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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

The World’s Largest Buddha
You’re on the Road in China! Today you will drive from Chengdu to Baoxing in the foothills of the Tibetan Plateau. First you will visit the world’s largest stone Buddha, the Leshan Big Buddha.  The 70m tall Buddha is a sight to behold, and surrounded by wonderfully lush gardens that make for a lovely stroll.  Before proceeding to Baoxing along the country roads of the Sichuan plains, you will enjoy lunch in Leshan and sample some local delicacies. The pace today is leisurely, as you ease into the rhythm of life on the road.

Day 4

Your first 4,000m mountain pass… but definitely not the last…
Today starts with a detour up a dirt track to a rare find – a remote 19th century Catholic church built by a French monk who is credited with discovering pandas in this part of Sichuan and telling the world about them. Visiting this wonderful wooden house of worship perched high above the valley, you will wonder at the faith that inspired this monk to persevere in building it! Following this stop, you drive deeper into the valley which rises, to Mount Jiajin, the first, but most certainly not the last, 4,000m pass on your journey to Lhasa.  It is a lovely introduction to the highlands where you will spend the remainder of your journey. Your will spend the night at Ma’erkang, the capital of Sichuan’s Aba Region on the eastern fringes of the Tibetan plateau.

Day 5

Into North-West Sichuan’s Ganzi Autonomous Region…
Today you enter North-West Sichuan’s Ganzi Autonomous Region, which is synonymous with stunningly beautiful landscapes. Since it is only a relatively short drive from Ma’erkang to Luhuo, your overnight stop for today, you will have plenty of time to explore the lovely Tibetan villages that surround Ma’erkang, and enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Day 6

A first taste of Tibet…
Today’s drive from Luhuo to Ganzi is easy and enjoyable. You will arrive early in Ganzi, giving you time to form your first impressions of this thoroughly Tibetan town – a sprawl of low, wooden houses surrounded by the glorious peaks of Mount Chola. You can visit some of the numerous lamaseries and enjoy a one of the endless possibilities for walking in this stunning region.

Day 7

A day of rest and exploration….
In order to prepare ourselves for the more strenuous driving days to come, and to acclimatise to the high altitude, you will rest in Ganzi for a day. This is a great opportunity to explore the village’s lovely surroundings further, or perhaps you’d prefer to read a book, go for a walk, or visit a few of the dwellings that are in the vicinity…just as you please!

Day 8

To the edge of the ‘Roof of the World’…
Today will be a long, but thrill-filled day. The drive to your overnight stop at Dege is an experience in itself, especially crossing the Chola Mountain Pass which tops out at 4,900m. Before climbing across this magnificent pass, you will have a chance to visit the Dzogchen Gompa Lamasery near Ma’nigange, which sits at a beautiful location at the foot of a glacial valley.  On the way from Ma’nigange to Dege you will skirt the imposing snowy peaks of the Mount Chola (6,168m). After you arrive in Dege, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Bakong Scripture Printing Monastery which was built during the Qing Dynasty, and still produces over 2,500 handmade prints each day.

Day 9

Across the border into Tibet…
Today you cross the border from Sichuan into Tibet to arrive in Chamdo, the old capital of the Kham area. Chamdo is a large and important trading town (with a population of over half a million people) and is presided over by the wonderful Chambaling Lamasery.

Day 10

Rejoining the G318…what an experience!
You’re in for a treats at several points along today’s route. On your way from Chamdo to Ranwu, you rejoin the China’s longest national road – the G318, which winds from Shanghai all the way to the Mount Everest Base Camp. Soon after you join the G318 you will climb the Yela Mountain pass – just over 4,600m on a well-paved road.  Although this isn’t the highest pass of the trip, it is made more exciting by the spectacular descent through 72 turns down to 2,700m on a dusty road. It is one of the most fascinating descents on any of our itineraries… you will enjoy it, but take it easy! At the end of the day, you will arrive at Ranwu on the shore of Lake Ranwu, a lovely alpine lake of crystal clear water.

Day 11

The shores of Lake Ranwu… and a break from the road
The tranquility of Lake Ranwu makes for an enjoyable day of rest.   A half-day excursion to the mouth of nearby Laigu Glacier fills the morning. In the afternoon you might want to take an easy walk around the lake or pick up a book, kick back and relax…

Day 12

The road to Lhasa
Today’s short drive to Bomi allows time for a visit to Gelang Village and its surroundings, which some have called the Switzerland of Tibet. Below the village is a mirror-like green lake.  Its shores abound with small dwellings, farmland, forests, flowers and birds.

Day 13

The worst and the best of the G318…on the way to Linzhi
Today you will experience both the worst and the best of the G318. Soon after you leave Bomi the road narrows and you leave the smooth pavement behind, and the narrow road winds along a steep mountain face. You’ll need to take this short section of the road slowly, before the road condition improves dramatically and the road turns towards some of the most beautiful landscape of the entire journey. On a clear day, as you cross the 4,560m Sejila Pass, you will be rewarded by seeing eastern Tibet’s highest mountain, the 7,700m tall Mount Namjagbarwa.  

You stop for the night in Linzhi, a large town. You can relax from the day’s lows and highs in a good hotel and dinner will be a delight!

Day 14

Arriving in Lhasa at last!
The drive from Linzhi to Lhasa is long, but all on good roads.   Gradually the valley in which the G318 runs opens up until you arrive in Lhasa, where you will wonder at the sight of the Tibetan capital – not least because you have driven here all the way on your own!

In the evening we enjoy an excellent Tibetan meal together and, for those who are up for it, an evening dance performance.

Day 15

In Lhasa… the Jokhang and Potala Palace…
Today is spent enjoying the hustle and bustle of Tibet’s busy capital. Whether you would like to immerse yourself further in Tibetan culture by visiting the city’s palaces and monasteries or whether you’d rather sit back in a rustically styled, but otherwise modern internet café, Lhasa has much to offer.   You will, without a doubt, feel that spending only one day here isn’t nearly enough… so why not stay on for a while?  We can help you make the arrangements.

It’s also possible to extend your trip by driving on to the Mount Everest Base Camp – driving to the foot of Mount Everest is an amazing achievement, and an unforgettable conclusion to the journey of a lifetime! Please let us know if this is something you would be interested in.

Day 16

Returning to Chengdu…and life goes on….
Today you fly back from Lhasa to Chengdu. In the afternoon you can start your return journey, or we can help you make arrangements for sight-seeing in and around Chengdu. Why not pamper yourself by extending your journey with our 3-day Culinary Chengdu package?