5-Day Tour of Northern Sichuan

Overview:

Brace yourself for an adventure in Northern Sichuan and discover the hidden treasure of Mother Nature. In the next 5 days, you will find the eclectic culture in Songpan, feel the grandeur of Ruoergai, appreciate the magnificent sunset at the first bend of the Yellow River, step in the peaceful homeland of Tibetan and Qiang people and experience the unique traditions and customs on your own.

Highlights:

· Discover the secrets of the profound history in ancient Tibetan and Qiang villages

· Enjoy the splendid sunset at the first bend of the Yellow River

· Visit local lamaseries and monasteries and touch the small sects of the Tibetan Buddhism

· Step into a little-known land and find the hidden beauty of glaciers and snow mountains

Itinerary:

· Day1 Chengdu-Songpan Ancient City

You guide and driver will pick you up in Chengdu and drive about six hours to transfer you to Songpan Ancient City. Beautiful mountain scenery and unique landscape of Northern Sichuan along the way are ready to feast your eyes. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at Songpan Ancient City.

Songpan Ancient City is famous for its eclectic culture, formed by Han, Hui and Zang(Tibetan) people. In the Tang Dynasty over two thousand years ago, Princess Wencheng ( a princess of Tang Dynasty) got married with Srongtsen Gampo (a ruler of Tubo Dynasty), thus promoting the harmonious development and cultural integration of Han and Zang. Songpan which has witnessed the significant historic event is still thriving nowadays. Wandering through the ancient city, you can have a taste of tasty Tibetan snacks and have a look of delicate artifacts and costumes. It is a good chance to experience the unique Chinese culture and to feel the traditional beauty of Chinese ethnic minorities.

· Day 2 Songpan Ancient City-Ruoergai-Tangke

In the morning, we will drive three hours to Ruoergai, one of the most gorgeous grasslands in China and a good place for you to escape the tedious routine life and travel with ease. The visual feast of Ruoergai expands from verdant grassland to azure sky. Lie down on the soft grass, enjoy the gentle and cool breeze, find the trail of cute marmots. When the sunset casts its first glow over the meandering Yellow River, let’s drive across the overcast rain belt and chase the splendid sunset coming out from afar, enjoying the magnificent view of sunset on the first bend of the Yellow River.

As the night closed in, let’s go to the hotel and enjoy a cozy night in Tangke.

· Day 3 Tangke-A’ba

Depart Tangke and head to A’ba. The drive is 257 kilometers and takes four and a half hours. En route, we will go by Saige Lamasery and Langyi Monastery, where you can uncover the secrets f small sects of Tibetan Buddhism. In the evening, we will arrive in A’ba County. Let’s enjoy a hotpot feast and gather around the bonfire to participate in the joyful dance with local Qiang People.  

· Day 4 A’ba

After one-hour drive, we will arrive in Lianbaoyeze Scenic Area.

Lianbaoyeze means “sublime stone peaks” in Chinese. Compared with other landscapes on plateaus, the landscape here is magnificent and unique for the imposing stone mountains, glacier lakes and rugged snow-capped peaks. Come here, feel the magic of nature, witness the superlative masterpieces and enjoy the afterglow here.

· Day 5 A’ba-Chengdu

Drive from A’ba to Chengdu. Visit the Ganbao Tibetan village on the way. Upon arrival, we can explore in the ancient village, appreciate the Tibetan buildings and feel the unique Tibetan culture. Then, climb onto the white pagoda to have a panoramic view of the whole city. Standing beside the thickets of prayer flags, scatter prayer scraps to make sincere wishes. Then go downhill and walk into a local cafe to enjoy a cup of hot butter tea and discover the traditional customs here. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Chengdu and send you off. If you want to extend your stay in China, we are willing to make customized tour plans for you.

Time             5 days

Transport      Private car

Price             1180 USD (Based on a private tour for 2 people）

                    (Price varies by group size)

Theme          Exotic style&Tibetan Culture&Fairyland on earth

Included      Hotel pick up and drop-off

                     Private air-conditioned car

                     English speaking local tour guide

                     Meals (lunch&dinner)

                     All entrance tickets

                     All required taxes, fees

                     Accommodations, 4 nights,two people share one room

Excluded      Gratuity

                     Optional activities