Start your Yunnan Tibet self drive trip today!

After breakfast, you’ll collect your rental vehicle and drive to the First Bend of the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery. The Jinsha River from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau makes an almost 180-degree turn when it meets Hailuo Mountain here in Shigu Town. You can get a panoramic view of this amazing bend in the valley from the observation deck. You can also take a short visit to the nearby Shigu Town and visit the local market to experience the casual life of the locals.

Then, you will continue driving to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. As a part of Three Parallel of Yunnan Protected Area (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the steep gorge is 17 kilometers in total. You’ll hike to the Tiger Leaping Rock, enjoying the breathtaking views of the gorge and rolling waves.

After hiking in gorge, you will complete the final road trip, around 120 km, to Shangri-la, also known as Zhongdian, in northwestern of Yunnan Province. It is a Tibetan-inhabited region in Yunnan, where you will experience a strong Tibetan cultural atmosphere that is different from other places in Yunnan.

Stay overnight in Shangri-la.

Overnight in Shangri-la

• A picturesque Town to see the famous first bend in the Yangtze River

• The rushing river at Tiger Leaping Gorge

Enjoy a full day of exploration and experience the spirit of Shangri-la!

In the morning, you’ll first visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, also known as Songzanlin Monastery, which is the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan with around 700 monks and lamas. While visiting the monastery, you will not only appreciate the Tibetan cultural and Buddhist treasures, but also immerse yourself in the daily lives of local monks.

Next, you will visit Potatso National Park, where you will enjoy the natural beauty of Shangri-la by visiting Bita Lake Nature Reserve and Duhu Scenic Area inside.

After the sightseeing trip today, you can have a dinner with a local Tibetan family and taste home-made Tibetan food with the locals.

Stay overnight in Shangri-la.

Overnight in Shangri-la

• Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

• Bita lake is a perfect place for landscape photography

Drive your way to Moshi Park Scenic Area, pass through Tagong Grassland, and finally arrive at Xinduqiao, renowned as a photography paradise along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway.

After breakfast, you will start your drive along the Yunnan Tibet Highway (G214 National Highway) to Baima Snow Mountain. En route, you will visit the Dongzhulin Monastery with easy accesss from the main road. Located 105 kilometers from Shangri-la, this four-story temple is magnificent both inside and out, and you can admire Tibetan Buddhist sculptures, murals, Buddha statues, and precious Tibetan thangkas up close.

Then, you will continue driving through Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, passing the highest of today’s drive at an altitude of 4292m. If weather permit, you’ll be able to view Baima Snow Mountain from the mountain pass. The journey along the way is fantastic with kinds of trees, streams down the valley, colorful prayer flags, and Tibetan villages.

Finally, you will proceed to Feilai Temple in Deqin, where the majestic Thirteen Peaks of Meilin Snow Mountains await your admiration. As the sun sets, these peaks stand like crowned kings, illuminated by a golden light that seems to freeze time. At Feilai Temple, the perfect vantage point to behold the Thirteenth Peak of Prince Meili, you'll eagerly anticipate the fading sun's afterglow, allowing the beautiful sunset to gracefully conclude today's unforgettable journey.

Stay overnight in Deqin.

Overnight in Deqin

• Sacred Dongzhulin monastery

• You can enjoy the splendid sights of snow-capped mt. meili in feilaisi

Today, you'll journey back to Tibet to explore Yanjing Ancient Salt Fields that have existed for thousands of years.

After breakfast, you will drive along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway and enter Tibet Autonomous Region.

On the way, you will visit Yanjing Ancient Salt Fields, known as a human intangible cultural heritage. Farmers here draw brine from ancient wells, feeding it into over 3400 salt fields. Sunlight evaporates the brine, leaving behind white crystals mixed with red soil, giving the salt a pink hue. This traditional method, dating back over 1000 years, continues to supply salt to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As you walk through the fields, taking in the nearby Lancang River, you'll find yourself reflecting on humanity's journey and gaining a deeper appreciation for ancient wisdom.

For lunch, you will taste the local specialty, 'Jiajia Noodles' , a traditional snack served in small bowls. Though each bowl offers just a mouthful, the noodles mixed with minced meat are incredibly flavorful, providing a unique and delightful dining experience.

Later, you will reach Mangkang, the intersection of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet. For the following days, you will head to Lhasa along the southern route of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318 National Highway).

Stay overnight in Mangkang.

Overnight in Mangkang

• Yanjing Ancient Salt Fields

• Lancang River

Today is an adventure through the steep mountains and canyons along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and enjoy the spectacular sight of the turbulent Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nu River rushing down.

After breakfast, your overland journey continues to Zogong. First, you will pass through the most spectacular canyon area on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Three major rivers, the Jinsha River, the Lancang River, and the Nu River, run side by side within a 300-kilometer area, rushing out like wild beasts from the deep mountains and canyons of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. These three rivers meander through the canyons and eventually rush down to become the Yangtze River, the mother river that nourishes Chinese civilization.

After passing through the steep canyon, you will continue to drive westward and climb over Mount Dongda with an altitude of over 5130 meters. Standing at the mountain pass, looking far into the distance, the brown-red valley passing by is like a burning flame, while the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is like two bright ribbons shuttling between thousands of mountains and valleys.

Then, you will face an exciting challenge, descending from the Yela Mountain Pass at 4650 meters to the Nu River at an altitude of 2800 meters in just 12 kilometers. This section known as the "Nu River 72 Turns" is the most exciting section of the G318 National Highway to Tibet. Standing on the top of the mountain and looking down, the winding road is like a winding dragon. After countless 180-degree turns, it reaches the riverside. There is no end as far as the eye can see.

Finally, you will arrive in Baxoi county. After checking in at the hotel, take some time to rest and relax.

Stay overnight in Baxoi.

Overnight in Baxoi

• Overlook Salween River from a high mountain

• Dongda mountain

Indulge yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Eastern Tibet!

After breakfast, you will depart from Baxoi and drive to Ranwu Lake, the most beautiful lake in eastern Tibet. The long and narrow blue lake and more than 20 kilometers of shoreline slowly lead you into forests, snow-capped mountains, flower-filled meadows, quiet and warm Tibetan countryside, and villages. It seems like a tranquil and peaceful place that people in the noisy city have found.

Then, your guide will take you to Midui Glacier, the most beautiful glacier in China and the lowest glacier in the world. Just like the elves in the snow-capped mountains hiding in the depths of the forest, the glacier rushes down from the main peak at an altitude of 6,800 meters to the ice tongue at an altitude of 2,400 meters close to the lake. Dense forests, blue lakes, and white glaciers complement each other, forming a dreamlike and dense Eden.

Finally, you will reach today’s final destination, Bomi county in Nyingchi.

Stay overnight in Bomi.

Overnight in Bomi

• Stunning view of Ranwu Lake

• Midui Glacier, the most beautiful glacier in China

Continue your road journey to Nyingchi, the secret land of Eastern Tibet!

In the morning, you will first drive through Tongmai Bridge, which spans the river in Bomi County. From the Tongmai Bridge, you can feel the rush of the river and the stunning scenery of the river valley and surrounding areas.

Then, you will drive 66 kilometers to Lulang International Tourism Town. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll to experience the perfect blend of Tibetan architecture and natural beauty.

Stay overnight in Lulang.

Overnight in Lulang

• Tongmai Bridge

• While visiting Lunang Forest, you will see a typical highland meadow landscape.

Today, you will complete the last leg of your trip to eastern Tibet, visit the beautiful Basongtso, and then drive to the holy city of Lhasa.

After breakfast, the tour guide will lead you to Basum Tso Lake for a tour. Compared with other lakes in Tibet, Basum Tso Lake is the holy lake of the Tibetan Red Sect. The island in the middle of the lake is like a quiet water garden, with blue waves surrounding the island and ancient trees covering the temple. It is completely different from other temples and attractions on the Sichuan-Tibet highway.

Then, you will drive to the holy city of Lhasa via the highway connecting Lhasa and Nyingchi. On the way, there is a section passing through the Nyang River, which will give you a wonderful feeling of flying above the blue ocean.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, check in at your hotel and take a good rest. You've just completed the legendary overland journey from Sichuan to Tibet, so take some time to rest up.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

• Turquoise Basomtso

• You will drive to Lhasa via the beautiful Lhasa Nyingchi highway.

Depart from Lhasa or explore more about Tibet with us!

If you have no travel plan in Lhasa, you can leave Lhasa on this day. Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Or, you can also join our Tibet small group tours, like the popular trip to Everest Base Camp, the spiritual journey to Mount Kailash, or leisure trips to Yamdrok Lake or Namtso Lake around Lhasa to discover the real Tibet with us.

If you are interested in extending your journey in Tibet, please feel free to let us know while inquiry the tour.

Breakfast

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!

• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.