Ganzi

Temperatures on the Garze Plateau vary considerably between day and night, so pack warm clothing.

Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan covers a vast area. Snowy peaks, meadows, alpine lakes and Tibetan villages create a varied landscape in western Sichuan. The following guide covers sights, itineraries, food, accommodation and practical travel advice for the area.

• Daocheng Yading: The three sacred mountains—Chenresig, Jampayang and Chanadorje—and alpine lakes such as Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake are the main attractions. Allow 2 days for hiking.

• Xinduqiao: A transport hub on western Sichuan's loop routes, Xinduqiao is also a good place for photography. Autumn light brings out the layers of grassland, streams and Tibetan-style homes.

• Tagong Grassland: Yaks graze across open grassland, with views of Mount Yala in the distance. The Muya Golden Pagoda and local temples also form part of the landscape. Late afternoon is a good time to stop and watch the sunset.

• Moshi Park: This scenic area's distinctive feature is a forest of dark-gray mylonite rock formations, unlike the usual mountain scenery. Clear weather is better for photography, and brightly colored clothing contrasts strongly with the rocks.

• Litang: Known as the “High City of the World,” this town stands at 4,014 meters. Include Letong Old Town, Changqingchun Ke'er Monastery and Maoya Grassland in your itinerary to learn about local Khampa culture.

• Jiaju Tibetan Village, Danba: Gyalrong Tibetan homes line the hillsides, their white walls contrasting with red roofs. Visit for pear blossoms in spring or colorful woodland in autumn. It is a good place to see rural village life and seasonal changes.

• Hailuogou: The closest glacier scenic area to Chengdu, Hailuogou is known for its low-altitude present-day glaciers, Great Icefall and hot springs set among snowy mountains.

• Derge Printing House: Home to China's most complete surviving collection of Tibetan scripture printing blocks, this institution preserves more than 320,000 valuable carved blocks. It is well suited to travelers interested in Tibetan texts, culture and history.

Classic 5-Day Loop (for First-Time Visitors)

This route links major sights in western Sichuan, with the altitude changing gradually along the way. First-time visitors can use it as a starting point, but should adjust their plans according to how well they acclimatize.

• Day 1: Chengdu → Kangding → Honghaizi Lake → Xinduqiao. Depart from Chengdu and pay attention to how you adjust to the altitude while crossing Zheduo Mountain. Spend the afternoon at Honghaizi Lake, enjoying and photographing the blue water and snowy peaks, then stay overnight in Xinduqiao. Focus on rest during your first night on the plateau, avoid rushing to shower or wash your hair, and go to bed early.

• Day 2: Xinduqiao → Eighteen Bends of the Sky Road → Litang → Shangri-La Town. Enjoy plateau scenery along the way and stop at Letong Old Town when passing through Litang. Stay overnight in Shangri-La Town, which is lower than Litang and offers a more suitable altitude for rest.

• Day 3: Take the long hiking route in Daocheng Yading. After entering the scenic area, visit Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake in that order, taking in the snowy mountains and blue alpine lakes. Keep a steady, gentle pace and decide how far to go based on your energy level rather than forcing yourself to complete the route.

• Day 4: Daocheng Yading short route → Xinduqiao. In the morning, take the relatively easy short route to Chonggu Monastery and Pearl Lake, where you can photograph the reflection of sacred Mount Chenresig. Begin the return journey in the afternoon and spend another night in Xinduqiao.

• Day 5: Xinduqiao → Tagong Grassland → Moshi Park → Chengdu. First enjoy distant views of Mount Yala from Tagong Grassland, then visit the rock formations at Moshi Park. If time allows, stop beside the stream in Gunong Village and continue the return journey after sunset.

Extended 8-Day Loop (for Experienced Self-Drive Travelers)

This loop minimizes backtracking and links more of the less-visited scenery along the way. It suits travelers with plenty of time and experience driving independently.

• Day 1-2: Chengdu → Xinduqiao → Tagong → Bamei → Dawu → Luhuo → Kasa Lake → Garze County. See grasslands, lakes and Tibetan villages along the route, then enjoy the nighttime views after arriving in Garze County.

• Day 3: Garze County → Ganbai Road → Yarchen Gar → Baiyu County. Follow Ganbai Road over mountain passes and through grasslands. When passing Yarchen Gar in the afternoon, view the nuns' island and the cluster of red buildings.

• Day 4: Baiyu County → Batang County. This section passes grasslands and gorges. Road conditions are relatively good, but always check the actual conditions on the day. Arrive in Batang in the evening and rest.
• Day 5: Batang → Cuopugou → Maoya Grassland → Litang. At Cuopugou, see snowy mountains, lakes, hot springs and wildlife. Continue to Litang via Maoya Grassland in the afternoon.

• Day 6: Litang → Yajiang → Zimei Pass → Gonggashan Town. Zimei Pass offers close-up views of Mount Gongga. Time your stop around sunset to see how the changing light transforms the mountain.

• Day 7: Gonggashan Town → Tagong Grassland → Kangding → Luding. Visit Tagong Grassland on the return journey, then arrive in Luding in the evening for dinner and nighttime views of Luding Bridge.

• Day 8: Luding → Chengdu. Return to Chengdu to finish your western Sichuan loop.

Accommodation and Food Suggestions

• Xinduqiao: When booking, prioritize hotels with underfloor heating and oxygen facilities. Allow plenty of time to rest on your first night on the plateau.

• Litang: At over 4,000 meters, Litang is best avoided for overnight stays if you have not yet acclimatized. If you need to stay, check the hotel's oxygen facilities carefully.

• Kangding: Compared with the higher-altitude areas along the route, Kangding is a more suitable place to rest on the return journey, with convenient food and accommodation options. Consider staying near Liuliu City or Love Song Square.

• Daocheng Yading: Stay in Shangri-La Town near the scenic area entrance for an easy early start the next morning.

• Yak Hot Pot: Freshly sliced yak meat is cooked in hot broth for a rich, savory meal. This warming dish also suits the plateau's chilly conditions.

• Butter Tea: The traditional version is salty, rich and savory, though first-time drinkers can also try a sweet version. It is an everyday drink, not a way to prevent or treat altitude sickness.

• Kangding Liangfen: This local snack consists of pea-starch jelly served with chili oil seasoning, giving it a spicy, savory flavor.

• Beef Under a Blanket: This generously portioned, savory and spicy dish can be served with a chili-powder dipping mix.

Altitude Sickness Prevention and Travel Tips

• Acclimatization: Do not rely on taking rhodiola for a week before departure to prevent altitude sickness; there is insufficient evidence that it works. You can pack glucose and oxygen canisters. Use medicines such as ibuprofen according to the instructions or medical advice; they are not a substitute for altitude sickness treatment. For the first two days after arrival, avoid running, jumping and staying up late, and take activities slowly. Do not rush to shower or wash your hair immediately after arriving. If you feel significantly unwell, seek medical attention promptly and descend to a lower altitude if necessary.
• Sun Protection and Warm Clothing: UV radiation is strong on the plateau. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a sun-protective face covering. Temperatures vary sharply between day and night, so wear layers such as quick-drying clothing, fleece and a shell jacket that you can add or remove as needed.
• Driving Safety: National Highway 318 has heavy truck traffic, sharp bends and rapidly changing weather. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt the drive without careful preparation; consider hiring a car with a driver or sharing a ride instead. Fuel stations are relatively sparse along the way, so fill the tank before setting off each day.
• Respect Local Customs: Ask permission before taking photographs inside Tibetan monasteries or homes. Do not step on prayer flags, touch ritual objects without permission or turn prayer wheels in the wrong direction. Follow local customs during your visit.
• Shopping Wisely: When buying wild-harvested local products on the grasslands, expensive Tibetan jewelry or medicinal herbs, watch for inflated prices and authenticity issues. Verify what you are buying before making a purchase.

When to Visit

• May-October: Expect green grasslands and wildflowers, followed by colorful woodland in autumn. This period suits trips focused on natural scenery.
• November-March: Snow scenery becomes the main attraction, but some high-altitude passes may be icy, so extra caution is needed when driving.