Festivals & Cultural Tour in Tibet and Sichuan

Welcome to China! You will be picked up from the airport or railway station, depending on how you arrive in Chengdu. Head to your hotel to settle in, and if you have time, take a stroll around the area to get acquainted with the city.

This morning, the group heads to the UNESCO-protected Wolong Nature Reserve, an enormous area that encompasses ancient forests and bamboo groves. It’s home to many species including the iconic panda. Continue into the mountains by car until reaching Siguniangshan Town, a town surrounded by several 5000-metre peaks. After some light hiking in the beautifully scenic Shuangqiao Valley, settle in for a good night’s rest.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Siguniangshan Town (2,100 m / 6,890’)

Wake up in the morning and look out the window just in time for the sunrise. You’ll see epic shades of pink and orange across the range, and get a panoramic view of Siguniang Mountain. After breakfast, hop in for a transfer through winding mountain roads to Wori Tusi Manor and make a stop in Jiaju Tibetan Village. Note the traditional architectural style of the houses decorated red, white, and black. Continue to Zhonglu and enjoy a picturesque sunset that shrouds the village in the glow of the setting sun.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Zhonglu (2,100 m / 6,889’)

First thing in the morning, you will walk through the historic village of Suopo, which is well known for its countless ancient clay block towers. You will also drive through the Yak Valley to Bamei, enjoying stunning views of Yala Mountain along the way. Later you will visit Huiyuan Temple, before driving on to Daofu.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Daofu (3,245 m / 10,646’)

Today you’ll experience the pulsing centre for Tibetans in the West Sichuan area by visiting two significant monasteries in the area. First up is the Garze Monastery, which was built by the Qosot Mongols in 1662. Here you will see monks who live in the monastery and will have a unique opportunity to witness their practices. Later, you’ll visit the Han-Chinese Monastery, which symbolizes the connection between the Tibetan people and the Chinese established in this area in the 13th century. Stay the night at a hotel in Ganzi.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Ganzi (3,400 m / 11,154’)

Once you finish breakfast, you’ll be heading into higher altitudes to spot some gorgeous scenery and visit another mountain monastery. This monastery, founded in 1642 and built on a hillside, will set the tone for a spiritual day of visiting attractions. After the monastery, drive to a breathtaking vivid blue alpine lake, Yihun Lhatso, at the base of Chola Mountain. The lake sits at 4040 m / 13,255 ft, with wild native species of trees dotting its perimeter—keep your eyes peeled for white-lipped deer sauntering by for a drink. Spend a bit of time strolling around the lake, taking pictures, and soaking in the magical scenery before getting back in the car to continue to Dege. Once there, take some time to visit the Printing House, a cultural icon in the area, and one of the most prominent buildings in the town centre.

Today you will make your way to Maisu village along the Jinshajiang River, where you will visit the Dzongsar Monastery and the surrounding family workshops. Here, you will learn about copper casting, wood carving, black pottery, and color painting. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious dinner made with local ingredients from the surrounding mountains.

Early in the morning you will make your way to the Katok Monastery to witness the Dance Festival, where the monks dance with traditional Buddhist masks, chanting to expel evil spirits. They will unveil the Thangka, a painting of a deity upon cotton or silk when the sun is at its peak at noon. After, you will drive to your accommodations in Baiyu. If there is enough time left in the day you will visit a traditional Tibetan knife workshop.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Baiyu (3,006 m / 9,862’)

Today will begin with a visit to the Pelyul Monastery, which historically had a great influence on the surrounding area. Afterwards, you will make the scenic drive along the Ganbai Road, which passes by Lalongcuo National Wetland Park and is often referred to as “the most beautiful self-driving county road”.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Daofu (3,245 m / 10,646’)

In the morning you will drive to Moshi Park near Bamei to visit the interesting stone forest, before continuing on to Tagong. Here you will spend the day experiencing various spiritual activities of praying and dancing at the festival in the Lhagang Monastery. Once you have experienced the festivities, take some time to explore the area surrounding the Muya Golden Pagoda and take in the views of Zhara Lhatse.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Tagong (3,700 m / 12,139’)

Today enjoy various religious praying activities and mask dances at festival. In the afternoon drive to Litang which is known as "world highland city" with an altitude of 4014 m above sea level.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Litang (4,014 m / 13,169’)

Wake up with extra enthusiasm because this morning, you will experience a traditional horse racing festival! In addition to the races, this event also features other cultural activities such as horsemanship, singing, dancing, and a costume show. Don’t forget to take pictures! If there is time left over at the festival, make sure to check out the Litang Monastery and Renkang old House.

Today is another exciting day to experience all that the horse racing festival in Litang has to offer. There is plenty to see and do, as the festival is spread over the course of 7 days. From Litang, you will hop into the vehicle for the drive to Xinduqiao.

The last day of your adventure will see you travel back to Chengdu via Kangding, which is the capital of the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Along the way you will stop at several scenic viewpoints, including Zheduo Pass, Gongga Mountain, and Luding Chain Bridge. Spend the night back at your hotel in Chengdu.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Chengdu

Head back to the airport for your flight after the breakfast.