| 12D The Last Shangri-la - Daocheng, Yading & Jiulong
Sichuan, China
Fly Singapore to Chengdu to arrive at noon. On arrival we are met by our guide and taken on a city tour of Chengdu. Sights include the Wuhou Temple and the Culture Village. Dinner in local restaurant. Overnight in Chengdu.(-/L/D)
After breakfast we head for Danba County and along the way we will pass the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project and Wolong Nature Reserve, the largest Giant Panda sanctuary in China. Arrive Danba County (1900m) and check into our hotel. Overnight in Danba. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, depart Danba, enter the Donggu (Eastern Valley) scenic spot, drive to Baimei and visit Xindu Bridge which famed for the scenery. The elevation of Today we enter the Donggu (Eastern Valley) scenic zone via a scenic drive through the Baimei grasslands to arrive at Xindu Bridge (3300m) famed for its outstanding scenery. Overnight in Xindu Bridge. (B/L/D)
This morning we gain altitude as we drive towards Daocheng (3700m). The road climbs over several passes to arrive at Litang, at 4100m, is one of highest towns in the world. From there, it’s another 3 hours to Dao Cheng. Overnight in Dao Cheng. (B/L/D)
Day trip to visit Hongchaodi (Red Grass Lake), a lovely lake fringed with red shrubs; the landscapes are simple breathtaking. We also visit the Ben Bo Temple an 900-year old monastery. Overnight in Dao Cheng.(B/L/D)
We enter the Yading Nature Reserve today, home of three sacred Tibetan mountains - Chenresig (6032m), Jambeyang (5958m), and Chanadorje (5958m). Tibetan Buddhists believe that making a kora (pilgrimage) around these mountains brings great merit, and that the three mountains represent compassion, wisdom and energy - attributes one must cultivate on the path to enlightenment. The Nature Reserve here easily rivals that of national parks of the West such as Yellowstone and Yosemite for its spectacular, pristine mountain scenery. Overnight in Yading. (BLD)
After breakfast we drive to Chonggu Temple. Located at the apex of the 3 sacred mountains the small Tibetan monastery is an ideal base to start exploring the Luorong Pastures on horseback. With our packed lunch we can spend the whole day on this high plateau wooded with firs, spruce and larch which results in a riot of colours in autumn. We make our way to the foot of Mt Chanadorje , where we'll ascend a small but steep hill to view a beautiful mountaintop emerald green lake. Local lore has it that this magical lake can reveal your future if you spend a few moments in quiet contemplation by its side. We return to Riwa in the late afternoon. Overnight in Riwa. (B/L/D)
We backtrack to Daocheng today stopping at various scenic sights. Overnight in Xindu Bridge. (B/L/D)
Jiulong (2950m) is located right in the centre of where the Tibetan, Yi and Han ethnic groups converge. Hence, the ethnic structure, architecture and food there are all good examples of the "Tibetan-Yi Corridor". Jiulong (Nine Dragon) County is small, its city zone is rather clean, imbued with a light Tibetan flavour. Overnight in Jiulong. (BLD)
(3670m)
Wuxu Lake or Wuxuhai, meaning "a brilliant and dazzling lake" in Tibetan language, at 3670m, is reputed to be the "No. 1 Lake on the South Side of Gongga Mountain." Surrounded by a dense forest, the lake has transparent blue and crystal clear water. Amid the underbrush there is a small road along which the travellers can circumambulate the lake. On the lake is a lush summer meadow, where Tibetans living in Wuxu Puzi (meaning village in Tibetan language) pasture their sheep and cattle in April and November. Overnight in Jiulong. (BLD)
After breakfast we drive back to Chengdu via Kangding, an important highway hub to Tibet. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we visit Huanglongxi, an old town known as Chengdu's Hollywood. See old residences constructed in the Ming and Qing Dynasties along the slab-paved streets. After dinner we transfer to the airpirt for our flight back to Singapore
#The sequence of the itinerary may change without prior notice to ensure the smooth running of the tour. |
