Tibetan Plateau Expedition: Sacred Peaks Photography Journey
A Private Tour Through Sichuan's Most Spectacular Landscapes
Introduction
This exclusive 6-day private tour takes you deep into the heart of Sichuan's Tibetan plateau, where pristine natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage. Designed specifically for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, this journey showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve while providing intimate encounters with Tibetan culture. With private transportation and expert guidance throughout, you'll experience the region's most photogenic locations at the perfect times for capturing stunning images.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu to Kangding - Gateway to the Tibetan Plateau
Route: Chengdu - Yaan - Kangding (270km, approximately 4 hours)
Highlights: - Drive through the impressive Mt. Erlangshan Tunnel - Explore Mugecuo Scenic Area (Kangding Love Song Resort) - Acclimate to the altitude of 2,500 meters
Detailed Schedule: After an early morning pickup from your Chengdu hotel, we begin our westward journey toward Kangding, passing through Ya'an city and traversing China's longest tunnel at Mt. Erlangshan. Upon arrival in Kangding, known as the hometown of love song and capital of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Region, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring Mugecuo Scenic Area. This stunning plateau lake offers exceptional photographic opportunities, with windswept landscapes that inspired its romantic nickname. The day concludes with overnight accommodation in Kangding, allowing you to acclimate to the altitude before our ascent to higher elevations.
Accommodation: Kangding Gesanghua Hotel (4-star) or similar Meals: Lunch
Day 2: Crossing High Mountain Passes to Daocheng
Route: Kangding - Xinduqiao - Litang - Daocheng (420km, approximately 8.5 hours)
Highlights: - Conquer multiple 4,000+ meter mountain passes - Experience Litang, the "world high city" - Immerse in traditional Tibetan nomadic culture
Detailed Schedule: Today's journey takes us across the dramatic high-altitude landscape, conquering several mountains over 4,000 meters including Mt. Gaoersi, Mt. Jianziwan, and Mt. Kazila. We'll stop in Xinduqiao, renowned for its photogenic landscapes, before continuing to Litang - one of the highest towns in the world at approximately 4,000 meters. Here, you'll have time to explore streets filled with traditional Tibetan life and nomadic culture. After a refreshment break, we continue to Daocheng, arriving in the evening to check into our hotel and rest for tomorrow's adventures in Yading.
Accommodation: Snow Area Hot Spring Garden Hotel (4-star) or similar Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3: Entering the Sacred Yading Nature Reserve
Route: Daocheng - Yading (80km, approximately 1.5 hours)
Highlights: - Explore Daocheng-Yading Natural Reserve - Visit ancient Chonggu Temple - Photograph Pearl Lake with Mt. Xiannairi backdrop
Detailed Schedule: After breakfast, we embark on our exploration of the sacred Daocheng-Yading Natural Reserve. Upon arrival, we'll take the scenic shuttle bus to Yading Village for check-in. Our first destination is Chonggu Temple at the foot of the majestic Mt. Xiannairi (6,032m), where the solemn atmosphere, chanting lamas, and burning incense create a profoundly peaceful experience. The surrounding grassland offers beautiful scenery before we continue along the plank road to Pearl Lake - the premier viewpoint for capturing the magnificent Mt. Xiannairi. After photography sessions, we return to Yading Village for overnight stay.
Transport Details: Drive from Daocheng to Yading Natural Reserve - Shuttle bus to Yading Village (3,800m) - Shuttle bus to Zhaguanbeng - Walk to Chonggu Temple (0.5km, 20 minutes) - Walk to Pearl Lake (1.5km, 1.5 hours)
Accommodation: Mofan Themed Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4: Yading's Hidden Lakes and Pastures
Route: Yading exploration and return to Daocheng
Highlights: - Luorong Cattle Ranch surrounded by three holy mountains - Milk Lake (Niunai Lake) hidden in the valleys - Color Sea Scenic Area reflecting the sacred peaks
Detailed Schedule: An early start offers the opportunity to capture sunrise over the sacred mountains. Today we explore Yading's second route, taking the shuttle bus to Zhaguanbeng and walking to Chonggu Temple before transferring via golf cart to Luorong Cattle Ranch. Nestled at 4,180 meters and surrounded by three snow-capped mountains, this pastoral landscape offers exceptional photographic compositions with the Gongga River, traditional wooden houses, and harmonious natural elements.
Optional Activity: Hiking from Chonggu Temple to Luorong Cattle Ranch (6.5km, approximately 1.5 hours)
From the ranch, you can hike or ride horses (additional cost) to the hidden gems of Milk Lake (4,600m) and Color Sea Scenic Area (4,700m). These stunning alpine lakes resemble blue diamonds sparkling in the sunlight, perfectly reflecting the holy mountains. In the late afternoon, we bid farewell to this sacred valley and return to Daocheng for overnight accommodation.
Transport Details: Shuttle bus from Yading Village to Zhaguanbeng - Walk to Chonggu Temple - Golf cart to Luorong Cattle Ranch (or hike 1.5 hours) - Hike to Milk Lake (5km, 3 hours) - Hike to Color Sea (1km, 30 minutes)
Accommodation: Snow Area Hot Spring Garden Hotel (4-star) or similar Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5: Return Journey Through Photography Paradise
Route: Daocheng - Xinduqiao (340km, approximately 6.5 hours)
Highlights: - Scenic drive through ever-changing landscapes - Overnight in Xinduqiao, renowned photography destination
Detailed Schedule: We begin our return journey toward Chengdu with an overnight stop in Xinduqiao, recognized as paradise for photographers. The day is dedicated to travel, allowing you to absorb the magnificent landscapes and reflect on your experiences in the sacred mountains. Upon arrival in Xinduqiao, you'll have time to explore the area known for its exceptional light and dramatic scenery before settling in for the night.
Accommodation: Xinduqiao Gonggazong Manor Hotel (4-star) or similar Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6: Historical Bridge and Return to Chengdu
Route: Xinduqiao - Chengdu (340km, approximately 5.5 hours)
Highlights: - Morning photography session in Xinduqiao grasslands - Visit historic Luding Bridge over Dadu River
Detailed Schedule: Enjoy a final morning capturing the beautiful grassland scenery around Xinduqiao before we check out and begin our return to Chengdu. En route, we'll visit the historic Luding Bridge spanning the Dadu River, famous for its significance in Red Army history during the Long March. We anticipate arrival in Chengdu in the late afternoon, concluding our photographic journey through Sichuan's Tibetan plateau.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Service concludes upon arrival in Chengdu.