Overview
Drive China's legendary G318 from Chengdu to Lhasa on a private chauffeured-convoy adventure across 2,142 km of high passes, prayer-flag summits and the Tibetan plateau.
About This Tour
The Sichuan-Tibet Highway G318 is the most celebrated road trip in China, dubbed 'the great landscape avenue' and the country's number-one overland route to Lhasa. Over 2,142 km from steamy Chengdu to the holy city of Tibet, you climb from green Sichuan basins onto a roof-of-the-world plateau, crossing more than a dozen passes above 4,000 m and several topping 5,000 m. Expect snow peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, deep gorges and ancient Tibetan monasteries lining the way. Because foreign visitors cannot legally drive themselves in China, and Tibet additionally requires a permit and an accompanying guide, this trip runs as a chauffeured / guided self-drive convoy: you ride in your own private 4WD with a professional driver-guide, traveling in a small escorted group with full plateau support, oxygen and a lead car. It suits adventurous, reasonably fit travelers who want raw Himalayan scenery and living Tibetan culture rather than comfort alone. Best driven May-June and September-October, avoiding deep winter snow and the July-August rain-and-landslide window. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and border-area regulations. Good to know: • Best season: May-June and September-October; avoid July-August rains/landslides and deep winter • Permits: Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory and arranged for you; a licensed guide must accompany the group at all times; passport details required well in advance • This is a chauffeured / guided self-drive convoy - foreign guests cannot legally self-drive in China and Tibet, so a professional driver-guide is always at the wheel • Altitude: route crosses many passes 4,000-5,130 m (Mila La); plateau lodging often 3,500-4,500 m - acclimatize, hydrate, oxygen on board • Fitness level: moderate-good health required; not advised for those with heart, lung or severe blood-pressure conditions • Private tour, priced per person; bring layers, sun protection and a valid passport
Itinerary
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Day 1: Chengdu｜Convoy briefing & arrival
Arrive in Chengdu (500 m), the laid-back capital of Sichuan famous for pandas, teahouses and fiery hotpot. Your driver-guide meets you for a full convoy briefing: vehicle handover, permit and passport check, safety, altitude and oxygen orientation, and the plan for the days ahead. There is time to explore People's Park, the Wenshu Monastery lanes or the Jinli old street, and to stock up on snacks, layers and any last gear before leaving the lowlands. Tonight you sleep in a comfortable 4-star city hotel, the last full-service night before the plateau. Distance driven today is minimal; the focus is rest, acclimatization prep and team introductions. Meals: Dinner included as a welcome group meal.
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Day 2: Chengdu to Kangding｜Onto the plateau edge
Roughly 320 km and 6-7 hours of driving today as the convoy joins G318 westward. Leaving the Chengdu plain you wind up through Ya'an and the dramatic Erlang Shan tunnel, then drop toward the Dadu River before climbing to Kangding (2,560 m), historic gateway between Han China and Tibet. The road is paved and busy at first, then mountainous with sweeping valley views. Kangding sits in a tight river gorge ringed by peaks; you'll feel the first thinner air. Settle into a comfortable hotel, take a gentle evening stroll along the river and the old town, and rest early to aid acclimatization. Meals: Breakfast included.
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Day 3: Kangding to Litang｜First high passes
A spectacular 285 km, 6-7 hour driving day crossing the convoy's first big passes: Zheduo Shan (4,298 m) opening onto wide grasslands, then the photogenic stop at Xinduqiao, the 'photographers' paradise' of poplar groves and Tibetan farmhouses. Continuing over Gaoersi Pass (4,412 m), the landscape turns to vast plateau pasture dotted with yaks and nomad tents. You reach Litang (4,014 m), one of the world's highest towns, with its large Tibetan monastery and frontier-town energy. Take it slow on arrival, drink plenty of water and avoid exertion as you adjust to sleeping above 4,000 m. Lodging is a clean Tibetan-style hotel. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
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Day 4: Litang to Markam｜Into Tibet
Around 265 km and 7-8 hours of driving on a remote, scenic plateau stretch as you cross from Sichuan into the Tibet Autonomous Region. The road rolls over high grassland and the Haizi Shan area, crosses the Jinsha (upper Yangtze) River, and climbs through forested gorges to Markam (3,780 m). Expect rougher sections, frequent altitude changes and your first Tibet permit checkpoints, handled by your guide. Scenery alternates between open pasture, terraced valleys and Tibetan villages with whitewashed homes. Roads can be slow after rain, so the convoy keeps a steady pace with regular photo and rest stops. Overnight in a simple but comfortable hotel in Markam. Meals: Breakfast included.
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Day 5: Markam to Zuogong｜The 72 bends & passes
A demanding but iconic 160 km, 5-6 hour drive over two major passes. You climb Dongda Shan (5,130 m), one of the highest points of the whole journey, before descending the famous Nujiang '72 bends' - a dizzying switchback staircase carved into the gorge wall above the Nu (Salween) River, a classic G318 photo moment. After crossing the river you climb again toward Zuogong (3,780 m). The driving is technical with steep grades and tight curves, so your driver-guide takes it carefully; passengers simply enjoy the drama. Altitude swings are large today, so move slowly and use oxygen if needed. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Zuogong. Meals: Breakfast included.
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Day 6: Zuogong to Ranwu｜Glaciers & turquoise lakes
About 290 km and 7-8 hours of varied, beautiful driving. The convoy crosses Yela Shan, passes through Bangda's wide grassland and the bustling town of Baxoi, then enters lusher, forested valleys as you near Ranwu. The reward is Ranwu Lake (3,850 m), a milky-turquoise glacial lake framed by snow peaks and the nearby Laigu Glacier - one of the scenic highlights of the entire highway. Roads are mostly paved with occasional rough patches; the day ends at a lakeside guesthouse with stunning water-and-mountain views. Optional short walk along the shore at golden hour. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
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Day 7: Ranwu to Bomi to Lulang｜Forests & 'Swiss' valleys
Roughly 230 km and 6-7 hours through some of Tibet's greenest country. From Ranwu you follow the Parlung Tsangpo past the Midui Glacier turnoff to Bomi (2,750 m), a relaxed town surrounded by forest. Continuing west, the road climbs over Sejila Pass (4,728 m) - on clear days offering a distant view of Namcha Barwa, Tibet's iconic 7,782 m peak - then drops into the Lulang valley, nicknamed Tibet's 'little Switzerland' for its meadows, log villages and pine forests. The descent brings welcome thicker air after days at altitude. Overnight in a comfortable lodge near Lulang. Meals: Breakfast included.
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Day 8: Lulang to Nyingchi to Bayi｜Lower-altitude rest day
A gentler 130 km, 4-5 hour driving day around lush Nyingchi prefecture (around 3,000 m), the lowest and most oxygen-rich stretch of the trip - a deliberate chance to recover. Highlights can include the giant ancient cypress park, the Niyang River scenery and viewpoints toward Namcha Barwa and Gyala Peri. You overnight in Bayi/Nyingchi town, a modern base with good hotels and restaurants. The relaxed pace and lower elevation help your body rebuild strength before the final push to Lhasa. Use the afternoon to rest, do laundry or wander the riverside. Lodging is a comfortable 4-star hotel. Meals: Breakfast included.
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Day 9: Nyingchi to Lhasa｜Final drive to the holy city
The longest day, roughly 400 km and 6-7 hours on a fast modern expressway that has transformed this once-grueling stretch. Following the Niyang and then the Lhasa River valley, the convoy crosses the Mila Pass (5,013 m) - the last great summit, draped in prayer flags - before the terrain opens toward the broad Lhasa valley. Arrival in Lhasa (3,650 m) is a genuine emotional payoff after 2,000-plus km of mountains. Check into a comfortable city hotel near the old town and the Barkhor. Evening is free to soak up the atmosphere of pilgrims circling the Jokhang. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
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Day 10: Lhasa｜Potala, Jokhang & departure
Minimal driving today, with a guided city tour on foot and by vehicle. Visit the majestic Potala Palace, former winter home of the Dalai Lamas and symbol of Tibet, then the sacred Jokhang Temple and the buzzing Barkhor pilgrimage circuit with its shops and prostrating worshippers. Your guide explains the history and living Buddhism around you. Depending on your departure time there may be space for a teahouse break or last souvenir shopping before transfer to Lhasa airport or train station, where the convoy adventure concludes. We recommend onward flights rather than an immediate same-day return to low altitude. Meals: Breakfast included.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking professional driver-guide Private 4WD vehicle, fuel & all transfers in convoy Hotels and Tibetan guesthouses as per itinerary Tibet Travel Permit arrangement Listed entrance tickets & park fees Daily breakfast plus meals as specified First-aid kit and supplementary oxygen for high altitude Lead/support car and convoy coordination
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Personal gear and clothing Tips / gratuities Meals not specified Personal expenses Single supplement
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.8★★★★★Based on 29 reviews
Rafael B.🇬🇧 UK★★★★★2026-05
Looking back, the scale of the route only made sense once we were moving through it. Reaching the Potala Palace felt earned rather than dropped into a sightseeing list.
James E.🇳🇱 Netherlands★★★★★2026-06
The unglamorous part: we always knew how long the next driving stretch would be. That sounds minor, but it made the high-mileage days much easier to settle into.
Wendy L.🇨🇦 Canada★★★★☆2024-11
One thing I learned: some days involve more time in the vehicle than the photos suggest. The changing landscape made it worthwhile, but this route suits people who enjoy the road itself. The time around the Potala Palace was not the part I would cut.
Rina A.🇧🇪 Belgium★★★★★2025-08
I liked this more a day later, when I looked back through my photos and realised how different the G318 and the Potala Palace had felt.
Isabel T.🇫🇷 France★★★★★2024-05
Honestly, I would change my shoes, not the itinerary.