Sichuan + Yunnan itinerary in August
Hi everyone,
My travel partner and I are planning a trip through Sichuan and Yunnan in July and August 2026. I would really appreciate some feedback from people who know the area, especially about transport, pacing, altitude, and whether we are missing anything important.
We have already booked our international flights:
July 30: Brussels to Chongqing
August 29 at 02:50: Chongqing to Brussels
So we need to be back in Chongqing by August 28 at the latest.
Our current plan is:
July 30 to August 1: Chongqing
2 nights, already booked
We mainly want to recover from the flight, eat hotpot, see Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei, Liziba station, and enjoy the city views.
August 1 to August 4: Chengdu
3 nights, already booked
Pandas, People’s Park, Wenshu Monastery, Sichuan opera, and maybe a day trip to Leshan or Dujiangyan/Qingchengshan.
August 4 to August 6: Ya’an
2 nights
Bifengxia, the panda base, some nature, and a softer stop before going higher into western Sichuan.
August 6 to August 9: Kangding
3 nights
We see this mainly as an acclimatization stop. We would like to visit Kangding town, Paoma Mountain, and maybe do a day trip to Tagong Grassland or Muya Golden Pagoda if transport works out.
August 9 to August 11: Litang
2 nights
We know Litang is very high, around 4,000 meters, so we plan to take it very slowly here. Mainly Litang Monastery, Letong Ancient Town, and just experiencing the Tibetan culture.
August 11 to August 14: Riwa / Shangri-La Town / Daocheng Yading
3 nights, not booked yet
We plan to stay in Riwa, near the Daocheng Yading Tourist Center, rather than in Daocheng County.
Our rough idea is:
Day 1: arrive from Litang
Day 2: shorter Yading route, Chonggu Monastery and Pearl Lake
Day 3: longer Yading route, Luorong Pasture, Milk Lake, and maybe Five Color Lake if the weather, altitude, and our energy allow
August 14 to August 17: Shangri-La, Yunnan
3 nights
Dukezong Old Town, Songzanlin Monastery, Napa Lake, and maybe Pudacuo National Park or Balagezong.
August 17 to August 18: Tiger Leaping Gorge
1 night, not booked yet
We are thinking about the classic 2-day, 1-night hike. Maybe staying around Halfway Guesthouse or Tina’s, depending on the route.
August 18 to August 21: Lijiang
3 nights
Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Baisha, Shuhe, and maybe Jade Dragon Snow Mountain if we still have enough energy.
August 21 to August 25: Dali
4 nights
This is meant as a slower recovery stop. Erhai Lake, Xizhou, Cangshan, cafés, laundry, and rest.
August 25 to August 27: Kunming
2 nights
Green Lake, Yuantong Temple, and maybe Stone Forest if we are not too tired.
August 27 to August 28: Chongqing
1 night
We want to be back in Chongqing with a buffer before our flight early on August 29.
A few questions:
Does this itinerary look realistic for August, especially with weather, road conditions, and altitude?
Is the pacing okay, or are we still trying to do too much?
What is the best way to travel by public transport or shared transport from Kangding to Litang to Riwa/Yading and then to Shangri-La in Yunnan?
For Yading, is staying in Riwa / Shangri-La Town near the tourist center the best choice?
Is 1 night enough for Tiger Leaping Gorge, or would you change the schedule?
Are there any places on this route you would skip, add, or change?
Do you have any hotel or guesthouse recommendations for Riwa/Yading and Tiger Leaping Gorge?
And finally, any advice for avoiding altitude sickness on the Kangding, Litang, and Yading part of the route?
We are not trying to rush every sight. We would rather have a beautiful and realistic trip with enough rest, especially during the high-altitude section.
Thanks a lot for any advice.