Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Daocheng Yading (G318 Highway)

Today you’ll set out from Chengdu and drive west to Kangding, the prefectural capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, known as the gateway to the Khampa region of Tibet. Kangding has a population of around 100,000, made up of Tibetans, Han Chinese, and other minorities, creating a rich blend of cultures.

Along the way, stop at Tianquan Service Area, a popular landmark where travelers pose by the “Start of the Sichuan–Tibet Highway” marker, and visit the historic Luding Bridge, an iron-chain suspension bridge across the Dadu River with deep ties to Chinese history.

In the afternoon, explore the local markets of Kangding with your guide, where you can experience the daily rhythm of Tibetan and Han communities. In the evening, join the lively open-air dance and music gathering in Kangding’s public square, a joyful way to connect with locals and soak in the town’s vibrant spirit. Overnight in Kangding.

Depart Yajiang to Litang, follow the scenic highway west, winding through the Sky Road 18 Bends before crossing Jianziwan Pass (4,659 m) and Kazila Pass (4,718 m). Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, and grasslands dotted with 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.
After leaving Litang, drive onward to Shangri-La Town in Daocheng, the gateway to Yading Nature Reserve. Nestled on a fertile plateau of grasslands and rich Tibetan culture, it offers a lower altitude and a comfortable overnight stop to rest and recharge before exploring Yading’s sacred peaks and lakes over the next two days.

In the morning, purchase entrance tickets at the tourist center in Shangri-La Town (Daocheng) and take the sightseeing bus to Zhaguanbeng (about 1 hour). From there, hike about 15-20 minutes to Chonggu Monastery, with stunning views of the sacred peak Xiannairi (6,032 m). Continue on the plank trail for about 1-1.5 hour to reach Pearl Lake (Drolma-la Tso), the best spot to admire Xiannairi mirrored in its turquoise waters. Afterward, walk back to Zhaguanbeng (about 1 hour) and return by bus to your hotel in Yading Village. The afternoon is free to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Overnight in Yading Village.

In the morning, take the sightseeing bus to Zhaguanbeng, from there, walk about 10–15 minutes to the battery car station, then board a local battery car to Luorong Pasture (4,150 m), a vast alpine meadow where yaks and horses graze beneath snow-capped peaks. (Tip: you may choose to get off at Holy Water Lake – Shenshuihu and walk to Luorong for the stunning views along the way.)

From Luorong pasture, you can take a short, easy walk or horseback ride to Gongga Tso Lake. For those feeling adventurous, continue the trek (about 5 km, 4 hours round trip) to Milk Lake (4,600 m) and Five-Color Lake (4,700 m). The first 3 km to Sheshengya can be done on horseback (optional, approx. 305 CNY per person, one way), followed by a 2 km hike to reach the lakes. Both are stunning alpine gems, their turquoise and multicolored waters perfectly reflecting the three sacred peaks: Mt. Yangmaiyong (5,958 m), Mt. Xianuaduoji (5,958 m), and Mt. Xiannairi (6,032 m).

The round-trip trek, with ascents and descents, takes about 6–7 hours. Afterward, return by battery car to Zhaguanbeng, then take the sightseeing bus back to Shangri-La Town, and drive another 2 hours to Daocheng county for overnight.

Morning return from Daocheng to Litang (4,010 m), a historic town on the vast Maoya Grasslands. Its Tibetan name means “as flat as a bronze mirror.” For centuries, Litang served as a key trading hub between Tibetans and Han merchants from Kangding and Ya’an. Visit Litang Monastery, one of the largest Gelugpa institutions in the Kham region, with close ties to the 7th, 10th, and 11th Dalai Lamas.

Continue westward across the vast Maoya grasslands toward Batang (2,700 m). Along the way, stop at Haizi Mountain to admire the picturesque Sisters’ Lakes, framed by alpine scenery. Batang, the last major town in Sichuan before crossing the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze), marks the gateway into Tibet. Here, meet your Tibetan guide who will accompany you for the rest of the journey to Lhasa.

This morning, cross the Jinsha River Bridge, marking your official entry into Tibet. Soon after, ascend the Zongla Pass (4,170 m), your first high pass inside Tibet, with stunning views of rugged mountains and valleys as the landscape begins to open into the vast Tibetan Plateau.

After about two hours, arrive in Markham (3,750 m), the first major town in Tibet. Once an important crossroads on the ancient tea–horse trade route linking Tibet with Sichuan and Yunnan, it remains an important hub of the Kham region.

Continue west along the G318, climbing to the Lawu Pass (4,285 m), where colorful prayer flags flutter against a backdrop of alpine meadows and snow peaks. From here, the road descends into the Lancang River Valley, with dramatic gorges and winding roads.

In the afternoon, reach Rumei town (2,600 m), a quiet service town that makes an ideal overnight stop thanks to its lower altitude. Take a good rest here before the next day’s more challenging drive over higher mountain passes.

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 Baxoi.

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 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.

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.