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Written by Zao 2025-06-11 15:19:49
Western Sichuan Loop in 5 Days: Tibet’s Edge Without the Permits
Experience prayer flags snapping in Himalayan winds, turquoise glacial lakes, and nomadic horsemen – all within 5 hours from Chengdu. This Western Sichuan loop packs glaciers, grasslands, and Tibetan monasteries into one compact adventure, no Tibet permit required.
✦ Why This Itinerary Works
Zero Permit Hassles (Unlike Tibet)
Gentle Altitude Gain (Chengdu 500m → Max 3,780m)
Photography-Focused Stops (Xinduqiao = "Paradise for Photographers")
Day 1
Chengdu → Kangding (4hrs)
Drive through Erlang Tunnel (13.4km engineering marvel)
Taste Kangding Love Song yak meat dumplings
Sleep in Kangding (2,560m) → Acclimatization base
Day 2
Kangding → Xinduqiao (2hrs)
Sunrise at Zheduo Pass (4,298m - quick photo stop)
Xinduqiao grasslands: Shoot Tibetan villages + Mt. Gongga
Stay at Tibetan guesthouse (3,300m)
Day 3
Xinduqiao → Tagong (1.5hrs)
Tagong Monastery: Gold-roofed temple with sky burials*
Ride yaks on Tagong Grassland (¥50/30 mins)
Muya Golden Pagoda sunset reflection shots
Overnight in Tagong (3,730m)
Day 4
Tagong → Mugecuo → Hailuogou (4hrs)
Mugecuo Lake: Emerald waters + hot springs (entrance ¥120)
Drive through Yajiageng Rainbow Road
Arrive at Hailuogou Glacier Park entrance
Day 5
Hailuogou → Chengdu (5hrs)
Glacier cable car to Ice Tongue (3,550m)
Walk 600m to glacier edge (rent spikes ¥20)
Return to Chengdu via Ya’an Highway
*Sky burial viewing requires guide permission – observe silently if witnessed.
