Epic 17-Day Road Trip to Mt. Everest via the G318

Tour Route: 17-Day Road Trip to Mt.Everest via the G318

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Route Highlights:

Embarking on the G318 Chengdu-Mt.Everest Line will open a door to natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Journey Features

On this long 17-day journey, along the winding Chengdu-Mt.Everest Line line all the way west, you’ll be led into the dreamy world of Tibet. The view as you travel is like a breathtaking painting that is slowly revealed to you, almost like a beautiful feast that nature has prepared for you. This land is incredibly lovely; each captivating location is like a slow-moving, exquisite poem.

Itinerary Details

17 day road trip to mt everest via g318 itinerary

Itinerary Overview
Day 1:Chengdu Arrival

Day 2:Chengdu – Danba County
Day 3:Danba  – Xinduqiao
Day 4:Xinduqiao – Shangri-La
Day 5:Daocheng Yading Day Tour
Day 6:Shangri-La – Mangkang
Day 7:Mangkang – Basu 
Day 8:Basu – Bomi
Day 9:Bomi – Nyingchi
Day 10:Nyingchi – Lhasa
Day 11:Lhasa Day Tour
Day 12:Lhasa Day Tour
Day 13:Lhasa – Shigatse
Day 14:Shigatse – Everest Base Camp
Day 15: Mt.Everest –  Shigatse
Day 16: Shigatse – Lhasa 
Day 17:Lhasa Departure

Submission and Free Consultation

Day 1 Arrival in Chengdu

Welcome to Chengdu

Welcome to Chengdu! As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is known for its relaxed lifestyle, spicy food, and rich culture. Once you arrive, you can visit attractions like Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine. Don’t forget to apply for a temporary driving license in China.

Overnight in Chengdu

Welcome Dinner

Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd


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Day 2 Chengdu – Danba

Take an exciting drive over the Sichuan-Tibet route from Chengdu to Danba and see the stunning scenery that stretches from the plain of Chengdu to the plateau situated at an elevation of 2560 meter

Four Girls Mountain in Shuangqiao Valley is known for its stunning views, featuring tall snow-covered peaks, thick forests, and clear streams. In winter, it becomes a beautiful snowy landscape, while spring and summer showcase lush greenery and flowing streams.

Visitors in Danba County can also visit Jiaju Tibetan Village, where traditional Tibetan homes mix with terraced fields and high mountains, offering a peaceful rural getaway.

Overnight in Danba

Breakfast

Day 3 Jiaju Tibetan Village-Yuzixi Viewing Platform-Xinduqiao Town

Take on Zheduo Mountain, the first high peak on your route to Tibet, and travel via Xinduqiao, a picturesque area perfect for photography

Today, we’ll start at Moshi Park, where you can see tall mountains and unique rocks, making it a stunning place. Around noon, we’ll reach Tagong Grassland, a peaceful area surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

In the afternoon, we’ll go to the Yuzixi Mountain Summit Viewing Platform for great views of the mountains, grasslands, and valleys. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Xinduqiao, a lovely town under the snowy peaks, where you can try local food, watch folk performances, and enjoy the relaxed Tibetan culture.

Overnight in Xinduqiao Town

Breakfast

Day 4 Xinduqiao Town to Shangri-La Town

Xinduqiao Town to Gaocheng Town to Daocheng County to Shangri-La Town

Gaocheng Litang Town is a beautiful Tibetan town on the Tibetan plateau, featuring traditional architecture and a vibrant culture. The lively market offers local food and a glimpse into Tibetan life.

Daocheng County has stunning landscapes with high mountains, sparkling lakes, and glaciers. Shangri-La Town, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is a peaceful place to hike and explore temples, perfect for enjoying nature and culture.

Overnight in Shangri-La Town

Breakfast

Day 5 Daocheng Yading Day Tour

The stunning splendor of Daocheng Yading will amaze you today

After breakfast, take the sightseeing bus to Chonggu Temple in Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve. Enjoy views of the 6,032-meter Xiannairi Snow Mountain, grasslands, forests, and streams below. The area has a dreamlike quality with its natural beauty, colorful prayer flags, and Mani stones. Next, you can either take the bus to Luorong Cattle Farm or hike there for three hours if you prefer. At the farm, you’ll see Yangmaiyong Mountain and Xianuo Duoji Mountain, also known as Mt. Chenadorje. After your visit, return to your hotel in Shangri-La Town.

Overnight in Shangri-La Town

Breakfast

Day 6 Shangri-La Town to Sister Lake to Mangkang County

Today, carry on your tour and enjoy the splendor Sister Lake

Today, we continue on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, passing through snowy mountains and valleys with stunning views. Soon, we reach Sister Lake, which is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and is as clear as a sparkling sapphire. You can take a boat on the lake and enjoy the beauty of nature. In this peaceful setting, we reflect on the beauty and calmness of life.

Overnight in Batang

Breakfast

Day 7 Mangkang County -72 Turns of Nujiang River-Basu County

The Nu River 72 Turns is the most breathtaking and thrilling twisting mountain route on the entire journey. Today, you will take on the thrilling challenge of a quick descent.

Today’s plan includes visiting Mangkang County, Dongda Mountain, Zogang County, and the Nujiang 72 Turns, ending in Basu County. First, we’ll explore Dongda Mountain, known to Tibetans as the “Land of Immortals,” with its beautiful snow-capped peaks, forests, and clear rivers. Next, we’ll go to Zogang County, surrounded by mountains and charming valleys, where you can hike or take amazing photos.

The Nujiang 72 Turns is a scenic mountain road with stunning views. You can drive slowly and enjoy the beautiful river flowing below. In this enchanting place, you’re more than a traveler; you’re an explorer discovering nature and culture, enriching your spirit.

Overnight in Basu County

Breakfast

Day 8 Basu County-Midui Glacier-Ranwu Lake-Bome County

The Nu River 72 Turns is the most breathtaking and thrilling twisting mountain route on the entire journey. Today, you will take on the thrilling challenge of a quick descent.

Today, we continue our trip along the G318 National Highway, enjoying beautiful views and exciting adventures. We will visit Basu County, Midui Glacier, Ranwu Lake, and Bomê County, each with its own special experiences. First, we’ll go to Midui Glacier, located in a remote valley, where you can hike and see nature’s wonders. Bring your camera to capture these amazing moments. Next, we’ll visit Ranwu Lake, a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by tall snow-covered mountains. At the lake, you can enjoy the mountain reflections in the water and relax.

Finally, we will reach Bomê County, a lovely Tibetan town known for its traditional buildings and busy markets, with great mountain views. Here, you can walk through old streets, buy local crafts, and enjoy Tibetan culture. In this magical place, you’ll make lasting memories and appreciate life’s beauty.

Overnight by Bomê County

Breakfast

Day 9 Bome County-Tongmai Bridge-Lulang Town-Nyingchi City

Take off for Eastern Tibet on this beautiful adventure today. Admire tranquil lakeshores, snow-capped mountains, and undiscovered hidden glaciers.

The Tongmai Bridge in Bomê County is a historic site over a fast river, providing stunning valley views. It connects two riverbanks and draws visitors for its charm and natural beauty. Lulang Town in Nyingchi Prefecture, called the “Jiangnan of Tibet,” features beautiful green hills and clear waters. Visitors can enjoy real Tibetan culture and traditional buildings in a peaceful setting. Lulang’s beauty and rich ecology attract many tourists looking for relaxation and rural experiences.

Overnight in Nyingchi City

Breakfast

Day 10 Nyingchi City to Basumtso Lake to Lhasa

You will enter a deep woodland today and stroll through a verdant forest.

On the ninth day of our trip, we’ll explore the beautiful Tibetan Plateau, starting from Nyingchi and heading to Lhasa. Our first stop will be Basumtso Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snowy mountains and clear waters. You can enjoy the peaceful nature and take part in activities like boating or hiking. Next, we’ll visit Gongbujiangda, a traditional Tibetan town known for its old streets and unique buildings. Walking through the town, you’ll experience Tibetan culture and local life. After that, we’ll travel along the scenic Nyingchi-Lhasa Highway, which offers amazing views of mountains, gorges, and streams. We’ll make stops to enjoy the beauty and take photos.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

Day 11 Lhasa City Tour: Sera Monastery Debating

Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner

Today, we will apply for a Chinese driving license in the morning before heading to Sera Monastery, which provides a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism. At the monastery, you’ll explore the Buddhist halls, colleges, and the monks’ kitchen, where you can observe their unique debates centered around Buddhist teachings.

Sera Monastery is particularly famous for its vibrant Buddhist debates, which capture the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. The monks use expressive body language and engage in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, showcasing their knowledge in an animated way.

In the evening, our guide will take the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner, officially kicking off your journey in Tibet.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

Day 12 Lhasa Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

The highlight of the day is a visit to the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offer an insight into the daily beliefs and lifestyles of the people of Lhasa

After breakfast, your first stop will be the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lhasa’s Old Town. Delve into the palace’s rich history and its extraordinary artifacts to discover the stories and legacies of the Dalai Lamas. Among the palace’s most treasured items are the meditation cave of Tibet’s 33rd great monarch and the gold-plated burial stupas of previous Dalai Lamas.

Following your visit to the Potala Palace, you’ll head to Longwangtan Park, located at its base. This spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the magnificent palace. In the afternoon, your journey will take you to the Jokhang Temple, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, which houses a revered twelve-year-old statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Outside, you will witness pilgrims kneeling in reverence before the temple. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is Barkhor Street, where you can explore the historic market and join locals and pilgrims in kora, a traditional circumambulation around sacred sites.

Next, your guide will lead you to one of Lhasa’s bustling indoor Tibetan tea houses. Here, you can savor a cup of traditional sweet Tibetan tea while your guide shares insights into the daily life and social dynamics of Tibet.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

Day 13 Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse 360 km

The journey from Lhasa to Shigatse by land begins in the morning and includes stops at the glacier, the most beautiful lake in Tibet, and a quaint Tibetan village.

To witness Yamdrok-tso (4400m), you first need to drive over the Gampala pass (4900m). From this vantage point, you can marvel at the stunning view of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the tallest mountain near Lhasa, which stands majestically in the distance, accompanied by several snow-capped peaks surrounding Yamdrok Lake. As you travel, you will encounter the Korola Glacier situated alongside the road, which is Tibet’s largest glacier. You’ll feel the awe of nature as you observe the glacier’s ice tongue sweeping up the mountainside.

Continue your journey to Gyantse, making a stop at Simila Mountain Pass along the way. Here, you can hang prayer flags as a gesture of hope for your family’s well-being and global peace. Once you arrive in Gyantse, take some time to explore and capture photos of this historic city. The route from Gyantse to Shigatse offers views of countless farms and lush Tibetan barley fields that transform from green in the summer to golden in the fall.
Finally, you will reach Shigatse (3900m), Tibet’s second-largest city. After settling into your accommodations, take some time to relax and prepare for your adventure to Mount Everest the following day.

Overnight in Shigatse

Breakfast

Day 14 Shigatse – Tingri – Everest Base Camp

Today we are heading the top of the world – Mount Everest

After breakfast, we’ll begin a 6.5-hour drive (330 kilometers) to Mount Everest. Along the way, you’ll stop at several viewpoints to see Everest. The trip will end with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC). Leaving Shigatse, you’ll pass through rural farmland and villages.

About 4 hours in, you’ll reach Dingri County, where you’ll get your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. Once in the Everest scenic area, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas from Gawula Pass, with peaks rising 7000 to 8000 meters above the clouds. Then, you’ll take a dedicated road to Everest, getting closer to the mountain until you reach the northern face base camp. From the base camp, Everest looks like a huge pyramid. We’ll aim to arrive at EBC before sunset so you can see the sunset’s golden light on the mountain.

Overnight in Everest Base Camp

Breakfast

Day 15 Everest – Dingyal -Shigatse:Everest East side Viewpoint, Farewell Dinner

Taking a stroll near the base camp to savor the beautiful moments of the early morning

Take a morning walk near the base camp to enjoy the beautiful scenery. After breakfast, the guide will take you to visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, known for its role in the movie “2012.” It offers great views of Mount Everest’s natural and cultural landscapes. After visiting Everest, we’ll drive you to the Xilin Viewpoint for stunning views of Everest’s eastern slope and Mt. Lhotse, and pass through the ancient town of Sakya before heading back to Shigatse.

Overnight in Shigatse

Breakfast

Day 16 Shigatse – Lhasa: Tashilunbo Monastery, Yarlung Zangbo River

You will visit the largest monastery in western Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery

On the last morning of your trip from Everest to Lhasa, you’ll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in western Tibet. It’s known for its impressive size and beautiful architecture, and it is home to the world’s largest gilded bronze statue, stupas of the Panchen Lamas, and stunning Buddhist murals. After visiting the monastery, you’ll return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

Day 17 Depart from Lhasa

See you next time

We look forward to your upcoming trip to Tibet!

Prices

Tour PackagePrice: USD/PersonQuantitySub-Total
Single Room Supplement
Others
Intotal

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).

Self-Driving Tour

The road leaves the Sichuan Basin behind and heads into the lower highlands of the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture from Chengdu. It passes through the Hengduan highlands and via cities like Minya Konka and Kangding, which serve as the entrance to the Yala Jokul Scenic Area. Further along the route, in Xinduqiao, is a pleasantly lovely town with mountains, plateau grassland views, and traditional Tibetan dwellings that make it a photographer’s dream come true.

The roads are not good after Xinduqiao, and there are lots of portions made of gravel and dirt that could be dangerous for an unfamiliar way driver. The road is at best uneven and should be carefully through Litang and Batang, as well as across the border into Markam. But from Markam onward, the majority of the road has an asphalt surface all the way to Lhasa, with only a few isolated areas of poor road.

The mountains and valleys of Nyingchi Prefecture, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of Tibet, are green and lush, with peach trees lining the sides of the road as far as the eye can reach in places. 

Tourists can rent a car in Chengdu, follow the lead car of a travel agency, arrange a local tour guide in Tibet, and apply for the Tibet Travel Permits, temporary driver’s license, and other procedures to drive in Tibet.
 
At present, our company has recommended road trips for international tourists: Sichuan-Tibet 318 Line, Chengdu-Lijiang Road Trip for 15 days, Northwest Sichuan Round Line for 10 days and others. 
 
For more inquiries, you can contact us directly.

Because they said, “In this life, I will drive 318 all the way west to Lhasa.”
 
Because there are four seasons in one day, different weather in 10 miles in Tibet. Eyes in heaven, bodies in hell.
 
Because there are snow mountains, white pagodas, lamas, Prayer flags, Longda, Mani stone, sacred lake, and yak.
 
Because of the Tibetan antelopes, sky burials and faith.
 
Because it was the Tang Pan Ancient Road that Princess Wencheng had walked for three years.
 
Because there are Gesang flowers, this is Zoma’s hometown.
 
Because there is a snowy plateau, there is sunshine in Jinshan.
 
Because there is the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple.
 
Because there is Mount Everest, the third pole in the world.
 
Because there is Ali in heaven, and there is the sacred Mt. Kailash.
 
Because there are poems left by Tsangyang Gyatso.

Materials to be ready:

1. Anti-high reaction: Coca-Cola (sugar might lessen altitude reaction), Rhodiola, and a portable oxygen bottle.

2. Sun protection measures, such as a hat, sunscreen, and other essential

3. Clothes: Because of the weather and altitude changes, quick-drying to down coats should be brought. Everest Base Camp offers coat rentals. Wearing short ones will result in sunburn, therefore avoid doing so.

4. Anti-slip chain: Without an anti-slip chain, Yiduo Mountain, Dongda Mountain, and the perennial snow Tanggula Mountain would be extremely dangerous.

5. Entrance documents into Tibet: passport, Tibet travel permit, temporary driver’s license, etc.

1. Tibet Travel Permits: We will handle the documents submitted 30 days in advance.
2. Travel permit: If you go 318 or 317 into Tibet, you need to apply for a travel permit, which is arranged by the tour guide on the way.
3. Military Permit: Road trip to Tibet involves the military control area, which requires advance application to pass, and the approval letter is also handled by our agency 30 days in advance.
4. Temporary driver’s license: After the tourists arrive in Chengdu with an international driver’s license, they will be arranged by the tour guide to study at the Chengdu Motor Vehicle Administration.
5. Keep the passport with you.

1. Accommodation: Basically, the towns along the Sichuan-Tibet border can accommodate people, and the one that is lowest in altitude is selected.

2. Hotel rate: 200 yuan during off-peak season, 300–400 yuan during peak season.

3. Hotel amenities: The Sichuan-Tibet line is comparatively new, and lodging quality has really increased. The hotel essentially offers amenities like hot water, electricity blankets, and toilets.

4. Supply and demand: Reservations must be made well in advance during the high travel season in Tibet, which runs from July to September.

Despite the improved road conditions along the Sichuan-Tibet route, it is still recommended to utilize an off-road vehicle due to the driving tendencies of international tourists and the uncharted territory. Smaller and medium-sized off-road vehicles, like the Tank 300, are preferable over huge off-road vehicles, like the Prado, which are still not advised.

Following our team’s driving instructions is generally safe since we have highly skilled Road Trip leaders, carefully choose our routes, and create appropriate itineraries that protect everyone’s safety.

In reality, Tibetans are extremely loyal, sincere, and amiable, just like other ethnic minorities. It’s also a very safe place to travel, and the people there will greet you with smiles and waving. You can taste “endless” butter tea and barley wine and be treated like a distinguished guest when you visit a Tibetan home. Insecurity in Tibet is mostly caused by natural disasters including avalanches, blizzards, landslides, floods, and overturns. 

If there is an altitude reaction on the way, there are hospitals or health centers in general hotels or towns, and mild altitude sickness is recommended to adapt to through self-regulation, and serious illness can see a doctor.

You should relax more, walk less, insist on eating, and take medications (such rhodiola capsules) to alleviate altitude reaction.

We will quickly make arrangements for infusion, oxygen, and other care in the hospital if there is a serious altitude reaction, such as edema, pulmonary edema, severe cold, and other symptoms, and we will leave the plateau.

For those in good health, there are no specific needs beyond keeping a positive attitude. People with severe respiratory, heart, cardiovascular, and mental diseases should not enter Tibet, so patients with severe hypertension, heart disease, bronchitis, diabetes, and colds are restricted from entering Tibet. In addition, do not deliberately exercise before entering Tibet, if you have been insisting on exercising, you should also stop half a month before going to Tibet, because oxygen consumption increases after exercise, which imposes a load on your heart in Tibet, and is easy to cause altitude sickness. When entering the plateau, it is often those who have good athletic ability that altitude sickness is more severe.

Warm Hint

  • Before submitting an application for the Tibet Entry Permit into Tibet, please confirm that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
  • When entering Tibet from Kathmandu, the Chinese visa must be processed in Kathmandu; please do not process it in your home country beforehand. If a tourist previously held a long-term valid Chinese visa, when applying for a Chinese visa in Kathmandu, the old visa will be replaced by a 30-day valid group travel visa.
  • Tibet can only utilize the RMB. If you require RMB, you can swap it for US dollars in your area or withdraw money from an ATM.
  • Be healthy and prevent colds before traveling to Tibet.
  • When traveling to Tibet, both the airport and the train station will check the Tibet Entry Permit. Please keep the original safe, and do not write or draw on it.
  • Before traveling to Tibet, please ensure that you obtain your Tibet Entry Permit and verify your identity.
  • It is not suggested that pregnant women or people with severe hypertension, heart problems, or asthma travel to Tibet.
  • If you are concerned about excessive altitude sickness after visiting Tibet, take a suitable dosage of Rhodiola oral solution or pills before entering Tibet.
  • When traveling in Tibet, you must remain with the group throughout the entire trip and cannot leave at any time.
  • Please pack vitamins and stock medicine in your luggage.
  • When traveling on the plateau, stay hydrated, exercise slowly, eat more fruits, and take vitamins.
  • When first approaching the plateau, avoid smoking and drinking until the body is properly accustomed to the surroundings.

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