Details
Chengdu Arrival – Gateway to the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway
Your epic journey along the legendary 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway begins in Chengdu, a city that perfectly blends modern urban life with ancient cultural heritage. As the traditional starting point for overland expeditions into Tibet, Chengdu offers travelers a chance to acclimate and prepare before hitting the high-altitude roads. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel located conveniently near Tianfu International Airport. This first day is intentionally left free of heavy activities, allowing you to rest, recover from your flight, and build up energy for the demanding yet spectacular days ahead. Whether you are arriving from another Chinese city or flying in internationally, gathering in Chengdu sets the stage for one of the world’s greatest road trips. Take this time to explore the immediate surroundings of your hotel, enjoy some authentic Sichuan cuisine on your own, and mentally prepare for the transition from the bustling plains to the serene, towering peaks of the Tibetan Plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included on this arrival day. Guests are free to explore dining options near the airport hotel or order room service at their own expense.
Accommodation: Chengdu Tianfu International Hotel
Transportation: Airport pick-up service is arranged upon arrival to transfer guests directly to the designated airport hotel.
Chengdu – Kangding – Tagong Grassland – Xinduqiao
Leaving Chengdu behind, the route pushes westward toward the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The drive takes you through changing landscapes, transitioning from the fertile Sichuan Basin into rugged mountainous terrain. Our first major stop is Kangding, a historical town renowned as the “Hometown of Love Songs” thanks to the famous Kangding Love Song. Sitting at a strategic crossroads historically known as the gateway to Tibet, Kangding features lush green mountains and clear waters, making it feel like a brilliant pearl embedded in the snowy plateau. It is also the birthplace of the traditional Guozhuang dance culture.
Continuing the journey, we arrive at the Tagong Grassland. In the Tibetan language, “Tagong” translates to “the place favored by the Bodhisattva.” Legend has it that when Princess Wencheng was traveling to Tibet, the Sakyamuni Buddha statue she carried suddenly spoke, indicating its desire to remain in this beautiful location. A replica was crafted on the spot, leading to the establishment of the Tagong Monastery, often referred to as the “Little Jokhang Temple.” The surrounding grassland shares this sacred name. Here, herds of yaks graze leisurely across vast green meadows that stretch like natural carpets, while small streams and traditional nomadic tents create a picturesque scene that will have you reaching for your camera constantly.
Meals: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are self-arranged, giving travelers the opportunity to try local Tibetan or Sichuan dishes along the route.
Accommodation: Photography Paradise Hotel (or equivalent) – Oxygen-enriched, air-conditioned rooms
Transportation: Travel by licensed tourist vehicle covering the route from Chengdu to Kangding and onward to Xinduqiao.
Xinduqiao – Kazila Mountain – Heavenly Road 18 Bends – Litang – Shangri-La Town
Today involves significant driving and substantial altitude gains as we cover approximately 420 kilometers, navigating elevations between 3,300 and 4,000 meters. Travelers should be prepared for potential traffic delays and must take altitude sickness prevention seriously, as we will cross several mountain passes exceeding 4,000 meters. The journey begins by passing through Yajiang, historically celebrated as the “First Ferry of the Tea Horse Road.” Leaving the concrete structures of large cities far behind, Yajiang marks the true immersion into unadorned, magnificent natural beauty. If we depart early enough, crossing the Gaoersi Mountain Pass offers a spectacular view of the sunrise, a daily miracle often forgotten by those living in metropolitan areas.
The route then winds past the Jianziwan Mountain Pass and ascends Kazila Mountain, tackling the famous Heavenly Road 18 Bends, a series of dramatic switchbacks carved into the mountainside. We eventually reach Litang, known as the “World’s High City” at an elevation of 4,014 meters. Litang is one of the few county towns where traditional Tibetan culture remains exceptionally well-preserved. A popular saying in Tibetan regions notes the importance of three great monasteries, one of which is Litang’s Changqing Chunkeer Monastery, founded by the Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso.
After exploring Litang, we pass through the Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve and the quaint Sangdui Town before arriving in Daocheng. The grasslands here are adorned with wildflowers and flowing streams, offering a tranquil environment to rest before tomorrow’s deep dive into the Yading Nature Reserve. We finally settle in for the night at Shangri-La Town, located right at the entrance of the scenic area.
Meals: Hotel breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are not included and should be managed independently by travelers along the way.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Daocheng Yading (an IHG hotel) / or equivalent Underfloor heating + oxygen supply
Transportation: Private tourist vehicle covers the 420-kilometer journey from Xinduqiao through Litang to Shangri-La Town.
Daocheng Yading National Park – Luorong Pasture – Five Color Lake – Milk Lake
Dedicate this entire day to exploring the breathtaking Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, widely considered one of the most stunning alpine environments in China. After breakfast, board the official scenic area shuttle bus to enter the reserve. The landscape is dominated by three sacred snow-capped peaks: Xiannairi (6,032 meters, representing Avalokitesvara), Yangmaiyong (5,958 meters, representing Manjushri), and Xianuoduoji (5,958 meters, representing Vajrapani). Arranged in a triangular formation, these three peaks are collectively known in Tibetan as “Nianqing Gongga Risong Gongbu,” meaning the “Three Holy Mountains,” serving as a revered pilgrimage site for accumulating merit.
Disembarking at Zhaguanbeng after passing through Yading Village, you will hike to Chonggu Monastery, situated at 3,900 meters. From the natural Chonggu Meadow, surrounded by forests and streams, travelers can choose to hike or purchase a separate battery car ticket (approximately 50 RMB one way, 80 RMB round trip) to reach Luorong Pasture. During the ascent, the majestic views of Xianuoduoji and Yangmaiyong unfold against the sky. In the afternoon, the trek leads toward the sacred lakes beneath Xiannairi. You will visit Pearl Lake, known in Tibetan as “Zhuoma Lacuo” at 3,950 meters, formed by the melting snow of the holy mountain. Hidden within dense forests, Pearl Lake resembles a brilliant green gemstone resting on a lotus throne, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding peaks like a carefully painted masterpiece. For those with excellent physical condition and proper acclimatization, pushing further to Milk Lake and Five Color Lake offers even more dramatic scenery, though the highest points of the reserve reach 4,700 meters, requiring slow movement and strict attention to personal safety.
Meals: Breakfast is provided at the hotel. Lunch and dinner inside the reserve are self-arranged; bringing packed snacks and water is highly recommended due to limited dining facilities on the trails.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Daocheng Yading (an IHG hotel) / or equivalent Underfloor heating + oxygen supply
Transportation: Tourist vehicle to the park entrance, followed by mandatory scenic shuttle buses and optional battery cars within the Yading reserve.
Daocheng – Litang – Sister Lakes – Jinsha River Bridge – Markam
Leaving Daocheng Yading behind, today marks our official entry into the Tibet Autonomous Region. The route covers about 450 kilometers at elevations around 4,000 meters. We retrace our path back to Litang to rejoin the main artery of the 318 National Highway. Along the way, if traveling in autumn, the Red Grassland near Sangdui Town is a must-see. Though it appears as an unassuming small pond for most of the year, it transforms into a sea of vibrant crimson aquatic plants every autumn, becoming one of Daocheng’s most iconic photographic spots.
Returning to Litang, we take time to rest before continuing westward toward Markam. The drive introduces us to the Maoya Grand Prairie, once rated by Chinese National Geography magazine as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China. Surrounded by rolling mountains, this vast green ocean stretches to the horizon. Depending on the season, you might see endless summer wildflowers or golden autumn hues under crystal-clear skies, with herds of yaks and sheep grazing peacefully.
Further along, we pass the stunning Sister Lakes and cross the historic Jinsha River Bridge at Zhubalong. This bridge serves as the definitive boundary between Sichuan Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region. Upon crossing, we enter Markam, the first county town in Tibet on this route. Please note that at the Zhubalong public security checkpoint, all passengers must cooperate fully with inspections, and photography is strictly prohibited in these administrative zones.
Meals: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are self-arranged as we travel through remote areas between Sichuan and Tibet.
Accommodation: Kangyuan Holiday Hotel Premium Oxygen-Enriched Twin Room
Transportation: Licensed tourist vehicle drives the 450-kilometer route from Daocheng, crossing the provincial border into Markam, Tibet.
Markam – Dongda Mountain – Nujiang 72 Turns – Baxoi
The adventure intensifies today as we tackle some of the most challenging and visually striking sections of the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Covering 360 kilometers at an average elevation of 3,800 meters, the journey takes us from Markam through Zuogong and Bangda Town to Baxoi. Markam itself sits at 3,780 meters and is geographically significant as the convergence point of the southern Sichuan-Tibet route and the Yunnan-Tibet route. It is located in the “Two Cliffs Sandwiching Three Rivers” region, where the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nu rivers flow parallel to each other for hundreds of kilometers, carving deep, complex gorges through the layered mountains.
Departing Markam, we first cross the winding Lancang River before beginning the steep ascent over Dongda Mountain. At over 5,008 meters, Dongda Mountain Pass is one of the highest points on the entire 318 highway. Looking down from this snow-capped vantage point, the highway and the river below resemble two delicate ribbons weaving through a maze of massive peaks, creating an almost surreal, fairy-tale landscape.
After descending, the route presents the infamous Nujiang 72 Turns, also known as the 72拐. This dizzying sequence of hairpin switchbacks zigzags down a steep mountainside toward the Nu River valley. It is a testament to engineering and a thrilling experience for any traveler, offering panoramic views of the rugged terrain with every turn. Navigating this section requires experienced driving, ensuring safety while allowing passengers to absorb the sheer scale of the Tibetan topography.
Meals: Hotel breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are self-arranged during the long transit day.
Accommodation: Basu Kangcheng Oxygen-Supplying Hotel: Oxygen supply, humidifier, and high-density blackout curtains
Transportation: Tourist vehicle navigates the 360-kilometer mountainous route, including the high-altitude Dongda Pass and the winding Nujiang 72 Turns.
Baxoi – Ranwu Lake – Midui Glacier – Bomi
Today’s 230-kilometer drive at an elevation of 3,850 meters transitions from arid mountain passes into lush, forested valleys, showcasing the incredible ecological diversity of southeastern Tibet. The first major highlight is Ranwu Lake, the largest lake in eastern Tibet. Situated in Baxoi County at 3,850 meters above sea level, this glacial lake covers roughly 22 square kilometers and consists of three interconnected bodies of water fed by the melting snow of surrounding peaks. It forms the upper source of the Palong Zangbo River, a major tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo. The pristine blue waters reflect the dense primeval forests and snow-capped mountains, while flocks of water birds glide across the surface. Standing by this mirror-like lake brings an immediate sense of peace, washing away the fatigue of the previous days’ travels.
Next, we detour to visit the Midui Glacier, requiring a separate entrance ticket of approximately 50 RMB. Recognized by Chinese National Geography as one of China’s six most beautiful glaciers, Midui is among the lowest-altitude glaciers in the world. Located where the Nyainqentanglha and Boshula mountain ranges meet, it benefits from the Indian Ocean’s southwest monsoon, which travels up the river valleys to deliver heavy precipitation. This unique climate created a massive maritime glacier characterized by distinct arc-shaped arches, frequent avalanches, and an ice waterfall dropping nearly 800 meters.
We conclude the day in Bomi, specifically Zhamo Town at 2,700 meters. Nestled between the Himalayas and the Nyainqentanglha range, Bomi enjoys a mild, moist climate with abundant rainfall, earning it the nickname “Little Switzerland of Tibet.” Its rich forests and gentle weather make it one of the most relaxing stops on the itinerary.
Meals: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are not included, allowing guests to enjoy local specialties in Bomi.
Accommodation: Landscape Hotel – Air conditioning, smart room controls, and smart toilets
Transportation: Tourist vehicle covers 230 kilometers from Baxoi, visiting Ranwu Lake and Midui Glacier before arriving in Bomi.
Bomi- Guxiang Lake – Lunang Forest – Namcha Barwa Peak – Nyingchi
Traveling 230 kilometers at a comfortable altitude of 2,900 meters, today’s route is widely regarded as the most beautiful stretch of the entire 318 National Highway. Departing Bomi’s Zhamo Town, we drive through dense, emerald forests, passing the serene Guxiang Lake. Historically, the section from Tongmai to Pailong was known as the ultimate perilous passage on the highway, prone to landslides and mudslides during the rainy season, particularly the famous 102 landslide area. Today, modern engineering has tamed this route with the construction of the Tongmai Tunnel and the impressive Tongmai Bridge, ensuring a much safer and smoother journey.
Pailong Township serves as a crucial gateway to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. Moving past Pailong, the road conditions improve significantly as we enter Lunang, an area that feels like driving through an endless sea of trees. The Lunang Forest is a paradise of biodiversity, where towering pines and spruces create a canopy over rich undergrowth.
The climax of the day is the ascent over the Sejila Mountain Pass at 4,702 meters. Often shrouded in clouds and snow, Sejila is famous for its blooming rhododendrons in spring and summer. More importantly, it is one of the best vantage points to catch a glimpse of Mount Namcha Barwa, the stunning 7,782-meter peak that pierces the sky. Descending from Sejila, we follow the winding Nyang River valley down to Nyingchi. The approach to Bayi Town, the regional capital at 2,400 meters, is lined with tall poplar trees, creating a poetic, park-like atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the World Giant Cypress tree located just outside the town, a testament to the region’s ancient flora.
Meals: Hotel breakfast is provided. Lunch and dinner are self-arranged. Guests will enjoy a complimentary Nyingchi Stone Pot Chicken dinner tonight, a local delicacy included in the tour package.
Accommodation: Kaiyuan Mingting Hotel in Nyingchi [Smart In-Room Controls + Complimentary Laundry Facilities + Oxygen-Enriched Rooms]
Transportation: Tourist vehicle drives the scenic 230-kilometer route through forests, over Sejila Pass, and down to Nyingchi.
Nyingchi – Basum Tso – Lhasa
Covering a longer distance of 420 kilometers today, the journey takes us along the modern Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway, which represents the best-maintained road conditions on the entire 318 route. The altitude gradually rises back to 3,650 meters as we approach the Tibetan capital. Before leaving the Nyingchi region entirely, we make a dedicated stop at Basum Tso, a national 5A-level scenic area and a sacred lake of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Known as “Green Water” in Tibetan, Basum Tso sits at 3,480 meters. Stretching about 18 kilometers long and reaching depths of 120 meters, the lake is remarkably clear. Snow-capped mountains reflect perfectly on its surface, while seagulls and white cranes drift across the water. Fish swim visibly in the transparent depths, and the surrounding vegetation shifts from dense lower forests to snow-covered upper peaks. Shaped like a crescent moon nestled in a high mountain gorge, Basum Tso offers a tranquil contrast to the rugged roads traveled previously.
After soaking in the serenity of the lake, we continue our drive toward Lhasa. The route follows the beautiful Nyang River valley, where you can spot the “Midstream Pillar,” a fascinating rock formation standing defiantly in the rushing waters. Throughout the day, glimpses of the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo River accompany the drive. Nyingchi is home to China’s largest forest district, meaning the air here is incredibly rich in oxygen compared to the higher plateaus. Take deep breaths and enjoy the final hours of lush scenery before the landscape opens up into the broader, drier valleys surrounding Lhasa. Arrival in the holy city marks the successful completion of the overland 318 Sichuan-Tibet crossing.
Meals: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are self-arranged during the long transit to Lhasa.
Accommodation: Taehf PhodragCulture Theme Hotel
Transportation: Tourist vehicle travels 420 kilometers via the high-quality Lhasa-Nyingchi expressway to the capital city.
Lhasa – Gangbala Mountain – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa
With the overland journey complete, today focuses on one of Tibet’s most revered natural wonders. We embark on a 300-kilometer round trip from Lhasa, ascending to elevations of around 4,500 meters. After breakfast, the vehicle heads west along the 318 National Highway until branching off at the Qushui County bridge over the Yarlung Tsangpo River. From here, the road climbs dramatically up the winding paths of the Gangbala Snow Mountain, reaching a dizzying pass at 4,900 meters.
The reward for this steep ascent is the sudden, breathtaking reveal of Yamdrok Lake. Along with Namtso in northern Tibet and Manasarovar in Ngari, Yamdrok is celebrated as one of the three Great Sacred Lakes of Tibet and stands as the largest freshwater lake in the region. The name translates to “Swan Pool” in Tibetan. Spread across the landscape are over a dozen small islands. The water is an impossible shade of turquoise, so clear and vibrant that it seems to glow from within. Gentle green hills embrace the shoreline, while distant white clouds hover over snow-capped ridges. Yamdrok resembles an irregular sapphire dropped among the peaks, or perhaps a delicate blue silk ribbon draped gracefully around the base of the mountains. The shifting light causes the water’s color to change continuously throughout the day, providing endless inspiration for photographers and quiet reflection for travelers. After spending ample time admiring the lake, we descend and return to Lhasa for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast is provided at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are self-arranged upon returning to Lhasa.
Accommodation: Taehf PhodragCulture Theme Hotel
Transportation: Tourist vehicle handles the 300-kilometer round trip over Gangbala Mountain to Yamdrok Lake and back to Lhasa.
Lhasa City Tour – Potala Palace – Jokhang Temple – Barkhor Street
Dedicate this full day to immersing yourself in the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. The morning is reserved for the Potala Palace, the highest ancient palatial structure in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally built in the 7th century and significantly expanded in the 17th century, it served as the winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas and the center of Tibetan political and religious power. Inside, visitors navigate steep staircases to explore chapels, living quarters, and meditation rooms. The palace houses invaluable cultural treasures, including golden stupas containing the remains of past Dalai Lamas, thousands of intricate murals, exquisite Thangka paintings, and countless Buddhist statues. It is the ultimate repository of Tibetan history and artistry.
Following lunch, the itinerary moves to the Jokhang Temple, constructed during the Tubo Dynasty and recognized as the earliest Buddhist hall in Tibet. The temple’s most sacred possession is the 12-year-old Jowo Sakyamuni statue, brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng. For Tibetan Buddhists, this is the most holy and spiritually potent statue in existence. Witnessing pilgrims prostrating themselves outside the temple doors offers a profound look into the depth of local devotion. After exploring the interior, step outside onto Barkhor Street, the ancient circumambulation route encircling the Jokhang Temple. Joining the clockwise flow of locals spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras provides a deeply moving cultural experience. The street is also lined with shops selling traditional crafts, incense, and jewelry. In the evening, guests are free to wander the city or find a vantage point to admire the spectacular illuminated facade of the Potala Palace against the night sky. A complimentary welcome dinner in Lhasa is included tonight to celebrate the end of the expedition.
Meals: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch is self-arranged. Dinner features a complimentary Lhasa Welcome Banquet provided by the tour operator.
Accommodation: Taehf PhodragCulture Theme Hotel
Transportation: Local tourist vehicle facilitates transfers between the hotel, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street within Lhasa city limits.
Lhasa Departure – End of the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Journey
The 12-day overland adventure concludes today. After enjoying your final breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and await your scheduled transfer. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, our team will provide drop-off services to either Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the Lhasa Railway Station. If you require assistance booking return flights or train tickets, such as the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway soft sleeper, please inform the staff well in advance to secure availability.
This journey from the lowlands of Chengdu, over the towering passes of the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway, through the sacred landscapes of Daocheng Yading and Ranwu Lake, to the spiritual heights of Lhasa, represents one of the most comprehensive and rewarding travel experiences available. We wish you a safe journey home and hope the memories of the Tibetan Plateau stay with you forever. Tashi Delek!
Meals: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Subsequent meals are self-arranged depending on departure times.
Accommodation: No accommodation is provided on the departure day.
Transportation: Scheduled drop-off transfer to Lhasa Airport or Lhasa Railway Station based on individual guest itineraries.
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | 2027-03 | $ 1900 | Book now |
| Apr | 2027-04 | $ 1900 | Book now |
| May | 2027-05 | $ 1900 | Book now |
| Jun | 2027-06 | $ 1900 | Book now |
| Aug | 2027-08 | $ 1900 | Book now |
| Sep | 2027-09 | $ 1900 | Book now |
| Oct | 2027-10 | $ 1900 | Book now |
| Nov | 2027-11 | $ 1700 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway 12-Day Tour: Chengdu to Lhasa via Yading
Fee Description
Services Included:
- Transportation: Licensed tourist vehicle, including tolls, fuel, mountain access fees, and all driver-related expenses.
- Accommodation: Upscale local hotels or 4-diamond hotels throughout the trip, subject to availability. Specific hotels cannot be guaranteed.
- Meals: Daily hotel breakfasts, a complimentary Nyingchi stone-pot chicken meal, and a welcome dinner in Lhasa.
- Guide: Professional Chinese-speaking tour guide throughout the trip.
- Entrance Tickets & Permits: Entrance tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary, Tibet Travel Permit, and Border Permit.
- Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance and passenger seat insurance.
- Complimentary Extras: One bottle of mineral water per person per day, two portable oxygen canisters per person, and one 10-liter oxygen cylinder in the vehicle.
Services Excluded:
- Lunches & Dinners: Meals not specifically included in the package. Typical costs range from RMB 30–60 per person per meal. Your guide can recommend restaurants to suit your preferences.
- Transportation to and from the Tour: Travel from your departure city to Chengdu and onward transportation from Lhasa to other cities. Ticket booking assistance is available upon request.
- Personal Expenses: Hotel laundry, telephone charges, excess baggage fees, beverages with meals, and other personal expenses.
- Additional Expenses: Costs arising from force majeure events, flight delays or cancellations, visa processing delays, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Tips: Recommended tips are RMB 30 per person per day for the driver and RMB 30 per person per day for the guide, based on service quality. Tips are payable from Day 5 to Day 11.
- Single Room Supplement: Additional charges apply if you request a single room or if no other traveler is available to share a room with you.
