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Tibet » Eastern Tibet Trips » Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour - 16 Days
The southern route to Lhasa is the most scenic overland route, crossing several 4,000 m(13,123 ft) passes, dropping down through lush
green valleys and gushing gorges, and crossing picturesque landscapes that Tibetans call their 'backyard.' We begin this three-week journey from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, and continue overland through Ganzi prefecture into the Tibetan Autonomous Region. There are only a few roads that climb over the holy plateau to the capital of Tibet; this journey will take you to villages and communities previously closed to most travelers, both geographically and culturally.
Our Tibetan guide will tell you about Buddhism and its many sects, explain Tibet's history and teach you some phrases in Tibetan to help you get to know the local people. Traveling by 4 WD vehicles, we have the freedom to stop and explore Tibet's sacred mountains and monasteries, stay with local Tibetan families and take day hikes at your leisure and whim.
- Short Itinerary
- Cost Include/Exclude
- Customize Trip
- Book This Trip
Short Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Chengdu
Chengdu airport picking up, Check in and have a good rest. Overnight at Chengdu Jindi Hotel.
Day 2 Chengdu / Kangding (376km, 6-7hrs)
Morning drive to Kangding, go through Er'lang Tunnel, along Da-Chu river. Upon arrival at Kangding, explore this town on your own, enjoy the mountain scenery and visit the local people. After dinner, enjoy a soak in the hot springs at Erdaoqiao. Overnight at Kangding Gesa'er Hotel.
Day 3 Kangding / Tagong / Yajiang / Litang (306km, 5-6hrs)
In the early morning, visit Anjue monastery and enjoy a rare chance to see their morning ceremony! Drive on to Litang. Today's journey from Kangding to Litang will take you approximately 5 hours (306km). En route have a stop at Xinduqiao ' heaven for photography' and Tagong Monastery. Litang with over 3000m high altitude is one of the highest towns in the world. Afternoon visit the large Litang Chode Monastery, which is built for the third Dalai Lama. The monastery here is now home to 1400 Yellow Hat sect monks. Overnight at Litang Gaocheng Hotel .
Day 4 Litang / Daocheng / Yading (250Km, 6-7hrs)
Today we will reach the highlight of this journey - Yading Nature Reserve, home to three sacred Tibetan mountains. Tibetan Buddhists believe that making a kora around these mountains brings them favor with the gods. The scenery here easily rivals that of national parks of the west such as Yellowstone and Yosemite in terms of spectacular, pristine mountain scenery. Overnight at tent hotel.
Day 5 Yading Nature Reserve
Horse-riding to Chonggu Temple, see the scenery of Chonggu Temple and holy peak Xiannairi. From Chonggu Temple trekking up to Drolma-la tso ( Pearl Lake) or ride a horse about 15minutes. Pearl Lake is the best place to view the holy peak Xiannairi. You can still choose the local sightseeing bus to explore around. Late afternoon drive back to Daocheng. Overnight at Yading Hotel or same level other hotels.
Day 6 Daocheng / Xiangcheng / Benzilan(271Km, 7-8hours)
Departs at Daocheng early morning, pass Sangdui village to Xiangcheng along different plateau forest scenery and local Tibetan villages. Overnight at Beizilan (dorm bed).
Day 7 Benzilan / Deqin / Feilaisi (97Km, 3-4hours )
Walk to see the famous Jinsha River bend, then start driving to Deqin Feilai Temple by pass Snow mountains. Feilai Temple is the best place to see holy Mt.Meili. Mt. Meili is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. 'Kang Karpo Peak' means the God of Snow Mountain in Tibetan, and is a holy land for worshiping. Pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan,and Gansu travel to the mountain at the beginning of each winter to worship. Thousands of devout pilgrims worship together and encircle the holy mountain, adding even more mystery and loftiness to the mountain. Overnight at local hostel(twin-room with private bath).
Day 8 Feilaisi / Markham (235Km, 8-9hours)
Go on northwards along the Lang cang jiang river valley, the upper reaches of Mekong River. Pass the border between Tibet and Yunnan at Yanjing, arrive at Markham after another 111km to join the Sichuan Southern route to Lhasa. Overnight at Markham Kangsheng Hotel or Chadaofeng hotel.
Day 9 Markham / Dzogong ( 158km, 5hrs )
Cross Lancang river, pass over the highest pass- Dongda which is 5008m. Overnight at Dzogong local best hostel.
Day 10 Dzogong / Pasho (201km, 5-6hrs)
Drive from Dzogong to Pasho via pomba pasture, Overnight at Pasho Zizuan Hotel.
Day 11 Pasho / Rawok-tso / Pomi (219Km, 6-7hrs)
The way from Pasho to Pomi, you will see glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, local villages and also the beautiful lake Rawok-tso. Overnight at Pomi Zizuan Hotel.
Day 12 Pomi / Bayi (240Km, 6-7hrs)
Drive from Pomi to Bayi, pass by the gorgeous alpine valleys lined with rhododendron bushes, cross over the Serkhym-la where you will have a chance to view the grand peak of Mt.Namche Barwa. Overnight at Bayi Shangbala Hotel.
Day 13 Bayi / Draksum Tso/ Lhasa (460Km, 8-9hrs)
Morning start driving to Lhasa along the beautiful Niyang River, you will do a detour off the Sichuan-Tibet Hwy to visit Draksumtso(Basumtso) lake en route. Overnight at Lhasa New Mandala Hotel.
Day 14 Lhasa sightseeing one day
Today you will visit the World Heritage Sites of Potola Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkor Market, overnight at Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa New Mandala Hotel.
Day 15 Lhasa sightseeing one day
The escorted tours today will cover some other highlights of Lhasa - the Drepung Monastery, the Sera Monastery, both of them are Gelupa Monasteries. And also you will visit the famous Dalai lama summer palace - Norbulingka. Overnight at Lhasa New Mandala Hotel.
Day 16 Lhasa airport / train station dropping off, end the trip.
Trip Facts
- Total Duration:15 Nights / 16 Days
- Mode of Transport: Land Cruiser
- Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouses
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Max. Height: 5200m
- Start From: Chengdu
- End To: Lhasa
- Best Season: March through September
Trip Map
Cost Include
- All monastery entrance fees wherever required,
- transportation by 4500 model luxury Japanese Land Cruiser, S
- Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels in Chengdu and Lhasa, best available hotels or guesthouses in other places. Few places have very basic guesthouses .
- Tibet travel permit,
- English speaking Tiebtan Guide as per itinerary and Local Tibetan driver
Cost Exclude
- Personal expenses,
- any flight fare and access baggage charges,
- Lunch and dinner while in tour,
- Travel insurance
- Evacuation Cost in case of immergency
- Tips for guide and driver,
- Otehrs which is not mentioned on the above included items.
Trip Facts
- Total Duration:15 Nights / 16 Days
- Mode of Transport: Land Cruiser
- Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouses
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Max. Height: 5200m
- Start From:
- End To:
- Best Season:
Trip Map
Customize Trip
Trip Facts
- Total Duration:15 Nights / 16 Days
- Mode of Transport: Land Cruiser
- Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouses
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Max. Height: 5200m
- Start From:
- End To:
- Best Season:
Trip Map
Book This Trip
Trip Facts
- Total Duration:15 Nights / 16 Days
- Mode of Transport: Land Cruiser
- Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouses
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Max. Height: 5200m
- Start From:
- End To:
- Best Season:
Trip Map
