Practical notes from the road — altitude, seasons, etiquette and packing, written for travellers heading into Western Sichuan for the first time.
The three sacred peaks of Yading are the most photographed corner of Western Sichuan. Here is the honest version: what the hike actually costs, how high it goes, and why the reservation system matters more than the ticket price.
The G318 is the most famous road in China: 2,100 km from Chengdu to Lhasa, over passes above 4,000 m. This is the part we actually drive, and what has changed since the tunnels arrived.
The sea of red houses at Larung Gar is one of the most striking sights in Western Sichuan — and one of the least straightforward to visit. Here is exactly how access works now, including the part that affects foreign travellers.
Most travellers feel something above 3,000 m. Here is how to arrive well, recognise the warning signs, and what actually helps — based on what we see on the road.
Spring flowers, summer grasslands, autumn colour and hard winter light — what each season actually looks like on the ground, and which one suits the trip you want.
Monasteries, prayer flags, offering scarves and photographing people — the small things that make a real difference to how you are received.
A short, honest packing list built from what guests actually forget — layers, sun protection, and the small items that make high-altitude nights comfortable.
Driving, flying or the train — how the main options compare, how long each really takes, and which one suits the journey you have in mind.
Permits, altitude, timing and expectations — the decisions that shape a first journey into Tibetan country, explained without the sales pitch.
The single most common question we get from foreign travellers — and the answer surprises almost everyone. If your trip stays in Sichuan, you do not need a Tibet permit. Here is exactly where the line falls.
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