15-Day Sichuan-Tibet Classic Pure Play Small Group Tour from Chengdu to Lhasa
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Tour Overview
Highlights
- Mugecuo: Multiple alpine lakes, hot springs, and forests interwoven with beautiful love legends.
- Xinduqiao: A true photographer's paradise with magical light and shadow, offering distant views of Gongga Snow Mountain.
- Litang Letong Ancient Town: Experience the charm of Kham culture in the Tibetan village and micro-museums featured in the documentary 'Ding Zhen's World'.
- Daocheng Yading: The last pure land on the blue planet, with dreamlike scenic spots like Milk Lake, Five-Color Lake, and Pearl Lake.
- Jinsha River Great Bend: A masterpiece of nature, view this spectacular landscape from a God's-eye perspective.
- Nujiang 72 Bends: A thrilling and fascinating section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, known as the 'Zipper in the Clouds'.
- Midui Glacier: A maritime glacier that shines with snow light year-round, offering different visual impacts across seasons.
- Potala Palace: A museum of architectural and Buddhist art, a must-visit for anyone coming to Tibet.
Dates & Prices
Price in CNY (per person, based on double occupancy)
Itinerary
Kangding, CN
Mugecuo Scenic Area
Zheduo Mountain, CN
Zheduo Mountain Pass
Litang, CN
Letong Ancient Town (Thousand-Household Tibetan Village)
Daocheng Yading, CN
Daocheng Yading Scenic Area
Chonggu Monastery
Chonggu Grassland
Luorong Pasture
Milk Lake
Five-Color Lake
Pearl Lake (Zhuomala Cuo)
Bangda, CN
Bangda Grassland
Nujiang 72 Bends, CN
Nujiang 72 Bends (99 Turns)
Ranwu, CN
Ranwu Lake
Lunang, CN
Lunang Town
Serkyla Mountain, CN
Serkyla Mountain Pass
Mount Namcha Barwa Viewing
Basum Tso, CN
Basum Tso (Cuogao Lake)
Tsozong Gongba Temple
Lhasa, CN
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Barkhor Street
Gyantse, CN
Yamdrok Lake
Karola Glacier
Pelkor Monastery
Return from Shigatse to Lhasa will be by tourist bus or train at the travel agency's discretion. No specific requests can be accommodated. Thank you for your understanding.
Shigatse, CN
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Departure & Return
- On the meeting day, go to the Chengdu city center hotel and check in with "大美G318 + your name" (room fee prepaid, deposit payable by yourself).
Check-in is available after 14:00. If you arrive early and the room isn't ready, store your luggage and explore nearby.
Your guide will inform you of the next day's departure time by 21:00. If not contacted by then, please contact customer service. - 1-3 days before departure, the notification will be made by the customer service, the notification content includes: the name, time, address, telephone number and other relevant information of the Chengdu gathering hotel, and remind the team members of the required equipment, please keep your mobile phone connected.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Additional Notes
Sichuan-Tibet Highway - Important Guest Requirements:
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Not eligible to join: Pregnant women, guests with heart disease, high blood pressure, or any medical condition unsuitable for high-altitude travel.
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Standard age range: 12–55 years old.
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Ages 10–12: Allowed to join, but must sign a Risk Acknowledgment Form.
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Ages 10–17: Maximum insurance coverage is 500,000 RMB.
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Ages 55–75: Allowed to join group tours after providing a medical check-up report and signing the Risk Acknowledgment Form.
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Not allowed to join: Children under 10 years old, and adults over 75 years old.
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Foreign nationals and Taiwan compatriots must apply for the Tibet Permit in advance:
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Foreign nationals: Submit application documents at least 15 working days prior (20 working days for groups visiting Ngari). Documents for Foreigners'Tibet Permit
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Taiwan compatriots: Submit application documents at least 20 working days in advance. Documents for Taiwan Compatriot's Tibet Permit
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- In addition to the Tibet Permit, foreign nationals and Taiwan compatriots must register at the Shigatse Exit-Entry Administration. The guide will adjust the itinerary accordingly. Please follow the guide’s arrangement and cooperate.
- Some areas require a Border Permit. As local regulations in Tibet may change, Chinese nationals are advised to obtain the Border Permit at their local public security bureau before departure.
Potala Palace Ticket Booking Instructions
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Real-name reservation required. Valid ID (ID card, household register, Taiwan Compatriot Permit, or passport) must be provided. Once booked, tickets cannot be reserved again within 7 days from the visit date. The travel agency is not liable for entry failure due to incorrect information provided by the visitor.
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The original valid ID must be presented before entry. If the name or ID number does not match, entry will be denied and the ticket fee is non-refundable.
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Visit times are randomly assigned by the Potala Palace management; specific times cannot be chosen. The actual tour order may differ from the reference itinerary.
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During peak season, group booking quotas are limited. To secure entry, the agency may use different channels, and visitors are asked to follow the guide’s arrangements. The following are normal:
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Groups may be split into smaller groups, sometimes combined with other visitors.
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Different subgroups may have different visit times/dates.
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Subgroups may be led by different guides.
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The palace is closed on Mondays; the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly if a Monday falls on the visit day. Please confirm the final itinerary with your sales contact.
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Visit duration: up to 1 hour.
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Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple Visit Tips
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Due to the real-name reservation system for both Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, please bring your original valid ID, follow your guide’s instructions, and enter strictly at the reserved time.
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Wear flat shoes for easy stair climbing. Dress modestly and appropriately - no shorts, short skirts, revealing clothes, or open-toed sandals. Remove hats and sunglasses before entering the halls.
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Do not shout, chase, climb, lie down, spit, litter, or touch cultural relics. Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and all sites within the Snow City area. Do not bring liquid beverages inside, and no smoking or open flames.
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Potala Palace has high elevations—walk slowly when going up or down. The halls are cool, so bringing a jacket is recommended even in summer. The main visit is limited to one hour, and guides are not allowed to stay inside for extended periods or give loud explanations; guiding will be done outside. Please be a responsible visitor and follow the rules set by the cultural relic authorities.
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Both Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are ancient structures with narrow passageways and many wooden stairs, often shared for both ascending and descending. Large crowds may create safety risks, so please exit promptly after your visit. Always walk in an orderly manner, stay safe, and avoid crowding.
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Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve Special Notes & Safety Disclaimers:
- Wildlife Safety: Numerous small wild animals inhabit the trail to Pearl Lake. Do not feed or provoke them, as they may bite or scratch. Please note that medical facilities/vaccines are not available inside the reserve.
- Liability Waiver: Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake are optional extensions and are not part of the standard agency-managed itinerary. Travelers visiting these areas do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety and any associated costs.
- Trekking to Milk Lake/Five-Color Lake:
- Capacity Restrictions: Yading enforces a daily limit of 16,850 visitors (with only 3,900 allowed in the Milk Lake area). We will pre-book your tickets, but if the Milk Lake area is closed due to peak season limits, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly.
- On Foot: A 10km round trip from Luorong Cattle Farm (approx. 5-6 hours).
- By Horse: A 3.5km uphill ride (approx. 3 hours, CNY 300/person out-of-pocket). Horses must be led by a professional groom at all times.
- Final Ascent: The final 1.8km stretch to Milk Lake (4,600m) and Five-Color Lake (4,700m) is rugged and can only be completed on foot. High fitness levels are required. Expect low temperatures and b winds; please dress warmly.
Tibet Travel Tips
Tibet, with its history, culture, ethnic traditions, snowy landscapes, and Tibetan Buddhism, is attracting more travelers from around the world. Please note the following:
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High altitude – Travelers and their guardians must be aware of the risks. Those with heart, lung, brain, liver, kidney conditions, severe anemia, hypertension, or serious colds are not eligible to join. The agency has provided this reminder; do not conceal any medical conditions when booking.
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Before departure – Get good sleep for 2–3 days prior. If concerned, take Rhodiola, Gaoyuan’an, or American ginseng 6–7 days in advance (reduce or skip if discomfort occurs). Continue on arrival day if needed. In severe cases, seek IV fluids or oxygen. Most travelers adapt within 1–1.5 days. Altitude symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and insomnia. Relax – anxiety worsens it.
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Arrival day – Rest at the hotel. Do not shower to avoid catching a cold or aggravating altitude sickness. Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, and smoking.
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On the plateau – Speak softly, walk slowly. Drink plenty of water, eat fruit, and avoid overeating (stop at 70% full). Carry high-energy snacks (chocolate, beef jerky, biscuits). Those in suboptimal health may keep American ginseng tablets in the mouth for energy.
- Luggage – Each passenger is limited to one 26-inch suitcase plus a small backpack. Any excess luggage must be stored at the Lhasa hotel front desk as instructed by the guide.
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Temperature & clothing – Large temperature differences (around 13°C). Bring a thick coat or sweater. In high-altitude areas (Tingri, Everest), August nights drop to 0–5°C; down jackets and thermal underwear are essential. Remote areas may have power cuts after midnight; bring a flashlight and toilet paper for adventure routes.
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Long driving hours – Tibet is vast; some routes involve more driving than sightseeing. Be mentally prepared and enjoy the scenery along the way.
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Medications – Long journeys and climate changes may cause discomfort. Bring basic medicines such as bandages, cold medicine, and stomach remedies.
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Facilities – Local infrastructure is less developed than in other parts of China. Hotels, vehicles, and restaurants may have lower standards. Please be understanding.
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Time difference – Tibet uses Beijing time, but the actual daily schedule is about two hours later due to the time zone. Adjust accordingly, especially for meals and wake-up times.
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Photography – Tibetans are friendly, but always agree on a price before taking photos to avoid misunderstandings.
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Safety – Do not leave the group or change the itinerary on your own. If going out at night, go with others and return by midnight.
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Sun & dryness – b sunlight and dry climate. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and a sun hat.
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Local customs – Respect Tibetan traditions. Walk clockwise around temples and inside them. No photography, hats, or short skirts inside temples. Avoid political topics. Do not eat dog, monkey, horse, or donkey meat. When offered tea or alcohol, try to accept; if you cannot, politely decline. Keep the ceremonial white scarf (hada) away from unclean places.
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Temple schedules – Temple attractions are managed by their own administrative offices, not the tourism bureau, so opening hours may vary. Please be understanding if closures or delays occur.
Policies
If the guest decides to change to a private room after the tour has commenced, they must pay an additional charge equal to twice the single supplement will apply.
Booking and Reservation
All tours are for early booking, tour operator suggests the each passenger should book tour at least 3 weeks before departure date. Passenger may make reservation via email; however, seats will not be assigned until the deposit has been paid. At time of reservation, passenger may require to provide name, phone number and address and specify designated tour and date of travel.All seats are pre-assigned with numbers; seat assignment is based on a first come first serve basis after down payment.
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
7 days or more prior to departure - -10% of total purchase amount.
4-6 days prior to departure - 20% of total purchase amount.
1-3 days prior to departure - 40% of total purchase amount.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
(1) Voluntary Cancellation: For voluntary cancellations, regardless of the location, the unused accommodation and entrance fees will be refunded. However, the vehicle costs, tour guide fees, and insurance fees will not be refunded.
(2) Force Majeure Cancellations: If the tour cannot continue due to force majeure circumstances, all participants must reach a consensus and choose from one of three options:
- A. Change of Itinerary: If the new itinerary is similar in length and road conditions to the original itinerary, the cost will remain the same. If the new itinerary is different in length and road conditions, the difference in cost will be adjusted accordingly.
- B. Return on the Original Route: The return on the original route will be calculated based on the actual expenses incurred. The excess or shortfall will be refunded or charged accordingly. The expenses include all vehicle costs, accommodation fees, meal fees, entrance fees, etc., incurred during the return trip.
- C. Complete the Tour Locally: The tour will be completed locally according to the actual expenses incurred plus the return expenses for the tour guide and driver. The excess or shortfall will be refunded or charged accordingly.
Day 1: Gathering in Chengdu (20% Loss Fee)Day 2: Chengdu - Mugecuo - Kangding (30% Loss Fee)
Day 3: Kangding - Zheduo Mountain - Yajian (40% Loss Fee)
Day 4: Yajiang - Litang - Shangri-La Town (50% Loss Fee)
Day 5: Yading Nature Reserve Deep Tour (60% Loss Fee)
Day 6: Daocheng - Litang - Batang (70% Loss Fee)
Day 7: Batang - Markam - Zuogong (80% Loss Fee)
Day 8: Zuogong - 72 Bends - Ranwu (90% Loss Fee)
Day 9 - Day 15: No Refunds
Please note: These cancellation fees are in addition to any other applicable fees, such as hotel cancellation fees.
Tour operator is not responsible for any loss of or damage to personal items, or personal injury that may occur on or during the tour. It is optional that passengers to buy travel insurance, for more information, please consult your travel agent.
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure of the tour, Taketours only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.
Q & A
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