Chengdu to Lhasa overland, with a Yading visit before the G318 crossing.
THE ROAD AT A GLANCE
The Sichuan–Tibet scenic corridor.
G318 crosses a remarkable range of landscapes between Chengdu and Lhasa: river valleys, high mountain passes, grasslands, glaciers and eastern Tibet’s forests and lakes. This full corridor map shows the original road bends and relative positions of towns, passes, airports and nearby landmarks. It is not a map of this particular journey.
Select the map to explore it in detail. Distances, estimated driving times and elevations follow the source map and are approximate; current roads and tunnel routes may differ. Nearby sights and side roads are not necessarily part of this sample journey.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Tibet travel documents
International visitors should arrange travel documents before booking transport into Tibet. Requirements depend on nationality, entry status, route and travel dates.
Passport and China entry status. Have a valid passport and the Chinese visa or visa-free entry eligibility that applies to you. Share copies only through the appointed travel operator's secure process.
Tibet Travel Permit. Foreign tourists need Tibet-specific travel approval. A qualified local travel operator will check your itinerary, travel dates, arrival and departure points and arrange the approved services. Travelers using a Taiwan compatriot travel permit should ask the operator about their separate document process.
Extra permissions for some routes. Everest, border areas and other restricted places may require additional travel or border permissions. The operator must confirm what applies to your exact route before accepting a booking.
Plan ahead. Do not book non-refundable travel until the operator has confirmed entry, permits, route access and timing. Carry the approved documents and follow the approved itinerary.
Yading · Pearl LakeA small alpine lake in the Yading scenic area.
Overnight · Shangri-La Town, Yading
Retrace the road through Litang, then continue via Batang to Markam.
LitangA highland town amid the grasslands of western Sichuan.
MarkamAn eastern Tibet stop on the Sichuan–Tibet road.
Overnight · Markam
Cross the mountain-road corridor via Zuogong and the Nujiang bends to Basu.
MarkamAn eastern Tibet stop on the Sichuan–Tibet road.
Overnight · Basu
Visit Ranwu Lake and Midui Glacier on the way to Bomi.
Ranwu LakeA mountain lake on the road to Bomi.
Midui GlacierGlacier and forest scenery near Bomi.
Overnight · Bomi
Drive through the Lulang area towards Nyingchi.
Lulang ForestWooded slopes and mountain views in eastern Tibet.
Overnight · Nyingchi
Visit Basum Tso and continue to Lhasa.
Basum TsoA forest-framed lake in eastern Tibet.
Overnight · Lhasa
Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, subject to reservations and local guidance.
Potala PalaceLhasa's palace complex overlooking the old city.
Jokhang TempleA sacred temple at the heart of old Lhasa.
BarkhorThe walking streets around Jokhang Temple, with shops and pilgrim routes.
Overnight · Lhasa
Transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey. Plan the departure time with your guide.
Onward travel
Chengdu Panda Base
Kangding
Xinduqiao
Litang
Yading · Luorong Pasture
Yading · Pearl Lake
Litang
Markam
Markam
Ranwu Lake
Midui Glacier
Lulang Forest
Basum Tso
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Barkhor
Potala Palace
This cross-region mountain journey includes long drives and high-altitude stops. Road, weather and travel-document requirements will be confirmed for your dates before booking.
Our tailor-made arrangements typically include hotels, entrance tickets, vehicles, guides, meals and flights. International flights to and from China can be included according to your needs, alongside any domestic flights in your agreed route.
Your pace & priorities
Tell us which places matter most, how much walking you enjoy and whether you would prefer more time in fewer places.
Stays & getting around
Share your hotel preferences, departure airport and flight plans. Let us know if you would like us to include international flights or if you prefer to arrange them yourself.
A clear scope
Your proposal identifies the hotels, meals, tickets, guiding and transport included, plus any exclusions. Review payment, cancellation and change terms before confirming.
Booking payments. After you approve the written proposal, the initial payment is normally 30% of the land services price. Flights and other arrangements requiring advance payment are listed separately. Every payment is credited to the agreed total. The remaining balance is normally due 30 days before departure; for a later booking, the proposal states the applicable schedule before you confirm.
The final price and exact inclusions depend on your customised requirements and written quotation. Services and personal expenses not listed in that quotation are not included.
Yes. Tell us your dates, interests, preferred pace and hotel preferences so we can discuss changes to this starting point.
What determines the final price?
Travel dates, group size, accommodation, transport and the experiences you choose shape the quote. Your written proposal sets out the exact services and total price.
How do we start planning?
Use the journey inquiry link to send us your ideas. Review the proposed itinerary, inclusions and booking terms before confirming your arrangements.