14 Days Sichuan-Tibet-Highway Self-Driving Tour from Chengdu to Lhasa with Mount Everest (National Highway 318)

Start the thrilling Sichuan-Tibet Highway journey via G318!

After breakfast, you will enjoy a scenic drive through the Chengdu Plain via the G318, which is the southern route of Sichuan-Tibet Highway. As you ascend from Chengdu at 500 meters above sea level to Kangding, the gateway of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at 2560 meters above sea level, you'll witness a gradual transition in landscape and altitude.

Once you pass through Kangding, your journey will continue towards Zheduo Mountain (4962m), marking the initial gateway to the Kham region. Here, you'll be entranced by the awe-inspiring scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, characterized by Tibetan villages, vast grasslands, grazing yaks, set against a backdrop of clear blue skies, fluffy white clouds, flowing streams, and picturesque poplar trees.

Then, continuing westward after crossing Zheduo Mountain, you will arrive at Xinduqiao (3460m), known as a paradise for photography. The tranquil villages, meandering rivers, vibrant traditional Tibetan homes, and fragrant alpine meadows create an enchanting scene, seemingly transporting you to the idyllic landscapes of your dream hometown, leaving you captivated. Particularly in autumn, the vibrant hues of the alpine meadows and trees transform Xinduqiao into a vivid and colorful living canvas.

In the evening, you will finally reach Yajiang County.

Stay overnight in Yajiang.

Insider Tips:
1. According to travel time and road conditions, we will choose one of the two route: the S434 Kangding Airport Road (via Honghaizi) or the G318 highway (via Zheduozhan)
2. It is suggested not to take a bath 3 days before going to the plateau to avoid high altitude sickness.
3. Water and electricity supply is insufficient in the Tibetan-inhabited areas in western Sichuan Province, and there are occasional water or power outages. You can bring wet wipes and flashlights with you.
4. It is better to take a bath after fully adapt to the high altitude. Be aware that the temperature of the bath watr may be unstable or the water will be stopped suddenly. So you need to take a quick shower and avoid getting cold.

Continue your G318 overland journey!

After breakfast, you will leave Yajiang and continue your overland journey to Litang, the hometown of the 7th Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso. En route, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of The Sky Road of Eighteen Bends, pass through the Jianziwan Tunnel, and then cross the Kazila Mountain with a pass elevation of 4,718 meters above sea level.

When you arrive in Litang, you will visit the Letong Ancient Town of Thousand Tibetan Households and several mini museums in the town to learn the culture and history of this little Tibetan town.

After that, you’ll visit Litang Chode Monastery, the oldest and largest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Kham Tibetan area.

Then, you will continue heading west. You will cross the Tu’er Mountain Pass at an elevation of 4,696 meters, pass through the Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve, the largest ancient glacier site on the Tibetan Plateau (altitude: 4,500 meters), and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Maoya Grassland. (Notice: the best time to visit Maoya Grassland is from May to August, when the wildflowers bloom across the vast grasslands with herds of cattle and sheep scattered throughout.)

Next, you will pass by the Sister Lakes on Haizi Mountain (also known as Zimei Lake). The two turquoise lakes are nestled together, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Finally, you will arrive at the Cuopugou Scenic Area in north of Batang County.

Stay overnight in Batang.

Explore Cuopugou Valley, one of the most beautiful spots along the G318 highway to Tibet!

In the morning, you will head to the Cuopugou Valley, which showcase the stunning landscapes of the plateau with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, lakes, and monasteries.

Upon arrival at the scenic area, you’ll transfer to a sighstseeing bus at the visitor center. Your first stop will be Yasuo Monastery, a red building of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, you'll visit the Rekeng Hot Spring Area, featuring over 150 hot springs with temperatures exceeding 85°C. You can enjoy delicious hot spring-boiled eggs in about 10 minutes.

The next stop for you today is Zhangde Grassland, hailed by China National Geography as the most beautiful high-altitude grassland in western Sichuan, with the majestic sacred mountain towering in the distance.

After that, you’ll arrive at Cuopo Lake, the most sacred lake of Kham, shimmering with waves and surrounded by colorful wildflowers in summer.

Then, you will visit Cuopu Monastery, Kangzhulatso Lake, and Zhimayongtso Lake in the scenic area. If you’re lucky, you can may meet adorable marmots and experience the harmony between humans and nature.

After finishing the tour in the scenic area, you’ll drive across the Jinsha River Bridge and enter the Tibet Autonomous Region, and finally arrive at Mangkang, the final destination of today’s journey.

Stay overnight in Mangkang.

Today is an adventure through the steep mountains and canyons along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and cross the most spectacular and exciting winding mountain road in the whole journey - Nu River 72 Turns.

After breakfast, you will continue your overland journey westward and climb over Mount Lawu with an altitude o 4358 meters, and Mount Dongda with an altitude of over 5130 meters. Standing at the mountain pass, looking far into the distance, the brown-red valley passing by is like a burning flame, while the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is like two bright ribbons shuttling between thousands of mountains and valleys.

Then, you will arrive in Bangda Grassland in Baxoi county, the most important pasture in eastern Tibet. Here, herds of yaks and sheep roam leisurely on the vast grassland, and the pastoral scenery of the grassland will be displayed again.

Then, you will face an exciting challenge, descending from the Yela Mountain Pass at 4650 meters to the Nu River at an altitude of 2800 meters in just 12 kilometers. This section known as the "Nu River 72 Turns" is the most exciting section of the G318 National Highway to Tibet. Standing on the top of the mountain and looking down, the winding road is like a winding dragon. After countless 180-degree turns, it reaches the riverside. There is no end as far as the eye can see.

After the tour, you will drive to Baxoi and stay overnight in the town.

Insider Tips:
1. Once you enter the Tibet Automonous Region, there will be speed limits along the way, so please cooperate with the driver to keep on schedule.
2. Today’s journey will be quite long and challenging, so be ready and prepare some snacks and drinking water in advance.

Today, embark on a picturesque journey to Eastern Tibet. Marvel at snow-capped mountains, serene lakeshores, and uncovered hidden glaciers.

In the morning, you will first travel to Ranwu Lake, the most charming lake in eastern Tibet. The long and narrow blue lake and more than 20 kilometers of shoreline slowly lead you into forests, snow-capped mountains, flower-filled meadows, quiet and warm Tibetan countryside, and villages. It seems like a tranquil and peaceful place that people in the noisy city have found.

Then, your guide will take you to Midui Glacier, the most beautiful glacier in China and the lowest glacier in the world. Just like the elves in the snow-capped mountains hiding in the depths of the forest, the glacier rushes down from the main peak at an altitude of 6,800 meters to the ice tongue at an altitude of 2,400 meters close to the lake. Dense forests, blue lakes, and white glaciers complement each other, forming a dreamlike and dense Eden.

Especially in late autumn, the colorful forest makes this secret land as intoxicating as a fairy tale world. If you like, you can also choose to hike to the foot of the glacier to touch the huge ice tongue (optional).

After the trip, you will reach today’s final destination, Bome.

Stay overnight in Bome.

Today, you will step into the dense forest area and walk through the lush green forest.

In the morning, you'll leave Bome and continue driving east. You will find that the snow-capped mountains in front of you become more enchanting and the forest becomes denser. The snow-capped mountains are like diamonds set in the clear sky, which makes people dizzy. Under the snow-capped mountains is a vast forest, with white clouds floating between the snow-capped mountains and the forest.

After a while, you will come to Guxiang Lake hidden in the forest, climb to the pass of Sejila Mountain with an altitude of 4702 meters, and overlook the famous snow mountain at the eastern end of the Himalayas - Mt. Namcha Barwa. The towering Namcha Barwa Peak looks like a majestic spear, and the snow on the top of the mountain shines like diamonds in the blue sky.

Continuing forward, you will come to the second observation deck for viewing the Namcha Barwa Peak - Lulang Forest Platform. Here, you will once again appreciate the stunning beauty of Namcha Barwa Peak standing above the vast forest sea and cutting through the sky.

After appreciating the visual feast brought by the snow-capped mountains and forests, you will arrive at Lulang International Tourism Town. After arriving, for lunch, you will have the opportunity to taste the famous Stone Pot Chicken in Nyingchi.

Next, we’ll head to a charming Tibetan village. Along the way, you’ll enjoy idyllic countryside views—lush greenery, grazing yaks and sheep, roosters crowing, dogs barking, and traditional wooden fences lining the fields. It’s a picture-perfect scene that truly lives up to the name “Little Switzerland of Tibet.

Besides, the welcoming Tibetan host will greet you with a traditional hada (white scarf) as a sign of welcome. Then, you’ll get to drink Tibetan butter tea, try making tsampa (roasted barley dough), and even go horseback riding or practice archery. We’ve also prepared beautiful traditional Tibetan costumes for you to dress up in and take memorable photos.

That night, you will arrive at Bayi Town in Nyingchi City, the most prosperous area in eastern Tibet.

Stay overnight in Nyiching City (Bayi Town).

Today, you will complete the last leg of your trip to eastern Tibet, visit the beautiful Basongtso, and then drive to the holy city of Lhasa.

After breakfast, the tour guide will lead you to Basum Tso Lake for a tour. Compared with other lakes in Tibet, Basum Tso Lake is the holy lake of the Tibetan Red Sect. The island in the middle of the lake is like a quiet water garden, with blue waves surrounding the island and ancient trees covering the temple. It is completely different from other temples and attractions on the Sichuan-Tibet highway. Here, you will board the Tsozong Gompa Temple, a thousand-year-old temple on a small island in the middle of the lake, and experience the ancient and profound religious culture.

Then, you will drive to the holy city of Lhasa via the highway connecting Lhasa and Nyingchi. On the way, there is a section passing through the Nyang River, which will give you a wonderful feeling of flying above the blue ocean.

When you see the majestic Potala Palace, it means that the long and exciting journey of more than ten days on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is coming to an end. The holy city of Lhasa welcomes you!

Upon arrival, the tour guide and driver will take you to the hotel to check in, where you can wash away the travel dust.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village.

First, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.

Finally, we arrive in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Take the most use of your time today to admire the stunning Himalayan mountain ranges!

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.

Then we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5000m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face - your fourth view.

As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp.

Insider Tips:
The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Taking a stroll near the base camp to savor the beautiful moments of the early morning.

In the morning, before departing from the base camp, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, you will cross the Himalayas and take a drive to Gyirong at the Sino-Nepal border. Across the 380-kilometer journey, marvel at the evolving scenery - from snow-capped peaks towering over 5000 meters to the lush forests and canyon vistas at around 2800 meters above sea level.

As you pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meters, you can enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, as well as the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.

 After visiting Everest, we’ll drive you to the Xilin Viewpoint for stunning views of Everest’s eastern slope and Mt. Lhotse, and pass through the ancient town of Sakya before heading back to Shigatse.

On your first day traveling from Shigatse to Lhasa, you’ll start by visiting the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in western Tibet. Founded in the 15th century, Tashilhunpo is not only known for its grand architectural beauty but also its significant religious importance. The monastery houses the world’s largest gilded bronze statue of the Maitreya Buddha, standing at an awe-inspiring height. You will also see the stupas dedicated to the Panchen Lamas and marvel at the stunning Buddhist murals that cover the walls, depicting scenes of Tibetan spirituality and history.

After this enriching visit, you’ll continue your journey towards Lhasa, driving along the serene and picturesque Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. This scenic route offers mesmerizing views of the river meandering through the valley, framed by towering mountains and lush landscapes. As you approach Lhasa, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking vistas that hint at the cultural and spiritual treasures awaiting you in Tibet's capital. This day promises a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty.

On the final day of your Tibet adventure, it's time to bid farewell to the captivating city of Lhasa. After an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences, you’ll head to your departure point, filled with memories of Tibet's spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re heading to your next destination or returning home, we hope your time in Tibet has been an enriching and unforgettable experience. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!