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G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China — Mountain
East Asia

G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway

China

In short: G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is a 2,142 km mountain road trip in China, typically driven over 12–18 days, best in May–Oct. Highlights: Chengdu, Luding Bridge, Kangding.

Distance
2,142 km
Duration
12–18 days
Best Season
May–Oct
LegendaryHardSUV onlyMountainOff-road sectionsPermit requiredGuide recommended

China's most legendary road climbs from Chengdu's basin through 14 mountain passes above 4,000 m, across four mighty rivers, and into the thin air of Lhasa, the world's highest capital. Called "the most beautiful road on Earth" by Chinese drivers.

~3 refuels
~7 charges
Practical notes
A Tibet Travel Permit and additional alien travel permits are mandatory and must be arranged through a licensed Chinese travel agency, which also supplies a compulsory guide. Expect high-altitude passes above 5,000 m, frequent landslides, and unpaved sections; acclimatise in Chengdu before departure.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Chengdu — Departure — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Departure
Chengdu
Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and stock up at Jinli Ancient Street before the great plateau climb begins.
Hotels
Kangding — City — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
City
Kangding
The last major Han city before the Tibetan plateau, dominated by 7,556-m Gongga Mountain. Butter-tea stalls fuel the push upward.
Hotels
Litang — City — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
City
Litang
At 4,014 m, one of the world's highest towns. The August horse festival brings Kham nomads in full traditional dress from across the plateau.
Hotels
Markham — City — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
City
Markham
Where the highway officially enters Tibet, at the confluence of the Mekong and Zhuqu rivers marking the Sichuan-Tibet border.
Hotels
Nyingchi — City — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
City
Nyingchi
The lowest, most forested stretch of the highway follows the Yarlung Tsangpo gorge, blazing with peach blossom each March.
Hotels
Lhasa — Arrival — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Arrival
Lhasa
The plateau's spiritual capital: Potala Palace at dawn, Jokhang Temple's incense smoke, and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit.
Hotels

Things to Do

Luding Bridge — Landmark — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Landmark
Luding Bridge
An iron chain suspension bridge from 1706 over the roaring Dadu River, and the site of a legendary 1935 Long March crossing.
Ranwu Lake — Nature — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Nature
Ranwu Lake
A glacial turquoise lake ringed by snow peaks at 3,850 m, one of the most photographed views on the entire G318 corridor.
Hailuogou Glacier Park — National Park — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
National Park
Hailuogou Glacier Park
Features stunning glaciers, hot springs, and lush forests, offering breathtaking natural scenery.
Tagong Grassland — Scenic Viewpoint — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Scenic Viewpoint
Tagong Grassland
Expansive grasslands with views of snow-capped mountains, ideal for photography and relaxation.
Litang Monastery — Historic Site — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Historic Site
Litang Monastery
One of the largest monasteries in the region, known for its rich history and vibrant festivals.
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon — Nature — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Nature
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
The world's deepest canyon, offering dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Potala Palace — Historic Site — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Historic Site
Potala Palace
Iconic former residence of the Dalai Lama, showcasing Tibetan architecture and art.
Jokhang Temple — Religious Site — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Religious Site
Jokhang Temple
Spiritual heart of Tibet, attracting pilgrims and visitors with its sacred atmosphere.
Barkhor Street — Cultural Experience — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Cultural Experience
Barkhor Street
A bustling market street encircling Jokhang Temple, offering local crafts and street food.

Where to Eat

Chengdu Jinli Ancient Street — Street Food — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Street Food
Chengdu Jinli Ancient Street
A bustling street offering a variety of Sichuan snacks and local delicacies in a traditional setting.
Kangding Love Song Restaurant — Tibetan — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Tibetan
Kangding Love Song Restaurant
Authentic Tibetan cuisine with specialties like yak meat and butter tea, set in a cozy atmosphere.
Hotpot
Litang Yak Meat Hotpot
Famous for its flavorful yak meat hotpot, a local favorite in the high-altitude town of Litang.
Markham Noodle House — Noodles — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Noodles
Markham Noodle House
Serves traditional Tibetan noodles with rich broths and fresh ingredients, popular among travelers.
Ranwu Lake Fish Restaurant — Seafood — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Seafood
Ranwu Lake Fish Restaurant
Offers fresh fish dishes sourced directly from Ranwu Lake, prepared with local herbs and spices.
Nyingchi Peach Blossom Restaurant — Chinese — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Chinese
Nyingchi Peach Blossom Restaurant
Known for its dishes made with local peach blossoms, providing a unique culinary experience.
Lhasa Snowland Restaurant — Tibetan — G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway — China
Tibetan
Lhasa Snowland Restaurant
A renowned spot in Lhasa offering traditional Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa in a rustic setting.

Explore related routes

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Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway drive?

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway covers 2,142 km from start to finish.

How long does the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 12–18 days on the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

The recommended season for the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is May–Oct.

Where does the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway start and end?

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway runs from Chengdu to Lhasa.

What are the main stops on the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway passes through Chengdu, Luding Bridge, Kangding.

How difficult is the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway to drive?

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is rated hard and is best handled with suv only.

Do I need a 4WD for the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

Yes — the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway includes off-road or rough sections that require suv only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

Yes — the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: A Tibet Travel Permit and additional alien travel permits are mandatory and must be arranged through a licensed Chinese travel agency, which also supplies a compulsory guide. Expect high-altitude passes above 5,000 m, frequent landslides, and unpaved sections; acclimatise in Chengdu before departure.

How many fuel stops are needed on the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

Plan around 3 refuels (or about 7 EV charges) along the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway, based on its 2,142 km length.

Is the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway safe to drive?

A Tibet Travel Permit and additional alien travel permits are mandatory and must be arranged through a licensed Chinese travel agency, which also supplies a compulsory guide. Expect high-altitude passes above 5,000 m, frequent landslides, and unpaved sections; acclimatise in Chengdu before departure.

What scenic tier is the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.