15 Days Chongqing → Lhasa → Everest Base Camp Journey
[ Overall Overview ]
This is a long-distance trip on the plateau road specially designed for self-driving explorers.
The total distance is about 3,800 kilometers, starting from Chongqing and going deep into the hinterland of Tibet along the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Line (G318). After arriving in Lhasa, continue to Mount Everest Base Camp, and then return to Lhasa along the Brahmaputra River Valley.
The itinerary gradually ascends from the plains to the plateau, with a systematic increase in altitude. The riding pace is strictly arranged according to high-altitude acclimatization principles. Support vehicles, medical oxygen, and professional guides are provided throughout the journey to ensure riding safety.
This is not a sightseeing itinerary, but a true road adventure route.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
15 Days, 14 Nights
Price
Starting from 13,200 yuan/person
May to October Annually
Best Time to Travel
[ Highlights ]Itinerary Highlights Explained
Spanning Vast Mountains and Rivers
Starting from the dry mountain city of Chongqing, we cut all the way west to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. During the adventure, you can experience the visual transformation from basins, mountains, canyons to plateaus, and experience the vertical time and space span from subtropical to alpine climates.
Conquering the Perils of the Sky Road
Climb over several 5,000-meter passes in Zheduo Mountain, Dongda Mountain, etc., and face the extreme curve of "Nujiang 72 Turns". This is the ultimate practical test of heavy machinery driving skills and a coming-of-age ceremony for explorers to enter the real world of Tibetan areas.
Exploring Hidden Realms on Earth
Along the way, collect the tranquility of Ranwu Lake, the sky blue of Midui Glacier, and the green of Lulang Forest Sea. In the holy city of Lhasa, amidst continuous natural wonders, you can fulfill your long-cherished wish to enter Tibet on the Sichuan-Tibet Line (G318) and experience the deep resonance between nature and humanity.
Ascending to the Top of the World
Cross Lhasa and advance to Everest Base Camp. Have a close conversation with the world's highest peak in the 5,200-meter highland wilderness, and complete the highest medal of honor in your self-driving career while waiting for the shocking moment of "Runshine on the Golden Mountain" in the glow of Rongbuk Temple.
Tour Itinerary
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Days 1-5: Departure from the Mountain City & High-Altitude Acclimatization
Day 1 | Meet in Chongqing
Arrive in Chongqing to process Chinese temporary driving permits and vehicle documentation. Check your equipment and prepare for departure.
Day 2 | Chongqing → Chengdu (360 km)
Primarily high-speed cruising, the main purpose of this day is to allow riders to adapt to the vehicle's handling balance and acceleration response. Upon arrival in Chengdu, perform final vehicle adjustments and enjoy the last basin delicacies, storing up energy for the high-altitude journey beginning the next day.
Day 3 | Chengdu → Kangding (330 km)
Cross Zheduo Mountain at 4298m, officially entering the high-altitude Tibetan region from the plains. The road quickly transitions from plains into high mountain gorges, and temperatures drop sharply. Take a photo in front of the iconic 'Kangding Love Song' monument at the pass, officially bidding farewell to the plains and entering the Tibetan region.
Day 4 | Kangding → Yajiang (230 km)
Traverse Tagong Grassland and gaze at Yala Snow Mountain in the distance, beginning the true high-altitude riding experience. The landscape along this route becomes more expansive, allowing you to try increasing speed for short stretches in safe areas. Stay overnight in Yajiang, where the altitude will begin to cause slight physical adjustments.
Day 5 | Yajiang → Cuopu Valley Entrance (240 km)
After passing the "Eighteen Bends of the Heavenly Road", you can experience the fun of self-driving in the continuous scissor turns. Arrive at Litang, the world's highest city, and overlook this city more than 4,000 meters above sea level from the Changqingchun Kerr Temple. The clouds seem to be within reach.
Days 6-10: Crossing the Hengduan Mountains & the Holy City
Day 6 | Cuopu Valley Entrance → Markam (200 km)
Crossing the Jinsha River Bridge, we officially enter the Tibetan territory. The road becomes more primitive and varied, with red geological formations and turbulent river waters accompanying us on both sides, and the air becomes dry and crisp.
Day 7 | Markam → Baxoi (290 km)
Challenge the famous 72 Bends of Nujiang River, where the road descends sharply over a very short distance, posing a significant test for your braking system and gear control. Traverse through the Nujiang Grand Canyon, with its strangely shaped rocks, and experience the wild power of the Hengduan Mountains.
Day 8 | Baxoi → Bomi (220 km)
Ride along Ranwu Lake, where the water is as tranquil as jade. Afterwards, head to Midui Glacier, weaving between primeval forests and blue ice. Bomi's altitude drops to around 2,700 meters, with lush vegetation and abundant oxygen, making it an excellent spot to recover your energy during the journey.
Day 9 | Bomi → Basum Tso (340 km)
Cross the Lulang Forest Sea and gaze at Mount Namcha Barwa from Sejila Pass. The scenery here is remarkably similar to Switzerland, with lush forests. In the evening, arrive at the sacred lake of the Red Hat sect, Basum Tso, and stay by the lake to experience the tranquility of a deep mountain forest lake.
Day 10 | Basum Tso → Lhasa (380 km)
Drive on the Linla Expressway, known as "China's most beautiful highway." Head west along the Lhasa River. As the setting sun illuminates the golden roofs of the Potala Palace, you slowly ride your heavy motorcycle into Lhasa, completing the conquest of the Sichuan-Tibet route, and the sense of accomplishment at this moment reaches its peak.
Days 11-13: Lhasa Cultural Rest and Advance to Mount Everest
Day 11 | Rest Day in Lhasa
Vehicle maintenance, urban cultural experience, visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, stroll along Barkhor Street with the pilgrims, listen to local chatter in a sweet tea house, and wash away the dust and fatigue.
Day 12 | Lhasa → Shigatse (360 km)
Cross Gambala Pass to observe the coral-colored Yamdrok Tso Lake. Afterwards, get a close look at the tangible Karola Glacier. This section of the journey alternates between the blue of the lakes and the white of the glaciers, creating a powerful visual impact.
Day 13 | Shigatse → Everest Base Camp (340 km)
Cross Gawula Pass, home to the world's unique "queue of snow-capped mountains" – where you can simultaneously see five peaks over 8,000 meters. After navigating the numerous hairpin bends of Gawula Pass, arrive at Everest Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters. Spend the night near Rongbuk Monastery, gazing up at Mount Everest under the starry sky.
Days 14-15: Golden Summit of Everest at Sunrise and Perfect Journey Completion
Day 14 | Everest → Shigatse (360 km)
In the early morning, wait at Rongbuk Monastery for the golden sunrise over Mount Everest. After capturing heroic images in front of the world's highest peak, cross mountains and ridges to return to Shigatse.
Day 15 | Shigatse → Lhasa (266 km)
Return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley, bringing the journey to a perfect conclusion.
[ Trip ]
Pricing Details
Tibet Entry Permit and all necessary procedures
Bilingual (Chinese & English) Tour Guide
Accommodation Throughout
Breakfasts + Selected Specialty Meals
Travel Insurance + High-Altitude Insurance
Medical Oxygen
Guaranteed car
What's Included
Round-trip Transportation to Lhasa
Single Room Supplement
Personal Expenses
Suggested Gratuity ¥50/person/day
Self-Driving Fuel, Tolls, and Parking Fees
Vehicle rental
Attraction Entrance Tickets
What's Not Included
[ Travel FAQs ]
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is recommended to go in spring (April, May, June) or autumn (September, October). During these periods, the weather and road conditions in Western China are generally more stable.
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Entering and exiting Tibet is very convenient. Currently, there are flights, trains, and multiple overland driving routes available.
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Currently, Tibet is open to global tourists. However, when planning your trip, you need to be aware of the relevant restrictions: for example, you must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit in advance, and must participate in a fixed itinerary arranged by a travel agency; Tibet currently does not support independent travel.
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The cost includes SUV or motorcycle rental, hotel accommodation, licensed tour guide services, first entry tickets to attractions, and all administrative permit processing fees.
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You need to prepare your passport, a driver's license valid for more than 6 months, and the registration documents for your vehicle or motorcycle. We will be responsible for assisting you with all legal procedures required for driving in China.
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Yes, we do. We will arrange pick-up and drop-off services for your arrival and departure days, covering transfers between the hotel and the airport or station.
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Yes, you can. After an in-depth discussion with our travel consultant, we will arrange a customized China road trip itinerary for you based on your specific needs.
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