Sichuan-Tibet Highlights | Chengdu + Xinduqiao + Daocheng Yading + Ranwu + Nyingchi + Lhasa 7 Days 6 Nights Essential Tour

In the morning, depart from Chengdu, take the Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway to Ya'an, then pass through the Erlang Mountain Tunnel at an altitude of 2,200 meters, experiencing the unique scenery of "ten li of different skies, one mountain with yin and yang", and then pass through Luding County to reach Kangding. After lunch in Kangding, you will continue onward. First, you will cross Zheduo Mountain at an altitude of 4,298 meters. 【Zheduo Mountain】 is the first high mountain on the Sichuan-Tibet line with an altitude above 4,000 meters, also known as the First Pass of Kham. After crossing Zheduo Mountain, you officially enter the Kham Tibetan region. Afterward, the altitude gradually decreases, and amid picturesque scenery along the way, you will arrive at Xinduqiao, the "Paradise of Photographers". After that, you will go to Moshigou Park. 【Moshigou Park】 is a world geological wonder, praised as one of the eight beauties of Daofu. Looking into the distance at Moshigou Park, peaks gather, thousands of towers stand, and the scene is magnificent, just like a carefully made bonsai. Once inside, it makes people linger and forget to return. Compared with other stone forests, Moshigou Park also changes color. In spring and winter, the stone forest is light gray and blue; in summer and autumn, it is bright blue; in humid seasons, the color even turns dark black. Therefore, it is also called the Color-Changing Stone Forest by tourists. After visiting Moshigou Park, you will return to Xinduqiao for accommodation.

In the morning, you will set off to visit the famous Ten-Mile Corridor in Xinduqiao. The Ten-Mile Corridor of Xinduqiao is known as a photographer's paradise, with magical light, cattle and sheep grazing peacefully on vast grasslands, murmuring streams reflecting rolling mountain ranges, and Tibetan villages scattered throughout, like a hidden paradise. In April to August and September to November each year, it presents two completely different kinds of beautiful scenery. Afterwards, you will cross the steep Eighteen Bends of the Heavenly Road and take photos of the thrilling heavenly road landscape from the viewing platform there, then arrive in Litang, the hometown of Ding Zhen, where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, you will set off for Daocheng. Along the way, you will pass the magical Rabbit Mountain and Haizi Mountain, and stop at both places for a while to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then continue to Daocheng to experience horseback riding and archery, and stay overnight in Shangri-La Town, Daocheng.

In the morning, you will set off for [Daocheng Yading Scenic Area] to begin your one-day tour of Daocheng Yading. First, you will take a sightseeing bus from the scenic area entrance to Yading Village. When taking the sightseeing bus, it is recommended to choose a window seat on the right side to enjoy the village scenery beneath the snow mountains and the beautiful views along the way. Then you will arrive at Zhaguanbeng, where your Yading Scenic Area journey officially begins. After that, you will walk along the wooden boardwalk for about 500 meters to reach a viewing platform. On the right is Chonggu Monastery and the beautiful Chonggu Grassland; nearby is a clear, murmuring stream; in the distance is the sacred Xianuoduoji Snow Mountain. The scenery is very beautiful. Then you will take a shuttle bus to Luorong Pasture, the soul of the entire Yading Scenic Area. Here you can admire the beautiful Xianuoduoji Sacred Mountain and Yangmaiyong Snow Peak. It is recommended to spend 1 hour here, rest, and replenish your energy to prepare for the upcoming hike. Afterward, you will hike to [Milk Sea] and [Five-Color Sea], which takes about 2-3 hours. During the hike, pay attention to adjusting your breathing rhythm and pace; it is not recommended to rely excessively on oxygen bottles. You will generally reach Milk Sea around 12 o'clock. After arriving at Milk Sea, you can walk around the lake to experience its stunning scenery and rest by the lake for a while to replenish your energy. Then hike for about 30 minutes to reach Five-Color Sea. It is said that Five-Color Sea has the magical power to reflect history and predict the future. In Buddhist scriptures, Five-Color Sea is ranked alongside Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three great sacred lakes, showing its extraordinary status. After sightseeing, you will return along the same route and arrive back at Luorong Pasture around 4 p.m. If you have enough energy, you can continue to visit Chonggu Monastery. In the evening, stay in Shangri-La Town.

After breakfast, you will set off for Mangkang. On the way, you will pass the Daocheng Red Grassland. [Daocheng Red Grassland] is actually a small pond by the roadside. Every autumn, the pond becomes covered with red aquatic grass, thus forming a patch of red grassland. Although the grassland is small, it does not diminish the passionate pursuit of it by many photographers. Many photographers travel thousands of miles just for that brilliant color. Then you will return to Litang via Daocheng. In the afternoon, you will set off for Batang. On the way, you will pass the beautiful Sister Lakes of Haizi Mountain. [Sister Lakes] are two plateau lakes nestled against each other on a desolate mountain plain, like two beautiful gems, and also like tears shed by divine compassion scattered into the human world, pure and flawless. After that, you will continue onward, crossing canyons and the Jinsha River, and then arrive in Mangkang, officially entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.

After breakfast, you will depart from Mangkang, first cross the winding Lancang River, and then cross the Dongda Mountain Pass at an altitude of 5,130 meters. 【Dongda Mountain Pass】 is the second-highest pass on the southern Sichuan-Tibet line. Looking out from the snow-capped pass reaching into the clouds, the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and the Lancang River are like two crystal ribbons, faintly visible among countless mountains and ravines. In the afternoon, you will pass the most imposing road on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, the 【Nujiang 72 Turns】. The Nujiang 72 Turns is a necessary route on the southern Sichuan-Tibet line. For many cyclists or drivers, it is precisely because of its danger that it has more challenge value. Every year, pedestrians passing this road are full of admiration for it. After resting and taking photos, you will descend along the 72 Turns all the way to the grand canyon, then follow the grand canyon onward to arrive at Ranwu for accommodation.

After breakfast, you will head to Ranwu Lake Scenic Area. The azure waters and snow-capped peaks of Ranwu Lake form a picturesque scene. Depending on the season, the lake water takes on different colors such as azure or blue-green. Many rocks and small islands dot the lake channel. In spring, tree shadows dance on the lake; in autumn and winter, thin mist shrouds the surface. The beauty of all four seasons makes one feel as if entering a dreamland. After visiting Ranwu Lake, you will visit Midui Glacier. Midui Glacier is the lowest-altitude glacier in the world. The entire glacier is as pure as jade, with beautiful scenery, varied forms, and enchanting postures. Around it are herds of cattle and sheep, quaint Tibetan-style dwellings, majestic snow mountains, and wild animals such as rock-climbing sheep and monkeys that stay year-round. After visiting Midui Glacier, set off for Bomi. After passing through a stretch of primeval forest, you will reach the Tongmai Natural Barrier. In the past, along the 15-kilometer section from Tongmai to Pailong, mountain torrents and mudslides often triggered landslides during the rainy season, cutting off the highway. Today, the natural barrier has become a thoroughfare: several tunnels and a large bridge have opened up the Tongmai and Pailong natural barrier passages. Afterwards, you will cross the Sejila Pass at an altitude of 4,728 meters. Sejila Pass is located on the southeast side of Bayi Town and is a famous landmark on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Here you can gaze into the distance at the Lulang Forest Sea and Namcha Barwa Peak behind it, making it a great spot for photography. If you travel in May or June, you can also see azaleas blooming all over Sejila Mountain. Finally, arrive in Nyingchi for overnight stay.

Today you will depart from Nyingchi and travel to the holy city of Lhasa via the Lhasa-Nyingchi Expressway, China's most beautiful highway. First, you will visit Basum Lake Scenic Area, known as Tibet's "Little Switzerland." [Basum Lake] is the sacred lake of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its pure, emerald-green waters look especially enchanting against the blue sky and white clouds. Cross the floating bridge to the small island in the lake and arrive at the viewing platform. Leaning on the railing in the breeze and climbing high to take in the view is enough to enchant you. The ancient Tsozong Gongba Monastery on the island is the main sight, built in the 13th century and a famous Nyingma monastery. Afterward, you will pass through Dagze and travel west. From afar, you can already see the majestic Potala Palace on the Red Hill, and the long-awaited holy city of Lhasa is right before your eyes. In the evening, the driver will take you directly to the designated hotel for check-in, and then you can enjoy free time. You can stroll around Barkhor Street or go to Potala Palace Square to see the night view.