11 days · Sichuan
An 11-day high-altitude journey into the heart of Kangba Tibetan culture, featuring the vibrant Litang Horse Racing Festival, sacred snow mountain, alpine lakes, and the "last pure land" of Daocheng Yading.
Duration
11 days
Region
Chengdu, Kangding, Bamei, Litang, Daocheng Yading, Shangri-La Town, Yajiang
Group Type
Private or small group
Best Time
Late July to early August (during Litang Horse Racing Festival)
Price
On Request
Overview
This expedition takes you deep into the Sichuan Tibetan Plateau to experience the legendary Litang Horse Racing Festival—one of the most celebrated events in the Tibetan world. Beyond the carnival atmosphere, you will explore ancient monasteries, traverse otherworldy landscapes like Moshi Park and Haizishan's glacial relics, and hike through the pristine valleys of Daocheng Yading.
Highlights
Witness the thrilling Litang Horse Racing Festival on the vast Maoya Grassland—an explosion of color, courage, and Kangba Tibetan culture featuring fearless riders, elaborate costumes, and traditional Tibetan opera.
Explore the sacred "last pure land" of Daocheng Yading, hiking beneath the Three Holy Mountains (Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji) to crystal-clear alpine lakes like Milky Lake and Five-colored Lake.
Traverse the otherworldly landscapes of Moshi Park's black stone forest and the ancient glacial relics of Haizishan, home to thousands of sacred high-altitude lakes and diverse birdlife.
From the Journey
Day 1
Arrive in Chengdu, settle into your hotel, and begin with a gentle introduction to Sichuan before the route moves deeper into reserve country. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city walk and an easy first meal together to sync with your guide.
Day 2
Visit Chengdu Panda Base to observe giant pandas at their most active time and search for adorable red pandas in the bamboo forests. In the afternoon, travel to Kangding, the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau, and experience the unique atmosphere of the Kangba Tibetan region.
Day 3
Explore Mugecuo Lake, alpine meadows, and colorful mountain landscapes before heading to Tagong Grassland beneath the sacred Yala Snow Mountain. Discover the unique black stone formations of Moshi Park and visit the historic Huiyuan Monastery in Bamei.
Day 4
Visit traditional Daofu Tibetan houses and admire their unique wooden architecture and artwork. Continue to Litang, one of the highest towns in the Tibetan region, and visit the historic Litang Monastery, the birthplace of the famous horse racing tradition.
Day 5-6
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Litang Horse Racing Festival on Maoya Grassland. Watch thrilling horse races, admire traditional Tibetan costumes, explore local markets, and experience authentic Kangba Tibetan culture.
Day 7
Travel south towards Shangri-La Town and explore the spectacular Haizishan ancient glacial landscape. Visit the impressive Daocheng White Stupa before arriving at the gateway of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve.
Day 8
Explore Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, known as the “last pure land on Earth.” Admire sacred snow mountains, alpine lakes, and breathtaking landscapes while enjoying a high-altitude hiking experience.
Day 9
Travel back through the Tibetan Plateau along National Highway 318, one of China’s most scenic routes. Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery, traditional Tibetan villages, and changing landscapes along the way.
Day 10
Drive back to Chengdu from Yajiang, passing through spectacular plateau landscapes and mountain valleys. Celebrate the journey with an authentic Sichuan dinner in Chengdu.
Day 11
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a short transfer to the nearby airport for your departure flight.
This journey involves high-altitude travel with overnight stays at elevations between 2,500m and 4,014m. Most days include moderate walking on uneven trails, reserve roads, and occasional elevation gains. We build in rest, slow observation, and realistic transfer times to ensure a steady—not rushed—pace. Day 8 at Daocheng Yading includes optional uphill hiking to lakes at 4,500m and 4,700m, which requires good physical fitness.
Altitude sickness can affect travelers above 3,000m. We recommend arriving a day early in Chengdu to acclimatize. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and pacing yourself are key to a comfortable experience.
A few practical questions travelers ask before sending an inquiry.
Plan Your Journey
Perfect for culture enthusiasts and high-altitude adventurers seeking an authentic immersion into Tibet's most vibrant festival and sacred landscapes.
