West Sichuan Alpine Loop
Kangding, Tagong, Danba — Tibetan villages & holy peaks
Overview
A 7-day road trip through dramatic landscapes of western Sichuan. Cross high mountain passes, visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, stay in traditional stone villages, and witness Mount Gongga (7,556m), the highest peak in Sichuan.
Itinerary
Depart Chengdu early, drive through Erlangshan Tunnel to Kangding (2,560m). Afternoon walk through old town, visit Anjue Temple, acclimatize. Traditional Tibetan hotpot dinner.
Highlights
- ✦Erlangshan crossing
- ✦Kangding old town
- ✦Anjue Temple
Cross Zheduo Pass (4,298m). Descend into Tagong Grassland, visit Lhagang Monastery, photograph Mount Yala (5,820m). Evening Tibetan homestay.
Highlights
- ✦Zheduo Pass 4,298m
- ✦Tagong Grassland
- ✦Lhagang Monastery
- ✦Mount Yala
Morning at Bamei valley with stone-carved mani walls. Continue to Danba (1,900m), famous for ancient Tibetan watchtowers and Jiaju Tibetan Village.
Highlights
- ✦Bamei stone carvings
- ✦Jiaju Tibetan Village
- ✦Ancient watchtowers
Full day exploring Danba's villages. Hike between Suopo, Zhonglu, and Jiaju. Meet local Tibetan families, learn Gyalrong culture, enjoy yak-butter tea.
Highlights
- ✦Suopo watchtowers
- ✦Zhonglu village hike
- ✦Gyalrong Tibetan culture
Drive to Siguniangshan, crossing beautiful mountain passes. Afternoon short hike in Changping Valley for first views of 6,250m peaks.
Highlights
- ✦Siguniangshan National Park
- ✦Changping Valley
- ✦Alpine scenery
Full day hike into Changping Valley. Walk through pristine alpine forests, cross glacial streams, reach viewpoints with dramatic Four Girls peaks panorama.
Highlights
- ✦Changping Valley
- ✦Glacial streams
- ✦Four Girls panorama
Morning at leisure. Visit Lama Temple. Afternoon drive back to Chengdu via Balangshan Tunnel.
Highlights
- ✦Lama Temple
- ✦Balangshan scenic drive
Difficulty Breakdown
Moderate — L3
1-2 day hikes at 2,500-3,500m altitude. Some uneven terrain. Moderate fitness and previous hiking experience recommended.
Suitable For
- ✓Regular hikers
- ✓Active travelers
- ✓Those comfortable with 4-6 hours of walking
- ✓Travelers with some altitude experience
Not Suitable For
- ✗Those with heart conditions
- ✗Beginners to hiking
- ✗Children under 12
Included
- ✓Private SUV with driver (7 days)
- ✓English-speaking guide (7 days)
- ✓6 nights accommodation
- ✓All entrance fees & permits
- ✓Daily breakfast + most meals
- ✓Oxygen canisters
- ✓Travel insurance
Not Included
- ✗Personal expenses
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
- ✗Tips
- ✗Sleeping bag (can rent)
Reviews
Maria Garcia
A flawless highland journey
We wanted mountain scenery without joining a large tour, and this was exactly right. The pacing was thoughtful, our driver was calm on long mountain roads, and every stop felt chosen for us rather than copied from a standard route.
Starting from
$1,680