![yala holy mountain views Tagong grassland yala-holy-mountain-views-Tagong-grassland](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/2019-05/7.jpeg?itok=5-vK79be)
![Sichuan Tibet Highway Tour Map Sichuan Tibet Highway Tour Route](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image_webp/public/sichuan-tibet-highway-tour-map.JPG.webp?itok=l1sISenK)
![Views of Daocheng Yading Daocheng Yading views](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/2019-06/views-yading-daocheng.jpg?itok=6sFo9aXq)
![Mt. Yangmaiyong in Yading nature reserve Mt. Yangmaiyong](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/upload%204_0/upload%204/yangmaiyong-in-yading.jpg?itok=l947fzer)
![Mt Namche Barwa Tibet Mt Namche Barwa](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/upload%203_0/upload%203/mt-namche-barwa-tibet.jpg?itok=4hz1IFE0)
![Pasho County in Tibet Pasho County in Tibet](https://windhorsetour.com/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_big_image/public/2019-09/pasho-county-tibet.jpg?itok=oRcPaxip)
15 days Chengdu to Lhasa overland tour with Daocheng Yading via G318 Highway
Itinerary
The great rivers of Salween, Mekong, Yangtze are cutting through eroded valleys and deep forested limestone gorges are one of the wonderful part of the trip, breathtaking views of Rawu lake and Draksum tso lake are incomparable tour. The two day detour to Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is another highlight of this tour.
Note: Part of the road could be blocked by landslide in the summer time and heavy snow in winter, so if you travel in summer or winter, it is better that you plan a couple of days more for the backup plans. The traveling season for this tour is from late March to early of Nov. for the best landscapes and accessible road.![Chengdu shuangliu airport Shuangliu chengdu airport](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-06/shuangliu.jpg?itok=VZh-e9zh)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/chengdu-airport-shuangliu-airport.jpg?itok=BWr6NHsW)
Chengdu airport picking up, Check in and have a good rest. Overnight at Chengdu.
![Bends on the way from Chengdu to Kangding bends on the way from Chengdu to Kangding](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/way-to-kangding-bends.jpg?itok=EoelP8Ys)
![Bridge on the highway from Yaan to Kangding Bridge on the highway from Yaan to Kangding](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/bridge-yaan-kangding-highway.jpg?itok=sMmFeKay)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/sichuan-kangding.jpg?itok=CMnZ7kZs)
![Kangding City Kangding City](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/kangding-city.jpg?itok=OQRuD4QE)
Today drive from Chengdu to Kanding, the prefectural capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Western Sichuan, it is known as the gateway city to Khampa area. The population there is about 100,000 people split with approximately half Tibetans and half Hans and with a small population of other ethnic minorities.
Afternoon explore local market with your guide to discover the locals' life. In the evening enjoy the dance and music night at the public square in Kangding town, which you surely will be entertained.
![Zheduo Mountain Zheduo Mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/zheduo-mountain_0.jpg?itok=vTQerIfF)
![Tagong-monastery-wt-404 Tagong-monastery-wt-404](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/Tagong-Monastery-yala-snow-mountain_5.jpg?itok=ZjgqbYUn)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/west-sichuan-travel-journal-xinduqiao-4.jpg?itok=p8tA9j8B)
Morning drive along the Kangding airport road to Tagong, enjoy the beautiful landscapes on the way. Tagong is a small nomadic town in the beautiful grasslands. In Tagong, you will be arranged to visit Tagong Monastery, Ani Gompa Nunnery, a nomad family and enjoy the breathtaking view with Yala Holy Mountain in the distance. (If you are interested in taking a horse ride, it is also possible to arrange in Tagong).
In the late afternoon head to Xinduqiao for overnight, Xinduqiao is called 'the paradise of photographers' because of the stunning natural views surroundings.
![sister-late-near-litang-haizi-mountain sister-late-near-litang-haizi-mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/sister-late-near-litang-haizi-mountain_0.jpg?itok=2AZfeOZ_)
![Horse racing during Litang horse race festival Litang August horse racing festival](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%202_1/upload%202/hose-racing-festival-in-litang.jpg?itok=pPSqWTX0)
![Views of Daocheng Yading Daocheng Yading views](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-06/views-yading-daocheng.jpg?itok=Hq7uIDlf)
![Red glass field in Daocheng Daocheng Red glass field](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-06/daocheng-red-glass-feild.jpg?itok=7LWw_5Z0)
Morning cross over the Gao'ersi pass (about 4,410m high) to Yajiang county, from where follows another two high passes (about 4,700m high) - the Jianziwan & Kazila, the landscape on the way is very good including deep valleys, snow-capped mountains, pastures dotted with sheep and yaks. Lunch at Litang. With its 4010m altitude, Litang county is no doubt the highest city in the world. In addition to its beautiful scenery & spectacular local Tibetan customs, another tourist attraction is the Horse-racing Festival every August. Therefore, if you are here at the very right time, you'll never miss the chance for the hose-racing & dressing show. Another 146km ride to Daocheng will be continued after Litang. Daocheng is a county that you will enjoy for its rich soil & Tibetan culture and a good place for recharging yourself before the 2-day exploration at Yading Nature Reserve.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/yading-village.jpg?itok=eWSHJ_ig)
![chonggu-temple-Yading-nature-reserve chonggu-temple-Yading-nature-reserve](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-05/chonggu-temple.jpeg?itok=RJB_F8hU)
![Chonggu Temple in Yading Natural Reserve Chonggu Temple in Yading Natural Reserve](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/chonggu-temple-yading-first-day.jpg?itok=YcCmCj4a)
![Xiannairi Mountain in Yading Holy Mountain - Xiannairi](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/xiannairi-mountain-yading-natural-reserve.jpg?itok=uRhCRX_o)
![Mt. Xiannairi and pearl lake in Yading Daocheng Mt. Xiannairi and pearl lake Yading](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%207/upload%207/xiannairi-and-pearl-lake-yading.jpg?itok=MrMKjbtD)
Morning drive to Yading Nature Reserve, the countryside scenery en route is very charming and the road is perfect, it drives approximately 2 hours to Shangrila town, here you will buy the entrance tickets and take the local sightseeing bus to the terminal station - Zhaguanbeng (about 1 hour), then hike to Chonggu Temple, see the scenery of Chonggu Temple and holy peak Xiannairi. From Chonggu Temple trekking up to Drolma-la tso (Pearl Lake) about 30-40 minutes. Pearl Lake is the best place to view the holy peak Xiannairi. Then walk about 1 hour back to Zhaguanbeng where you will take the sightseeing bus back to your hotel. Overnight at Yading village
![Mt. Yangmaiyong in Yading nature reserve Mt. Yangmaiyong](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%204_0/upload%204/yangmaiyong-in-yading.jpg?itok=xMyIGSto)
![Trail to Milk lake and five color lake at yading Nature Reserve Hiking Trail to Milk lake and five color lake at yading Nature Reserve](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-05/Trail%20to%20Milk%20lake%20and%20five%20color%20lake%20at%20yading%20Nature%20Reserve.jpeg?itok=lP3UdJaa)
![riding horse to Milk lake at Yading Nature Reserve riding horse to Milk lake at Yading Nature Reserve](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-05/riding%20horse%20to%20Milk%20lake%20at%20Yading%20Nature%20Reserve.jpeg?itok=7-Oh2nE9)
![Yading park Milk lake Yading Milk lake](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%205/upload%205/milk-lake-in-yading.jpg?itok=hDYyrkFo)
![Milk lake in Yading nature reserve Milk lake Yading](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%204_0/upload%204/yading-milk-lake.jpg?itok=h7dya4qx)
Take the sightseeing bus to the terminal - Zhaguanbeng, from which you will arrive at the core of Yading. You will take the local battery car to Luorong Pasture (4150m), which is a natural pasture for the local cattle and horses. Then start your hiking tour up (Hiking: 5km/about 4 hours) to Milk Lake (4600m) and Five-Color Lake (4700m), or you could ride a horseback riding for the first 3KM to Sheshengya (optional, 305 CNY per person for single trip), then hike the rest of 2KM to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of the three sacred peaks: Mt. Yangmaiyong (5958m), Mt. Xianuaduoji (5958m) and Mt. Xiannairi (6032m). The up-and-down hiking tour will take you about 6 to 7 hours. Then drive about 2 hours to Daocheng. Overnight at Daocheng.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/litang-nomad-family_0.jpg?itok=hc9WkUew)
![Litang monastery Tibetan Kham area Litang monastery](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%202_1/upload%202/litang-monastery-tibet-kham.jpg?itok=3yI3enAr)
![Litang monastery Litang monastery Sichuan](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%202_1/upload%202/litang-monastery.jpg?itok=5tUjSuu9)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/chorten-at-sichuan-batang.png?itok=sD-WuANb)
Morning return to Litang from Daocheng. Litang is situated on the Maoya grasslands, it means 'place as flat as a bronze mirror' in Tibetan. Litang is an important transit town along the ancient trade business route between Tibetans from Tibet and the local Hans at Kangding and Ya’an city. At Litang, visit Litang monastery, one of the larger Gelugpa monasteries in Sichuan Kham area, this monastery has a close and tight relation with the 7th, 10th, 11th Dalai Lhama.
Afternoon continue the drive to Batang in the grasslands, enjoy the best grasslands of your tour. At Haizi mountain have a stop to visit the sister's lake. Batang is the last town in Sichuan before you cross Jinsha River (the upper Yangtze River) before you get to Tibet (TRA). Note: You will meet your Lhasa guide in Batang to continue the rest of your trip.
![Jinsha River Big Bend viewed from Benzilan town Jinsha River Big Bend viewed from Benzilan town](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-05/Benzilan-Jinshajiang-Big-Bend.jpeg?itok=UKD0iut0)
![Dongda Mountain Dongda Mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/dongda-mountain-markham.jpg?itok=8mi-jyhC)
Morning drive to cross Jinshajiang river to get into Tibet (TRA), another 2 hours you will get to the first town in Tibet - Markham. Markham for centuries has been a strategic crossroads town on the salt/tea trade routes between Tibet and China. Afternoon pass over the high passes of Wula and Dongda to get to Dzogong for overnight. The road running up and down through mountains and gorges makes the driving full of surprise and excitement.
![72-Curves-of-Nujiang-River 72-Curves-of-Nujiang-River](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/72-Curves-of-Nujiang-River_0.jpg?itok=9TMhjYOO)
![Pasho County in Tibet Pasho County in Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/pasho-county-tibet.jpg?itok=fmX6ph3i)
![Pomda Grassland Pomda Grassland](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/pomda-grassland.jpg?itok=O3aithOl)
![Rawok Lake in the Night House over Rawok Lake](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/house-over-rawok-lake.jpg?itok=I0ygKA70)
Morning drives about 2 hours to get to Pomda, after getting to Pomda, the landscape changes to stretching grassland but sparsely inhabited due to the hard climate.
Cross the Yela Mountain Pass where you can see the 72 Curves of Nujiang River, one of the highlights along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, then continue to Pasho town and enjoy the scenery of snow mountains, forests, countryside, and glaciers. Stay overnight at Ranwu town and enjoy the alpine scenery.
![Rawok Lake Rawok Lake Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/tibet-rawok-lake-blue-water.jpg?itok=A0Ip_CoU)
![On the road from Rawok Lake to Pomi On the road from Rawok Lake to Pomi](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/on-the-road-rawok-pomi.jpg?itok=9VesQLqn)
![Mountain road from Rawok to Pomi mountain road from Rawok to Pomi](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/rawok-pomi-road-overview.jpg?itok=57xSSDSL)
![On the way to Midui Glacier On the way to Midui Glacier](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/on-the-way-to-midui-glacier.jpg?itok=0wy_d4hh)
![Midui Glacier Nyingchi Midui Glacier](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/midui-glacier-nyingchi.jpg?itok=-94jTbZq)
Rawok Tso (Ranwu lake) is surrounded by glaciers and snow mountains. Thawed snow makes the body, the water appears different colors in different seasons, from aquamarine to turquoise. After Rawu town, go ahead to Pomi, you will enter the most beautiful part of this tour, the landscapes along the road vary from snow mountains, glacier to lakes and pasture. On the way stop and pay a visit to Midui Glacier, the lowest altitude glacier in China, covered with snow all year around. Overnight at Pomi.
![View from Serkhym-la Pass View from Serkhym-la Pass](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/nyingchi-pomi-serkhym-la-pass.jpg?itok=Q5otTVLK)
![distance views of namche barwa from lulang forest in nyingchih distance views of namche barwa from lulang forest in nyingchih](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-04/views-namche-barwa.jpeg?itok=BdE8er2H)
![Lulang forest and villages Tibet Lulang forest Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%202_1/upload%202/lunang-forest-area.jpg?itok=tog0GcGb)
![Local Village in Nyingchi Local Village in Nyingchi](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/nyingchi-local-village.jpg?itok=Llc4wV2-)
![Bayi Town Nyingchi Bayi Town](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-08/bayi-town-nyingchi.jpg?itok=5QNUgWql)
Today's road continually surprises you with incredible scenery. One saying describes it best: four seasons a day, the diverse climate in ten miles. Stop at Lulang to view the grand peak of Mt.Namche Barwa (7,756m). Overnight in Bayi.
![Cypresse Park in Nyingchi Nyingchi Cypresse Park](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/cypresse-park-nyingchi.jpg?itok=Tx3SKgfL)
![Drive along Niyang River Drive along Niyang River](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-09/nyingchi-river-niyang-lhasa.jpg?itok=UN2fCxjC)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/tibet-draksum-tso.jpg?itok=Nts6GljB)
![Draksum-tso Lake Shore Shore of Draksum-tso Lake](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-08/draksum-tso-lake-shore.jpg?itok=OhlPo2Qr)
![Mila pass Tibet - way to Nyingchi Mila pass Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/upload%205/upload%205/mila-pass-tibet.jpg?itok=3846E_45)
Morning visit Bayi Cypresses Park, afterward continue the way to Lhasa along the beautiful Niyang River, then make a detour to Draksumtso (Basumtso). The lake and its surrounding views are beautiful and the site is also connected to the semi-mythical ruler of the Kham region and Guru Rinpoche. The joint board floating bridge is the only way to the Tsodzong island and visit the Tsodzong Monastery amid of the trees, most probably the highest attraction of this site. Then keep driving along the Niyang River, cross over Mila pass (5100m) to Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.
![potala Palace - the landmark of Tibet potala Palace - the landmark of Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-04/potala-palace-nyingchi-tour_0.jpeg?itok=UEJxQNiR)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/jokhang-temple-tibet-tour.jpg?itok=G2e_TEhH)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/tibet-jokhang-temple.jpg?itok=nB0qR4Mr)
![Barkhor Street Barkhor Street](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-07/barkhor-street-lhasa.jpg?itok=ecHske3M)
![Barkhor Street Barkhor street near Jokhang Temple](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-07/barkhor-street.jpg?itok=eTmM1poN)
Today you will be arranged to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from the entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.
![Drepung monastery new year Drepung monastery](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-07/new-year-drepung.jpeg?itok=z0CdKiA1)
![Norbulingka Palace Tibet Norbulingka Palace](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-07/norbulingka-palace.jpg?itok=bfytq1Bf)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/lhasa-norbulingka-summer-palace.jpg?itok=CvvhRVQ2)
Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 7,700 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.
![Lhasa Airport Lhasa Airport](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/2019-07/lhasa-airport.jpg?itok=yXDzsNRR)
![Train to Tibet Train to Tibet](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_itinerary_image/public/train-to-tibet.jpg?itok=lAn_MTfB)
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.