Western Sichuan Grand Loop: Seda & Daocheng

A panoramic loop from Danba, Seda, Garzê, and Xinlong south to Litang and Daocheng, returning to Chengdu along Highway 318.

Acclimatize at lower altitudes in Danba first, head north to Seda and Garzê, follow the Yalong River through Xinlong to Litang, and then spend two days exploring the long and short routes in Yading before returning to Chengdu along Highway 318. This is the most complete route in Western Sichuan, featuring many mountain passes and long daily drives, making it suitable for those with high-altitude experience. It avoids backtracking but does not include the three valleys of Mount Siguniang or Hailuogou.

The long route in Yading closes around late November; Seda requires reservations, subject to local announcements.

Day by day

Day 1 · Cross Balang Mountain to Danba

Mount Siguniang（Maobiliang Viewpoint） → Danba（Jiaju Tibetan Village）

Drive from Chengdu through Wolong, cross Balang Mountain, and pass Xiaojin to Danba (approx. 340 km, 7 hours of driving).

The altitude on the first night is not high, which is perfect for acclimatization. Avoid strenuous activity.

Stay: Jiaju Tibetan Village

Day 2 · North along Jinchuan Valley to Seda

Barkam（Jinchuan Pear Blossoms） → Sêrtar（Jinma Grassland）

Drive from Danba through Jinchuan, Guanyinqiao, and Wengda to Seda County (approx. 300 km, 7 hours of driving).

The county seat is at an altitude of about 3,900 meters; choose accommodation with oxygen supply.

Stay: Seda County Town

Day 3 · Larung Gar Mandala & Red Houses

Sêrtar（Larung Gar Mandala (Tanchen)、Red Houses Viewpoint）

Drive from the county seat to Luoruo Town (approx. 30 minutes), transfer to the shuttle bus into the valley, and spend about half a day sightseeing. Private vehicles are not allowed.

Reservations must be made via the official mini-program. Respect the monks and nuns, and drones are strictly prohibited.

Stay: Luoruo Town

Day 4 · South to Garzê & See Kasa Lake

Garze (Ganzi) County（Kasa Lake、Garze Monastery）

Drive from Seda through Wengda and Luhuo to Garzê County (approx. 160 km, 3.5 hours of driving).

Stay: Garze County Town

Day 5 · Yalong River Canyon to Xinlong

Xinlong (Nyagrong)（Xionglongxi Tibetan Villages、Xinlong Town & Yalong River Gorge）

Drive south from Garzê along the Yalong River to Xinlong County (approx. 130 km, 3 hours of driving). The road has many sharp bends.

Watch out for falling rocks in the canyon section during the rainy season; check road conditions before departure.

Stay: Xinlong County Town

Day 6 · Cross Mountains to Litang, the World's Highest Town

Litang（Litang Monastery (Lithang Gompa)、Lithang Old Town & Thousand-Household Tibetan Village）

Drive south from Xinlong along Highway G227 to Litang (approx. 210 km, 4.5 hours of driving).

Litang is at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. Walk slowly upon arrival and keep warm.

Stay: Letong Old Town

Day 7 · Haizi Mountain to Shangri-La Town

Litang（Haizi Mountain） → Daocheng Yading（Sangdui Red Grassland、Bowa Mountain Pass Viewpoint）

Drive from Litang through Haizi Mountain, Sangdui, and Daocheng to Riwa (approx. 260 km, 6 hours of driving).

Stay: Shangri-La Town (Riwa)

Day 8 · Yading Long Route to Milk Lake

Daocheng Yading（Yading Nature Reserve、Luorong Pasture、Milk Lake & Five-Color Lake）

Drive from Riwa to the scenic area, transfer to a sightseeing bus and battery car to Luorong Pasture, and hike to and from Milk Lake (approx. 6 to 7 hours).

The highest point is about 4,700 meters. Start descending before noon and return immediately if you feel unwell.

Stay: Shangri-La Town (Riwa)

Day 9 · Yading Short Route & Return to Daocheng

Daocheng Yading（Chonggu Monastery & Pearl Lake、Banghe Poplar Forest、Daocheng White Stupa）

Take a sightseeing bus to Chonggu Temple in the morning, hike to and from Pearl Lake (approx. 3 hours), and drive to Daocheng County in the afternoon (approx. 1.5 hours).

The golden period for the poplar forests near the county seat is usually mid-to-late October.

Stay: Daocheng County Town

Day 10 · Maooya Grassland East to Yajiang

Litang（Maoya Grassland、Kazila Mountain Pass）

Drive east from Daocheng through Litang along Highway 318, crossing Kazila Mountain to Yajiang (approx. 330 km, 6.5 hours of driving).

There are often scheduled construction controls along Highway 318; check before departure.

Stay: Yajiang County

Day 11 · Yuzixi & Xinduqiao Light and Shadow

Xinduqiao & Tagong（Xinduqiao Gongga Snow Mountain Viewpoint、Xinduqiao、Yuzixi Viewpoint）

Drive from Yajiang over Jianzihan Mountain to Xinduqiao (approx. 140 km, 3 hours of driving). Head up to Yuzixi in the afternoon to view Mount Gongga.

Stay: Xinduqiao Town

Day 12 · Cross Zheduo Mountain to Chengdu via Yakang Expressway

Hailuogou & Kangding（Zheduo Mountain Pass、Luding Bridge） → Chengdu

Drive from Xinduqiao over Zheduo Mountain through Kangding and Luding, taking the Yakang Expressway back to Chengdu (approx. 370 km, 6 hours of driving).