15-Day Self-driving Chengdu To Lijiang
Tour Route： 15 days, 14 nights, Chengdu to Lijiang
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Route Highlights:
A self-drive route from Chengdu to Lijiang, Yunnan, via Mount Siguniang and Daocheng Yading, combines rich Tibetan culture with stunning natural scenery.
Journey Features
Travel from Chengdu via the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project, ascend Balang Mountain, then stop at the Maobiliang Observation Deck for a close-up view of Siguniang Mountain (6250m). See the magical Shuangqiaogou, trek to Jiaju Tibetan town, and go to the remote and lyrical Tibetan town of Moska, all while traveling through the Yak Valley and providing a view of the revered Yala Snow Mountain (5800m). Travel to the Tagong Temple via the Mani River Valley, and then stop at the Tagong Grassland to take in the breathtaking views. With the wonderful natural surroundings accompanying us, we relaxed and continued driving towards Ganzi. Trace the valley of the Yalong River to Litang. Litang, one of the highest cities in the world at 4,010 meters above sea level. Heading into Daocheng Aden, the “Land of the Sun” We crossed the Shangri-La-Yunnan border after passing over the big and little snow-capped mountains, to the ancient town of Lijiang. In this life, you have to drive National Highway 318.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Overview
Day1: Arrive in Chengdu
Day2: Chengdu – Traffic Administration Bureau – Chengdu
Day3: Chengdu – Dujiangyan – Mt Siguniang(Mt. Four sisters)
Day4: Mt. Four sisters – Danba – Jiaju Tibetan village
Day5: Jiaju – Mosika village – Jiaju
Day6: Jiaju – Bamei –Tagong
Day7: Tagong – Daofu – Luhuo – Gartse
Day8: Gartse – Manigange – Derge
Day9: Derge – Baiyu – Litang
Day10: Litang -Daocheng Yading
Day11: Daocheng Yading
Day12: Yading – Shangri-la
Day13: Shangri-la – Baishuitai water Terrace – Tiger leaping Gorge
Day14: Tiger leaping Gorge – Lijiang
Day15: Lijiang – Home
Welcome to Chengdu
You will learn about key driving safety tips, basic traffic laws in China, and more at the welcome dinner.
Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd
First go to Traffic Administration Bureau, and then to Heming Teashouse
Apply for your temporary Chinese driver’s license in Chengdu. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon at People’s Park while sipping tea. Pick up your car later in the day.
Heming Tea House
Founded in 1923, the Heming Tea House boasts a history of almost 100 years and is recognized as one of the oldest teahouses still operating in Chengdu.
Drive to Dujiangyan irrigation system in the morning, then drive to the mountains, we’ll drive over Balangshan pass(4481m) to Mt. Four sisters by taking an old gravel back road
Dujiangyan is an old irrigation system built around 256 BC by the State of Qin for irrigation and flood control. It is still used today. The system is located on the Min River, the longest tributary of the Yangtze River, in the western part of the Chengdu Plain, where the Sichuan basin meets the Tibetan plateau.
The Min River came down from the Min Mountains but slowed down in the Chengdu Plain, causing silt buildup and making nearby areas flood-prone. Li Bing, the governor of Shu in the Qin state, and his son built the Dujiangyan to manage the river by channeling and dividing the water instead of using traditional dams. It still irrigates over 5,300 square kilometers today. The Dujiangyan, Zhengguo Canal in Shaanxi, and Lingqu Canal in Guangxi are known as the “three great hydraulic engineering projects of the Qin.”
Visit Shuangqiao valley in the morning, one of the most beautiful valleys of Mt. Four sisters
Lunch at the Yerenfeng bus stop in the valley offers local snacks like roasted potatoes, beef barbecue, steamed Chinese sausage, and noodles from farmers. If you don’t like these, please bring some biscuits. In the afternoon, drive to Jiaju Village, a Tibetan village where you can stay in a local home. You’ll have a great experience seeing the daily life of the residents in this traditional village by the Dajinchuan River gorge.
Drive to an isolated and peaceful Tibetan village–Mosika
Overnight stay in Jiaju Tibetan village
Mosika Village
Mosca is located in Danba, Sichuan, near the Jinlong Snow Mountain, which is between Ganzi and Aba prefectures and part of the Hengduan Mountains canyon. The village is 4,300 meters above sea level, surrounded by three sacred mountains, and features snow-capped peaks, forests, grasslands, lakes, and glaciers. It includes the plateau pastures of Jinchuan, Daofu, and Danba counties.
Leave Jiaju in the morning, drive through Yark valley, a deep and beautiful valley
Visit Yala Snow Mountain (5800m) and have coffee at the viewing platform. Have lunch in Tagong, then visit Tagong Monastery. Drive through Mani River Valley and enjoy the Tagong grassland scenery. Stay overnight in Tagong.
On the way to Gartse, stunning natural scenery, it is simply getting more wild and remote. Passing through Daofu and Luhuo City
Daofu City
Daofu was formerly known as “Daowu.” In Tibetan, it means “horse.” The county’s name comes from its terrain, which resembles a horse.
Luhuo City
Luhuo County has 317 national highways. Main attractions include Zongta grassland, Yiri ditch, and sarcophagus tombs.
Drive to Manigange town, which used to be a very important post and distributing center on the ancient Tea – Horse trading road and a very peaceful typical Tibetan town nowadays.
Visit Yulonglatso lake.
In the afternoon, drive to Derge. Depending on the weather and road conditions, we can either take the old, rough, and curvy road through Chola Mountain pass at 5050m, which takes about 2.5 hours, or use the new 7km tunnel that crosses the mountain in about 10 minutes. The tunnel took 4 years to build. We will arrive and spend the night in Derge, the westernmost sacred city of the Kham Tibet region.
Visit Derge Yinjing monastery in the morning, then drive to Litang via Baiyu in the afternoon
Derge Yinjing monastery
It is an ancient temple with a history of nearly 300 years. You can see unique Tibetan buildings and 320,000 hand-printed stencils in the monastery. The temple covers 5,000 square meters, with 3,000 square meters of construction.
Drive Litang to Daocheng Yading
On our journey, we encounter Rabbit Mountain, the sole pathway connecting Litang to Daocheng Aden, towering at an elevation of 4,696 meters. From a distance, its shape resembles a rabbit’s ears fluttering in the breeze. It is encircled by rugged, ice-carved mountains and lush forests, close to the pristine Haizimen. As you travel along the road, it appears as if a timid little rabbit is cautiously observing you from afar!
Haizi Mountain Ancient Ice Cap covers 3,287 square kilometers and has an average height of 4,300-4,700 meters. It is the largest and most typical ancient ice site on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The geological remains are found on the mountain plain at altitudes of 4,500-4,700 meters.
Trekking on Daocheng Yading all day
Yading in Daocheng is called “the last pure land on blue planet.” This area in Western Sichuan features snow-capped mountains, rivers, lakes, alpine meadows, and valleys. These beautiful natural scenes and the simple lifestyle of the people create a paradise for many enthusiasts.
Drive to Shangri-la along the X219 county road
Shangri-La used to be called Zhongdian County. It was renamed on December 17, 2001, and became a county-level city on December 16, 2014, after the fictional Shangri-La from the 1933 novel by James Hilton to boost tourism. The local Tibetan population traditionally called it Gyalthang or Gyaitang, which means “Royal plains.”
Drive to Baishuitai terrace in the morning
Drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the narrowest part of the Jinsha River (30m wide), which is the upper section of the Yangtze River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Have dinner and spend the night at a local inn on the mountainside of the gorge.
Optional: 2-3 hours hiking along Tiger leaping Gorge(round trip).Drive to Lijiang ancient city, which is one of the 4 biggest and best preserved ancient cities of China.
Lijiang’s old town, called the “Old City of Lijiang,” showcases well-preserved Naxi architecture and culture. With cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and ancient bridges, it reflects the lives of the Naxi people from centuries ago. The town is also known for its music and dance performances, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, Lijiang features beautiful natural scenery, including the nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, popular for hiking and sightseeing, with snow-capped peaks year-round. The city has a slow pace of life, where residents cherish their traditions, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy tea while observing the town or stroll through its streets, soaking in its unique charm.
In summary, Lijiang is a captivating place that combines culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its ancient areas, enjoying its stunning views, or relaxing in its easygoing vibe, Lijiang will leave a memorable impression on your travels.
Fly home from Lijiang
We look forward to your next visit.
Prices
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Service
Service Included:
- Tibet Travel Permit application service and mailing service within China.
- Entrance tickets to the listed attractions and activities.
- Accommodations are in three-star hotels with breakfast throughout the journey.
- Comfortable and safe tourist vehicle.
- Excellent Tibetan English-speaking guide.
- Farm house lunch and welcome dinner.
- Travel accident insurance and high-altitude sickness insurance.
- Shuutle service between the airport/train station and Lhasa city.
- Exquisite Tibetan gifts and travel maps.
- On-board medical oxygen supply for travel in high-altitude areas.
Service Excluded:
- International and domestic transportation to and from Tibet.
- Single room supply for solo travelers who require a single room.
- Some meal expenses are not included in the tour (the guide will assist in arranging and recommending meals; you are responsible for the cost).
