Depart Chengdu, pass Dujiangyan, and drive through the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve. Cross the often mist-shrouded Balang Mountain (4,520 m). If weather permits, enjoy the spectacular sea of clouds. Head to Xiaojin, hometown of the Four Sisters Mountains (view from afar; you can stay an extra day if you wish to visit them). Continue to Danba, where you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Tibetan villages and watchtowers at sunset. Today's drive: 383 km, approx. 8 hours.

After breakfast, visit Jiaju Tibetan Village to explore Danba’s famous watchtowers. Pass the Donggu Natural Scenic Area, praised by former Party Chairman Hu Yaobang as a "natural bonsai," and the pastoral grasslands of Bamei (formerly Qianning County), then arrive in Dawu. Drive: 147 km, approx. 4 hours. (Dawu is the second county along the northern route, home to the sacred Yala Mountain. Dawu’s Tibetan houses are famous — white mud walls, red pillars, reddish-brown log walls, with exquisite carvings on windows; unique “卍” curtains hung outside. Under blue skies, the colorful villages are spectacular.)

Depart Dawu, driving along the beautiful and serene Xianshui River — a truly refreshing journey. Arrive in Luhuo, whose Tibetan houses are equally captivating. On the way from Luhuo to Garzê, pass the halfway point of Luogeliangzi to see the stunning Kasa Lake — blue in summer, green in winter, reflecting clouds and nearby villages. After Luhuo, reach Garzê. Easy day, approx. 4 hours of driving. (Garzê town is at 3,380 m, an important trading hub where Sichuan, Qinghai, and Tibet meet. Known as the "Northern Gateway," it has a strong Tibetan atmosphere, affordable meals, and lively markets.)

Morning departure from Garzê. Pass Maniganggo, beloved by independent travelers, and enjoy vast grasslands, snow peaks, and stunning scenery. After 20 minutes, arrive at Yulong Lacuo (Xinluhai Scenic Area). If lucky, you may meet the "Barefoot Master" rinpoche and see his stupas. Then proceed to the beautiful Chola Mountain, with its ethereal ice peaks. Cross the mountain and take photos at the 5,050 m marker (highest point of the tour). Arrive in Derge in the afternoon. Visit the famous Derge Printing Academy (no photos allowed). If interested, tour the Tibetan medicine repository at the Derge Tibetan Hospital, birthplace of Southern Tibetan medicine. Drive: 207 km, approx. 6 hours. (Derge is the last county in Sichuan on the northern route; the highway crosses the Jinsha River from here into Chamdo, Tibet.)

Tip: Plastic bags are banned in Derge — fines of 50 yuan if caught.

After breakfast, cross the Jinsha River Bridge into Tibet. Arrive at Jomda, the first county in Tibet on the northern route and an important stop for travelers. Cross Damala Mountain to reach Chamdo, a key transport hub along G317 and a major cultural and economic center of Kham. Visit Chamdo’s attractions: Qambaling Monastery and Karuo ruins. Drive: 337 km, approx. 8 hours. (Optional visit to Baizong Mountain.)

Depart Zogang to Bangda. The 4,400 m Bangda Plain is vast and open. Leave the grasslands and descend via the famous 99 Bends to the Nujiang River. Today is physically demanding. Temperatures can drop below 0°C at Dongda Mountain and Bangda Plain, but reach around 20°C near the Lancang and Nujiang rivers — a vertical variation of nearly 2,500 m in a single day. (Road conditions: poor all day, especially narrow riverside sections. Dongda Snow Mountain has year-round snow, making travel difficult. Baxoi is at 3,910 m.)

En route, cross the glacier zone and Rawok Valley. The valley’s walls are huge glaciers — driving between ice crevices is thrilling but safe. Rawok Lake is a famous alpine glacial lake, surrounded by dense primeval forest and clear blue water with reflections. Flocks of waterbirds create a fairyland setting. Bomi County, nestled in the mountains, offers fresh, charming air. As part of the Eastern Himalayas, snow-capped peaks surround you, including Namjagbarwa and Gyala Peri. Drive: 218 km, approx. 5 hours.

Drive through primeval forest along the Palong Zangbo River. Cross the snow-covered, misty Serkyim La (Sejila Mountain) to reach Bayi Town in Nyingchi County. This area is home to the Monba and Lhoba peoples, whose customs resemble Tibetans’ but still retain primitive villages. Nyingchi is a stunningly scenic area with lush mountains and clear waters. Drive: 233 km, approx. 6 hours.

Depart Bayi along the Nyang River to Gongbo'gyamda, then follow the Lhasa River valley to Dagzê. Head west, and in the distance you’ll see the Potala Palace on Red Mountain. Arrive in Lhasa. In the afternoon, explore the famous Barkhor Street for souvenirs. Drive: 400 km, approx. 8 hours.