TourJiuzhaigou

8-day Tibetan Buddhism & Daocheng Yading Tour

Tour Destinations: Chengdu - Kangding - Xinduqiao - Litang - Daocheng - Riwa - Xiangcheng - Shangri-la
This exceptional Sichuan photography tour package seamlessly blends captivating landscapes, mystical Tibetan monasteries, and vibrant Tibetan cultural traditions. Embark on a unique photo expedition to discover the most picturesque spots like never before.
8-day Tibetan Buddhism & Daocheng Yading Tour

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Chengdu
Activities for today: Airport to hotel transfer
Upon your arrival at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport), you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver, who will then escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy at your leisure.
DAY 2 Chengdu/Kangding
Transfer via: private vehicle
Activities for today: Drive to Kangding, Luding Bridge
Today's itinerary includes a journey towards western Sichuan, passing through the picturesque West Sichuan Plain and Ya'an. Following lunch in Tianquan County, we will traverse the longest tunnel in China - the Mount Erlangshan Tunnel (4176m) - and make a brief 15-minute stop to capture the unique scenic contrast of the mountains. Our drive will then lead us to the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, following the stunning Dadu River Valley. Upon reaching Luding, we will visit the historic Luding Bridge, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, which holds significant historical importance. In 1935, during the Long March, soldiers from the Fourth Regiment of the Chinese Workers and Peasants' Army secured this bridge as a crucial river crossing for the Red Army. Subsequently, we will continue our journey along the Dadu River to Kangding.
DAY 3 Kangding/Xinduqiao/Litang
Transfer via: private vehicle
Activities for today: Drive to Litang, take photos in Xinduqiao
Following breakfast, we will embark on a scenic 8-hour drive, passing through four stunning high mountain passes exceeding 4,500 meters in elevation. During the summer months, you may catch sight of Tibetan nomads grazing their yaks on the lush mountain pastures and residing in traditional black Yak-hair tents along the route. A brief stop in Xinduqiao offers a perfect opportunity for photography before continuing our journey to Litang, renowned as the birthplace of the 7th and 10th Dalai Lama.
DAY 4 Litang/Daocheng/Riwa
Activities for today: Gandan Tubchen Chokhorling Monastery, Benpo Monastery
In the morning, we will visit the Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling Monastery (Litang Temple), a yellow sect monastery originally constructed in 1580 by the 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyamtso. Following this, we will proceed to Daocheng County. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the high plateau, featuring numerous stunning alpine lakes and moraines formed during ancient glacial movements. During our journey, we will also stop by the historic Benpo Monastery (Bangpu Temple) of the Kagypa, established in the 11th century near Samdui. Subsequently, we will transport you to Riwa Township (also known as Shangri-la Township) via the Chitu River Valley.
DAY 5 Riwa/Yading/Riwa
Transfer via: private vehicle
Activities for today: Yading Nature Reserve
Today marks an incredible journey to Yading Nature Reserve, located in southern Daocheng County. Encompassing an area of 1,344 square kilometers, the reserve boasts an average elevation exceeding 4,000 meters. Within the Yading Nature Reserve stand three sacred mountains: Chenresig, soaring to 6,032 meters; Chana Dorje, reaching 6,000 meters; and Jampelyang, ascending to 5,958 meters. These three snow-capped peaks form a triangular alignment, surrounded by forested valleys, pristine rivers, glacier-fed lakes, and diverse wildlife. Known locally as "Nyiden" in Tibetan, meaning "facing the sun," the region around these holy mountains is referred to as "Rigsum Gonpo." In Tibetan, the mountain names signify "Wisdom" (Jampelyang), "Power" (Chana Dorje), and "Compassion" (Chenresig). Designated as a nature reserve in the late 1990s, we will embark on a trek within the park, covering Longlongba to Chonggu Monastery (3,770m - 4,000m, 3km) and Chonggu Monastery to Luorongba (4,000m - 4,180m, 6km). Subsequently, we will drive back to Riwa.
DAY 6 Riwa/Xiangcheng
Activities for today: Drive to Xiangcheng, Gongalangjiling Temple
This morning, we will visit the Gongalangjiling Temple, constructed in 1642 and currently home to over 300 lamas. The temple is adorned with a golden Maitreya statue gifted by the 5th Dalai Lama. Following this, we will traverse a mountain pass exceeding 4,500 meters in height before reaching Xiangcheng (Chaktsen) in the afternoon.
DAY 7 Xiangcheng/Shangri-la
Activities for today: Drive to Shangri-la
Today, we will travel alongside the Suoqu River, allowing you to take in the stunning natural landscape. Subsequently, we will traverse two mountains, each exceeding 3,900 meters in height, to arrive at Shangri-la (Zhongdian) County in Yunnan Province. Accommodations have been arranged in Shangri-la for your stay.
DAY 8 Shangri-la/Exit
Transfer via: flight - your arrangement
Activities for today: Hotel to airport transfer
After breakfast, you will be accompanied to the airport for your flight to your next destination, or alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay and explore further in Shangri-la.

Price Details

*Actual price will be confirmed upon enquiry

Price Includes

Private Transfers
Airport/hotel transfers with driver and English guide
Entrance Fees
All entrance fees in itinerary
Meals
All meals as specified (B/L/D)
Guide & Transport
English guide, economy flights/trains
Hotel
Twin/double room with breakfast

Price Excludes

International Travel
International flights, visa fees, excess baggage
Personal Items
Personal expenses, tips, optional activities
Others
Force majeure costs, travel insurance
Tour Code: JZG-S-06
Departure: Any day you want
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Reply within 0.5~23.5 hrs

Our Advantages & Promise

  • One-on-one Travel Consultant Service
  • Flexible time schedule to suit your pace
  • Selected and trained guides
  • Meals are in quality local restaurants
  • Western style service standard

Destinations

Chengdu

Chengdu is the provincial capital of Sichuan Province in Southwest China. It is located on the edge of the Chengdu Plain which is known as the “Country of Heaven” (Tian Fu Zhi Guo). The agriculture in Chengdu really develop well, as a result, it is also called the “Land of Milk and Honey” due to this. One thing you must do in Chengdu is visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. 

Chengdu is famed as “the home Town of Giant Panda” which attracts millions of tourists from inland and abroad. Moreover, Chengdu has a history of more than 2,000 years with numerous historical places of interests and relics. 

You can experience the history of Chengdu can go to the Jinsha Site Museum, Sanxingdui Museum, Wuhou Memorial Temple and Wenshu Temple, or you can stroll in the Jinli Ancient Street and the Wide and Narrow Alley to relax yourself. Additionally, you’d better not miss the Sichuan Cuisine.

Kangding

Kangding is an important historic county in western China. 

It has been the political, economic, cultural, trade, information center and transportation hub since Kham region. 

Also, it served as the trade center of tea-horse between Han and Tibetan. Today, it belongs to Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. 

It has many famous tourist places, such as Mugecuo (Love Song of Kangding Scenic Area), Xinduqiao, Moxi Gully, Mount Gongga, Nawu Monastery, Tagong Monastery, Gongga Temple and so on. 

Xinduqiao

Xinduqiao is a small town of Kangding county, located at an altitude of about 3,300 meters on 318 State Roadside. 

In this piece of land, the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan Plains is blooming quietly. 

Here is a paradise, with magical light, vast grasslands, crooked creek, golden cypress poplar, rolling hills, Tibetan villages scattered across the meantime, cattle and sheep graze peacefully. Veritable, it is a fascinating "photographic paradise”. 

Litang

Litang is a county of the traditional Kham Region of Eastern Tibet, located in the southwest of Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. It is a holy place, several famous Buddhist figures were born here, including the Kelzang Gyatso, the 7th Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso, the 10th Dalai Lama, the 11th Tai Situpa and so on. Litang Town itself is located at an altitude of 4,014 meters. It is on open grassland and surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is about 400 meters higher than Lhasa, making it one of the highest towns in the world. 

Daocheng

Daocheng County is located in the southwestern Sichuan Province, China,which is the eastern Hengduan Mountains. 

It is under the administration of the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture with an overwhelmingly Tibetan population. 

Daocheng is a beautiful place; there is the famous Daocheng Yading Shangri - La Eco-tourism Area, known as "China Shangri - La Soul," "the last piece of pure land on the blue planet". 

Daocheng's main attractions are: Yading (Aden) Nature Reserve, Xingyicuo Lake, Mengzi Grand Canyon, Colored Sea, etc.

Riwa

Riwa Town, also known as Shangari-La now, belongs to Daocheng County; it is the site where the world-wide known “the Last Shangari-La Yading Nature Reserve” is located. Riwa is on the way from Daocheng County to Yading Nature Reserve. It is the nearest township to Yading Nature Reserve with beautiful nature.  

Xiangcheng

Xiangcheng County, named after its topography, meaning prayer beads in the hands in Tibetan. 

It is under the administration of the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. Bam Mountain is a sign of Xiangcheng. Every summer, Xiangcheng will hold a grand Bam Kamiyama Festival. Meanwhile, Bam Seven Lake Scenic Spot is very beautiful. 

There are lakes, waterfalls, streams, springs, forests, meadows, mountains, pastures, Tea-Horse Road, Temple, Tibetan villages and other landscape. 

Shangri-la

Shangri-la County is a primarily Tibetan county in Yunnan Province. 

A heaven just in the dream, or a mythical utopia that isolates from the outside, that is Shangri-la. In 1939, it first appeared in British novelist James Hilton's Lost Horizon, Shangri-la then has been associated with the mystique of a place which could not possibly exist here on Earth. 

Visitors are all impressed by the endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes, and the bucolic villages always leave a deep impression on visitors in Shangri-la. 

Besides the Old Town, the Songzanlin Monastery, Meili Snow Mountain and Baishui Tableland (White Water Terraces) are all worth your visiting.