Snow peaks, high passes & prayer flags
The G318 (Sichuan–Tibet)
Sānyāobā Guódào · China's ultimate overland journey
Distance
~2,140 km (Chengdu → Lhasa)
Duration
8–12 days
Best season
May–Jun & Sep–Oct
Difficulty
Demanding · high altitude
China's most legendary road, running from Chengdu across the eastern Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa. The G318 climbs over a dozen 4,000m+ passes past glaciers, turquoise lakes and monasteries — a bucket-list drive that demands respect for altitude and weather.
Along the wayStops
Kangding
The gateway to the plateau, where the road first climbs into Tibetan country and the air thins.
Litang
One of the highest towns on earth at 4,000m, with a grand monastery and vast grasslands.
Ranwu Lake
A glacier-fed lake of milky turquoise ringed by snow peaks — the drive's postcard moment.
Midui Glacier
A low-elevation glacier tumbling toward forest and village fields.
Lhasa
Journey's end beneath the Potala Palace — the spiritual heart of Tibet.
Good to know
- Tibet requires a permit and a licensed guide/tour for foreign travelers — arrange well ahead.
- Ascend gradually and watch for altitude sickness; carry medication and oxygen.
- Landslides and snow can close passes even in summer — build in buffer days.
Getting the car
Most travelers hire a 4WD with driver from Chengdu. Foreign visitors must join a permitted tour to enter Tibet; the Sichuan-side stretch to Kangding and Litang is freely accessible.
Next route
The Duku Highway (Xinjiang)