5-Day Travel Guide to Western Sichuan

Daily Itinerary

● Day 1: Chengdu - Wenchuan - Li County - Barkam
○ Morning: Depart from Chengdu and drive along the Duwen Expressway, passing through Wenchuan. Make a brief stop to visit the Wenchuan Earthquake Ruins, reflecting on the power of nature and human resilience. Continue to Li County and enjoy the scenic Qiang village landscapes along the way.
○ Afternoon: Proceed to Barkam and visit the Zhuokeji Chieftain’s Fortress, an ancient official residence showcasing the distinctive Gyarong Tibetan architectural style.
○ Evening: Savor local Tibetan delicacies in Barkam, such as hand-grabbed mutton and butter tea.

● Day 2: Barkam - Guanyinqiao Town - Wengda - Sertar
○ Morning: Depart from Barkam and head to Guanyinqiao Town to visit the Guanyin Temple, one of the renowned monasteries of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Then continue to Wengda Town.
○ Afternoon: Travel from Wengda to Sertar, admiring the grasslands and mountain scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and rest briefly.
○ Evening: Visit the Sertar Buddhist Institute to witness the breathtaking night view, where countless red monastic dwellings glow under the lights.

● Day 3: Sertar Day Tour
○ Morning: Explore the Sertar Buddhist Institute, visiting prayer halls, stupas, and other structures while listening to the monks’ chanting, immersing yourself in the profound religious atmosphere. Choose to tour on foot or by electric cart.
○ Afternoon: Visit the Sky Burial Site to observe the sky burial ceremony (check the schedule and regulations in advance). This unique funeral custom offers deep reflections on life and nature.
○ Evening: Return to the Buddhist Institute to enjoy the night scenery and photograph the starry sky.

● Day 4: Sertar - Luhuo - Dawu - Bamei - Tagong Grassland - Xinduqiao
○ Morning: Depart from Sertar and head to Luhuo, enjoying its pastoral landscapes. Then proceed to Dawu to visit the distinctive Tibetan-style Dawu dwellings.
○ Afternoon: Travel from Dawu to Bamei to marvel at the unique Bamei Stone Forest. Continue to Tagong Grassland, where you can admire the vast grasslands and the distant Yala Snow Mountain.
○ Evening: Arrive in Xinduqiao, known as the "World of Light and Shadow," and capture the stunning sunset views.

● Day 5: Xinduqiao - Kangding - Luding - Chengdu
○ Morning: Depart from Xinduqiao and head to Kangding to visit attractions like Paoma Mountain and Mugecuo Scenic Area.
○ Afternoon: Travel from Kangding to Luding, where you’ll visit the Luding Bridge and learn about the heroic feat of the Red Army’s crossing. Then return to Chengdu, concluding the trip.

Western Sichuan · Sichuan