Day 3:Yajiang - Tianlu 18 Bends - Litang - Le Tong Ancient Town - Maoya Grassland - Sister Lakes - Cuopu Valley Entrance / Inside Scenic Area (Altitude: 2,600m - 4,014m - 3,300m)(380 km)

Hotel: Standard: Cuopu Valley Entrance / Scenic Area Homestay (If the room is fully booked during peak season, we will arrange accommodation in Batang County instead.)

Meals: Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded

Depart Yajiang, pass the Tianlu 18 Bends and cross Kazila Mountain to reach Litang. Visit Le Tong Ancient Town (Thousand Household Tibetan Village) and the Changqingchunke'er Temple. Pass through Haizi Mountain, admire the Maoya Grassland and the Sister Lakes. Arrive at the Cuopu Valley area for overnight stay.

Yajiang, CN

Yajiang County is located in southern Garzê Prefecture, Sichuan, along the Yalong River, and is an important county town on the southern Sichuan-Tibet route. It is known for its canyon landscapes and forest resources, with the town built on mountainsides, offering a strong sense of Khampa Tibetan life.
Tianlu 18 Bends

Tianlu 18 Bends is a steep winding section of the G318 National Highway in Yajiang, famous for its continuous sharp turns. Viewed from a lookout, the road resembles a ribbon winding through the mountains, showcasing the blend of human engineering and natural terrain, making it a classic driving experience on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway.
Litang, CN

Litang County is located in southwestern Garzê Prefecture, Sichuan, with an elevation over 4000 meters, known as the 'World's Highest Town'. It is the hometown of the 7th Dalai Lama and several Tibetan cultural figures, featuring vast Maoya Grassland and profound Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Le Tong Ancient Town (Thousand Household Tibetan Village)

Le Tong Ancient Town is located north of Litang county town, a well-preserved cluster of thousand-household Tibetan villages. It features dense traditional Tibetan dwellings with intricate streets, offering close-up views of Tibetan architecture and local daily life, serving as a living museum of Khampa Tibetan culture.
Changqingchunke'er Temple

Changqingchunke'er Temple is the largest Gelugpa sect Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Litang, founded in 1580, holding significant religious importance in the Kham region. It features grand architecture, exquisite murals, and solemn religious ceremonies, making it a key site to experience Tibetan Buddhist atmosphere.
Batang, CN

Batang County is located at the westernmost tip of Sichuan, bordering Tibet, known as the 'Jiangnan of the Plateau'. It has a relatively mild climate, abundant fruit production, and natural attractions like Sister Lakes and Maoya Grassland, serving as the last major stop in Sichuan before entering Tibet on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway.
Maoya Grassland

Maoya Grassland is a vast alpine meadow on the western Sichuan Plateau, located in Batang County. In summer, it turns lush green with wildflowers, dotted with grazing yaks and sheep, backed by distant snow-capped mountains, presenting classic Tibetan Plateau pastoral scenery ideal for road trips and photography.
Sister Lakes

Sister Lakes are two adjacent alpine lakes near Haizi Mountain on the Sichuan-Tibet route, resembling twin blue gems set at the foot of snow-capped mountains. The clear water reflects the mountains and sky, creating a serene and sacred scenery, making them a natural wonder that draws stops along the G318 Highway.

Price Includes

Transportation: Vehicle according to group size (including driver's meals and accommodation).

Accommodation: 9 nights twin-share standard room accommodation (including 1 complimentary 4-diamond hotel night on arrival day).

Admission Tickets: Le Tong Ancient Town ticket + sightseeing bus, Cuopu Valley ticket + sightseeing bus, Midui Glacier ticket + sightseeing bus, Basum Tso ticket + sightseeing bus, Potala Palace ticket, Jokhang Temple ticket.

Meals: 9 breakfasts + 1 special meal (Lulang Stone Pot Chicken).

Guide: Chinese/English/bilingual guide throughout the tour (including guide's meals, accommodation, and tickets).

Tibetan Cultural Experience: Khata scarf presentation + butter tea + tsampa making + horse riding + archery + hanging prayer flags + throwing Lungta.

On-tour Equipment: First aid kit + pulse oximeter + thermometer for monitoring health.

Price Excludes

Transportation: International/Domestic airfare to Chengdu and from Lhasa.

Meals: All lunches (except Day 7 Lulang Stone Pot Chicken) and dinners are excluded.

Optional Tickets: Honghaizi cleaning fee 10-20 CNY (optional), Basum Tso boat ticket 180 CNY (optional).

Tips/Gratuities: Suggested tip of 10 USD per day per guest for driver and guide combined.

Personal Expenses: All personal expenditures.

Invoice: Price does not include tax invoice.

Force Majeure: No compensation for changes/cancellations due to unforeseen events (landslides, road closures, flight delays, policy changes, etc.).

Additional Notes

Sichuan-Tibet Highway - Important Guest Requirements:

Not eligible to join: Pregnant women, guests with heart disease, high blood pressure, or any medical condition unsuitable for high-altitude travel.
Standard age range: 12–55 years old.
Ages 10–12: Allowed to join, but must sign a Risk Acknowledgment Form.
Ages 10–17: Maximum insurance coverage is 500,000 RMB.
Ages 55–75: Allowed to join group tours after providing a medical check-up report and signing the Risk Acknowledgment Form.
Not allowed to join: Children under 10 years old, and adults over 75 years old.

Foreign nationals and Taiwan compatriots must apply for the Tibet Permit in advance:

Foreign nationals: Submit application documents at least 15 working days prior (20 working days for groups visiting Ngari). Documents for Foreigners'Tibet Permit
Taiwan compatriots: Submit application documents at least 20 working days in advance. Documents for Taiwan Compatriot's Tibet Permit

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.

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:

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.
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.
Arrival day – Rest at the hotel. Do not shower to avoid catching a cold or aggravating altitude sickness. Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, and smoking.
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.
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.
Long driving hours – Tibet is vast; some routes involve more driving than sightseeing. Be mentally prepared and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Medications – Long journeys and climate changes may cause discomfort. Bring basic medicines such as bandages, cold medicine, and stomach remedies.
Facilities – Local infrastructure is less developed than in other parts of China. Hotels, vehicles, and restaurants may have lower standards. Please be understanding.
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.
Photography – Tibetans are friendly, but always agree on a price before taking photos to avoid misunderstandings.
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.
Sun & dryness – b sunlight and dry climate. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and a sun hat.
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.
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.

Potala Palace Ticket Booking Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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:
- Groups may be split into smaller groups, sometimes combined with other visitors.
- Different subgroups may have different visit times/dates.
- Subgroups may be led by different guides.
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.
Visit duration: up to 1 hour.

Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple Visit Tips

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Tour Code: 027-20352

10-Day G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway Tour from Chengdu to Lhasa

Itinerary

Day 1:Global - Chengdu (Altitude: 500m)

Day 2:Chengdu - Kangding - Zheduo Mountain / Honghaizi - Xinduqiao - Yajiang (Altitude: 500m - 4,298m - 2,600m )(398 km)

Day 3:Yajiang - Tianlu 18 Bends - Litang - Le Tong Ancient Town - Maoya Grassland - Sister Lakes - Cuopu Valley Entrance / Inside Scenic Area (Altitude: 2,600m - 4,014m - 3,300m)(380 km)

Day 4:Cuopu Valley Entrance / Inside Scenic Area - Cuopu Valley - Markam (Altitude: 3,300m - 4,100m - 3,800m)(174 km)

Day 5:Markam - Dongda Mountain - Zogang - Tianlu 72 Bends - Baxoi (Altitude: 3,800m - 4,376m - 3,260m)(331 km)

Day 6:Baxoi - Ranwu Lake - Midui Glacier - Bomi (Altitude: 3,260m - 3,850m - 2,750m)(256 km)

Day 7:Bomi - Guxiang Lake - Lulang - Tibetan Village (Butter Tea, Tsampa, Horse Riding, Archery) - Serkyla Mountain - Nyingchi (Altitude: 2,750m - 3,700m - 2,900m)(241 km)

Day 8:Nyingchi - Basum Tso - Lhasa (Altitude: 2,900m - 3,480m - 3,650m)(494 km)

Day 9:Lhasa - Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street (Altitude: 3,650m)

Day 10:Lhasa - Lhasa Gonggar Airport

Departure & Return

Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Additional Notes