Depart Chengdu via expressway to rainy city Ya’an. Follow the clear Qingyi River toward lofty Erlang Mountain, cross the 4.1km Erlang Mountain Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in China. Experience totally different climates and arrive at Dadu River Valley, the largest and deepest canyon in western Sichuan. Visit historic Luding Chain Bridge where Red Army fought bravely. Explore ancient Kangding Town and enjoy the famous folk song. Conquer Zheduo Mountain (4298m), the first major pass on Sichuan-Tibet route, and reach ethnic-style Xinduqiao.

Road Condition: Expressway from Chengdu to Ya’an; secondary paved road from Erlang Mountain to Kangding and Xinduqiao with smooth driving.

Admire fairy-tale villages, rivers and Tibetan residences in early morning glow. Cross Ga'er Mountain (4412m), pass Yajiang, drive through surging Yalong River Valley and dense forests. Scale Jianziwan Mountain (4658m) and arrive at Litang, known as the world’s highest county over 4000m altitude. Visit magnificent Chokhor Gyal Monastery of Gelug school to appreciate profound Tibetan Buddhism culture. Cross Haizi Mountain, view frozen Twin Lakes, pass hot springs of Cuopu Valley and Cuolakou Nature Reserve, and reach ancient Batang, hometown of Xianzi folk dance.

Extra 1-2 days required for visiting Cuopu Hot Spring Park and Cuolakou Reserve. Do not miss distinctive local festivals Litang Horse Racing Festival and Batang Yale Festival if scheduled.

Road Condition: Most sections paved with asphalt, only short bumpy stretches; overall accessible.

Well-preserved ancient Catholic church ruins stay in Batang. Cross Jinsha River to view grand valley and rapid torrents, officially enter Tibet. Dine in Mangkam, junction of Yunnan-Tibet and Sichuan-Tibet Highways. Cross Jueba Mountain, Lawu Mountain and Dongda Mountain nearly 6000m high, then reach Zuogong with rough rugged roads.

Depart early for Bangda, junction of northern and southern Sichuan-Tibet routes. Cross Yerala Mountain (4839m), drive along famous zigzag 72 sharp bends. Traverse dangerous Nu Mountain of Hengduan Range. Enjoy weathered rock landscapes, mysterious sky burial sites, Buddha carvings and six-syllable mantras near Dala Holy Mountain. Original forests and idyllic farmlands unfold downhill. Dramatic temperature difference occurs: below zero on Bangda Grassland yet around 20℃ by Lancang River and Nu River, altitude gap up to nearly 2500 meters within one day.

Road Condition: Poor narrow roadside roads all day; permanent snow on Dongda Snow Mountain all year round. Baxu altitude: 3910m.

Drive along alpine meadows overlooking snow peaks and glaciers. Enter Ranwu Valley surrounded by huge glaciers, admire spectacular everlasting ice hangs. Ranwu Lake is a famous highland glacial lake, embraced by primeval forests. Crystal blue water reflects woods with flocks of water birds, presenting pure fairyland scenery. Fresh air fills Bomi County at eastern Himalayas, with renowned Namcha Barwa and Gyala Peri snow peaks standing all around.

Enter the most scenic section of Sichuan-Tibet Highway after leaving Ranwu. Lush woods, flowing streams, circling eagles, snow mountains, lakes, farmlands and villages form endless stunning views. Visit Deaf-Mute Shouting Spring.

Road Condition: Smooth paved roads except narrow icy sections in Ranwu. Bomi altitude: 1100m.

Pass well-known ancient mudslide zone 30km away, cross misty Sejila Mountain and arrive at Bayi Town, residential area of Monba and Lhoba ethnic groups retaining primitive villages. Nyingchi boasts picturesque pleasant landscapes in Tibet.

Road Condition: Rough roads starting from Bomi, extremely dangerous at Yigong Landslide zone; smooth roads in Bayi. Bayi altitude: 2400m.

Follow Nyang River to Gongbujiangda, proceed along Lhasa River Valley to Dazi. Catch distant sight of Potala Palace on Red Hill and finally arrive in Lhasa.

You may join local in-city tours or entrust us to arrange follow-up trips upon arrival. Contact us for detailed arrangement.