Western Sichuan Odyssey

Leave the Chengdu basin behind and climb into the mountains. Cross through the Erlang Mountain Tunnel — from flat rice paddies to 3,000-meter peaks in minutes. Arrive in Kangding, the gateway to the Tibetan world. Visit a local monastery at sunset.

Cross Zheduo Pass at 4,298 meters — prayer flags snapping in thin air, snow peaks on every horizon. Descend to Tagong (Lhagang), a Tibetan village at 3,700m surrounded by endless grasslands. Visit Tagong Monastery with its golden stupa backed by Mount Yala (5,820m). Optional horse riding across the grasslands with local Tibetan herders.

The road from Tagong to Litang is one of the most photogenic drives in China. Stop at Xinduqiao — known as "Photographer's Paradise" for its poplar-lined valleys and Tibetan farmhouses. Cross Gaoerji Pass at 4,412m before descending to Litang, the "World's Highest Town" at 4,014m.

Litang sits at 4,014m — one of the highest towns in the world. Visit Litang Monastery, founded in 1580, with its massive golden Buddha. Walk the grasslands where the annual Litang Horse Festival draws thousands of nomads. The air is thin but the sky is impossibly close.

Drive through high-altitude grasslands and past glacial lakes to Seda (Sêrtar). Arrive at Larung Gar — the world's largest Tibetan Buddhist academy. 10,000 red wooden houses cling to the valley hillside, home to monks, nuns, and scholars from across the Tibetan world. Evening prayer ceremony.

Wake before dawn for the monks' morning prayers — a deeply moving experience. Full day exploring Larung Gar: visit the main assembly hall, walk among the red houses, talk with English-speaking monks (if available). Hike to the sunset viewpoint overlooking the entire valley. Visit Seda's local monastery in the evening.

Return to Chengdu via mountain roads (or take a short domestic flight). Farewell dinner together. Private transfer to airport or train station for your next destination.