Western Sichuan 318 Tibet Hidden Realm – 14-Day Sichuan-Tibet Adventure Tour

  • 0 booked
  • Duration: 6-13 nights
  • Language: English, Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Tour type: Car
  • Transport: Private Coach / Minivan
  • Accommodation: Hotels & Local Guesthouses
  • Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
  • Group size: Up to 13 people
Embark on a 14-day adventure along the iconic Sichuan-Tibet Highway (318) through Western Sichuan and Tibet. Starting in vibrant Chengdu, this route takes you to Luding Bridge, Hailuogou Glacier, Kangding Love Song City, Yading's Milk Sea & Five-Color Lake, Ranwu Lake, Metog's primeval forests, Nyingchi's forest sea, and finally to Lhasa with its majestic Potala Palace. Experience rich Tibetan-Han customs, savor authentic local cuisine like yak meat hotpot, highland barley wine, matsutake stewed chicken, and butter tea, and explore the breathtaking blend of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes, and ethnic culture. A perfect fusion of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and authentic...

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Hightlight tour

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Chengdu – Luding – Hailuogou – Moxi Ancient Town

Drive approx. 360km (6 hours) from Chengdu to Moxi Ancient Town via Luding and Hailuogou.

Attractions:
– Visit Luding Bridge, a historic relic witnessing the Long March.
– Explore Hailuogou Glacier and hot springs, experiencing the wonder of ice and fire.
– Wander Moxi Ancient Town, blending Tibetan and Han customs.

Accommodation: Gudao Bieyuan Inn in Moxi Ancient Town – Tibetan-style, with prices ranging from 200–400 RMB/night.

Dining:
– Lunch: Quick stop at a highway service area.
– Dinner: Try Yak Meat Hotpot and Highland Barley Wine at “Moxi Old Kitchen”.

Tips: The last Hailuogou sightseeing bus departs at 13:00; book tickets in advance. Moxi Ancient Town (1,500m altitude) is ideal for first-day acclimatization.

2

Day 2: Moxi Ancient Town – Kangding – Xinduqiao

Approx. 170km drive (4 hours) to Xinduqiao via Kangding.

Attractions:
– Explore Kangding, the “Love Song City”, feeling its romantic vibe.
– Pass Zheduo Mountain Pass (detour via 434 National Road) for stunning mountain views.
– Visit Xinduqiao Photography Gallery, known for its beautiful light and pastoral scenery.

Accommodation: Heique青稞 Manor in Xinduqiao – Tibetan-style homestay with mountain-view rooms, 300–600 RMB/night.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local snacks in Moxi Ancient Town.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Enjoy Butter Tea and Zanba at “Kangding Tibetan Restaurant”.

Climate Tip: Zheduo Mountain Pass temperature can drop to 0℃; prepare windproof and warm clothing.

3

Day 3: Xinduqiao – Litang – Daocheng Yading

Approx. 350km drive (6 hours) to Daocheng Yading via Litang.

Attractions:
– Visit Litang, the “City in the Sky”, and Cangyang Jiacuo Museum.
– Explore Haizi Mountain Ancient Glacial Cap Relics, witnessing unique geological landscapes.

Accommodation: Yading Paradise Hotel in Shangri-La Town, Daocheng – 2,900m altitude, helping alleviate altitude sickness.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Xinduqiao.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Try Matsutake Stewed Chicken and Tibetan Fragrant Pork at “Yading Huotang Renjia”.

High Altitude Tip: Litang is 4,014m above sea level; avoid strenuous exercise and prepare oxygen tanks.

4

Day 4: Yading Scenic Area Day Tour

Full-day exploration within Yading Scenic Area.

Attractions:
– Long route: Hike to Milk Sea and Five-Color Lake, enjoying alpine lake views.
– Short route: Visit Pearl Sea, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests.

Accommodation: Same as Day 3 in Shangri-La Town, Daocheng.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Hotel breakfast.
– Lunch: Packed food (prepare energy snacks like chocolate and self-heating rice).
– Dinner: Return to the town for local dishes.

Tips: Combined tickets for sightseeing bus and battery car are more convenient. The long route hike takes about 6 hours; bring sufficient food and oxygen.

5

Day 5: Daocheng – Batang

Approx. 400km drive (7 hours) from Daocheng to Batang.

Attractions:
– Admire the snow scenery of Sister Lakes, two beautiful lakes nestled among mountains.
– Pass Haizi Mountain Pass, noting icy and snowy roads.

Accommodation: Batang Yangkelin Homestay – Tibetan courtyard, 200–350 RMB/night.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Daocheng.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Local specialties in Batang.

Road Condition Tip: The section from Haizi Mountain to Batang is bumpy due to construction; allow extra time.

6

Day 6: Batang – Mangkang – Zuogong

Approx. 260km drive (6 hours) to Zuogong via Mangkang.

Attractions:
– Cross Jinsha River Bridge, the boundary between Sichuan and Tibet.
– Reach Dongda Mountain Pass (5,130m), experiencing high-altitude views.

Accommodation: Zuogong Hot Spring Hotel – helps relieve fatigue; note: do not soak for too long at 3,800m altitude.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Batang.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Local dishes in Zuogong.

Climate Tip: Dongda Mountain is prone to snow; prepare snow chains.

7

Day 7: Zuogong – Ranwu Lake

Approx. 290km drive (5 hours) from Zuogong to Ranwu Lake.

Attractions:
– Navigate Nujiang 72 Turns, a spectacular winding mountain road.
– Enjoy Ranwu Lake, with snow-capped mountain reflections (especially stunning in April with unthawed lake surface).

Accommodation: Ranwu Lake International Self-Driving Camp – lake-view rooms, 500–800 RMB/night.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Zuogong.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Try Ranwu Fish at “Lakefront Tibetan Restaurant”.

8

Day 8: Ranwu Lake – Bomi – Medog

Approx. 200km drive (6 hours) to Medog via Bomi.

Attractions:
– Drive on Medog Highway, known as “China’s ultimate off-road route”.
– Pass Galongla Tunnel and explore primeval forests.

Accommodation: Lianhua Secret Realm Hotel in Medog County – newly equipped, 300–500 RMB/night.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast at Ranwu Lake.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Local specialties in Medog.

Important Tip: Border pass is required! Travel in groups recommended; prepare waterproof shoes and tools for wading sections.

9

Day 9: Medog – Bomi

Approx. 116km drive (4 hours) from Medog to Bomi.

Attractions:
– Explore Medog’s tropical rainforest, experiencing diverse ecosystems.
– Visit Menba ethnic villages, learning about local customs.

Accommodation: Guxiang Lake Hotel in Bomi – lakeside, 400–600 RMB/night.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Medog.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Local dishes in Bomi.

10

Day 10: Bomi – Nyingchi

Approx. 230km drive (5 hours) from Bomi to Nyingchi.

Attractions:
– Witness the new look of Tongmai Dangerous Pass (Polonggou Grand Bridge).
– Explore Lulang Forest Sea, a lush alpine forest.
– View Namcha Barwa Peak from Sejila Mountain.

Accommodation: Gongbu Manor Hotel in Nyingchi – Tibetan-style, 500–800 RMB/night.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Bomi.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Enjoy Lulang Stone Pot Chicken at “Lulang Town Stone Pot Chicken Headquarters”.

11

Day 11: Nyingchi – Lhasa

Approx. 400km drive (5 hours) from Nyingchi to Lhasa via Linla Expressway.

Attractions:
– Enjoy Nyang River scenery along the way.
– Pass米拉山 Tunnel (4,750m).
– Admire Potala Palace night view.

Accommodation: Lhasa Holy Land Paradise InterContinental Hotel – oxygen-supplied rooms, 600–1,200 RMB/night.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Nyingchi.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Local specialties in Lhasa.

Cultural Experience: Circumambulate Barkhor Street and watch the live-action drama “Princess Wencheng”.

12

Day 12: Lhasa Exploration

City exploration in Lhasa.

Attractions:
– Visit Potala Palace, a world cultural heritage site.
– Explore Jokhang Temple, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site.
– Wander Barkhor Street, experiencing Tibetan daily life.

Accommodation: Same as Day 11 in Lhasa.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Hotel breakfast.
– Lunch: Tibetan snacks on Barkhor Street.
– Dinner: Tibetan hotpot in Lhasa.

Cultural Tip: Do not take photos inside temples; circumambulate clockwise.

13

Day 13: Lhasa – Yangpachen – Lhasa

Approx. 180km round trip (4 hours) from Lhasa to Yangpachen.

Attractions:
– Visit Yangpachen Geothermal Valley, known for hot springs and geysers.
– Explore Yangpachen Monastery, a historic Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

Accommodation: Same as Day 11 in Lhasa.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Hotel breakfast.
– Lunch: Local dishes in Yangpachen.
– Dinner: Return to Lhasa for dinner.

14

Day 14: Lhasa Departure

Free time in Lhasa before departure.

Attractions:
– Optional: Visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of Dalai Lamas.
– Last-minute shopping for Tibetan handicrafts on Barkhor Street.

Accommodation: Check out from the hotel.

Dining:
– Breakfast: Hotel breakfast.
– Lunch: Final taste of Tibetan specialties.

Tips: Allow enough time for airport/train station transfer; respect local customs during the last moments.


🏞 Tour Highlights

  • Travel in a small group (max 13 people) for an immersive 14-day journey along the iconic Sichuan-Tibet Highway (318), exploring hidden gems from Western Sichuan to Tibet.
  • Discover breathtaking natural wonders: Hailuogou Glacier, Yading’s Milk Sea & Five-Color Lake, Ranwu Lake, Metog’s primeval forests, and snow-capped peaks like Namcha Barwa.
  • Immerse in Tibetan culture: Tibetan-Han customs in Moxi Ancient Town, Kangding Love Song City, Labrang Monastery traditions, Barkhor Street circumambulation, and the Potala Palace night view.
  • Savor authentic local cuisine: Yak meat hotpot, highland barley wine, matsutake stewed chicken, Tibetan fragrant pork, and butter tea.
  • Journey in 4WD off-road vehicles (essential for Metog’s rugged roads) with a knowledgeable guide, balancing adventure and comfort across high-altitude landscapes.

✅ Included

  • 14-day guided adventure tour from Chengdu to Lhasa, covering key 318 Highway sites and hidden spots like Metog.
  • Accommodation in comfortable stays (equivalent to 3–4 stars): Tibetan-style inns (Moxi Ancient Town), view lodges (Xinduqiao), lakeside camps (Ranwu Lake), and oxygen-supplied hotels (Lhasa).
  • Transportation by 4WD off-road vehicles, suitable for high-altitude and rugged roads (especially Metog sections).
  • Daily breakfast; select regional meals included (e.g., Hailuogou yak meat hotpot, Yading matsutake chicken, Nyingchi stone pot chicken).
  • Entrance tickets to listed attractions: Hailuogou Scenic Area, Yading Nature Reserve, Ranwu Lake viewing spots, and Potala Palace (pre-booked).
  • Bottled water, energy snacks (chocolate, self-heating rice), and emergency oxygen supplies during the journey.
  • Chinese-speaking local guide (bilingual/English options available upon request) with expertise in high-altitude travel and Tibetan culture.
  • Travel insurance coverage (including high-altitude emergency protection).
  • All taxes and service fees.

ℹ️ Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
  • Essential items to bring: (down jacket), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable hiking shoes, and personal medications (anti-altitude sickness pills, cold medicine).
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe heart/lung conditions or difficulty adapting to high altitudes (many sites exceed 3,000m).
  • The tour involves moderate to strenuous hiking (e.g., 6-hour trek to Milk Sea/Five-Color Lake) and long drives on winding mountain roads.
  • Cultural experiences (e.g., Litang Horse Racing Festival, Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival) depend on seasonal schedules; check local event calendars.
  • Multi-language guide options (English, German) available upon request at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Tour start time is 8:00 AM on Day 1; hotel pickup between 7:00–8:00 AM (Chengdu city area).
  • Required documents: ID card, driver’s license (if self-driving), and border pass (mandatory for Metog; apply in advance through local police stations).

❌ Cancellation Policy

  • Free cancellation up to 10 days before the experience starts (local time).
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 10 days in advance of the start date.
  • No refund if canceled within 10 days of the tour start date.
  • Changes made less than 10 days before the start time will not be accepted.
  • The tour may be canceled due to extreme weather (e.g., heavy snow blocking mountain passes) or road closures; full refund or rescheduling will be provided.
  • Minimum group size required (1 participant). If not met, the tour will be rescheduled or refunded in full.

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