8-Day Sichuan Tibetan Culture Tour Daocheng Yading China DMC

Luding Bridge

Today, we head west through the beautiful West Sichuan Plain and Ya'an. After lunch in Tianquan County, we’ll drive through China’s longest tunnel, the Mount Erlangshan Tunnel (4176m), and stop for a brief photo opportunity.

Then, we continue to the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, following the Dadu River Valley. In Luding, we’ll visit the historic Luding Bridge, famous for its role in the Long March of 1935. Afterward, we drive along the Dadu River to reach Kangding.

Xinduqiao

After breakfast, we begin an 8-hour drive, crossing four high mountain passes over 4,500 meters. In summer, you might see Tibetan nomads with yaks and black yak-hair tents along the way. We'll stop briefly in Xinduqiao for a photo opportunity before heading to Litang, the birthplace of the 7th and 10th Dalai Lama.

Litang Temple

In the morning, we will visit the Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling Monastery (Litang Temple), built in 1580 by the 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyamtso.

Afterward, we continue to Daocheng County, enjoying stunning views of alpine lakes and moraines formed by ancient glaciers. We will also visit the historic Benpo Monastery (Bangpu Temple) from the 11th century near Samdui.

Finally, we’ll head to Riwa Township, also known as Shangri-la Township, through the Chitu River Valley.

Yading Nature Reserve

Today, we embark on an unforgettable journey to Yading Nature Reserve in southern Daocheng County. The reserve covers 1,344 square kilometers and sits at an average elevation above 4,000 meters. Within the reserve are three sacred mountains: Chenresig (6,032m), Chana Dorje (6,000m), and Jampelyang (5,958m). These snow-capped peaks form a triangle and are surrounded by forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife. Locally called "Nyiden" or "facing the sun," the region is also known as "Rigsum Gonpo," symbolizing Wisdom, Power, and Compassion. We will trek from Longlongba to Chonggu Monastery (3,770m - 4,000m, 3km) and then from Chonggu Monastery to Luorongba (4,000m - 4,180m, 6km). Afterward, we’ll return to Riwa.

Xiangcheng

This morning, we will visit the Gongalangjiling Temple, built in 1642 and now home to over 300 lamas. The temple features a golden Maitreya statue, a gift from the 5th Dalai Lama. Afterward, we will cross a mountain pass over 4,500 meters high, before arriving in Xiangcheng (Chaktsen) in the afternoon.

Today, we will follow the Suoqu River, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery along the way. Then, we will cross two mountains, each over 3,900 meters high, before reaching Shangri-la (Zhongdian) County in Yunnan Province, where your accommodations are arranged.

After breakfast, you'll be taken to the airport for your flight to the next destination, or if you prefer, you can choose to stay longer and explore more of Shangri-la.