14-Day Chengdu to Shangri-La Overland Tour

Start the day with a visit to the famous Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, 13km north of downtown. This world-renowned base is dedicated to the conservation of giant pandas and other endangered species, a great opportunity to see the wildlife conservation in action.

Overnight: Hotel in Chengdu

Drive to Danba, passing by Mt. Kulha. Stop for a view of this holy mountain before continuing to Rongdrak. Visit Rongdrak Tibetan Villages, famous for their ancient watchtowers and 1,000-year-old architecture. This area is called Gyalmo Zawarong, a treasure of Tibetan culture.

Overnight: Hotel in Danba

From Rongdrak to Lhagong (Tagong in Chinese), a sacred village. Visit Lhagong Monastery, a Sakya monastery housing the Jowo statue. See Zhara Lhatse (Mt. Zhara), a holy mountain connected to Tibetan Buddhist legends and Guru Rinpoche.

Overnight: Hotel in Lhagong

Drive through grasslands and forests to Ganzi. Stop at Nelhu Pass (4600m) for the view of Ganzi northern mountain range and Mt. Kawa Lhori. Upon arrival in Ganzi, visit De Gompa, the central monastery where pilgrims do kora (circumambulation), a demonstration of the area’s spiritual activities.

Overnight: Hotel in Ganzi

Drive to Derge, cross Yulong Lhatso and Mt. Chola Pass. Yulong Lhatso, an alpine lake surrounded by Chola mountain range, is beautiful. Visit Derge Sutra Printing House, a cultural treasure with 140,000 printing blocks and centuries-old Tibetan scriptures, still printed by traditional method.

Overnight: Hotel in Derge

Follow the Yangtze River to Dzongsar Monastery, a historical and spiritual center of Khyentse lineage. Above Khamje Valley, the monastery is surrounded by retreat centers, monastic college and Tibetan community. Visit Dopuk Valley, famous for bronze and black pottery, showcasing Tibetan craftsmanship.

Overnight: Hotel in Dzongsar

Drive along Yangtze River to Palyul, home to Palyul Monastery. Founded by Lhachen Jampa Phuntsog, the monastery is historical and spiritual, built on ground blessed by Mahasiddhas.

Overnight: Hotel in Palyul

Drive through Tibetan villages with houses decorated with intricate design and cross some of the highest passes in the region. In Litang, visit Litang Gonchen Monastery founded by the Third Dalai Lama in 1580, a important site in Tibetan Buddhism.

Overnight: Hotel in Litang

Drive to Yading National Reserve, a pilgrimage site with three sacred peaks blessed by the 5th Dalai Lama. The three peaks, representing Avalokiteśvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani, are sacred and beautiful.

Overnight: Hotel in Yading

Take a shuttle to Lhorong Pasture and hike to Five-Color Lake and Milk Lake, two of the most beautiful lakes in Yading National Reserve. The round trip takes about 5 hours.

Overnight: Hotel in Yading

Drive through a deep gorge surrounded by high mountains including Kawa Garbo, the highest peak in Yunnan Province. Locals and pilgrims revere this sacred mountain as the backdrop of your journey to Dechen.

Overnight: Hotel in Dechen

Arrive in Shangri-La, visit Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, a spiritual and architectural wonder. Explore Zhongdian Old Town and if time permits, watch the local dancing in the town square.

Overnight: Hotel in Shangri-La

Your journey ends, your driver will drop you off at the airport. Take home the memories of a lifetime, of the most beautiful landscapes, spiritual sites and cultural treasures. Tashi Delek!

April to October is the best time to do this trip, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. Spring and summer has lush green and blooming flowers, autumn has golden valleys and grasslands.

Moderate physical activity, walking tours and a day hike in Yading. The hike to Five-Color Lake and Milk Lake is moderate due to the altitude, but we can adjust the pace according to your fitness level. Being acclimatized to higher altitude will make the experience more comfortable.

We gradually ascend to higher altitude, giving your body time to acclimatize. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
• Rest well, especially when you reach higher altitude. Your guide will monitor your condition and adjust if needed.

3-star hotels in cities like Chengdu and Shangri-La and simpler guesthouses in remote areas like Litang and Yading. All accommodations are chosen for their location and have basic amenities for a comfortable stay.

Yes, when visit Tibetan monasteries and villages, please respect local custom:

• Dress modestly when entering sacred sites.
• Always walk clockwise around stupas or shrines during kora (circumambulation).
• Ask permission before taking photos of locals or inside monasteries.
• Don’t touch religious objects or point your feet at altars.