13-Day Tibet Flights & Qinghai-Tibet Railway: Lhasa, EBC., Nyingchi & Namtso
Classic Route
Details
Arrive in Chengdu – Airport Hotel
Travelers from around the world arrive in Chengdu today, the vibrant gateway to Tibet where modern city life meets rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel near Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to rest and prepare for the incredible overland journey ahead.
An unforgettable adventure across the Tibetan Plateau begins tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast × | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Complimentary airport hotel near Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Chengdu – Kangding – Tagong Grassland – Xinduqiao
Today we officially begin our journey along the legendary Sichuan-Tibet Highway.
Tagong means “the place favored by Bodhisattvas” in Tibetan. According to legend, Princess Wencheng passed through this area while bringing a sacred statue of Shakyamuni Buddha to Tibet. The statue miraculously wished to remain here, leading to the construction of Tagong Monastery, often called the “Little Jokhang Temple.”
Enjoy the vast Tagong Grassland, where yaks graze peacefully across lush meadows dotted with Tibetan villages, streams, and wooden bridges.
We also pass through Kangding, famous as the “Hometown of the Kangding Love Song.” Nestled among beautiful mountains and rivers, Kangding has long been an important gateway between Sichuan and Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Kangsang Manor, Kangding (or similar) – Oxygen supply & air conditioning
Tagong Grassland
Tagong Grassland
Xinduqiao – Litang – Daocheng – Shangri-La Town
Highlights: Yajiang, Gao’ersi Pass, Jianziwan Pass, Kazila Pass, Litang, Changqingchun Monastery, Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve, Sangdui, Daocheng
Driving Distance: Approx. 420 km
Altitude: 3,300–4,000 m
Today’s drive follows one of the most scenic sections of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. After leaving Yajiang behind, the landscape opens into spectacular alpine scenery.
If conditions permit, sunrise over Gao’ersi Mountain is unforgettable.
Litang, sitting at 4,014 meters above sea level, is known as the “Highest Town in the World.” It preserves authentic Tibetan culture and is home to Changqingchun Monastery, founded by the Third Dalai Lama.
Continue through the beautiful grasslands, mountain passes, and picturesque valleys before arriving in Shangri-La Town near Yading.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Fengmayao Boutique Hotel (or similar) – Floor heating & oxygen supply
Litang
The Eighteen Bends of the Heavenly Road
Full-Day Yading Nature Reserve
Highlights: Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake, Five Color Lake
Driving Distance: Minimal
Maximum Altitude: About 4,700 m
Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking Yading Nature Reserve.
Three sacred snow mountains dominate the landscape:
- Xiannairi (Chenrezig / Avalokitesvara)
- Yangmaiyong (Manjushri)
- Xiannuoduoji (Vajrapani)
These majestic peaks form the famous “Three Holy Mountains” revered by Tibetan Buddhists.
Take the sightseeing bus into the reserve, visit Chonggu Monastery and Chonggu Meadow, then continue to Luorong Pasture. Guests may either hike or take the optional electric shuttle.
Continue toward the famous Milk Lake and Five Color Lake, surrounded by magnificent glaciers and towering peaks.
On the return journey, visit Pearl Lake beneath Xiannairi Peak before returning to Daocheng.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Fengmayao Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Luorong Pasture
Five Color Lake
Daocheng – Litang – Sister Lakes – Jinsha River Bridge – Mangkang
Today we officially enter the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Highlights: Sangdui, Hongcaodi (Red Grassland, seasonal), Maoya Grassland, Litang, Sister Lakes, Jinsha River Bridge
Driving Distance: Approx. 450 km
Altitude: Around 4,000 m
Cross the magnificent Jinsha River and officially enter Tibet via Mangkang.
Maoya Grassland, once selected by Chinese National Geography as one of China’s six most beautiful grasslands, offers breathtaking panoramic scenery that changes dramatically with the seasons.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Kangyuan Holiday Hotel – High-quality oxygen rooms
Sister Lakes
Jinsha River Bridge
Mangkang – Dongda Mountain – Nujiang 72 Bends – Basu
Highlights: Lancang River, Dongda Pass, Bangda, Nujiang 72 Hairpin Bends
Driving Distance: Approx. 360 km
Altitude: Around 3,800 m
Cross the spectacular Lancang River before climbing Dongda Mountain Pass, one of the highest passes along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway at over 5,008 meters.
Enjoy incredible mountain panoramas before descending the famous Nujiang 72 Hairpin Bends, one of the engineering marvels of Highway G318.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Kangcheng Oxygen Hotel – Oxygen supply, humidifier & blackout curtains
Dongda Mountain
Nujiang 72 Hairpin Bends
Basu – Ranwu Lake – Midui Glacier – Bomi
Highlights: Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier, Bomi
Driving Distance: Approx. 230 km
Altitude: Around 3,850 m
Today’s scenery changes dramatically as forests replace barren mountains.
Visit the crystal-clear Ranwu Lake, one of eastern Tibet’s most beautiful alpine lakes, reflecting surrounding snow-capped mountains like a giant mirror.
Continue to Midui Glacier, recognized by Chinese National Geography as one of China’s six most beautiful glaciers.
Finally arrive in Bomi, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Tibet.”
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × |Dinner ×
Accommodation: Shanshui Hotel – Air conditioning & smart toilets
Ranwu Lake
Midui Glacier
Bomi – Guxiang Lake – Lulang Forest – Nyingchi
Highlights: Tongmai Bridge, Lulang Forest, Sejila Pass, distant view of Namcha Barwa Peak
Driving Distance: Approx. 230 km
Altitude: Around 2,900 m
Travel through dense forests and the famous Tongmai section before reaching picturesque Lulang.
Cross Sejila Mountain Pass (4,702 m), one of the best viewpoints for the sacred Namcha Barwa Peak, often regarded as China’s most beautiful snow mountain.
Continue into the lush valleys of Nyingchi.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: New Century Mingting Hotel, Nyingchi (or similar) – Smart rooms, complimentary laundry & oxygen rooms
Guxiang Lake
Lulang Forest
Nyingchi – Basum Tso – Lhasa
Highlights: Niyang River, Basum Tso Scenic Area
Driving Distance: Approx. 420 km
Altitude: Around 3,650 m
Drive along the scenic Lhasa-Nyingchi Expressway while enjoying continuous views of the Niyang River.
Visit beautiful Basum Tso, a sacred lake of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests, the emerald-green lake resembles a crescent moon nestled among alpine valleys.
Continue to Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Zhaxi Pozhang Oxygen View Hotel (or similar)
Basum Tso
Basum Tso
Lhasa – Gampala Pass – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa
Highlights: Yamdrok Lake
Driving Distance: Approx. 300 km
Altitude: Around 4,500 m
Travel across Gampala Pass (4,900 m) before reaching the magnificent Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s Three Sacred Lakes.
Its brilliant turquoise waters wind gracefully among surrounding mountains, creating one of Tibet’s most iconic landscapes.
Return to Lhasa in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Zhaxi Pozhang Oxygen View Hotel (or similar)
Yamdrok Lake
Yamdrok Lake
Lhasa City Tour
Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Explore the cultural heart of Tibet today.
Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its priceless murals, Buddhist statues, sacred relics, and golden stupas.
In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most revered Buddhist temple, housing the famous 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng.
Afterward, stroll around Barkhor Street, where pilgrims perform traditional kora (circumambulation) alongside centuries-old shops and vibrant Tibetan culture.
In the evening, guests may freely enjoy the illuminated night view of Potala Palace.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: Zhaxi Pozhang Oxygen View Hotel (or similar)
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Departure from Lhasa
After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Airport or Railway Station according to your departure schedule.
Your unforgettable journey along the legendary Sichuan-Tibet Highway comes to an end.
Tashi Delek, and we hope to welcome you back to Tibet again.
If you require assistance booking flights or train tickets, please inform us in advance.
Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch × | Dinner ×
Accommodation: None
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | 2027-03 | $ 1880 | Book now |
| Apr | 2027-04 | $ 1880 | Book now |
| May | 2027-05 | $ 1780 | Book now |
| Jun | 2026-06 | $ 1780 | Book now |
| Jul | 2026-07 | $ 1880 | Book now |
| Aug | 2026-08 | $ 1880 | Book now |
| Sep | 2026-09 | $ 1880 | Book now |
| Oct | 2026-10 | $ 1880 | Book now |
| Nov | 2026-11 | $ 1780 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 12 Days 11 Nights 318 Sichuan–Tibet Overland Tour
Fee Description
What’s Included
- Transportation: Licensed tourist vehicle throughout the tour, including fuel, tolls, road fees, mountain access fees, and all driver service charges.
- Tour Guide: Professional Chinese-speaking tour guide throughout the journey.
- Accommodation: Carefully selected local high-quality hotels or equivalent 4-Diamond standard hotels. Specific hotels are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
- Meals: Daily hotel breakfast included. Lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
- Entrance Fees: Admission tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary, as well as the Tibet Travel Permit (for travelers entering Tibet from another province).
- Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance and vehicle seat insurance.
- Travel Documents: Tibet Travel Permit and Border Pass.
- Complimentary Services:
- One bottle of mineral water per person per day
- Two portable oxygen canisters per person
- One 10L onboard oxygen tank shared in the vehicle
- One complimentary Nyingchi Stone Pot Chicken specialty dinner
- One welcome dinner in Lhasa
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and dinners throughout the trip. Breakfast is included at the hotels. Meals generally cost approximately RMB 30–60 per person per meal, and our tour guide will recommend suitable local restaurants.
- Transportation to Chengdu before the tour begins, and transportation from Lhasa after the tour ends (flight/train booking assistance is available upon request).
- Personal expenses, including hotel laundry, telephone charges, excess baggage fees, beverages during meals, and other personal purchases.
- Additional expenses caused by force majeure, such as natural disasters, strikes, war, flight delays or cancellations, visa delays, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Gratuities (not mandatory but highly recommended): We suggest tipping both the driver and tour guide RMB 30 per person per day each, payable from Day 5 to Day 11, depending on the quality of service.
- Single Room Supplement: Guests requesting a private room, or those who are unable to share a twin room, will be required to pay the applicable single supplement.
