Rental Car Tour from Sichuan via Yunnan to Tibet

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17 Days Private Tour Chengdu – Wolong – Siguniangshan – Danba - Tagong - Xinduqiao – Yajiang - Litang – Daocheng – Yading – Xiangcheng – Derong – Benzilan - Dechen / Feilai Si and Meili Snow Mountain - Markam – Zuogong – Baxoi – Ranwu – Bome – Lulang - Linzhi – Basum Tso – Gandan - Lhasa

The first station is Chengdu, the capital of province Sichuan, the home town of Panda. Here we'll visit the Kuanzhai Xiangzi and drink tea in a typical old teahouse in the people's park, which is a direct way to experience the leisurely daily life of Chengdu.

Then we take off and drive rental car on “the roof of the world” from Chengdu, Sichuan to Lhasa, Tibet.

First, we visit the Panda Base in Wolong, about 100 pandas live here, it is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, wildness training, etc. Then pass by the Siguniangshan (Four Sisters Mountain) - known as “the Oriental Alps” and “the Queen Peak in Sichuan”, and reach Danba, the most beautiful village of China.

In Tagong - at the Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si) and the nunnery Gyergo of Hepingfahui, and in Litang, we can feel strong impression of Khampa-Tibetan.

We drive through the Hengduanshan Mountain Range, overcome several high mountain passes and the famous 99-turn of Yela Shan, cross the Three Parallel Rivers Regions, which is consisted of Jinsha Jiang River, Nu Jiang River and Lancang Jiang River (Mekong).

A highlight of this grand overland tour is 2 days walking and sightseeing in the beautiful Yading Nature Reserve, home of three sacred mountains - Chenresig (Xiannairi, Avalokitesvara, 6032m), Jambeyang (Yangmaiyong, Manjusri, 5958m), and Chanadorje (Xianuoduoji, Vajrapani, 5958m).

The next highlight is Meili Xueshan Snow Mountain (6740 m), the highest peak in Yunnan Province.

In Linzhi (Nyingchi) Prefecture, “the Little Switzerland of Tibet”, amazing various sceneries accompany our driving: Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier, Parlung Tsangpo, Lulang Village, Mount Namjabarwa, Niyang River, Basum Tso…

In Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, we have two days for the attractions: Potala, Jokhang, Norblinka and Sera. And from Parla Lupu Monastery we'll enjoy the magnificent view of Potala Palace. We could circle around the Tibetan holiest Monastery Jokhang with pilgrims, who come from all over Tibet and the Tibetan cultural areas of Kham-Amdo of the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan. Many pious Tibetans measure the way on the Barkhor market with their body length.

Highlights

Rental Car Tour from Sichuan via Yunnan to Tibet

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Chengdu

Enjoy Chengdu leisurely daily life, Kuanzai Xiangzi, drink tea in People’s Park

Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of province Sichuan, the home town of Panda. Picked up by the local guide at airport and transferred to enjoy the leisure time in Kuanzhai Xiangzi. It consists 3 alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley. Experience the typically leisure lifestyle of Chengdu. After that, we will move to the People’s Park (Renmin Gongyuan). It hosts elegant mountains, broad lake, colorful flowers and flourish woods. Have a seat in the teahouse, enjoy your covered-bowl tea in the center of the city, and have a chat with your friends.

Overnight at 4*Xinliang Hotel

Breakfast

Tea House in People’s Park

DAY
2

Chengdu

Completion of the administrative formalities for self drive with rental car

In the morning transfer to the hospital for a short physical examination, and get your temporary Chinese driving license.

Overnight at 4*Xinliang Hotel

Breakfast

Jinli

DAY
3

Self drive Chengdu – Wolong – Rilong – Danba

Panda in Wolong National Nature Reserve, panorama view of Siguniang Shan

In the morning pick up the car in the hotel, then drive to Wolong National Nature Reserve. 52 km long from east to west and 62 km wide from south to north, the whole area is 200,000 hm². Wolong Nature Reserve is the third largest nature reserve in China, the largest natural reserve in Sichuan Province with the most complex natural conditions and the rare flora and fauna. There are over 4,000 kinds of high-level plants, 24 kinds of them are valuable plants, such as Gongtong (Chinese dove tree), red China fir, Lianxiang and so on. There are more than 450 kinds of vertebrates, 45 kinds of them are rated national focal preserved animals, such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, antelopes, white-mouth deers etc. Visit Panda Base in Wolong, about 100 pandas live here, it is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, wildness training, etc. Then drive to Rilong through the Balang Shan Tunnel, if the weather is good, enjoy the beautiful panorama view of Siguniang Shan (Four Sisters Mountain, known as “the Oriental Alps” and “the Queen Peak in Sichuan”) at Maobiliang. In the late afternoon reach Danba, the most beautiful village of China.

311 km
6 hours
Overnight at Mantuoluo Hotel (1900 m)

Breakfast

Pandas in Wolong

DAY
4

Self drive Danba – Tagong – Yajiang

Jiaju Village and ancient block towers in Suopo, Khampa-Tibetan in Tagong, panorama view of Yala and Gongga Mountain

Danba has long been acclaimed as the Kingdom of Thousands of Ancient Blockhouses. Visit the Tibetan village Jiaju. There are more than one hundred buildings with the same architectural style, a complete and unique character of Jiarong Tibetan residences. Under the blue sky, the Tibetan residences decorated in red, white and black are strewed in specific rules from the bottom to the middle slope of the valley. Also, visit the ancient block towers in Suopo. They made of clay and block with solid thick walls. Ride to Tagong to visit the Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si) of Sayka Sect, which is surrounded by three hills symbolizing three Budhisattvas. It is said that the blessing of a reserved Jowo Shakyamuni image left by Wencheng Princess in this monastery to the pilgrims resembles the Lhasa Jowo Shakyamuni image in Lhasa. And visit the impressive Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui. If the weather is good enough, you can see the mountain Zhara Lhatse (5.820 m, also call Jara or Yala). In the late afternoon Ride by Xinduqiao, the “Paradise of Photographers”, when the weather is good, you can see the main peak of Gongga Mountain (7556 m, Minya Konka, “the King Peak of Sichuan”) from Xinduqiao. Continue driving to Yajiang.

207 km
4 hours 8 minutes
Overnight at Yidu Hotel (2570 m)

Breakfast

Jiaju Village

DAY
5

Self drive Yajiang – Litang – Daocheng – Riwa

Litang “world’s highland city

Drive to Riwa via Litang the “High City of the World”. Keep driving over Haizi Shan and pass by Daocheng to Riwa, where the highlight of this journey is - Yading nature reserve, home of three sacred Tibetan mountains - Chenresig (Xiannairi, Avalokitesvara, 6032m), Jambeyang (Yangmaiyong, Manjusri, 5958m), and Chanadorje (Xianuoduoji, Vajrapani, 5958m). It has not only the magnificent sacred snow-capped mountains, but also vast meadows, colorful forests and blue lakes, the most beautiful sight of the snowy plateau gathers here. The scenery here is not inferior to that of national parks of the west such as Yellowstone and Yosemite in terms of spectacular, pristine mountain scenery.

358 km
5 hours 48 minutes
Overnight at Yading Holiday Inn Express (2900 m)

Breakfast

Litang Monastery

DAY
6

Riwa – Yading – Riwa

Walking and sightseeing tour in Yading with three sacred mountains and Luorong Cattle Farm

Full day explore the natural beauty of Yading. Drive 35km to Longlongba – the entrance of Yading Nature Reserve. Start trekking or taking sightseeing bus to visit Luorong Cattle Farm, which is surrounded by the three sacred mountains of Yangmaiyong, Xianuoduoji and Xiannairi. If you still feel energetic, you can go hiking to visit the Milk Sea and the Five Colors Sea. Finally, back to Longlongba and drive back to hotel.

70 km
2 hours
Overnight at Yading Holiday Inn Express (2900 m)

Breakfast

Mt. Yangmaiyong

DAY
7

Self drive Riwa - Yading - Riwa – Xiangcheng

Yading Nature Reserve, Chonggu Monastery, Xiannairi Mountain, Pearl Sea

In the morning enter the Yading Nature Reserve again. Trek to visit Chonggu Monastery, and then walk to Xiannairi Mountain, continue to visit Pearl Sea which locates the foot of Xiannairi. In the afternoon return to Riwa and drive to Xiangcheng, enjoy the landscape en route and take photos of the white traditional Tibetan houses.

189 km
4 hours 41 minutes
Overnight at Zhaxi Hotel (2900 m)

Breakfast

Mt. Xialuoduoji

DAY
8

Self drive Xiangcheng – Derong – Benzilan - Dechen – Feilai Si

“The first bend of Jinsha Jiang”, Benzilan Village, Dong Trubling Monastery. Leave Sichuan and enter Yunnan

Drive through the Hengduan Range along the Jinsha Jiang (upper reaches of Yangtze) into Yunnan Province. Have a break in the beautiful small town Benzilan, enjoy the panoramic view of the “first bend of Jinsha Jiang (Golden Sand River)”. Before reach Dechen visit the Dong Trubling Monastery.

316 km
8 hours 50 minutes
Overnight at Paradise View Hotel at Feilaisi (3400 m)

Breakfast

Jinsha River

DAY
9

Dechen

Meili Xueshan Snow Mountain, walking from Feilai Temple to Mingyong Glacier

Visit Meili Xueshan (6740 m), the highest peak in Yunnan Province. This peak is called “Kawagebo” by Tibetan people, which means “the white snow mountain” in Tibetan language. The Lancang River and the Nujiang River flow from the foot of the mountain to the east and west sides. The warm and humid air on the river valley meets the cold air, which makes the climate unpredictable. Local Tibetans call it "the god of snow mountains". Drive about 10 km from Dechen to Feilai Temple (3450 m). Walking from Feilai Temple to Mingyong Glacier at the foot of Meili Xueshan. Late in the afternoon drive back to Feilai Si.

Overnight at Paradise View Hotel at Feilaisi (3400 m)

Breakfast

Meili Xueshan (Meili Snow Mountain)

DAY
10

Self drive Dechen – Markam – Zuogong

Drive in the Three Parallel Rivers Regions, central area of Hengduanshan Mountain Range. Leave Yunnan and enter Tibet

Drive to Markam, the first city of Tibet on this overland journey, where the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and Yunnan-Tibet Highway meet. You drive now in the Three Parallel Rivers Regions, which is consisted of Jinsha Jiang River, Nu Jiang River and Lancang Jiang River (Mekong) originated from the Tanggula Mountain Range of Tibetan Plateau flow in parallel southward. On the way cross three mountain passes: Joba (3880 m), Lawu (4358 m) and Dongda (5080 m).

378 km
8 hours
Overnight at Ji’an Dongri Hotel (3000 m)

Breakfast

Dongda Mountain

DAY
11

Self drive Zuogong – Bangda - Baxoi – Ranwu

Overcome 99-turn, stay be the beautiful Ranwu lake

Drive along upstream to Bangda, a town junction where Lhasa connects to the Chamdo-Kunming Highway. Keep drive across Yela Mountain (4,618 meters), then enter the famous 99-turn, it is the most tortuous road in Tibet. Afterwards drive to Ranwu Lake (Ngan Tso), a spectacularly crystal blue lake surrounded by snow peaks.

292 km
5 hours 32 minutes
Overnight at Ranwo International Self-Driving Camp (3200 m)

Breakfast

Winding Mountain Road

DAY
12

Self drive Ranwu – Midui – Bome - Lulang

Midui Glacier, Parlung Tsangpo, Lulang Town

Drive to Bomi along Ranwu valley. On the way, visit Midui Glacier which is consisted of beautiful Tibetan village, farm fields, snow mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes, etc. From Ranwu to Bomi, about 100 km, is the most beautiful part of this overland tour. Driving along the Parlung Tsangpo River and enjoying the beautiful primitive landscape of snow mountains, forests and rivers. Drive down a few hundred meters then reach the lowland jungle settlement of Tongmai. Pass by Guxianghu Lake (2600 m) and Tongmai Bridge, through the Tongmai No. 1 Tunnel, finally reach Lulang Town.

305 km
5 hours 36 minutes
Overnight at Lulang Zhujiang International Hotel (3700 m)

Breakfast

Tongmai

DAY
13

Self drive Lulang - Linzhi - Basum Tso

Overlook Gyala Pelri and Namjabarwa, Gru monastery, Lamaling temple, Ancient Giant Cypress Forest, Niyang River, Basum Tso Lake

When crossing Serkhyem La Pass (Seji La, 4,515 m) you will have spectacular views of Mount Gyala Pelri (7,150 m) and Mount Namchak Barwa (Namjabarwa, 7,782 m), when the weather is so fine. Before arrive in Linzhi (Nyingtri, 2900 m) visit the two neighboring monasteries: From the golden roof of the Buchu monastery to view the unique scenery of the Lamaling temple. After the visit of Ancient Giant Cypress Forest, drive along the Niyang River to the Basum Tso Lake. More than 6000 m high snow-covered mountains’ reflection images make the lake like a film, without doubt, you will see the island monastery - Tsodzong. Walk to the island to visit the Tsodzong Monastery.

222 km
3 hours 29 minutes
Overnight at Himalaya Basum Tso Resort (3500 m)

Breakfast

Midui

DAY
14

Self drive Basum Tso – Gandan – Lhasa

Mi La Mountain Pass. Gandan Monastery. Welcome in Lhasa!

Drive over the impressive Mi La Mountain Pass (4865 m) to Lhasa (3650 m), capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. On the way visit Gandan Monastery. It was built in 1409 by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa of Tibetan Buddhism. Gandan, Drepung and Sera are the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. And Gandan is the place where Tsongkapa died. Therefore, it has the highest reputation of all the monasteries of the Gelugpa. In the evening return the car at the hotel.

363 km
6 hours 30 minutes
Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel (3650 m)

Breakfast

Gandan Monastery

DAY
15

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
16

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. The "Buddhism Scriptures Debate" in Sera is very famous.

Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
17

Leave Tibet

Travel to next destination

Today transfer to airport or railway station, leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Pilgrim on Barkhor Street

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With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that, as everywhere in this region you counter a basic tourism infrastructure. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotels/guesthouses. Long driving on bad roads and on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.

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