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11 Days 10 Nights Road G318 Sichuan to Tibet Self Drive Tour, Chengdu to Lhasa overland Tour
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11 Days Sichuan-Tibet G318 (Chengdu to Lhasa) Overland Self Drive Tour

11 Days Sichuan-Tibet G318 (Chengdu to Lhasa) Overland Self Drive Tour 11 Days Sichuan-Tibet G318 (Chengdu to Lhasa) Overland Self Drive Tour
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
Jokhang Temple
Barkhor Street
Drepung Monastery
Sera Monastery

11 Days Sichuan-Tibet G318 (Chengdu to Lhasa) Overland Self Drive Tour

G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
G318 Sichuan-Tibet Road
Jokhang Temple
Barkhor Street
Drepung Monastery
Sera Monastery

Overview & Highlight

11 days G318 road self drive tour from Chengdu to Lhasa is the most beautiful road. Each year, overseas and domestic travelers travel either by joining a group, self-driving or cycling on this legendary road. Perhaps no road is so famous. It is famous for its unbelievable scenery and surprising encounters along the treacherous mountain roads. The 2250km’s road trip need 7 days and takes you crooked rivers, snow peaks and vast grassland, chanting glaciers, lovely Tibetan villages, etc.

After finishing this self drive tour, you can also continue self driving from Lhasa, such 4 days Lhasa to EBC and back tour, 4 days self drive tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu via EBC, or Tibet in-depth self drive tour to Mount Kailash in Ngari region.

  • Tour Type: Based on number of clients
  • Tour Service: Local Tibetan tour guide and driver & Tibet Permit application
  • Meet & Pick-up: Chengdu
  • Tour Route: Chengdu - Xinduqiao - Bangda Grassland - Rakwa Tso - Midui Glacier - Lulang Forest - Drepung Monastery - Sera Monastery - Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
  • Tour Highlights:

    1) Self drive on the “Landscape Avenue of China” - G318 National Road
    2) Visit the “Photographer's Paradise” - Xinduqiao Town
    3) Experience the dangerous mountain road and see the sceneries along the road.
    4) Historic Potala Palace, traditional home of the Dalai Lama

  • Tour Level: 5 stars
  • Tour Code: TTC-P60
  • Tour Inquiry: https://www.tibettourism.com/chengdu-lhasa-self-drive-tour-11-days.html

Daily Itinerary

Itinerary Summary

DayRouteAttractions & ActivitiesAccommodationsMeals
1 Arrival in Chengdu 500m Pick up and transfer to the hotel. In Chengdu /
2 Chengdu - Xinduqiao 3300m410km, 10hrs Zheduo Mountain, Xinduqiao In Xinduqiao B
3 Xinduqiao - Batang 2600m400km, 7hrs Yalong River, Ke’er monastery, Haizishan Mountain In Batang B
4 Batang - Zogong 3750m260km, 8hrs Jinsha River, Lawu Mountain, Dongda Mountain In Zogong B
5 Zogong - Rakwa Tso 3300m295km,6hrs Bangda Grassland, Yela mountain (Nu River Mountain), Seventy-two Bends In Ranwu town B
6 Rakwa Tso - Bomi 2750m137km, 3hrs Rakwa Tso, Midui Glacier In Bomi B
7 Bomi - Nyingchi 2900m230km,5hrs Lulang Forest, Mt. NamchaBarwa In Nyingchi B
8 Nyingchi - Lhasa 3650m 400km, 5hrs Niyang River In Lhasa B
9 Lhasa City tour Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery In Lhasa B
10 Lhasa City tour Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street In Lhasa B
11 Depart from Lhasa Send off to train/airport / B

Itinerary Details

  • log
    Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu, Guests gathered in Chengdu before departure (500m)

    Pick up tourists at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and escort them to hotels. For the rest of the day, you may have a good rest at hotel or stroll leisurely yourself at Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Broad and Narrow Alley, Jin Li Ancient Street, etc.

    At around 7pm, the whole tour group, including Tibetan guide, will enjoy a welcome dinner (traditional Sichuan Cuisine). After dinner, the guide will give a briefing about the tour itinerary and dos and don’ts during the tour.

    Overnight at Chengdu

  • log
    Day 2: Chengdu - Kangding - Xinduqiao (410km,10hrs)

    At 7am, you will self drive your tour vehicle from Chengdu to Xinduqiao via Ya’an. As we travel against the flow of Dadu River, upper reaches of Yangtze River, you will pass the first soaring peak on Tibetan Plateau, i.e. Zheduo Mountain (mountain pass 4298m). Instantly, the entire scenery starts to invite you in. Upon seeing exotic Tibetan villages, lush pastures, and grazing yaks, bobbling brooks and fluffy clouds over deep blue sky, you find it hard to move your eyes away from the windows of tour vehicle. Keep heading west, after winding roads, we finally end up in Xinduqiao, known as a paradise for photography.

    Overnight at Xinduqiao.

    Kangding
    Kangding
    Zheduo Mountain
    Zheduo Mountain
  • log
    Day 3: Xinduqiao - Litang - Batang (400km,7hrs)

    Xinduqiao wakes up in soft and tender sunlight in the early morning. And its big name as a heaven for photography will never let you down. Accompanied by picturesque small bridges, peaceful local villages and exotic Tibetan houses, and yellow poplar trees, we move westward towards to raging valley of Yalong River and exuberant forest.

    On the way, you will pass famous Yajiang and finally reach Litang, a city on Qinghai-Tibetan plateau with an altitude of 4000m. Litang is a natural grassland on the plateau. Grazing yaks, sheep and nomad’s tents dotted across the massive pasture are the most common scene. If you come in summer, you will be greeted by the waves of blossoming flowers.

    Besides, another star attraction inLitang is Ke’er monastery, a prestigious Gelugpa Monastery on this lively pasture. The entire monastery is built along the mountain, with varied heights. Adorned with gilded frame, the highest temple of it is instantly recognizable at a great distance. Then after visiting Litang, the whole team travel through Haizishan Mountain (4700m) and venture into menacing valley regions and at night we should make it to Batang County.

    Overnight at Batang.

    Litang
    Litang
    Haizishan Mountain
    Haizishan Mountain
  • log
    Day 4: Batang - Mangkam - Zogong (260km,8hrs)

    Today, You officially enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. As wide as 300 sq km, our tour vehicle will move in regions where Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nu River flow paralleled. The three renowned rivers share the same source originating from rivers of Tanggula Mountains on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As the relentless torrent pounds jagged mountain in deep valley, you can hear the roaring sound of nature. Undoubtedly, this part of the road is also the most difficult one.

    Without any hesitation, we keep travelling westward and pass Lawu Mountain (4358m) and Dongda Mountain (5008m). Standing atop of lofty mountainpasses, covered with snow, you can enjoy the spectacular vista of zigzag Sichuan-Tibet highway and incredible Lancang River crawling through mountainous ranges. Surprisingly, hardly can you find vegetation at the lower part of the valley. Flanked by rugged mountains, the brown river flows afar like a blazing fire, which makes one of the highlights of entire road trip. At night, the whole team will reach the city of Zogong. Stay overnight in Zogong.

    Overnight at Zogong.

    Batang
    Batang
    Enjoy the scenery along Sichuan-Tibet Highway G318
    Enjoy the scenery along Sichuan-Tibet Highway G318
  • log
    Day 5: Zogong - Rakwa Tso (295km,6hrs)

    As you hit the road from Zogong, our next destination would be Bangda Grasssland, the most importantnatural pasture in eastern Tibet. The gentle river and boundless grassland are home to flocks of sturdy yaks, horses, and sheep and other wild life. The vibrant grass and other little known flowers and bushes rule this enchanting place. They provide ample food for animal husbandry and Tibetan nomads.

    After a brief tour in enchanting Bangda Grassland, our team is expected to travel across Yela Mountain (4839m), the most dangerous natural barrieron Hengduan Mountain Range. Then we will move downward by following famous Seventy-two Bends till the shore of Nu River. The snow-blanketed mountains range stretches into infinite vista.

    Further moving westward, we begin to be surrounded by soaring snow mountains, pristine forest and idyllic Tibetan villages. All of sudden, you realize we are now in a world of forest where the sheer drop of altitude would reach 2500m. And that leads to huge temperature change (up to 20℃) from mountain pass to the bottom of valley. You can experience 4 seasons in a single day. At night, we will arrive at Rakwa Tso.

    Overnight at Ranwu Town.

    Bangda Grasssland
    Bangda Grasssland
    Nujiang Seventy-two Bends
    Nujiang Seventy-two Bends
  • log
    Day 6: Rakwa Tso - Bomi (137km,3hrs)

    Serving as the source of Parlung Tsangpo Lake, Rakwa Tso is a typical seasonal glacial lake in Chamdo. The narrow strip of river stretches westward for about 10kmand slowly winds up in a giant canyon. In the foreground are the lovely Tibetan villages; as you look further, the shimmering light of Rakwa Tso displays irresistible beauty; while the glacial valley, and snow-capped peaks and primeval forests loom afar in the background. What a feast to your eyes!

    As you continue your self driving journey from Rakwa Tso, our team will follow the scenic road amid dense forest and turbulent Parlung Tsangpo till today’s final destination Bomi. On the way, tourists can tour spectacular Midui Glacier, widely believed to be the most beautiful glacier in China. The main peak of Midui Glacier has an altitude of 6800m. While its snowline stays at 4600m and the lowest end of glacier averaging an altitude of 2400m. For that, Midui Glacier is known the only glacier with the lowest altitude in the world. Tourists can closely enjoy the marvelous ice tongue, measuring 700-800m from the top to bottom.

    Overnight at Bomi.

    Rakwa Tso
    Rakwa Tso
    Midui Glacier
    Midui Glacier
  • log
    Day 7: Bomi - Nyingchi (230km,5hrs)

    Following an open and wide valley (2km wide, 5km long), you move into the canyon of Parlung Tsangpo. Flanked by lush forests, the canyon and its surroundings form an earthly paradise. The raging torrent, notorious rapids, and gushing waterfalls can be seen one after another. With jagged glaciers hanging on steep rock face and steamy mist floating over icy mountain peaks, you will get amazed by how truly incredible our planet can be.

    After that, you will head to celebrated Lulang Forest. It is an enchanting forest covering an area of 15 sq km on the plateau. This region is blanketed with vibrant shrubs, spruces and pine trees. At the bottom of the mountain are steppes and local Tibetans living beside the brooks. We can visit the Zhaxigang Village, the iconic Tibetan village in Lulang and meet the locals and enjoy the local snacks, etc.

    At the viewing platform of Lulang, you will be enjoying the panorama of Mt. NamchaBarwa(7782m), one of the most amazing mountains in China. We will make a brief stop at Sejila Mountain Pass (4728m). You can view the colorful leaves on the mountain in autumn which look like a palette overturned by mountain deities. Of course, the seas of clouds, massive forests and lofty Mt. Namcha Barwa are within easy sight. After passing Seijila Mountain Pass, the tour group will keep moving westward and arrive in Nyingchi, the biggest city in eastern Tibet. In spring, the peach flowers in the foot of the forest are in full bloom, which makes Nyingchi the most beautiful peach flower scenery in China.

    Taking photos of the breathtaking scenery along the way to Nyingchi.While visiting Lunang Forest, you will see a typical highland meadow landscape, which is totally different from the landscapes of other parts of Tibet.

    Overnight at Nyingchi.

    Lulang Forest
    Lulang Forest
    Mt. Namcha Barwa
    Mt. Namcha Barwa
  • log
    Day 8: Nyingchi - Lhasa (400km, 5hrs)

    You will keep driving west to Lhasa by following Niyang River, a tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo River. Different from the awe-inspiring scenery in Hengduan Mountains, most of the view features idyllic pastoral scene along the valley. After passing Mila Pass(5013m), the last mountain pass during the road trip, we will finally arrive in Lhasa valley. Shortly after Dagzê County, the magnificent Potala Palace perched on Red Hill will appear in your sight. You long-expected holy Lhasa city is now only steps away. Check in hotel for a good rest.

    (Optional, if time is enough, pay a visit the Basumtso, which is a beautiful small holy lake of Tibetan Buddhism. )

    Overnight at Lhasa.

    Niyang River
    Niyang River
    Basumtso Lake
    Basumtso Lake
  • log
    Day 9: Lhasa tour

    After breakfast at your hotel, you drive to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung Monastery was ever the largest monastery with more than 10 thousand monks, and now it is one of three great monasteries in Lhasa. Seen from the distant, its grand, white construction gives the appearance of a heap of rice.

    In the afternoon, drive to visit Sera Monastery, which is famous for the unique “Daily Scriptures Debating” activity held from 3:30pm to 5pm in the central courtyard. In addition, you can tour  the Tibetan religious scripture printing house; inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha. Then transfer back to the hotel.

    Tips:
    1. The road condition to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery is good.
    2. Pack plenty of drinking water, sun glasses, suncream and some food.

    Potala Palace
    Potala Palace
    Jokhang Temple
    Jokhang Temple
  • log
    Day 10: Lhasa tour

    After breakfast at your hotel, you drive to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung Monastery was ever the largest monastery with more than 10 thousand monks, and now is one of three great monasteries in Lhasa. Seen from the distant, its grand, white construction gives the appearance of a heap of rice.

    In the afternoon, driven to visit Sera Monastery, which is famous for the unique “Daily Scriptures Debating” activity held from 3:30pm to 5pm in the central courtyard. Then transfer back to the hotel.

    Tips:
    1. The road condition to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery is good.
    2. Pack plenty of drinking water, sun glasses, suncream and some food.

    Drepung Monastery
    Drepung Monastery
    Sera Monastery
    Sera Monastery
  • log
    Day 11: Depart from Lhasa

    Today is free for you until you are escorted to the airport or railway station for departure and the guide will help you get on board.

    Send off to the Train Station / Airport
    Send off to the Train Station / Airport
    Leave Tibet for next destination
    Leave Tibet for next destination

Price Inclusions & Exclusions:

Price Includes:

  • 1. Permit: All necessary Tibet Travel Permits (Incl. Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass, etc.);
  • 2. Accommodation: all hotels or guestrooms listed in the itinerary;
  • 3. Ticket: All entrance tickets fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • 4. Guide: Professional English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
  • 5. Vehicle: 5-29 seats Comfortable Tibet tourist vehicle with licensed and experienced driver;
  • 6. Meal: Breakfasts in the hotel;
  • 7. Insurance: Tourists Accident/Casualty Insurance;
  • 8. Drinking water provided during the trip;
  • 9. A container of Oxygen for emergency use;
  • 10. Accommodation and meal allowance to the guide & driver;
  • 11. Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges;

Price Excludes:

  • 1. Meal: not specified in the itinerary (All lunches & dinners).
  • 2. Single room supplement: If you are a solo traveler, you need to share twin room with another tourist (same sex in most cases). You can pay the single room supplement to stay in one room by yourself. And the exact cost depends on market fluctuation in high and off season of Tibet tourism.
  • 3. Tips: If you are satisfied with the service of guide, driver and waiters, you may consider tipping them appropriately ( Tips is not required but expected).
  • 4. International and domestic flight/train (we can offer the ticket booking service at the competitive price).
  • 5. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
  • 6. Any losses incurred from the force majeure factor like government control, natural disaster etc.

Tour Service & Reviews

Why Travel with Tibet Horizon?

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    Best Experience at Affordable Price

    Our Tibet tours offer you an unforgettable experience at the lowest possible price. Traveling with us, you can appreciate the stunning scenery, taste the authentic local flavor, and explore mysterious Tibetan culture and customs.

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    Tibet Travel Permit Guaranted

    Specializing in Tibet tours, we provide a one-stop service arranging all the necessary travel documents, including Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit, and Military Area Entry Permit for you.

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    24/7 Attentive Service

    Our team is available around the clock. Our dedicated travel consultants, guides, and drivers are always here providing you with superior services and expert guidance to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and worry-free trip.

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    Professional Tour Guide

    Our guides are professional experts. They can share knowledge about traditions and customs, offering you an enriching cultural experience. They are kind and enthusiastic, waiting to give you an authentic Tibet travel experience.

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    Seasoned Driver and Cozy Vehicle

    To make sure your journey is safe and comfortable, only experienced drivers and support vehicles will follow your ride to provide timely assistance. Oxygen cylinders are prepared in vehicles to alleviate the possible altitude sickness.

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    Tibet Train / Flight / Hotel Booking

    We can help you book your train or flight tickets to Tibet and we will arrange the accommodation for you during your stay. We carefully select hotels and guestrooms offering you a comfortable environment to rest and rewind.

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Tour Tips:

Knows before You Book:

1. Travelers to Tibet should have a moderate physical fitness level. Patients with serious hypertension, heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, and cold should be restricted from traveling to Tibet.

2. Book at least 20 days in advance so the tour operator may have enough time to apply for and deliver your Tibet Travel Permit. Normally, it takes around 8-9 days to process your Tibet Travel Permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau and another 3-4 days to deliver your Permit to your address in Chinese mainland.

3. A Tibet train/flight ticket is not included in our tour package. If you book with us, we can help you book your train/flight ticket. The train ticket to Lhasa is normally issued 15-60 days before departure. During peak seasons (from June to mid-October, during the Chinese Spring Festival and other public holidays in China), train tickets may be issued only 1-9 days before departure.

4. Price is based on double occupancy. Solo travelers who prefer to stay in a room by themselves need to pay for the additional charge of single room supplement. Please consult our travel consultants for specific prices.

5. Your airport/train station pick-up and drop-off in Lhasa needed to be arranged by the tour agency as foreign visitors are prohibited from independent traveling.

6. If you plan to travel to Lhasa via Kathmandu, please do not apply for a China L Visa in advance. You need to apply for a Tibet Group Visa from the China Embassy in Kathmandu via a travel agency. If you have your China L Visa, it will automatically expire when applying for a Tibet Group Visa.

7. Please read the Payment Methods, Terms and Conditions and Cancellation policies before you book.

Knows after You Book:

1. Please provide photocopies of your passports and China L visas at least 15 days before the travel date, making sure we have enough time to apply for your Tibet Travel Permit. If you have other type of visas, please contact your travel consultant.

2. Make sure to bring warm and comfortable clothing and walking shoes for your Tibet trip.

3. It is recommended to bring spending cash for the whole trip. In Lhasa, you can withdraw money with a foreign bank card or change your foreign currency into Chinese Renminbi (RMB, CNY).

4. Travel insurance is provided by The People’s Insurance Company (Group) of China Limited (www.epicc.com.cn), which covers tourist accident risks only in China. Tourists are recommended to purchase additional insurance on their own.

5. Altitude Sickness is a common reaction in the plateau. Common symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, headache, etc. Normally such symptoms will disappear in 2 days. You’d better consult your doctor and bring some medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and nutrient supplements.

6. During your stay in Tibet, please obey the law and respect the local religion and customs. Do not photograph military facilities, and other politically sensitive areas; Do not accept any news media interview; Do not collect secret intelligence; Do not wave antisocial banners, yelling antisocial slogans; Do not use aerial cameras; Do not venture into areas beyond planned itineraries.

7. Souvenirs like knives, antiques, animal skulls, etc. are not allowed to be taken out of China at customs. Please don’t buy this kind of souvenir.

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  • Mr. Ford from America, asked on April 5th, 2024

    Meals Included

    Hello! Does the G318 Overland tour include lunch and dinners on road?

    Mr. Passang Norbu from Tibet Horizon, answered on April 5th, 2024

    Dear Ford, thank you for extending your question to us.

    Our Sichuan-Tibet overland tour package include breakfasts listed in itinerary overview. Breakfasts are provided by hotels. Lunch and dinners on road are not included. During the overland trip, you can eat at à la carte restaurants to savor authentic Sichuan and Tibetan cuisine. You can order dishes according to your preferences. You can also bring some snacks, bread and instant noodles.

    If you have further questions or need a detailed quotation list, feel free to contact us.

Contact Tibet Horizon:

Lhasa Office: Room 1703, Floor 17, Unit 1, Building 4, Baiyi Nan'an Community, No. 10, Century Avenue, Liuwu New District, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region

Tel: 86-15728991588

Email: inquiry@tibettourism.com

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