Chengdu to Shangrila Overland
A trip from Chengdu to Shangri-La through the Kham region of Tibet is an incredible overland journey, rich in Tibetan culture, stunning landscapes, and high-altitude adventure.
Chengdu to Shangrila Overland
Depart Chengdu via G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway.
Stop at Luding Bridge, an important historical site.
Arrive in Kangding, the gateway to Kham Tibet.
Visit Anjue Monastery and Mugetso Lake (optional).
Altitude: 2,600m
Drive to Tagong Grasslands, a scenic Tibetan plateau.
Visit Tagong Monastery, an important Tibetan Buddhist site.
Stop at Huiyuan Monastery in Bamei.
Arrive in Danba, famous for its Tibetan watchtowers and Jiaju Tibetan Village.
Altitude: 1,800m
Travel through Xinduqiao, known for breathtaking landscapes.
Pass through Litang, one of the world’s highest towns (4,000m).
Explore Yading Nature Reserve, often called the "Shangri-La of Tibet".
Altitude: 3,990m
Visit the Three Holy Mountains: Chenrezig, Jampayang, and Chenadorje.
Stop in Daocheng, known for its hot springs.
Cross into Tibetan Sichuan, entering Batang.
Altitude: 2,700m
Enter Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) via Jinsha River Bridge.
Cross the Nujiang River Gorge into Markham.
Drive through Meili Snow Mountain area to reach Deqin.
Altitude: 3,400m
Visit Feilai Si, a scenic viewpoint of Meili Snow Mountain.
Stop at Dongzhulin Monastery.
Arrive in Shangri-La (Zhongdian), where Tibetan culture blends with Yunnan.
Explore Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.
Altitude: 3,200m
What’s Included?
What’s Included?
- 1️⃣ Transportation
- Private 4WD vehicle with a professional driver
- Fuel, toll fees, and parking fees
- 2️⃣ Accommodation
- Standard hotels or Tibetan guesthouses (based on itinerary)
- Some packages offer boutique lodges or monasteries for an authentic experience
- 3️⃣ Meals (Varies by package)
- Some tours provide daily breakfast
- Lunch & dinner may be included in remote areas
- 4️⃣ Entrance Fees
- National parks and scenic areas (e.g., Yading Nature Reserve, Meili Snow Mountain)
- Monastery entrance tickets (e.g., Tagong Monastery, Songzanlin Monastery)
- 5️⃣ Guide Services
- English-speaking Tibetan guide for cultural insights and navigation
- Some tours provide a local Kham Tibetan guide
- 6️⃣ Permits & Travel Assistance
- No permit needed for Kham (Sichuan-Tibet)
- If extending into Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), a Tibet Travel Permit is included
- 7️⃣ Basic First Aid Kit & Oxygen (for high-altitude areas)
❌ What’s Excluded?
- 1️⃣ International & Domestic Flights
- Flights to/from Chengdu or Shangri-La
- 2️⃣ Meals (Unless Specified)
- Lunch & dinner are usually not included to allow flexibility
- Food costs ~$5–$15 per meal, depending on location
- 3️⃣ Personal Expenses
- Shopping, drinks, snacks, and laundry
- 4️⃣ Travel Insurance
- Highly recommended for high-altitude and adventure travel
- 5️⃣ Tips for Guide & Driver
- Not mandatory, but $5–$10/day per person is appreciated
- 6️⃣ Additional Activities
- Horse riding in Tagong Grassland
- Tibetan cultural performances
Tibetan Overland Trip from Chengdu to Shangrila
