Sacred Mountains of
Western Sichuan

We leave Chengdu in the late morning and gradually climb from the Sichuan Basin into the mountains of Western Sichuan along the famous G318 Highway — often called China's Route 66 for its epic landscapes and road-trip culture.

We stop at Honghaizi Lake, a hidden alpine lake surrounded by snow peaks and open grasslands — one of the most photogenic landscapes in the region. Toward sunset, we continue to Gedilam viewpoint, known among local travelers as the "Sky City," where panoramic views stretch across mountain ranges and alpine meadows.

Tonight we stay in Xinduqiao, a Tibetan town famous for its dramatic natural light and relaxed atmosphere. This will be our base on the return leg as well.

Today we travel deeper into the Tibetan Plateau, breaking the journey with scenic photo stops and breaks every 2–3 hours. Crossing winding mountain roads and high-altitude passes, we experience the vast open landscapes that make Western Sichuan so unique.

We stop in Litang, one of the world's highest towns at around 4,000m and an important center of Tibetan culture — depending on timing, we explore parts of the old town or Tibetan streets. Later, we cross Rabbit Mountain Pass, where dramatic rocky landscapes and sweeping plateau views create a surreal atmosphere.

By evening, we descend to Shangri-La Town (~2,900m) — the significant drop in altitude ensures restful sleep before tomorrow's hike.

Today we explore Yading Nature Reserve. After entering the park by shuttle bus, we travel through forests and valleys toward the three sacred mountains revered in Tibetan Buddhism: Chenrezig (Xiannairi), Jampayang (Yangmaiyong), and Chanadorje (Xianuoduoji).

At Luorong Pasture, snow mountains rise dramatically above alpine meadows and rivers. Travelers can choose their hiking level:

Easier route: Chonggu Monastery → Pearl Lake — shorter distance, lower physical demand, excellent mountain reflections.

Advanced route: Milk Lake & Five Color Lake — using park eco-shuttles and optional electric carts to reach the trailhead at Luorong Pasture, then a ~10 km hike up to ~4,600m. One of the most iconic alpine hikes in China.

Your guide monitors pacing throughout. After the visit, we return to Shangri-La Town for rest and recovery.

We begin the return journey across the Tibetan Plateau, retracing the scenic mountain roads through Litang and the highland valleys of Western Sichuan. Along the way, we stop at selected viewpoints and small towns to rest and enjoy the changing landscapes.

By evening, we arrive back in Xinduqiao — staying in a familiar hotel allows for a more relaxed evening after two longer travel days. The second half of the journey begins tomorrow at a more leisurely pace.

Today is intentionally slower. We explore the valleys around Jiagenba, where streams, forests, grasslands, and snow peaks create one of the most peaceful landscapes in Western Sichuan.

In the afternoon, we drive toward a remote viewpoint near Muyacuo / Tinong Valley for sunset views of Mount Gongga (Minya Konka) — the highest mountain in Sichuan at 7,556m. As evening light hits the snow peaks, the mountains glow gold against the plateau sky. One of the most iconic moments of the entire journey.

Today focuses on Tibetan culture and highland landscapes. We begin at Tagong Grassland, where white stupas, grazing yaks, and distant snow mountains create one of the most iconic Tibetan landscapes in Western Sichuan.

We then visit Lhagang Monastery, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery often called the "Little Larung Gar" by local travelers for its red houses and dramatic mountain setting.

Continuing through valleys and Tibetan villages, we eventually reach Siguniangshan Town. The lower altitude provides a more comfortable final evening before tomorrow's mountain day.

On the final day, we explore Shuangqiao Valley in the Siguniang Mountain region — often referred to as the Alps of China. Using the park shuttle system, we travel through glacier valleys, alpine forests, rivers, and snow mountain viewpoints without requiring difficult hiking.

Key sights include Siguniang Redwood Forest, Budala Peak, Sigunaicuo Lake, and Renyancao Meadow. In the afternoon, we cross Balang Mountain Pass before descending back toward Chengdu.