Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Assembly in Lhasa
Altitude: 3650 meters
Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Distance: None
Driving Time: No driving
Accommodation: Double room in a hotel in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast included
Overview:
Arrive in the sacred city of Lhasa today. After checking into the hotel, you are free to explore. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Lhasa, experiencing the unique atmosphere created by the presence of Chinese, foreigners, pilgrims, and travelers. If you enjoy photography, you can capture the night view of the Potala Palace from Barkhor Square or the Medicine King Hill Observation Deck.
For those interested in Tibetan cuisine, you may try the “Lucky Holy Snow Tibetan Meal” for an initial understanding of Tibetan cuisine.
Day 2: Lhasa - North Shore of Yamdrok Lake - Reting Monastery - Shannan City
Altitude: 3650-4500-3575-3560 meters
Highlights: Reting Monastery, Sera Monastery
Distance: 280 km
Driving Time: Approximately 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Double room in a hotel in Shannan City
Meals: Breakfast included
Overview:
Embark on an exciting journey in the morning, crossing the Gyatsola Pass along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to the less-visited north shore of Yamdrok Lake. The focus is on Reting Monastery, situated on a peninsula in the heart of Yamdrok Lake, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
In the afternoon, reach Sera Monastery, built during the 8th century in the period of the Tubo Kingdom. The monastery features a unique layout based on Buddhist cosmology, incorporating Tibetan, Han, and Indian architectural styles.
Day 3: Shannan - Lang County - Milin Peach Blossom Avenue - Milin County
Altitude: 3560-3100-3700 meters
Highlights: Milin Peach Blossom Avenue
Distance: 390 km
Driving Time: Approximately 8 hours
Accommodation: Double room in a hotel in Milin County
Meals: Breakfast included
Overview:
Depart from Shannan in the morning towards the Linzhi region. En route, you’ll pass through a beautiful peach blossom avenue near Dazi County. This road is adorned with wild peach blossoms, creating a mesmerizing spring scenery along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
This long stretch of peach blossom avenue, with its pink blossoms, is a stunning sight. With few tourists and vehicles, you’re sure to capture many amazing photographs.
D4. Milin County – Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon (Sosong Village)
Altitude: 3700-2700 meters
Highlights: Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, Sosong Village, Mount Namcha Barwa
Distance: 100KM
Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours
Accommodation: Sosong Village Hotel, Standard Room for 2 persons
Meals: Breakfast included
Itinerary Overview:
After breakfast in Milin, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Neyang River along the way. The Neyang River, naturally charming, becomes even more enchanting with peach blossoms in March.
Continue to the confluence of the Yarlung Zangbo River and Neyang River, a unique natural landscape known as the “Confluence of Two Rivers.” The distinct colors of the Yarlung River and Neyang River converge distinctly.
Proceeding past the confluence, you’ll reach Dangnian Township, where you can spot a sand dune resembling a Buddha’s palm on the opposite side of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Known as the “Buddha’s Palm Sand Dune,” it forms a unique landscape due to the strong winds in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River.
Continuing the journey, arrive in the afternoon at the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon. After exploring, head to Sosong Village, situated across the river from the Grand Canyon. With its breathtaking views of Mount Namcha Barwa, Sosong Village is the ideal location for capturing the beauty of this “First of China’s Ten Most Beautiful Snow Mountains.”
As spring blooms, pink and white peach blossoms abound, creating a mesmerizing scene. As night falls, engage in heartfelt conversations in a Tibetan homestay, making the evening truly unforgettable.
D5. Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon - Sejila Mountain - Lulang Town - Bomi
Altitude: 2700-4728-4200 meters
Highlights: Mount Namcha Barwa, Sejila Mountain, Bomi Peach Blossom Valley
Distance: 300KM
Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours
Accommodation: Bomi County Hotel, Standard Room for 2 persons
Meals: Breakfast included, complimentary Lulang stone pot chicken
Itinerary Overview:
Depart from the Grand Canyon in the morning, starting the ascent of Sejila Mountain with an elevation of 4720 meters. This location offers the best panoramic view of China’s most beautiful snow mountain, Mount Namcha Barwa, standing at an impressive 7782 meters.
Leaving the observation platform, descend along the mountain road to the beautiful Lulang Town. Known for its vast primeval forest, Lulang is a major forested area in Tibet, often referred to as the “Natural Oxygen Bar.” The dense forest, green alpine meadows, and scenic landscapes make for refreshing natural scenery.
A special highlight in Lulang is indulging in the local delicacy – delicious stone pot chicken. This area is the only place in Tibet where you can enjoy authentic stone pot chicken, originating from here.
After lunch, continue the journey, passing through the once perilous Tongmai, which was formerly the most dangerous section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. The completion of the Tongmai Bridge has transformed this risky stretch into a safe passage. In the afternoon, reach the Bomi Peach Blossom Valley. While most tour groups only visit the valley entrance, we will venture deep into the gorge, passing through picturesque villages such as Gana, Runa, Qingdu, Baiyu, and Yuxu along the way.
D6. Bomi - Ranwu Lake - Renlongba Glacier - Ranwu
Altitude: 4200-4560-3850 meters
Highlights: Renlongba Glacier, Ranwu Lake
Distance: 300KM
Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours
Accommodation: Ranwu Hotel, Standard Room for 2 persons
Meals: Breakfast included
Itinerary Overview:
After breakfast in Bomi, embark on a journey through snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, and picturesque landscapes.
Arrive at Ranwu Lake, a famous highland glacier lake on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. If lucky, capture the stunning reflection of Ranwu Lake.
Continue the drive to Renlongba Glacier, an undeveloped glacier that retains its original state. The glacier tongue, with an elevation of 4560 meters, allows you to approach and touch the glacier, making Renlongba an exceptionally captivating destination.
D7. Ranwu - Basu - Nujiang Grand Canyon - Nujiang 72 Bends - Chamdo
Altitude: 3850-4685-3240 meters
Highlights: Nujiang 72 Bends, Bangda Grassland
Distance: 360KM
Driving Time: Approximately 7.5 hours
Accommodation: Chamdo City Hotel, Standard Room for 2 persons
Meals: Breakfast included
Itinerary Overview:
Leave Ranwu Town in the morning, preparing to ascend the first mountain of the day – Anjiula Mountain. The mountain pass reaches an elevation of 4475 meters, and due to strong winds, it is advisable to stay warm.
Anjiula Mountain Pass is one of the most scenic mountain passes on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, with an extended stretch through snow-covered mountains on both sides. Driving along this spectacular route allows you to capture magnificent images of a snow-covered highway.
Next, pass through the famous Nujiang 72 Bends, also known as the “99 Bends of Sichuan-Tibet Highway.” Although not officially a scenic spot, the road itself is awe-inspiring. The 12-kilometer road, starting from the 4600-meter Yela Mountain Pass, spirals down to the Nujiang Grand Canyon at an altitude of just over 3000 meters, creating a vertical drop of over 1600 meters.
After completing the Nujiang 72 Bends, cross the Yela Mountain Pass at an altitude of 4658 meters,
reaching Bangda, where the northern and southern routes of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway intersect. Bangda serves as an essential transportation hub, connecting north to Chamdo and west to Linzhi and Lhasa. Traverse the vast Bangda Grassland before arriving in Chamdo, known as the “Pearl of Eastern Tibet.” This region is a crucial hub for the Tea Horse Ancient Road and is often called the “Pearl of Eastern Tibet.”
D8. Chamdo - Qiangbalin Monastery - Jiangda - Dege Sutra Printing Institute
Altitude: 3240-3460-3250 meters
Highlights: Qiangbalin Monastery
Distance: 330KM
Driving Time: Approximately 7 hours
Accommodation: Dege County Hotel, Standard Room for 2 persons
Meals: Breakfast included
Itinerary Overview:
Upon arrival in Chamdo, head directly to Qiangbalin Monastery, named after the main statue of Qiangba Buddha, also known as Maitreya Buddha. At its peak, the monastery housed over 5000 monks, making it one of the largest in Tibet. Qiangbalin Monastery serves as the cultural and religious center of the Chamdo region, attracting continuous pilgrims daily. Since it is not a formal tourist attraction, the monastery sees fewer visitors, allowing for the capture of unique cultural photographs.
In the afternoon, pass through Jiangda County to reach Dege. The focus is on visiting the Dege Sutra Printing Institute, established in 1729. The institute possesses over 200 volumes of Buddhist scriptures, covering subjects such as Buddhism, astronomy, geography, medicine, history, literature, music, art, and crafts. Among them are many rare and precious editions.
The unique structure of the Sutra Printing Institute, with its towering red walls and surrounding green trees, creates a tranquil and spectacular atmosphere. The institute’s printing process is entirely manual, with two people facing each other, one applying ink to the printing plate, and the other placing paper, resulting in the immediate printing of a page of scripture.
D9. Dege Sutra Printing Institute - Ganzi County - Seda
Altitude: 3250-3325-4127 meters
Highlights: Dege Sutra Printing Institute, Que’er Mountain
Distance: 330KM
Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours
Accommodation: Seda County Hotel, Standard Room for 2 persons
Meals: Breakfast included
Itinerary Overview:
Depart Dege early in the morning, witnessing the snow-capped Que’er Mountain. With its highest peak reaching 6168 meters, the majestic and towering Que’er Mountain stands prominently among surrounding peaks. It was once considered a perilous section on the northern route of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, with the ascent to the 5050-meter Que’er Mountain Pass being fraught with dangers. However, with the completion of the Que’er Mountain Tunnel, this treacherous section has become a safe passage, saving considerable travel time.
After passing Que’er Mountain, soon reach Yulong Lacuo, also known as Xinluhai. This beautiful highland glacial lake is formed by the melting of Que’er Mountain glaciers and snow. The lake is surrounded by alpine spruce, larch, cypress, rhododendron, and meadows. Standing by the lake, the crystal-clear glacier flows directly from the snow basin at an altitude of five thousand meters to the lakeside grassland, creating a spectacular sight.
Before arriving in Seda, pass through the picturesque Jinma Grassland. According to legend, people once discovered “horse head” shaped gold on this fertile and beautiful grassland. To invoke blessings, the area was named Seda (meaning “Golden Horse”). There is a legend that the gold belonged to Gesar, giving Seda the name “Golden Horse.”
Arrive in Seda County in the evening, and due to the late arrival, check into a hotel within the county for the night. Tomorrow morning, proceed to Seda Buddhist College.
D10. Seda - Seda Buddhist College - Guanyinqiao Town
Altitude: 4127-3900-2700 meters
Highlights: Seda Wuming Buddhist College
Distance: 210KM
Driving Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Accommodation: Guanyinqiao Town Hotel, Standard Room for 2 persons
Meals: Breakfast included
Itinerary Overview:
Early morning departure for Seda Wuming Buddhist College. The college is located more than 20 kilometers from Seda County in a mountain gorge called Larung Gar. After driving along the gorge for several miles, numerous red wooden houses come into view, surrounding several magnificent golden temples. This is the Seda Wuming Buddhist College.
Seda Wuming Buddhist College, officially known as Seda Larung Gar Buddhist Institute, was founded by Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche in 1980. In just a few years, it rapidly rose from a remote valley in Tibetan areas to become the world’s largest Tibetan Buddhist institute. Over twenty thousand monks and nuns reside and study here. The college strictly adheres to monastic disciplines, with separate quarters for male and female practitioners.
Departing Seda, continue south along the northern route of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. In the evening, stay in the lower-altitude Guanyinqiao Town.
D11. Guanyinqiao Town - Barkam - Yingxiu - Chengdu
Altitude: 2700-2200-500 meters
Highlights: Guanyin Temple
Distance: 390KM
Driving Time: Approximately 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Chengdu City Hotel, Standard Room for 2 persons
Meals: Breakfast included
Itinerary Overview:
Today marks the end of the journey. Depart from Guanyinqiao Town in the morning, passing through the famous Wenchuan-Yingxiu Earthquake Site. The epicenter of the devastating earthquake that shocked the world on May 12, 2008, was located at the junction of Yingxiu Town and Xuankou Town in Wenchuan County. The earthquake site has been protected by the local government and is open to visitors. If interested, a visit can be arranged.
In the afternoon, arrive in Chengdu, the Land of Abundance. Chengdu is a city that once you visit, you may not want to leave. If time permits in the afternoon, you can explore Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley to experience the leisurely and pleasant life of the city.
In the evening, be sure to enjoy an authentic Sichuan hotpot to feel the warmth of Chengdu’s hospitality.
With this, our journey concludes, and I wish everyone a successful and memorable trip!
