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What you'll see

Day 1

Arrival in Chengdu… I’m filled with anticipation…
You arrive in Chengdu according to your own arrangements at any time.

Day 2

Getting your Chinese driving license… and seeing a bit of Chengdu
There are two steps to getting your license: one is to assess your basic fitness to drive (e.g., test your eyesight); the other is to apply for the license itself. We will have all the documents ready; you will just need to show up and sign. In between the formalities, we’ll make sure to give you a taste of Chengdu. The day ends with a dinner together and a genuine Chengdu foot massage.

Day 3

Chengdu to Kangding, the gateway to the Tibetan Highlands
You’re on the road in China! Leaving Chengdu, you will first drive on a highway embedded in rice fields, then along a beautiful river, climbing and climbing to 2,600m. At the end of the day, if you are up for it, you can join us for a drink or dance in one of Kangding’s discos.

Day 4

Kangding to Yajiang via the Tagong Grasslands
Only two hours after today’s departure, you will be driving across a 4,500m mountain pass which is made all the more beautiful by a gorgeous chorten that welcomes you to the Tibetan highlands. You will have lunch in Xinduqiao where you will be able to visit a school for young Tibetan lamas – a visit that is unique to On the Road in China. If time permits, you will detour into the renowned Tagong Grasslands, which sparkle with flowers in spring and wear the colours of autumn in September and October. Then you drive through a steep, but lovely valley along a sinewy road to Yajiang, your stop for the night.

Day 5

Yajiang to Yading via Litang… High passes and hot springs
Today you will drive across the tallest mountain pass of the journey, nearly 4,800m, and through the world’s highest town, Litang. After lunch, the road leads through the Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve – huge rock fields and countless sparkling lakes that you will never forget.

Day 6

In Yading… Sacred Mountains in the Heart of Shangri-La
Today you’ll visit the Yading Nature Reserve, a short drive from the hotel. After arriving at the Nature Reserve which lies high up in the mountains well above 4,000m, you proceed, on horseback or on foot as you see fit, into the park proper. You will enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the splendour of three holy Tibetan mountains, each one standing at 6,000m.

Day 7

Yading to Xiangcheng – Tibetan monasteries… and discos!
Today’s drive from Yading to Xiangcheng is for those who love driving. The roads are well maintained, straight in parts, winding in others, and run across two 4,500m passes and into rugged, yet charming valleys. Along the way, in Daocheng, you will be welcomed to a Tibetan home for lunch. Late in the afternoon, after arriving in Xiangcheng, you visit a marvelous Tibetan monastery. And after dinner, you can go to a Tibetan disco for a drink or more…last time it was 2am until we (well, some of us) got back to our hotel rooms.

Day 8

Xiangcheng to Shangri-La… Into Yunnan
Today, in the afternoon, your route meets the upper reaches of the Yangtze where it is called the Golden Sand River – Jinshajiang. Before long, you will cross the border into Yunnan where you will stay for two nights in the charming Gyalthang Dzong Hotel, an Angsana hotel, and member of the Banyan Tree Group. Dinner will be arranged at a rustic restaurant of the charming old town of Zhongdian (which has adopted the name of Shangri-La to reflect its similarities to the fictional paradise).

Day 9

In Shangri-La… Visit a temple, hike or simply relax…
After a leisurely start to the day, you can choose from several activities - visit the largest lamasery outside of Tibet, the Songzanlin monastery, or enjoy the great outdoors with one of the many hiking and horseback riding options in the area. Or, if you’d rather just enjoy the luxury of the hotel, why not rest for a day and immerse yourself in James Hilton’s Lost Horizon?

Day 10

Shangri-La to Lijiang via Tiger Leaping Gorge… ‘It will make you tremble’
Today’s drive, on absolutely the best roads yet of this itinerary, will take you to Lijiang, with its beautiful old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way you will visit the world-renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge: the Yangtze’s force as it makes its way through this 3,000m tall gorge will make you tremble. 

Day 11

Lijiang & Shuhe, then back to Chengdu… ‘What? Back already?’
Although Lijiang is an unforgettable place, even Lijiang’s old town is surpassed by Shuhe, because it is Lijiang with far fewer tourists. It’s also a great place to do a day of shopping for handcrafted souvenirs. Near Shuhe there are also lovely hiking trails for those who feel like something more active. After dinner, you will fly back to Chengdu. Your car will be returned to Chengdu by a driver.

Day 12

Back in Chengdu… Life goes on…
Feel free to schedule your return/onward journey as you like. If you prefer, we can help you make arrangements for sight-seeing in and around Chengdu. Or why not pamper yourself by extending your journey with our 3-day Culinary Chengdu package?