Follow the Ancient Tea Road to Tibet Lhasa from Yunnan Lijiang and discover the beautiful landscapes by driving through deep gorges, alpine forests, vast grasslands steppe.
From USD 1,662 per person
Based on 2 travelers in low season
Drive from Lijiang to Zhongdian (Shangri-la), on the way stop to visit the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery and the deepest gorge in the world – Tiger Leaping Gorge(Middle part). In the afternoon explore Shangri-la old town. Overnight at Zhongdian.
Morning visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the biggest Buddhism Gelugpa monastery in Yunnan, reputed as ‘Little Potala Palace’ which was built according to the complex of Potala Palace in Lhasa. Afterward driving to Deqin, it takes about 4-5 hours, along the way with beautiful landscapes including Baima Snow mountain and Benzilan the First Bend of the Jinsha River. Reach to Feilaisi in the early afternoon where you can enjoy the fabulous view of Mount Meili (Kawar Karpo in Tibetan)(6740m). If time is allowed, drive to see the beautiful Mingyong Glacier at the foot of Kawa Karpo – the main peak of Mt. Meili. Overnight at Feilaisi.
Today drive north along the Yunnan–Tibet Highway (G214), following the scenic Lancang River Valley, which forms part of the upper reaches of the Mekong River. Stop at Yanjing, the last town in Yunnan before entering Tibet, famous for its centuries-old salt pans where locals still use traditional methods of salt production. The checkerboard of drying pools along the riverbank makes for a fascinating cultural and photographic stop.
From Yanjing, continue across the border into Tibet and drive about 111 km to Markham (3,750 m), the first major town in Tibet. Historically an important crossroads of the Tea-Horse Road, Markam (or Mangkang) is also where the G214 (Yunnan–Tibet Highway) meets the G318 (Sichuan–Tibet Southern Highway).
By late afternoon, continue westward to Rumei Town (2,640 m), a lower-altitude settlement that makes an ideal overnight stop before the higher passes ahead.
Start early (around 6:00 am) to avoid road restrictions and make the most of one of the most dramatic drives on the Sichuan–Tibet Highway. Today’s journey is packed with towering passes, deep gorges, and legendary road bends.
From Rumei town, climb over Jueba Mountain (3911 m), then continue to the Dongda Pass (5130 m) — the highest point on the highway. The air here is thin and cold, even in summer, but the sweeping views of snow-capped peaks are unforgettable. Descend to Dzogong, a lively county town that makes a good stop for rest and lunch.
In the afternoon, drive across the Pomda Plateau, the landscape changes to stretching grassland but sparsely inhabited due to the hard climate. Then ascend the Yela Pass (4658 m). From its viewing platform, look down at the world-famous 72 Bends of the Nujiang River, where the road zigzags nearly 2000 m down into the valley. It’s one of the most iconic sights of the entire overland route. Descend carefully, taking time at viewpoints to admire the canyon.
Continue through the spectacular Nujiang Grand Canyon and cross the Nujiang Bridge, a dramatic crossing with both historic and scenic significance. By late afternoon or evening, arrive at Pasho (3260 m). Overnight in Pasho.
Start early (around 6:00 am) to pass the traffic-controlled section between Pasho and Ranwu. The drive soon brings you to Ranwu Lake (3,850 m), a glacier-fed lake surrounded by snow peaks and alpine meadows. Depending on the season and light, its waters shift from aquamarine to turquoise, making stops at the upper, middle, and lower viewpoints of the lake worthwhile.
Continue west through Ranwu town and into one of the most beautiful stretches of the Sichuan–Tibet Highway, where snow-capped mountains, dense forests, rivers, and traditional Tibetan villages create ever-changing scenery. Along the way, take a detour to Midui Glacier (2,400 m), the lowest-altitude glacier in China, famed for its striking mix of snow, forest, and farmland.
Arrive in Pomi (2,750 m) by evening, a quiet town surrounded by lush valleys, and stay overnight.
Depart Pomi and continue west along the G318. Stop at Tashigang Village, a traditional Tibetan settlement with stone houses, terraced fields, and grazing yaks set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Drive onward through the vast Lulang Forest, a highland meadow of spruce, pine, and rhododendron framed by jagged mountains. From the viewing platform, take in stunning views of alpine valleys, often compared to the landscapes of Switzerland. Cross the Sejila Pass (4,728 m), where colorful prayer flags mark the summit and, on clear days, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mount Namche Barwa (7,782 m). By late afternoon, descend into the Nyang River Valley and arrive in Bayi (2,900 m) for overnight.
P.S. If you take this overland trip in late March or early of April, then add an extra day to visit Pomi Peach Blossom Valley, where the villages and valleys burst into pink and white blossoms framed by snow peaks.
In the morning, visit Bayi Giant Cypress Park, home to ancient cypress trees including the sacred “King Cypress,” believed to be over 2,500 years old. Then follow the scenic road along the Niyang River, making a detour to the stunning Draksum-tso (Basum-tso Lake, 3,500 m). Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests, this turquoise alpine lake is one of the most beautiful in eastern Tibet. Walk across the wooden floating bridge to Tsodzong Island, where the 1,500-year-old Tsodzong Monastery nestles among trees, the spiritual highlight of the lake.
Afterwards, continue the drive to Lhasa along the newly built Lhasa–Nyingchi Highway. Cross the Mila Pass (5,013 m), where colorful prayer flags flutter over sweeping mountain views. By late afternoon, arrive in Lhasa (3,658 m), the capital of Tibet. Overnight in Lhasa.
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, 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 are the focal points of pilgrims from the entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.
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.
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.
2 questions
I would like a join-in tour during march-may period 2013 to Tibet. if you are interested, please advice
Hi Mr. Chew, Thanks for contacting us. We'd love yo help you plan this trip and I've just sent you an email with some details about your travel plan, please check it and let me know if you have any further questions on it! I'm looking forward to hearing from you! Best Regards, Murphy
Tashi Delek,
My name is Arleigh and I’m interested in planning a trip in September for 3 weeks. I’ll be
traveling with one or two people. I live in Kunming now and would like to travel from Yunnan to Tibet.
Your Yunnan to Tibet tour looks great. It’s an 11 day tour and I’m interested in 3 weeks so I thought about
adding the tour from Lhasa to Sichuan via the north road. What do you think? What is the cost for each tour and for the combination of the two? Thank you for your ideas and help.
Sincerely,
Arleigh Holzgen
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Yunnan to Tibet Overland Tour (Lijiang-Lhasa)
Lijiang → Zhongdian → Deqin → Markham → Pomi → Bayi → Lhasa
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