The Lost Tibet: China’s Hidden Highlands




Itinerary
Ready for an adventure into one of China's most spectacular and least explored regions? This road trip takes us deep into the Tibetan Autonomous regions of western Sichuan, where snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands and ancient monasteries create landscapes and cultures that feel worlds away from the China most travellers imagine.
Our journey begins in Chengdu, a vibrant gateway to western China, famous for it's fantastic cuisine. We'll explore its buzzing historic alleys, such as Jinli Ancient Street -before leaving the city behind and heading towards the mountains.
One of our first unforgettable experiences will be visiting Wolong Panda Base, perhaps the only place in the world to see Pandas in their true natural mountain environment.
From here, the adventure unfolds across some of China's most dramatic Himalayan landscapes. We'll hike through the breathtaking valleys of Siguniang National Park, explore traditional Tibetan villages dotted with mysterious stone watchtowers, and cross sweeping high-altitude grasslands beneath sacred Himalayan peaks.
Along the way we'll visit Tagong Monastery, ride cable cars to incredible viewpoints above the Haliuogou Glacier, and unwind in natural mountain hot springs after days of adventure. We'll also stand before the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a cliff over a thousand years ago.
The regions we visit form part of a Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, meaning we can experience Tibetan people and culture without the travel restrictions normally required to enter Tibet itself.
Epic road-trip scenery, deep culture - and a side of China few travellers ever see. Come for the ride!


Welcome to Sichuan!
1 night: Chengdu
Check-in: Our adventure begins in Chengdu!
Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!
Check in at the hotel in Chengdu and meet the rest of your group! We're in the capital of Sichuan province, a vibrant city famous across China for its inrcredible food scene and lively historic streets.
In the evening, we'll head out for our first meal together, and what better way to start than with Sichuan hot pot, Chengdu's most iconic culinary experience. Around a bubbling pot of spicy broth, we'll cook fresh vegetables, meats, noddles and tofu right at the table while getting to know each other.
For those feeling brave, we can even raise a toast with a small glass of baiju,, China's famous (and very strong!) local spirit.
A great start. Tomorrow we head towards the mountains.

Wolong: Meet the Giant Pandas & head into the Himalayas
1 night: Changpingcun
Journey into the mountains via Wolong panda reserve
The mountains call as we leave the city behind and head west into the wild landscapes of Sichuan.
Our first stop is the Wolong National Nature Reserve, one of the world’s most important sanctuaries for giant pandas. Far quieter than the busy centres in Chengdu, this peaceful setting gives us a rare chance to observe these iconic animals in a more natural environment... climbing, lounging and munching on bamboo among the forested hills.
But the adventure continues.
As we leave Wolong behind, the road begins to climb into the foothills of the Tibetan Plateau. Valleys deepen, peaks rise higher, and the air grows cooler as we approach the dramatic alpine landscapes of Mount Siguniang National Park.
By afternoon, we arrive surrounded by jagged summits and vast mountain scenery — our gateway to western China’s wild highlands.

Hiking the Himalayas
1 night: Changpingcun
Siguniangshan: Adventure in the mountains
Today is all about mountain adventure.
We wake at an elevation around 3000m surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Mount Siguniang National Park, often called the “Eastern Alps of China.” Towering peaks, rushing rivers and pine forests create a spectacular playground for a day on the trail.
You can choose your own adventure. Shuangqiao Valley offers breathtaking alpine scenery at a steady, accessible pace, with wide views of glaciers and mountain meadows and, depending on the season, the option of rafting along the valley river. For those seeking a bigger challenge, Changping Valley provides a longer, more demanding hike deeper into the mountains.
Whichever path you take, the reward is the same: standing beneath the mighty Siguniang peaks, surrounded by landscapes few travellers ever see.

Into Tibetan Sichuan: Watchtowers & Hidden Villages
1 night: Danba
From Siguniangshan to Danba villages
Today we journey deeper into western Sichuan, entering a landscape shaped by Tibetan culture and dramatic mountain valleys.
Our destination is Danba County, famous for its mysterious stone watchtowers that rise above farms and villages like sentinels from another era. Scattered across the valley, some of these towers are believed to be centuries old, standing as quiet witnesses to the region’s long and fascinating history. We'll have the opportunity to climb one of these towers.
Along the way we explore traditional Gyarong Tibetan villages, where daily life still moves at a slower pace and local crafts and customs remain strong.
As evening approaches we head to Zhonglu Tibetan Village, where golden light spills across terraced fields, rooftops and ancient towers, one of the most beautiful hidden corners of China.

Road trip: Sacred Mountains & Tibetan Grasslands
1 night: Tagong
From Danba to Tagong
Today is pure road trip magic as we travel deeper across the highlands of western Sichuan.
Our journey brings the first breathtaking views of Yala Snow Mountain, a sacred peak rising dramatically above the surrounding valleys. We pause to take in the scenery before continuing to the peaceful Huiyuan Temple, a serene monastery surrounded by quiet countryside.
The landscape shifts again as we explore the otherworldly rock formations of Moshi Park Scenic Area, a surreal field of dark stone pillars sculpted by time and wind.
By mid afternoon we arrive in Tagong, a Tibetan town with another famous monastery, set among sweeping grasslands and distant snow capped peaks, where culture, spirituality and vast open landscapes meet.

Nomadic culture and Tibetan life
1 night: Kangding
Live like a Tibetan
Today we step into the traditions of the Tibetan people On the open grasslands near Tagong, we spend time with local a local Khampa family, experiencing a glimpse of life shaped by the seasons and the vast highland landscape. You'll enjoy making lunch with the family and the subsequent feast! Depending on conditions, you may even have the chance to ride horses across the grasslands, the best way to feel the freedom of this wide open world.
Later we continue our journey to Kangding. The drive is spectacular, crossing sweeping plains where prayer flags flutter in the wind and herds of yaks graze beneath distant snow capped peaks.
As we descend into the valley, mountains close in around the river and Kangding appears, a lively frontier town where Tibetan and Han cultures meet.

Glaciers, Ancient Towns + Hot Springs
1 night: Moxi Ancient Town
Glaciers, Hot Springs & Ancient Towns
We journey to Hailuogou Glacier Park, where one of the world’s lowest altitude glaciers flows through dense forest and rugged mountains.
To reach the higher viewpoints, we take a scenic cable car, rising above the treetops into dramatic alpine terrain. From here, panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding peaks stretch as far as the eye can see. We could even hike towards the glaciers tongue.
In the afternoon, we soak in natural mountain hot springs, the perfect way to unwind after days of exploring the highlands. We'll also be enjoying what Moxi ancient town has to offer!

Giants of Ancient China
1 night: Chengdu
Leshan Giant Buddha
We leave the mountains behind this morning, enjoying a scenic drive as we descend through the countryside towards Leshan. Our destination is the extraordinary Leshan Giant Buddha, carved directly into a cliff face more than a thousand years ago. Standing an incredible 71 metres tall at the meeting point of three rivers, this awe-inspiring statue is the largest stone Buddha in the world and one of China’s most remarkable religious monuments. We'll view the Buddha from an included boat trip but walking beside the Buddha is also an option.
After taking time to appreciate the scale and artistry of this UNESCO-listed site, we continue back to Chengdu to celebrate the end of our epic road trip. An evening of food, drinks, and fun awaits in this vibrant and bustling city.

Chengdu: Teahouses, Alleys & Street Life
1 night: Chengdu
Life as a local
Today we slow down to explore Chengdu at a gentle pace. Enjoy traditional teahouse culture in People’s Park, wander the historic streets of Kuanzhai Alley, and browse markets and Tibetan shops in Jinli Ancient Street.
In the evening, we could explore street food stalls, night markets of enjoy hot pot one more time for a last group meal together!

Goodbye Sichuan!
Check-out and goodbye!
Check-out and goodbye!
It has been a real pleasure to travel with you. Flights are not included in the package so you have the flexibility to return home when suits you!
Thanks for booking with us. Until your next WeRoad adventure!
What's included
- Private transfers with local driver from day 2 - day 8
- Wolong Panda Base Entrance Fee
- Comfortable accommodation provided throughout the trip
- Cable car through Hailuogou Glacier Park and entrance fee
- Magnificent Leshan Buddha by Boat + Entrance Fee
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.
Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Rafting in Shuangqiao - approx. USD18
Horse riding in Tagong - approx. USD49
Hot Springs - approx. USD43
Additional info
- Sharing in twin bed accommodation as standard. Private bathroom and breakfast included.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.




















