Chengdu to Xining Tibetan Plateau Adventure

This immersive overland journey travels from Chengdu deep into the cultural heartlands of Kham and Amdo Tibet, combining spectacular mountain scenery, sacred monasteries, nomadic grasslands, Tibetan villages, and authentic cultural encounters. Ideal for adventurous travelers, photographers, and those seeking meaningful experiences beyond mainstream tourism, this expedition showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western China.

Trip Details

Trip Duration: 16 days
Group Size: 2-8
Trip Type: Cultural Trips
Trip Location: Amdo Tibet, Kham Tibet

Trip Details

Trip Duration: 16 days
Group Size: 2-8
Trip Type: Cultural Trips
Trip Location: Amdo Tibet, Kham Tibet

Travel through the dramatic Four Sisters Mountains, the Tibetan watchtower villages of Danba, the rolling Zoige Grasslands, and the spiritual centers of Langmusi, Labrang, and Rebkong while enjoying boutique stays, alpine hiking, and unforgettable overland drives across the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

Trip Gallery

Day 1

Arrival in Chengdu

Arrive in Chengdu and explore historic People’s Park, Wide and Narrow Alleys, or Wenshu Monastery. Overnight in Chengdu. (500m)

Day 2

Chengdu to Ya’an

Drive to Ya’an and visit the giant pandas at Bifengxia Panda Base. Enjoy a scenic gorge hike and explore Shangli Ancient Town. Overnight in Ya’an. (1,200m)

Day 3

Ya’an to Danba

Journey through dramatic valleys and mountain passes into Kham Tibet. Arrive in Danba and stay in the beautiful Tibetan village of Zhonglu. Overnight in Danba. (2,400m)

Day 4

Exploring Danba

Explore Zhonglu, Suopo, and Jiaju villages with their ancient Tibetan watchtowers and traditional homes. Overnight in Danba. (2,400m)

Day 5

Danba to Siguniangshan

Drive to Siguniangshan and explore the spectacular Shuangqiao Valley with optional hiking. Overnight in Siguniangshan. (3,200m–3,840m)

Day 6

Changping Valley Hiking

Spend the day hiking or horseback riding through alpine meadows, forests, and Tibetan landscapes in Changping Valley. Overnight in Siguniangshan.

Day 7

Siguniangshan to Hongyuan

Travel through mountain scenery and Tibetan grasslands toward Hongyuan. Overnight in Hongyuan. (3,500m)

Day 8

Hongyuan to Langmusi

Visit the Wache Pagoda and First Bend of the Yellow River before continuing to Langmusi. Overnight in Langmusi. (3,300m)

Day 9

Exploring Langmusi

Visit Tibetan monasteries and hike through Taktsang Lhamo Gorge. Overnight in Langmusi.

Day 10

Langmusi to Hezuo

Drive across grasslands and wetlands to Hezuo. Visit Milarepa Temple and Tibetan monasteries. Overnight in Hezuo.

Day 11

Hezuo to Xiahe

Take a scenic boat ride to Bingling Temple Grottoes before continuing to Xiahe. Overnight in Xiahe.

Day 12

Exploring Labrang

Explore Labrang Monastery and walk the famous monastery kora. Overnight in Xiahe.

Day 13

Xiahe to Rebkong

Travel through Ganjia Grasslands and sacred Tibetan landscapes to Rebkong. Overnight in Rebkong.

Day 14

Exploring Rebkong

Visit Rongwo Monastery, Tibetan art schools, and traditional thangka workshops. Overnight in Rebkong.

Day 15

Rebkong to Xining

Visit Kumbum Monastery and the Tibetan Cultural Museum in Xining. Overnight in Xining.

Day 16

Departure Day

Transfer to the airport or train station for departure.

Price Includes

Your Tibetan Trails journey is designed to provide a seamless and authentic travel experience across the Tibetan Plateau. The tour price includes:

Accommodation in carefully selected Tibetan boutique hotels, guesthouses, or luxury lodges throughout the itinerary.
For trekking and backpacking expeditions, all camping arrangements including tents, cooking equipment, pack animals (horses or yaks where required), and support staff. Guests are welcome to bring their own sleeping bag and sleeping pad, though these can also be provided upon request.
Cultural experiences and nomadic activities as outlined in the itinerary.
All meals during the tour, typically beginning with lunch or dinner on the first day and continuing through the conclusion of the trip. (Many other travel agencies cut out lunch and dinner for guests to make the prices seem lower, but we believe every traveler should experience the true culinary richness of Tibet and include a generous food budget inside our tours).
One professional English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout the journey. Our guides have over 15 years of experience with foreigners.
Private transportation in a comfortable van, SUV, or bus, including all ground transportation specified in the itinerary.
All entrance fees and permits for attractions, monasteries, parks, and sites included in the itinerary.
Accommodation and meals for guides, drivers, and support staff.
Local mountain guides where required for specific trekking routes.
All required travel permits, legal paperwork, and group insurance required for travel within Tibetan regions.
Unlimited bottled drinking water throughout the tour.

Price Excludes

The following items are not included in the tour price:

International or domestic flights and train tickets.
Personal travel insurance. We require all travelers to obtain their own travel insurance for the duration of their trip. We recommend purchasing coverage through World Nomads or a comparable provider.
Visa fees, passport fees, and any related travel documentation costs.
Optional activities or excursions not specifically listed in the itinerary.
Alcoholic beverages, specialty drinks, and personal snacks.
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and support staff (recommended for excellent service).
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone charges.
Costs resulting from itinerary changes, flight delays, weather conditions, altitude-related issues, government restrictions, natural disasters, or other force majeure events beyond our control.

Trip Highlights

Siguniangshan (Four Sisters Mountains)
Danba Tibetan villages and watchtowers
Langmusi and Labrang Monastery
Zoige Grasslands and Yellow River
Tibetan art and thangka culture in Rebkong
Authentic overland Tibetan Plateau travel