Now a days national road318and national road 317are the two main highways that links the Tibetan areas of Western Sichuan with mainland Tibet.This itinerary is mainly taking the road 317 and which is longer than the southern route 318 but have less tourists.This route offers an insight to the rich culture,costume and tradition of Khampas and their lifestyle.It passes through more remote areas and will have poorer facilities comparing to the road 318.

 

Now a days national road318and national road 317are the two main highways that links the Tibetan areas of Western Sichuan with mainland Tibet.This itinerary is mainly taking the road 317 and which is longer than the southern route 318 but have less tourists.This route offers an insight to the rich culture,costume and tradition of Khampas and their lifestyle.It passes through more remote areas and will have poorer facilities comparing to the road 318.

Itinerary

Day 1

Activities: Arrival in Chengdu

Chengdu airport picking up,check-in and have a good rest.

Overnight at Chengdu.

Day 2

Activities: Chengdu/Kangding(327km,3-4hrs)

Depart from your hotel at  9:00am  and  drive to Kangding,pass through Mt.Erlang Tunnel on highway. Upon arrival,explore this town,enjoy the fresh air and you are already at 2600m altitude so we suggest not to do strong movements at first time.

Overnight in Kangding Hotel.

Day 3

Activities: Kangding /Lhagang /Daowu town (200km,4hrs)

In the afternoon visit Gathar monastery,it was founded in the  18th century by 7th Dalai Lama Kalsang Gyatso,the 11th Dalai  Lama was also born at here.Then drive continue to Daowu,  which is very famous for its local residences,white-painted wall, crimson column and exquisite carved windows.

Overnight in Daowu boutique Hotel.

Day 4

Activities: Daowu /Drakgo /Ganzi (170km,3hrs)

Today  you  will   drive  to  Ganzi,son  the  way  stop  to  visit  Kasa lake.Ganzi  is  an important   city for doing commercial business in  Kham tibet and  magnificent snow-capped peaks could be seen on the south of the town.You can explore the markets and ganzi town in the afternoon.

 

Stay in Ganzi Makyi Ama  Hotel.

Day 5

Activities: Ganzi /Yilhun Lhatso /Menshod (190km,5-6hrs)

This morning we will leave Ganzi town and the on the way visit Yilhung lhatso lake and then drive to Menshod,which is name of a small remote valley,where 15 genres of arts existed and there are more than 2000 artisans living in this valley. Right now it is getting known as valley of artisans.You will witness bronze casting,black pottery making,thangka painting and woodcarving etc.

Overnight in Khyenle guesthouse.

Day 6

Activities: A day exploring the Menshod valley

In the morning you can do visit artisan workshops and in the afternoon can go in Dorphu valley for a short hike of 2-3hrs. Then in the evening try a special yak meat pizza and a salad.

Overnight: Khyenle guesthouse

 

Day 7

Activities: Menshod/Dege(108km 2hrs)

This morning visit some art workshops and in the afternoon visit Dege printing house, where you could find that people are still using traditional ways to print the Buddhist texts.

 

Overnight in Dege Hotel:

Day 8

Activities: Derge / Chamdo(330km,6-7hrs)

Drive to Chamdo via Jamda, you will enter the TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) after crossing the Yangtse River, then you will pass several high passes and then will arrive in Chamdo.

 

Stay in Chamdo Hotel.

 

Day 09

Activities: Chamdo / Zizhu Monastery / Tengchen (260km, 6-7hours)

On the way to Tengchen  county , you will visit Zizhu monastery, which is a Bon monastery located at 4450m altitude with a magnificent view. Bon is the primitive religion that exists in Tibet before the Buddhism was introduced.

 

Overnight at Tengchen.

Day 10

Activities: Tengchen / Bachen / Sok (250km, 5-6 hours)

After master Tsuri La Pass (4200m) and Shel La Pass (4750m) we arrive at Bachen, and continue about 30km you will reach Sok.  Sok means Mongolia in Tibetan.

Overnight at Sok.

Day 11

Activities: Sok / Nagqu (230km, 4-5 hours)

Morning we will visit Sok Gaden Phelgyal Ling monastery, which is said to be small potala palace. It is located on a hilltop, from where you can overlook the whole Sok county. Sometimes it is not allowed to visit.

After this you will drive towards Nagqu, you will pass two high passes of above 4800m and then arrive at Nagqu. Nagqu is famous of its caterpillar fungus and it is one of the highest county in Tibet with 4500m from sea level.

Overnight at Nagqu.

Day 11

Activities: Nagqu / Namtso Lake/ Lhasa (368km, 5 hours)

Morning drive on the vast Qiangtang grassland where nomads live in black tents. You will pass damshong and then arrive at Namtso Chukmo Lake. Visit Namtso lake and then drive back to Lhasa.

Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 13

Activities: Lhasa / Chendu

Today you will leave lhasa and fly back to Chengdu.