Mount Siguniang & Gongga Peak Self-Drive Loop
A spectacular 5-day self-drive loop through western Sichuan's most dramatic mountain scenery. Experience the majestic Four Sisters Mountain, the Tibetan beauty town of Danba, and views of mighty Gongga Peak - the King of Sichuan Mountains.
Highlights
Route Map
Explore all attractions along this 5-day itinerary
Why This Route?
This is the ultimate western Sichuan mountain loop, combining the dramatic peaks of Mount Siguniang with the cultural richness of Danba's Tibetan villages and the sacred grasslands of Tagong. Best experienced from May to October when mountain passes are clear. The route offers incredible diversity - from giant pandas at Wolong to snow-capped peaks, from ancient watchtowers to vast grasslands. Allow extra time for photography stops.
Driving Information
Route
Chengdu → G350 → Dujiangyan → Wolong → Balang Pass → Rilong (226km) → G350 → Xiaojin → Danba (112km) → S303 → Bamei → Daofu (162km) → G350 → Tagong → Xinduqiao → G318 → Kangding (216km) → Ya-Kang Expressway → Ya'an → G5 → Chengdu (322km)
Road Conditions
The route combines national highways (G350, G318) with provincial roads. Balang Mountain Pass (4,523m) and Zheduo Mountain Pass (4,298m) may have ice or snow from October to April - check conditions and carry chains. Roads are generally well-paved but winding with many hairpin turns. The Ya'an-Kangding Expressway section is excellent. Some sections between Danba and Daofu are narrow mountain roads.
5-Day Itinerary
Chengdu to Rilong (Mount Siguniang)
Depart Chengdu via the Chengdu-Wenjiang Expressway, then take G350 through Dujiangyan and Wolong Panda Reserve. Cross the Balang Mountain Pass (4,523m) with stunning views, then descend to Rilong Town at the foot of Mount Siguniang. The Four Sisters peaks dominate the skyline.
Activities:
Mount Siguniang to Danba
Morning exploration of Shuangqiao Valley or Changping Valley in Mount Siguniang Scenic Area. The valleys offer incredible views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine forests. Afternoon drive to Danba, famous for its ancient Tibetan watchtowers and beautiful Jiaju Tibetan Village.
Activities:
Danba to Daofu via Bamei
Drive north through the beautiful Dadu River valley to Bamei, then west to Daofu. The route passes through stunning grasslands and Tibetan villages. Daofu is known for its distinctive Tibetan architecture - the Daofu Folk Houses are among the most elaborate in Tibet.
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Daofu to Kangding via Tagong
Drive south through the sacred Tagong Grassland with views of Mount Yala (5,820m). Visit Tagong Monastery, one of the most important Sakya sect temples. Continue to Xinduqiao, the "Paradise of Photographers", then descend to Kangding, the historic gateway to Tibet.
Activities:
Kangding to Chengdu
Optional morning visit to Mugecuo Lake (Wood Grid Lake) for highland lake scenery. Then drive back to Chengdu via the Ya'an-Kangding Expressway through the spectacular Erlang Mountain Tunnel. The expressway offers a fast and comfortable return journey.
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Car Repair & Rescue Services
Local Cuisine
Danba Tibetan Pork
Air-dried pork prepared in traditional Tibetan style, a specialty of Danba. Rich flavor from the high-altitude curing process.
Yak Butter Tea
Traditional Tibetan drink made with yak butter and salt. Essential for high-altitude travel, helps with acclimatization.
Kangding Beef Noodles
Famous hand-pulled noodles with tender beef in rich broth. A must-try in Kangding city.
Tagong Yogurt
Fresh yak milk yogurt from the Tagong grasslands. Thick, creamy, and slightly tangy.
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