19 Days Nepal-China-Laos Self-Driving Tour from Tibet Gyirong to Yunnan Mohan

Duration: 19 Days
Areas: Tibet, Yunnan
Itinerary: Gyirong–Mt Everest–Dingri–Shigatse–Lhasa–Nyingchi–Bomi–Ranwu–Zuogong–Mangkang–Deqin–Shangri-la–Lijiang–Dali–Jinghong–Mohan
Season: Whole Year
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highlights: Mt Everest, China Tropical Botanic Garden, Lijiang ancient town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dali ancient city, Shangri-la, Meili Snow mountain, Ranwu Lake, Nyingchi Basongcuo Lake, Lhasa Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Tashilunpo Monastery.

Travel Tips:

  1. Documentation: Ensure all vehicle and personal documentation, including driving permits, are in order.
  2. Weather: Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions; pack accordingly.
  3. Altitude: The tour includes high-altitude areas; acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
  4. Navigation: Use reliable GPS or maps for accurate navigation.
  5. Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions, especially in Tibetan areas.
  6. Cash: Keep cash handy for tolls, fuel, and emergencies.

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Nepal–Gyirong Border
Distance: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Gyirong

  • Activities: Enter China from Nepal at Gyirong border port and complete entry procedures.

Day 2: Gyirong Border – Gyirong County
Distance: 80km
Accommodation: Hostel in Gyirong County

  • Activities: Complete entry procedures and head to Gyirong County.

Day 3: Gyirong County – Tingri
Distance: 280km
Accommodation: Hotel in Tingri

  • Activities: Drive to Tingri, enjoy views of Peigu Co Lake.

Day 4: Tingri – Everest Base Camp – Tingri
Distance: 240km
Accommodation: Hotel in Tingri

  • Activities: Visit Everest Base Camp and enjoy the view of Mt. Everest. Return to Tingri.

Day 5: Tingri – Shigatse
Distance: 250km
Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse

  • Activities: Drive to Shigatse, start procedures for temporary driving license.

Day 6: Shigatse
Distance: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse

  • Activities: Continue license procedures, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Day 7: Shigatse—Gyantse—Lhasa
Distance: 280km
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa

  • Activities: Visit Pelkhor Chode Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, and Karuola Glacier. Drive to Lhasa.

Day 8: Lhasa
Distance: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa

  • Activities: Explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.

Day 9: Lhasa—Nyingchi
Distance: 420km
Accommodation: Hotel in Nyingchi

  • Activities: Drive to Nyingchi, enjoy beautiful scenery.

Day 10: Nyingchi—Bomi—Ranwu
Distance: 370km
Accommodation: Hotel in Ranwu

  • Activities: Drive through Namcha Barwa, forests, and mountains.

Day 11: Ranwu—Zuogong
Distance: 300km
Accommodation: Hotel in Zuogong

  • Activities: Visit Ranwu Lake and nearby villages, then drive to Zuogong.

Day 12: Zuogong – Deqin
Distance: 390km
Accommodation: Hotel in Deqin

  • Activities: Drive to Deqin, enjoy the scenery, and possibly stay near Feilai Temple for sunrise views of Mt. Kawa Karpo.

Day 13: Deqin – Shangri-la
Distance: 165km
Accommodation: Hotel in Shangri-la

  • Activities: Drive to Shangri-la, visit Songzanlin Temple and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 14: Shangri-la—Tiger Leaping Gorge—Lijiang
Distance: 185km
Accommodation: Hotel in Lijiang

  • Activities: Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, drive to Lijiang.

Day 15: Lijiang
Distance: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Lijiang

  • Activities: Explore Lijiang Ancient Town.

Day 16: Lijiang—Dali
Distance: 170km
Accommodation: Hotel in Dali

  • Activities: Drive to Dali, visit Zhoucheng village and Erhai Lake.

Day 17: Dali – Lincang
Distance: 325km
Accommodation: Hotel in Lincang

  • Activities: Drive to Lincang.

Day 18: Lincang – Jinghong
Distance: 310km
Accommodation: Hotel in Jinghong

  • Activities: Drive to Jinghong, pass through minority villages.

Day 19: Jinghong – Mohan
Distance: 270km
Accommodation: N/A

  • Activities: Drive to Mohan, complete exit procedures, enter Laos.

Note:

  1. Itinerary Flexibility: The itinerary may be tight; adjustments can be made for a more relaxed pace.
  2. Customization: Itineraries can be customized according to personal needs.
  3. Group Consideration: If part of a group, needs of all participants will be considered. Contact for any route, road condition, or driving time questions.