5-Day Sichuan West: Snow peaks, forests, grasslands, lakes, temples & hot springs. Discover Tibetan culture & wildlife in nature's paradise.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Xinduqiao

Morning Departure

• Assemble in Chengdu (exact time notified later). Depart via Ya’an-Kangding Highway, passing through Ya’an, Tianquan, and Luding.

• Cross Mount Erlang (3,432m) and traverse the Dadu River Valley.

Key Stops:

1. Honghaizi Lake (3,800m): Alpine lake on the new Mugecuo-Tagong tourist loop.

2. Kangding Airport Road: Viral plateau route with Himalayan vistas.

3. Gedilam Sky City (4,200m): 360° viewing platform with prayer flags and panoramic plateau views.

Evening Return

• Check into Xinduqiao hotel.

• Optional add-on: Self-paid shuttle to Yuzixi Sunset Platform (4,300m).

Highlights:
✓ Cross three altitude zones (500m → 4,200m)
✓ Photograph Tibetan Plateau’s "Sky Roads"
✓ Flexible sunset viewing options

Travel Notes:

• Altitude alert: Carry oxygen cans and layered clothing.

• Road conditions: Paved highways with mountain switchbacks.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Ranrikha Village Homestay

Morning Highlights

• Depart Xinduqiao early, crossing Gaoersi Mountain Pass (4,412m).

• Weather permitting: Marvel at Mount Gongga (7,556m), Sichuan's highest peak, from the summit.

  Key Attractions

1. Genie's Eye (4,200m):

   • A crystal-clear alpine lake nestled in the Genie Sacred Peaks valley, resembling "a teardrop on Earth's surface".

   • Photograph mirror-like reflections of the Genie Three Sacred Peaks (6,204m).

2. Ranrikha Village:

   • Hometown of Ding Zhen (Internet Celebrity), offering authentic Tibetan pastoral life.

   • Explore yak herding traditions and stone-and-wood architecture.

3. Wild Hot Springs:

   • Natural geothermal pools hidden in valleys (temperature: 38–42°C).

     Evening

• Check into a rustic village homestay in Ranrikha.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Batang

Morning Highlights

• Depart Ranrikha Village after breakfast and traverse the Genie South Line, a rugged mountain route offering Sichuan West's most dramatic landscapes.

  Key Attractions

1. New Lenggu Monastery (4,600m):

   • Nestled beneath the perennially snow-crowned Genie Sacred Peak (6,204m), this monastery merges with its glacial backdrop to create an aura of sacred serenity.

   • Witness prayer halls framed by Himalayan giants and ancient Buddhist relics.

2. Genie South Line Adventure:

   • Navigate winding gravel roads flanked by untouched meadows and cobalt lakes.

   • Spot wild yaks and blue sheep (4WD vehicles required).

     Evening

• Arrive in Batang (2,580m), a historic Tea-Horse Road hub, and check into your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Yajiang/Xinduqiao

Morning Journey

• Depart Batang after breakfast for Cuopugou Valley, a remote paradise straddling Batang and Litang counties. This hidden gem spans from Maoya Grassland to Mount Zhajinjiabo (5,820m), framed by alpine meadows and sacred peaks.

Key Attractions

1. Haizi Mountain (Avg. 4,500m | Peak: 5,020m):

   • Traverse a geological wonderland with 1,145 glacial lakes scattered across volcanic boulder fields.

   • Photograph the viral Sisters Lakes – twin turquoise pools reflecting snow-crowned summits.

2. Cuopugou Valley:

   • Hike through unspoiled valleys inhabited by blue sheep and snow leopards (rare sightings).

   • Visit nomadic camps to experience Tibetan herding traditions.

Evening Arrival

• Drive to Yajiang (2,600m) or Xinduqiao (3,300m) for hotel check-in.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Self-arranged

Morning Departure

• After breakfast, begin the return journey to Chengdu.

• Route Highlight: Pass through Zheduo Mountain Pass (4,298m) for a farewell photo stop.

  • Contingency Plan: If blocked by traffic/heavy snow, reroute via National Highway 434, omitting the mountain pass visit.

    Key Details

• Driving Distance: 330km (6–7 hours)

• Altitude Transition: 3,300m → 500m (gradual descent eases altitude adjustment)

• Road Conditions: Paved highways with potential winter closures

  Journey Conclusion

• Arrive in Chengdu by late afternoon.

• Group Disbandment: Final farewell at Chengdu drop-off point.

  • Closing Words: "Though all journeys must end, the memories of sacred peaks and shared laughter remain. Tashi Delek – may your path ahead be blessed!"