10 Days Western Sichuan Panorama Tour with Yading, Danba & Mount Siguniang

Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas! Your private driver and guide will be ready for you when you arrive in Chengdu. Enjoy a trouble-free transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is yours to relax in panda city on your own.

Arrival Ideas:

Chengdu is well connected by air and high-speed rail. There are two airports - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Chengdu by air from most cities in China, like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing… In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Chengdu from Xian (3-4 hours), Chongqing (1.5-2hours), Guiyang (3.5-4.5 hours), Kunming (6-6.5hours), Shanghai (12.5-14.5 hours), etc.

Recommended Optional Evening Activities:

1. Watch a wonderful Sichuan Opera performance which includes face changing, spitting fire, hand shadows, puppet show, dancing, singing and acrobatics. (usually from 20:00 to 21:30).

2. Appreciate the city’s night view by boat (30mins) along the Jinjiang River, which winds through central Chengdu. ( 18:00~23:30)

Altitude: 500m-4298m-2600m | Distance: 400km, about 7 hours’ drive

After breakfast, drive west from Chengdu towards Western Sichuan, passing through the world-famous "Rainy City" - Ya'an. Take the Yakang Expressway, cross the Erlang Mountain Tunnel (二郎山隧道), and arrive in Kangding, the capital of the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which is famously mentioned in the "Kangding Love Song".

After that, you will pass through Zheduo Mountain Pass, which sits at an altitude of 4,298 meters. The name Zheduo Mountain derives from its steep terrain and the unique winding road that features "nine bends and eighteen turns." Known as the "first pass of Kham," crossing Zheduo Mountain marks the official entry into the Kham Tibetan region. Furthermore, the Zheduo Mountain Pass serves as the initial pass on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway to reach an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters, signifying the transition from the Sichuan Basin and the Dadu River Valley to the western plateau of Sichuan. On clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the magnificent Gongga Mountain, also referred to as the "King of Shu Mountains", towering at an elevation of 7,508 meters, from this vantage point.

Continuing your journey, you will drive to Xinduqiao, situated in the western part of Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, at an altitude of approximately 3,460 meters. Although not officially designated as a scenic area, Xinduqiao is often called the "Photographer's Corridor". It is renowned for its enchanting lighting, vast grasslands, numerous streams, undulating mountain ranges, scattered Tibetan villages, and tranquil scenes of grazing cattle and sheep.

After enjoying the captivating views in Xinduqiao, you will proceed to Yajiang County for your accommodation.

Important Notes:

• We will choose one of the two roads, S434 Airport Road (Honghai Lake) or G318 (Zhedoshan), depending on the time available for sightseeing and the road conditions;
• It is recommended not to take a bath for 3 days before going to the plateau to avoid catching a cold and causing altitude sickness, which will affect the whole trip.
• The water and electricity supply in the Tibetan area is insufficient, and there may be occasional water and power outages. Please bring your own wet wipes and flashlights. The water temperature for bathing may be unstable, or there may be water outages during the bathing process. Therefore, you should bathe quickly. It is best to bathe after you have fully adapted to the Tibetan area.

Altitude: 2600m-4014m-3700m | Distance: 290km, about 6 hours’ drive

After breakfast, your group will depart from Yajiang to Litang. Along the way, enjoy the steepness of the "Heavenly Road with Eighteen Bends," pass through the "Scissor Bend Tunnel," and then cross the "Kazi La Mountain" (with a pass altitude of 4,718 meters). Finally, arrive in Litang, the hometown of Ding Zhen. The scenery here is incredibly beautiful, and the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, once expressed his longing for Litang in his poetry.

You will visit Letong Ancient Town, known as "Letong" in Tibetan, situated in the old town area of Litang County. It appeared in the promotional video of "Ding Zhen's World" in Litang. This is the largest traditional Tibetan village complex in the world, with over 13 Tibetan villages and more than 4,000 traditional Tibetan houses. It is the perfect choice for exploring Tibetan culture and experiencing the Khampa style. Here, we can follow the guidance of the tour guide and visit the following attractions in sequence: the "318 Memory Museum," the "Khampa People Museum," the "Renkang Ancient House (birthplace of thirteen esteemed living Buddhas)," and the "Tsangyang Gyatso Museum".

Later, be followed a visit to Litang Monastery, also known as Changqingchun Ke'er Monastery, founded in 1580 by the Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso. It is a significant Yellow Sect Tibetan Buddhist temple renowned as one of the most important temples in the Kham Tibetan region, holding great historical and cultural significance. The monastery serves as both a religious center and a repository of art and culture. Within its premises, you will discover a wealth of Buddhist scriptures, gilded Bodhisattva statues, precious artifacts, and renowned butter sculptures. Please note that there may be occasions when the temple is not accessible to all visitors or foreign tourists due to important religious ceremonies or other reasons. We kindly ask for your understanding in such cases.

After the visit, you will continue your journey, crossing the boundless Wu Liang River and ascending the "Rabbit-shaped Mountain" (with a pass altitude of 4,696 meters). You will pass by the largest ancient glacier site on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Daocheng Ancient Ice Cap, located in the Haizi Mountain Nature Reserve (at an altitude of 4,500 meters). It is classified as a wetland and wildlife protection area, specifically safeguarding high-altitude wetlands and musk deer species. Haizi Mountain features a unique landscape characterized by gravel rivers, stone seas, and variously shaped glacial lakes (known as "haizi"). There are 1,145 haizi of different sizes scattered throughout the mountains, sparkling like thousands of shining diamonds.

Afterwards, you will pass through the town of Sangdui, where during the golden autumn season, you can witness the enchanting beauty of the "Sangdui Red Grassland". When a beautiful "White Pagoda" comes into view, you will have arrived in Daocheng.

Daocheng White Pagoda, also known as the White Pagoda Temple, is the largest white pagoda in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The pure square layout forms the base of the Daocheng White Pagoda. The pagoda is divided into three parts: the spire, the body, and the pedestal. The pedestal is adorned with rows of prayer wheels for devout Tibetans to worship. The body of the pagoda is divided into three sections, with the top section housing a statue of a bodhisattva. The main structure of the white pagoda is a grand tower that reaches a height of 37 meters. The bottom three layers of the pagoda's pedestal are constructed in proportion to the base of the Qiniandian Hall in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. These three layers of the pagoda feature a total of 512 brass prayer wheels and several stone relief decorations.

You will stay overnight in Daocheng County.

Important Notes:

• Today's itinerary will take us to high-altitude areas, where we will cross four mountains with altitudes of over 4,000 meters. To prevent altitude sickness, our company provides portable oxygen for emergency use.
• The Sangdui Red Grassland is seasonal and cannot be seen all year round. Its peak season lasts for only about two weeks from late September to late October each year.

Altitude: 3700m-4100m-3900m | Distance: 80km, about 2-2.5 hours’ drive

Today, you will go from Daocheng County to Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, a distance of 80km that will take approximately 2-2.5 hours. This reserve has been hailed as the "Last Pure Land on Earth", discovered by Joseph Rock in 1928, and widely regarded as the "Soul of Shangri-La", an enchanting wonderland.

You will explore the short route of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve (Tourist Bus Terminus: Zhaguanbeng → Chonggu Monastery → Chonggu Grassland → Pearl Sea). The round trip for the short route is approximately 3 kilometers, taking around 2-3 hours.

Here is the detailed itinerary:

Visit Chonggu Monastery, following the same route as Day 4, by taking the sightseeing bus and hiking. Take some time to appreciate the sacred Gelug Buddhist temple architecture in white, red, yellow, and black, and learn the interesting story behind the temple and Joseph Rock's visit. Capture excellent photos of the magnificent temple and the three pure white holy snow mountains. After a short walk, experience the beauty of Chonggu Grassland(4,020m), which can be compared to a fairyland on earth. Walk on the vast grassland resembling a soft, thick carpet in yellow and green, regardless of the season. Enjoy the enchanting chanting river, with its transparent water revealing countless little stones resembling grains of gold at the bottom. Don't miss the best viewpoint to admire the majestic Xianuoduoji snow mountain. Continue hiking for 30 minutes to reach Pearl Lake(4,120m), a captivating spot to admire the picturesque landscape of surrounding snow peaks, dense green and orange forests, shimmering prayer flags, and their reflection on the clear lake. It's also an ideal location to appreciate the sacred Xiannairi snow mountain.

After the sightseeing, you will return back to Yading Village for accommodation. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy the magnificent "Plateau Starry Sky" in the evening.

Important Notes:

(1) Today, we will transfer to a sightseeing vehicle to travel to the Yading Scenic Area. The vehicle and driver cannot enter the scenic area with the team members. We will stay overnight in Yading Village, where the weather can be unpredictable. It is recommended that team members keep their suitcases in the vehicle and bring a small backpack (containing necessary toiletries, warm clothing, valuable items, rain gear, etc.) into the scenic area.

(2) Accommodation in Yading Village is relatively basic and the facilities are quite primitive. The lodging facilities are converted from local houses and serve as tourist reception points. Please be mentally prepared for this and appreciate the simplicity and originality of the place. Seasonal water and power outages may occur, which are unavoidable. Please prepare a flashlight in advance.

(3) There are limited restaurants specifically operated within the Yading Scenic Area. Team members can dine at the accommodation or at the Luorong Cattle Farm Restaurant within the scenic area. However, since all supplies need to be transported from outside the area, it is advisable to make sufficient preparations in advance. During the National Day and autumn season, there may be traffic congestion or long waiting times within the scenic area. Arriving at the dining point may be delayed, so it is recommended to bring some snacks and chocolates to satisfy hunger.

(4) On the way to trek to Zhoma La Tso (Pearl Lake), there are many small animals. Please do not tease or play with them, as these animals can be harmful. There are no vaccines available, so please prioritize your safety.

(5) The itinerary for the day is as follows: Visitor Center ~ Scenic Area Sightseeing Vehicle ~ Yading Village ~ Scenic Area Shuttle/ Sightseeing Vehicle 3.4km ~ Zhaguanbeng ~ 0.5km trek ~ Chonggu Temple ~ 1.5km trek ~ Zhoma La Tso (Pearl Lake) ~ Xianairi Shen Mountain ~ Return to Yading Village along the same route.

Altitude: 3900m-4600m-2900m | Distance: 120km, about 3.5 hours’ drive

After breakfast, you will first reach the tourist center from Yading Village. Then, board a sightseeing bus that will transport you to Zhaguanbeng in about 1-1.5 hours. From there, indulge in a 2-2.5 hours' hike to Luorong Pasture (4,150m), passing through Chonggu Monastery (3,900m). Alternatively, you can choose to walk for 20 minutes to Chonggu Monastery and then take a 0.5-hour battery car ride to Luorong Pasture if you prefer to conserve energy. At Luorong Pasture, take pleasure in leisurely strolling amidst the serene landscape, surrounded by carefree grazing cattle and goats, vibrant layers of alpine forest, and a crystal-clear winding stream. The scene is enhanced by the awe-inspiring presence of three sacred snow-capped mountains: Xiannairi (Mount Chianrezig), Yangmaiyong (Mount Jambeyang), and Xianuoduoji (Mount Chanadorje). Pay close attention to the majestic appearance of Xianuoduoji snow mountain, resembling a mighty figure.

Next, prepare yourself for a challenging 5km hike that will take approximately 3-3.5 hours to reach the magnificent Milk Lake (4,600m). If desired, horse riding is available to Milk Lake for an additional fee. Marvel at the enchanting allure of this sacred lake, akin to a precious blue gem capable of evoking tears. Then, continue your journey by walking for another 0.5 hour to visit the Five Color Lake (4,500m), located just 0.3 km away. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, featuring majestic snow-capped mountains adorned in shades of white, grey, silver, and chocolate, alongside the mesmerizing blue and green waters, diverse alpine plant life, and a backdrop of clear skies. This sight is reminiscent of a world-class oil painting.

After the sightseeing, you will take a sightseeing vehicle out of the scenic area and gather at around 16:00 at the Yading Visitor Center. Leave Yading Nature Reserve and proceed to Daocheng County for accommodation.

Important Travel Tips:

1. Chonggu Temple to Luorong Cattle Farm: There are five stations in total: starting point (Chonggu Temple Station), Station 1 (Qianfo Mountain Station), Station 2 (Shengshui Lake Station), Station 3 (Yangmai Yong Station), and end point (Luorong Cattle Farm Station). The round-trip ticket for the shuttle bus is 70 yuan, and the one-way ticket is 40 yuan. The interval ticket for each station is 10 yuan (hiking is optional, and guests can choose to do it at their own expense).
2. Disclaimer: The attractions of Wuse Hai (Five-color Lake) and Nai Nai Hai (Milk Lake) are not included in the regular itinerary of the travel agency. If you want to visit these two attractions, the expenses and safety will be your own responsibility, and you assume the risks.
3. There are two waysto get from Luorong Cattle Farm to Nai Nai Hai and Wuse Hai. One way is to hike on the horse path, which takes about 5-6 hours round trip and covers a distance of 10 kilometers. The other way is to ride a horse, which takes about 3 hours uphill (horse riding fee is self-funded, 300 yuan per person for one way, the horse caravan operates for a total of 3.5 kilometers from Luorong Cattle Farm to the destination). When riding a horse, please pay attention to safety and ensure that the horse is led by the horseman. From the horse caravan's destination to Nai Nai Hai (4,600 meters) and Wuse Hai (4,700 meters), there is a 1.8-kilometer trekking section that is quite rugged. It requires a higher level of physical fitness from visitors. Additionally, the altitude is high, temperatures are lower, and there are strong mountain winds, so bring sufficient clothing.
4. The itinerary for the day is as follows: Yading Village ~ Scenic Area Shuttle/ Sightseeing Vehicle 3.4km ~ Zhaguanbeng ~ 0.5km trek ~ Chonggu Temple ~ 6.7km by shuttle bus ~ Luorong Cattle Farm (Sanhu Main Snow Mountain) ~ Horse riding/ trekking 3.5km ~ Horse caravan's destination ~ Trek to Nai Nai Hai and Wuse Hai ~ Return to Yading Village to collect luggage ~ Take a sightseeing vehicle out of the scenic area.
5. Regarding visitor flow control in the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area:**To avoid excessive crowds, the maximum capacity of the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area is 16,850 people, with a visitor capacity of 3,900 people in the Nai Nai Hai and Wuse Hai areas. We will make advance reservations for your entrance tickets. If there are too many reservations during peak seasons and you are unable to visit Nai Nai Hai and Wuse Hai, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly based on the actual situation.

On this day, you can wake up leisurely and enjoy a relaxing breakfast before setting off on your scenic drive from Daocheng County to Xinduqiao.

Daocheng to Litang: The journey begins in Daocheng, where emerald meadows unfurl beneath a canvas of azure sky. Snow-capped peaks pierce the horizon, their glaciers gleaming like scattered diamonds. Yaks graze peacefully, their long fur rippling gently in the cool mountain breeze.

Litang to Yajiang: As you climb towards Litang, the "highest town in the world," the landscape transforms. Golden grasslands stretch out as far as the eye can see, dotted with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. In the distance, the majestic Mount Gele lays claim to the clouds, its snow-dusted peak a beacon against the cerulean canvas.

Yajiang to Xinduqiao: Leaving Litang, the road dips into a valley, following the turquoise ribbon of the Yalong River. Lush forests cling to the hillsides, their vibrant green a stark contrast to the ochre-colored cliffs that rise above. Keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls cascading down the mountain face, their mist rainbows sparkling in the dappled sunlight.

Xinduqiao: Finally, you arrive in Xinduqiao, a photographer's paradise. Here, traditional Tibetan villages nestle amidst a tapestry of fields painted in golds, reds, and oranges. The iconic Yarkhog Glacier dominates the backdrop, its icy fingers reaching down from the heavens.

Today, you will stay overnight in Xinduqiao.

After breakfast, you will continue your Western Sichuan exploration. First, drive to Tagong from Xinduqiao. The landscape gradually climbs, revealing breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped mountains. Keep an eye out for the iconic Mount Gongga, its peak often shrouded in wispy clouds.

Upon arrival in Tagong, visit Tagong Monastery. "Tagong," which means "A Land Favored by Bodhisattva" in the Tibetan language, is a legendary place. According to legend, Princess Wencheng was on her way to Lhasa for her wedding to the Tibetan King when she was captivated by the breathtaking scenery of Tagong. She left a life-sized statue of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12 here. The Tagong Monastery, also known as “Little Jokhang Temple”, is a renowned religious site belonging to the Sakya Sect, with a history spanning over 1,000 years. You can visit the monastery and observe the pilgrims worshiping.

Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll on the lush Tagong Grassland and gaze at the distant snow-capped Yala Mountain (5,884 meters). The harmonious scene includes numerous yaks and sheep grazing on the fertile grassland under the blue sky. Optionally, you can rent a horse to explore the area happily and visit a herder's home.

After the tour, it is time to leave Tagong and head to Danba (about 111km, 2-2.5 hours' drive). Welcome to Danba, renowned as one of the "Top 6 Most Beautiful Countrysides of China." It is also known as "A Place of Hundreds of Ancient Watchtowers", and its surrounding hills feature clusters of stunning and traditional Jiarong Tibetan Villages built with stone, each with ancient watchtowers and hospitable homestays.

In Danba, visit Suopo Village, where you'll have the opportunity to admire 172 Danba towers. Originally built to suppress demons, these towers later served as fortresses for families to protect against hostile enemies. From the Suopo platform, you'll be able to fully appreciate the entire village, which is painted in harmonious autumn hues of red, orange, and green, with ancient towers scattered among numerous Tibetan-styled white houses. You'll witness various shapes of towers, including quadrilateral, pentagonal, and hexagonal structures, standing tall and erect amidst the stunning forest. They appear as the guardians of the "Ancient Kingdom of Towers".

After that, drive to Zhonglu Tibetan Village in Danba for accommodation.

This morning, enjoy a relaxing exploration of Zhonglu Tibetan Village, named after the Tibetan phrase "A Fantastic Place Looking Forward To." Stepping into this village feels like entering a fairytale wonderland. Isolated homes resembling pure snow lotuses bloom at the foot of Moerduo Mountain. Ascend to a higher vantage point for a breathtaking view. Traditional Tibetan houses in white, red, and black blend seamlessly with the emerald green trees.

In the spring, the village transforms into a true fairyland. Countless ancient towers stand tall and distinct above the tree line, while elegant white pear flowers decorate the mountain slope in tiers, creating a picturesque scene. In autumn, the leaves turn golden, adorning the green trees. Red and white Tibetan houses stand out amidst the golden and green surroundings, with watchtowers towering above. Spend a delightful time strolling among the fertile farmlands and lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Zhonglu Tibetan Village.

After your exploration, depart Danba and head towards Siguniangshan Town, the gateway to Mount Siguniang. The distance is approximately 105 kilometers, with a driving time of about 2.5 hours.

After breakfast, you'll continue your exploration of Mount Siguniang with a visit to the breathtaking Changping Valley (altitude: 3300m-3700m). This mature valley, with a total length of 23 kilometers, offers perfect sightseeing opportunities with its designated sightseeing bus route, hiking trail, plank road, and horse riding options. Moreover, it is the closest valley to capture the beauty of Mount Siguniang. You'll follow the route: Entrance - Lama Temple - Tangbagudao Trail - Kushtutan - Dragon Cave - Xiagan Haizi - Shanggan Haizi - Hongshitantan - Muluozhi.

You'll begin your journey by taking a sightseeing bus to Lama Temple (5km), the starting point of your hike. The hike is divided into two parts - the first part involves hiking on the plank road and the second part involves hiking from the end of the plank road to Muluozi. During the first part of the hike, you'll see a solemn monastery, waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient withered trees standing in lakes. In the second part, you'll walk through wild forests and follow the walking trails along clear streams to discover landscapes you've never seen before - a sea buckthorn forest, red stones arranged by nature, peaks resembling camels and mushrooms, pure plateau lakes reflecting the giant peaks, flocks and herds leisurely wandering, snow-capped Four Girls Mountains, and magnificent glaciers. You'll return to Lama Temple after reaching Muluozi, completing an approximately 8-hour hike. Finally, you'll take a sightseeing bus to exit the valley.

Optional Leisure Tour to Explore Mount Siguniang:

If you want to enjoy the beauty of Mount Siguniang without in-depth hiking, you can explore it by sightseeing bus in Shuangqiao Valley. The experience will be:

You'll venture to the stunning Shuangqiao Valley (altitude: 2900m-3850m), located about 7km from the town, where you can explore its beauty by sightseeing bus. With a length of 34.8km, Shuangqiao Valley is renowned as the most beautiful valley in Mount Siguniang National Park. Embark on the sightseeing bus and journey directly up to the end of the valley, where you'll encounter the magnificent Larch Forest (altitude: 3,850 meters), which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks on three sides. On the way back, the sightseeing bus will take you through Potala Peak, named for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, where you can capture vast grasslands, a white pagoda, prayer flags, and lush meadows adorned with beautiful flowers. You'll make stops along the way to hike and explore the breathtaking scenery at Fishing Bay, Bonsai Beach, Ten-mile Poplar Trees, and much more. As you travel through this valley, you'll witness varying alpine landscapes that will leave you in awe.

After the tour, drive back to Siguniang Town and enjoy a good rest.

After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Siguniangshan Town and begin the journey back to Chengdu. Along the way, prepare to be dazzled by the beautiful scenery. You'll make a stop at Maobiliang Ridge, a scenic platform offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Siguniang. Weather permitting, you'll be able to see the majestic four peaks of Mount Siguniang in the distance with crystal clarity, further enhancing the beauty of the experience.

Optional Stop: For those interested, there's a rare chance to see giant pandas in their wildest habitat and learn about their habits and living environment at the Wolong Panda Base. (This stop is optional).

After the tour concludes, head back to Chengdu. Your guide and driver will either send you to your hotel in Chengdu or escort you to the airport or train station for your departure to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you want to explore other parts of Sichuan, like Jiuzhaigou National Park, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, or other China destinations, we would be glad to assist you with an extension trip. Feel free to tell us your ideas!

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!