Chengdu to Lhasa G318 Self-Driving 12-Day Pilgrimage Tour (Chinese/English Guide for Foreigners Group Tour + Daocheng + Midui Glacier + Nyingchi + Lulang + Basongcuo Lake + Potala Palace + Jokhang Temple + Tibet Travel Permit Application + Self-Driving Ve

Day 1

• Departure: Get picked up at . Enter your preferred location at checkout. The operator will make the final confirmation accordingly. D1 provides airport pickup service from Chengdu Shuangliu/Tianfu Airport + train stations..The operator will re-confirm your pick-up time in advance
• [Accommodation] Provide 5-star accommodation in Chengdu city center

Day 2

• [Attraction/experience] Apply for a temporary Chinese driver's license, Apply for a temporary driving permit for mainland China with the assistance of staff.
• [Dining] Dinner, Hotel dinner, pre-departure instructions and preparations
• [Transportation] By car
• [Accommodation] Provide 5-star accommodation in Chengdu city center

Day 3

• [Attraction/experience] CNPC Tianquan Service Area Station, Tianquan Service Area is located on the Ya'an-Kangding Expressway, the first service area in China to feature a dual IP of Giant Panda + 318 National Road culture. It serves as the gateway to Tibet via the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Line, integrating refueling, charging, dining, and shopping. [Driving Reference]: 400km, 7.5h [Accommodation Altitude]: 3460m
• [Attraction/experience] Tibetan costume changing experience, Tibetan costume experience is an excellent way to deeply experience Tibetan culture, allowing you to transform into an ambassador of Tibetan style on the snowy plateau and capture unique travel memories.
• [Accommodation] Kangding Xinduqiao Zanfan Hotel or similar

Day 4

• [Attraction/experience] Eighteen Bends of the Sky Road, Maoya Prairie, The "Eighteen Bends of the Heavenly Road" is a landmark section of the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway from Yajiang to Litang, specifically the Jianziwan Mountain. It features eighteen continuous hairpin turns winding through the clouds, offering a magnificent and breathtaking experience. [Driving Reference]: 350km, 7h [Accommodation Altitude]: 2900m
• [Accommodation] Howard Johnson Hotel Daocheng Yading or similar

Day 5

• [Attraction/experience] Self-guided, Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, Spend a full day touring the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, which is hailed as "the last pure land on the blue planet." Its core landscapes are the three sacred mountains of Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji, surrounded by glacial lakes such as Milk Lake, Five-Color Lake, and Pearl Lake. Luorong Pasture and Chonggu Temple are interspersed throughout, creating a mystical realm that integrates snow-capped mountains, meadows, and forests.
• [Accommodation] Howard Johnson Hotel Daocheng Yading or similar

Day 6

• [Attraction/experience] Self-guided, Haizishan Geological Park - Sister Lake Observation Deck, Sister Lake is about 4685 meters above sea level. The two lakes are nestled together like twin sisters. The water is clear and blue, surrounded by snow-capped mountains with the blue sky reflected in it, like a sapphire left on the plateau. It is a stunning landmark on the Sichuan-Tibet line and was once featured in "Chinese National Geography". [Driving Reference]: 400km, 7h [Accommodation Altitude]: 2580m
• [Accommodation] Vienna Hotel (Ganzi Batang 318 National Road Store) or equivalent

Day 7

• [Attraction/experience] Dongda Mountain Pass, Nujiang 72 Bends Observation Deck, Check in at the Jinsha River Bridge and the Sichuan-Tibet Boundary Monument, cross Dongda Mountain at an altitude of 5130 meters, stroll through the Bangda Grassland observation deck, and finally arrive at the perilous and spectacular Nujiang 72 Bends to take in the plateau's natural barriers and magnificent scenery. [Driving Reference]: 440km, 10h [Accommodation Altitude]: 3280m
• [Accommodation] Baxu Kangcheng Oxygen Supply Hotel (318 National Road County Government Store) or equivalent

Day 8

• [Attraction/experience] Ranwu Lake, 米堆冰川, Ranwu Lake is the largest plateau barrier lake in eastern Tibet. Its clear, blue waters have earned it the reputation of "Jiuzhai Valley of the Plateau." Midui Glacier is one of China's most beautiful glaciers, with majestic icefalls, where the glacier and forest sea coexist, creating a magnificent and beautiful landscape. [Driving Reference]: 220km, 5h [Accommodation Altitude]: 2725m
• [Accommodation] Bomi Shanshui Hotel or equivalent

Day 9

• [Attraction/experience] Lulang Linhai Guanjingtai, Sejila Mountain Pass, Lulang Forest, meaning "Dragon King Valley" in Tibetan, is renowned as a place that "makes people not want to go home." Spruce and fir trees stretch like a sea, complemented by meadows and streams. From Sejila Pass, at an altitude of 4728 meters, Mount Namcha Barwa can be seen on clear days. [Driving Reference]: 400km, 4.5h [Accommodation Altitude]: 2980m
• [Dining] Lunch, Lulang Stone Pot Chicken, Lulang Stone Pot Chicken is a landmark delicacy of Lulang Town, Nyingchi. Its core is a stone pot hand-carved from Motuo soapstone, containing various mineral elements. It is paired with free-range Tibetan fragrant chicken and high-altitude medicinal fungi such as hand-shaped ginseng and matsutake, then slow-simmered for several hours with snow mountain spring water. The soup is creamy white and rich, the chicken is firm and springy, and the aroma of mushrooms and meat blend together.
• [Accommodation] Linzhi Impression Hotel or equivalent

Day 10

• [Attraction/experience] Basongcuo Scenic Spot, Basongcuo, meaning "green water" in Tibetan, is Tibet's first natural 5A-level scenic area. The glacial barrier lake is clear and emerald green, and on Zhaxi Island in the center of the lake is the thousand-year-old Cuozong Gongba Temple. [Driving Reference]: 400km, 4.5h [Accommodation Altitude]: 3600m Note: Self-driving guests should return their car after arriving in Lhasa.
• [Dining] Lunch, Collector's home visit, Experience Tibetan folk customs with an immersive home visit to a Tibetan family, being a guest in a Tibetan dwelling, tasting butter tea, tsampa, and Tibetan pastries, listening to the host tell stories of life on the plateau, and feeling the simple warmth and unique charm of Tibetan life.
• [Accommodation] Lhasa Lagari Snow Dragon Manor Resort or similar

Day 11

• [Attraction/experience] Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, A one-day tour of the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple: ascend the Potala Palace to overlook the entire city of Lhasa, admire Tibetan architectural treasures and millennia-old cultural relics; visit the Jokhang Temple to worship the 12-year-old Sakyamuni statue, stroll along Barkhor Street with pilgrims, and immerse yourself in the profound humanistic and religious heritage of Tibet.
• [Dining] Dinner, Lhasa Pengba Hot Restaurant, Experience an immersive Tibetan-style dinner in Lhasa, savoring the authentic flavors of the region. Taste classic dishes like Tibetan fragrant chicken and yak meat, paired with buttered tsampa and highland barley wine. Sweet tea and yogurt are served to cut through the richness. The Tibetan decor creates a full ambiance, allowing you to feel the culinary culture and hospitality of the snowy Tibetan family through food and performances.
• [Accommodation] Lhasa Lagari Snow Dragon Manor Resort or similar

Day 12

• [Attraction/experience] Domestic departure from Lhasa Gonggar Airport, At the end of your trip, enjoy our exclusive airport drop-off service. A dedicated driver and vehicle will pick you up on time, ensuring a smooth journey to the airport. Bid a perfect farewell to the snowy plateau, making the conclusion of your Sichuan-Tibet trip comfortable and convenient, with a worry-free return journey.
• [Return] 08:00 - 14:00, at Gonggar Airport drop-off, 当日分上午及下午两批送机至拉萨贡嘎机场
• Day {num}
• The menu might change depending on the season and availability of ingredients

Eligibility

• Important: Infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount
• Participants must be aged 8+ to participate in this activity
• Those aged 70 or above must sign a disclaimer agreement.

Additional information

• Regarding luggage: Due to Tibet's high altitude, excessive luggage can lead to insufficient power and slow movement of tourist vehicles, and also affect the comfort of passengers; each person is limited to 1 26-inch suitcase and 1 carry-on backpack.
• Regarding tickets: Only the first entrance ticket to the attractions listed in the itinerary is included, guaranteeing a full tour. If a tour cannot be conducted due to unforeseen circumstances, an alternative attraction will be arranged in consultation with the tourist. The calculation standard for off-season travel expenses has already taken into account the winter ticket discounts each year, so there are no ticket fees or price differences to be refunded. If the discount policy changes suddenly, no additional price difference will be charged. Tickets for the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple require real-name reservations. Please follow the guide's arrangements. Thank you.
• Regarding transfers: If the tourist's booked flight is not within the free pick-up and drop-off time, an additional fee for separate transfer will be required.
• 【Potala Palace Ticket Booking Instructions】
• Potala Palace tickets are subject to a real-name reservation system. Valid identification (passport) is required for reservation. Once a reservation is successful, it is not possible to make a second ticket reservation within 7 days from the date of visit. If a visitor is unable to enter the Potala Palace due to providing incorrect information, the travel agency shall not bear any responsibility or consequences. Before visiting, visitors must carry their original valid identification. If the name or ID number does not match the actual identification used, entry will be denied, and the ticket purchase fee, having already been incurred, cannot be refunded. We appreciate your understanding!
• The visiting time for the Potala Palace is determined by a unified computer-generated random ticketing system from the Potala Palace Management Office, so it is not possible to specify a visiting time. We ask for your understanding. Additionally, the actual tour route order may differ from the provided reference itinerary.
• During peak season, Potala Palace has restricted access. Each travel agency in Tibet has only a limited number of group booking slots per day. To ensure visitors can tour smoothly, travel agencies will resolve issues through various channels. Due to the special ticketing requirements of different channels, visitors are kindly requested to follow the guide's arrangements. The following situations are all considered normal arrangements: 1) Each group may be split into multiple smaller groups (it may be necessary to separate the group or visitors who booked together, and there may be situations where visitors join other unfamiliar group members for the tour). 2) Each small group will visit at different times. 3) Each small group will enter for the tour with a different guide.
• [Jokhang Temple Ticket Booking Instructions]
• Tickets for Jokhang Temple require real-name reservation. Tickets for the following day's visit are available daily from 7:00 to 23:59 on the WeChat mini-program "Jokhang Temple Reservation" until the maximum number of reservations is reached. Therefore, tickets need to be reserved 1 day in advance. Please make reservations under the guidance of your tour guide. Jokhang Temple is a religious temple, not purely a tourist attraction. We ask for your understanding if it cannot be opened for visits due to important religious activities or other special circumstances.
• Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple Visiting Tips
• Since Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple both require real-name reservations, visitors must bring their original valid identification documents, follow the guide's arrangements, and strictly adhere to the reserved time for entry; when visiting, it is recommended to wear flat shoes for convenience when climbing stairs. Dress and appearance should be dignified and solemn; shorts, short skirts, bare shoulders, and exposed backs are not allowed, nor are flip-flops that expose toes. Please remove hats and sunglasses upon entering the temple; do not make loud noises, chase, climb, lie down, spit, litter, or touch cultural relics inside the temple. Photography and videography, touching cultural relics and murals are strictly prohibited inside Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and all attractions in the Shol area. Do not bring liquid beverages into the palace, and smoking or using open flames is strictly forbidden.
• The Potala Palace is quite high, so please walk slowly when going up and down. The palace is relatively cold, even in summer, so it is recommended to bring a jacket. Due to the 1-hour time limit for visiting the main part of the Potala Palace, guides are not allowed to stay in the halls for a long time or explain loudly; they can only do so outside. We ask all visitors to travel civilly and abide by the regulations of cultural heritage sites. The Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are ancient buildings with narrow passages and many wooden staircases. Additionally, there is only one narrow staircase for both ascending and descending, so accommodating too many visitors can pose safety hazards. Therefore, please leave as soon as you finish your visit. Visitors must walk in an orderly manner when visiting and using the stairs, pay attention to safety, and avoid crowding.
• 【Tibet, as a charming tourist area integrating history, culture, ethnic customs, snow scenery, and Tibetan Buddhism, is increasingly favored by tourists from all over the world. However, the following matters must be paid attention to when traveling to Tibet:】
• Tibet is a high-altitude region. Tourists and their guardians should fully understand the risks of traveling to high-altitude areas. Tourists suffering from illnesses that prevent high-altitude travel (such as significant heart, lung, brain, liver, or kidney diseases, severe anemia, high blood pressure, or severe colds) are not permitted to join the tour. The travel agency has fulfilled its duty to remind, and no information should be concealed during registration. Before entering Tibet, it is necessary to have good sleep for 2-3 days and avoid staying up late to prevent discomfort upon arrival. Tourists with psychological burdens can take Nuodikang, Gaoyuan'an, or Rhodiola 6-7 days in advance (during the high-temperature months of July-August, if discomfort occurs after taking, try to take less or not at all). On the day of entering Tibet, you can continue to take Gaoyuan'an, Rhodiola, etc., which have no side effects. In severe cases, you can go to the hospital for IV drips and oxygen to relieve altitude sickness as quickly as possible. Most tourists adapt within 1-1.5 days of arriving in Tibet. Altitude sickness is caused by hypoxia, and common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. The most important factor is psychological, so tourists should relax and not be afraid. On the day of entering Tibet, it is necessary to rest quietly in the hotel and try not to take a bath at night to avoid catching a cold leading to pulmonary edema or aggravating altitude sickness due to hypoxia. Tourists without adverse reactions should also try to avoid strenuous exercise, drinking alcohol, and smoking to ensure the smooth completion of the subsequent itinerary.
• On the plateau, speak softly and walk slowly. If there are no adverse reactions, drink more water and eat more fruit. Try to eat until you are 70% full to avoid increasing the burden on your gastrointestinal system. Carry some high-calorie snacks (such as chocolate, beef jerky, biscuits, etc.) with you, as physical exertion is high on the plateau, and timely replenishment is necessary. Tourists who are sub-healthy or have hidden ailments should carry some American ginseng to keep in their mouths to ensure physical strength and resistance. The temperature difference between day and night in Tibet is relatively large, reaching about 13 degrees Celsius. You must bring thick coats or sweaters and other warm clothing, especially in high-altitude areas where the night temperature in August drops to around 0-5 degrees Celsius. It is essential to do a good job of cold protection; down jackets, thermal underwear, and other warm clothes are indispensable. In remote areas, power will be cut off after 24:00 at night. Tourists taking adventure routes need to bring their own flashlights and toilet paper. Please prepare mentally before departure and try not to be irritable. We hope the beautiful scenery along the way will make you forget your fatigue.
• When traveling in Tibet, due to the long and arduous journey, and the significant climate difference, tourists may find it difficult to adapt and might experience altitude sickness. Tourists should carry relevant medications and some common remedies, such as band-aids, cold medicine, or medicine for gastrointestinal discomfort. Tibet's economic development lags behind that of inland China, and local supporting facilities still need improvement. There are gaps in hotels, vehicles, and restaurants, so tourists should be mentally prepared and be more understanding. Like all other parts of China, Tibet uses Beijing time, but there is a two-hour time difference with inland China, and the corresponding work and rest schedule is also two hours later than inland China. Tourists need to adjust themselves; especially for getting up and dining, "Tibet time" is also used, so tourists should note the difference. Although Tibetan people are simple and honest, in today's rapidly developing economy, there may still be some discrepancies. If taking photos, tourists should agree on the price with them beforehand, and never negotiate the price after taking the photos, to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
• Visitors, please pay attention to safety. Remember not to leave the group or change your itinerary without permission. When going out at night, please go with companions and be sure to return to the hotel before 12:00 AM to avoid affecting the next day's itinerary. Tibet has strong sunlight and a particularly dry climate, so sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and sun hats are essential. Tibet is predominantly inhabited by the Tibetan ethnic group, so please respect local customs. When visiting monasteries, walk clockwise. Inside monasteries, do not take photos, wear hats, or wear miniskirts. When talking to locals, do not discuss political issues, and do not eat dog meat, monkey meat, horse meat, donkey meat, etc. If Tibetans offer tea or wine, try to drink it. If you cannot drink it, explain sincerely and seek their forgiveness. Do not take the offered Hada (ceremonial scarf) to unclean places like toilets; keep it properly. Because tourist attractions in Tibet, especially monasteries, are managed by administrative committees and not by the tourism bureau, they often close early or open late. Visitors are asked to be understanding of such issues.