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.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Cross Balang Mountain to Danba
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.
住宿：甲居藏寨
第 2 天 · North along Jinchuan Valley to Seda
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.
住宿：色達縣城
第 3 天 · Larung Gar Mandala & Red Houses
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.
住宿：洛若鎮
第 4 天 · South to Garzê & See Kasa Lake
Drive from Seda through Wengda and Luhuo to Garzê County (approx. 160 km, 3.5 hours of driving).
住宿：甘孜縣城
第 5 天 · Yalong River Canyon to Xinlong
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.
住宿：新龍縣城
第 6 天 · Cross Mountains to Litang, the World's Highest Town
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.
住宿：勒通古鎮
第 7 天 · Haizi Mountain to Shangri-La Town
理塘（海子山） → 稻城亞丁（桑堆紅草灘、波瓦山埡口觀景台）
Drive from Litang through Haizi Mountain, Sangdui, and Daocheng to Riwa (approx. 260 km, 6 hours of driving).
住宿：香格里拉鎮（日瓦）
第 8 天 · Yading Long Route to Milk Lake
稻城亞丁（亞丁景區（仙乃日/央邁勇/夏諾多吉）、洛絨牛場、牛奶海與五色海）
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.
住宿：香格里拉鎮（日瓦）
第 9 天 · Yading Short Route & Return to Daocheng
稻城亞丁（衝古寺與珍珠海（卓瑪拉措）、傍河楊樹林、稻城白塔）
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.
住宿：稻城縣城
第 10 天 · Maooya Grassland East to Yajiang
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.
住宿：Yajiang County
第 11 天 · Yuzixi & Xinduqiao Light and Shadow
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.
住宿：新都橋鎮
第 12 天 · Cross Zheduo Mountain to Chengdu via Yakang Expressway
Drive from Xinduqiao over Zheduo Mountain through Kangding and Luding, taking the Yakang Expressway back to Chengdu (approx. 370 km, 6 hours of driving).