizishan Mountain (4700m) and venture into menacing valley regions and at night we should make it to Batang County.
Overnight in Bomi
Day7: Bomi—Tongmai—Lulang Forest—Sejila Mountain (Mt. Namcha Barwa) --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.
Overnight in Nyingchi
Day8: Nyingchi—Lhasa (420km)
We will keep moving west to Lhasa by following Nyang River, a tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo River. 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.
Overnight in Lhasa
Day9: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)
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.
Overnight in Lhasa
Day 10: Lhasa Tour - Drepung monastery, Sera monastery(B)
In the morning ,you are going to visit Drepung monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.
In the Afternoon, Tourists will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the Monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house; inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.
Overnight in Lhasa
Day 11: Departure from Lhasa(B)
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.
End of tour.
Price include :
All necessary travel permits for Tibet.
2. Tickets for the attractions listed on the trip.
3. Transportation with 7 seat MPV -29 seat tour bus .vehicle size is based on tourist numbers.
4. Airport or train station transfer to the hotel . (note a one-time delivery with other tour members within the specified time period)
5. An experienced Tibetan English speaking Guide.
6. Hotel accommodation, breakfast is included in Chengdu and Lhasa hotel . the other hotels en route do not have breakfast.
7. welcome dinner in the Chengdu .
8. provide emergency use of portable or medical oxygen, emergency medical kit.
9. tourism insurance.
10. Tibet tourism map.
11. Type U sleep pillow.
Price exclude :
1. Chinese visa.
2. breakfast except for Chengdu and Lhasa. The guide will help the tourists to recommend the restaurant.
3. Guide and driver’s tips.
4. Single room supplement.
(hotel’s facility in Western Sichuan mountainous area can’t catch up with large city’s. but we try to provide a clean and comfortable environment as well as a separate bathroom for the tourists.
