Overview
Experience spectacular natures of Kham Tibetan areas in Northern Sichuan
Northern part of Sichuan, the historical northern Kham, is exactly the region of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. This area is one of the proud of Sichuan province, reputed for the stunning natures. Averaging between 2,000m to 4,000m in altitude, here is full of the dense virgin forests and lush valleys, colorful deep lakes, vacant pasture lands dotted with yaks and horses, scattered distributaries of giant rivers and snow-capped mountains. Nomads in this region speak the distinct dialect of Tibetan. This tour brings those combinations together to experience all this is by exploring the fairly land of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong nature reserves, the “Oriental Alps” of Four Ladies Mountain, one of the three China’s largest marshland of Zoige Grassland, the spectacles of the giant bend of Yellow River, and many hidden monasteries and remote villages. The tour begins at Jiuzhaigou that you could easily take the directly flights from Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chongqing or Chengdu as those city tours connection or extension.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Fly to Jiuzhaigou & Visit Huanglong
Day 02 Jiuzhaigou Sightseeing (B)
Day 03 Langmusi via Zoige Grasslands (B)
Day 04 Giant Bend of Yellow River (B)
Day 05 Barkham (B)
Day 06 Rilong (B)
Day 07 Four Ladies Mountain Sightseeing (B)
Day 08 Four Ladies Mountain Sightseeing & Back to Chengdu (B)
Day 09 Giant Panda Visit & Chengdu Departure (B)
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Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Fly to Jiuzhaigou & Visit Huanglong
Take the morning flight to Jiuzhaigou. Arrive at Jiuzhaigou Chuanzhusi Airport and transfer to visit Huanglong National Park, a calcified waterway between mountains shaped like a giant dragon lifting off high into the air. The limestone terraces, karst waterfalls and thousands water ponds in blues, turquoises, yellows and greens are dazzlingly. At the top of the park, you will visit Huanglong Temple and the most exquisite lake of Five-colored Pool (Wucaichi), and a stunning bird’s view of Huanglong. After sightseeing, we will drive ahead to the hotel located at the entrance of Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Day 02: Jiuzhaigou Sightseeing (B)
Full day sightseeing in Jiuzhaigou Valley. You only could be transferred to the entrance of the park and then have to take the public green shuttle bus inside the park due to the environmental protection reason. Jiuzhaigou, means “Nine Village Valleys” because nine Tibetan villages once lived here. No words could describe the breathtaking beauties of Jiuzhaigou, its incredible colored and limpid lakes, crystal clear streams, picturesque waterfalls and verdant forests backed by snowy mountains.
Day 03: Langmusi via Zoige Grasslands (B)
Pass through Zoige high grassland, one of China’s largest marshland prairies, also the habitat for the wild Black-necked cranes. Excurse at Huahu Lake (Flower Lake) located in the heart of grassland for flower and plenty of birds views. Arrive at Langmusi in the afternoon, explore the town.
Day 04: Giant Bend of Yellow River (B)
Visit two great Gelugpa sect. monasteries this morning at Langmusi. Then hit the road down southward through verdant grassland to Tangkor, where have a spectacular view of the Giant Nine Bends of Yellow River, and visit nearby Roc Monastery.
Day 05: Barkham (B)
Hit the road to south direction. En the route, visit a Tibetan Buddhist Pagodas, a religious commemoration for the tenth Panchen Lhama. Spend a night in Barkham, the capital town of Aba Autonomous Prefecture, home to Gyarongpa Tibetans.
Day 06: Rilong (B)
Out of Barkham for Rilong town while short stop for visit a 5-storey stone Tibetan houses of outstanding architecture that was the defending fortress belonged to a local chieftain. At Rilong, have an overlook of Four Ladies Mountain from the town.
Day 07: Four Ladies Mountain Sightseeing (B)
Today visit in Changping Valley that stretches directly to the foot of the Four Ladies Mountain. We first take the cable car into the valley, and then moderate hike for a few kilometers on the planked pathways, or optional horse riding to pass the virgin forest, highland meadows, waterfalls, and a few derelict Tibetan watchtowers.
Day 08: Four Ladies Mountain Sightseeing & Back to Chengdu (B)
Today spend half day for visiting another valley of Shuangqiao, the most beautiful scenic areas of Four Ladies Mountain, where you could view the lofty snow-capped mountains, pastures, meadows and virgin forests, by taking the green bus plus some easy hiking. Then we get back to Chengdu.
Day 09: Giant Panda Visit & Chengdu Departure (B)
Morning visit Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and have a look of cute pandas. Established in 1987, the base has more than 80 Giant Pandas living here. After visiting, transfer to the airport or the train station according to the schedule.
Experiences & Activities
- Visit fabulous World Heritages of Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong National Park
- Witness Zoige Marshland & the First Bend of Jiuqu Yellow River
- Moderate trekking or horse riding in Four Ladies Mountain
- Get insight of customs of Khampa Tibetans & Tibetan nomads
- Possibility to view many rare wildlife in the grassland and giant panda visit
