Western Sichuan tours - which one to choose?

Question

I'm currently in touch with a Chengdu trael agent regarding a tour to Western Sichuan. He sent three options and I wonder which one to choose. We go in October.

A: Siguniang Mountain + Moshi + Jiagenba + Moon Lake 4-Day Loop

D1: Chengdu – Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiaogou – Danba

D2: Danba – Yala Snow Mountain Observation Deck – Moshi Park – Gungnong Village – Yuzixi – Xinduqiao

D3: Xinduqiao – Moon Lake – Jiagenba – Hanging Garden – Xinduqiao

D4: Xinduqiao – Provincial Highway 434 – Red Lake – Mugecuo – Chengdu

B. 4-Day Siguniang Mountain + Moska + Dangling Small Group Tour (2-8 people)

D1: Chengdu - Yingxiu - Maobiliang - Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiaogou

D2: Siguniang Mountain - Danba - Moska - Dangling Village

D3: Dangling - Huluhai - Danba Jiaju Tibetan Village

D4: Danba Jiaju Tibetan Village - Xiaojin - Wandering Lixiao Road - Chengdu

C Siguniang Mountain + Moshi Park + Lenggatso 4-Day Small Group Tour (2-8 People)

D1: Chengdu - Maobiliang - Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiaogou - Danba/Siguniang Mountain

D2: Danba - Yala Snow Mountain - Moshi Park - Tagong - Yuzixi/Balangshengdu/Gedi La - Xinduqiao

D3: Xinduqiao - Quanhua Beach/Moon Lake - Lenggatso - Shangmuju/Yulong West Village

D4: Shangmuju/Yulong West Village - Zimei Pass (Optional) - Jiagenba - Chengdu

Which one is nicest?

Answer

All three Western Sichuan tour options cover stunning scenery in the Siguniang Mountain region, Danba Tibetan villages, and surrounding highlands, but they differ in focus, pace, and small-group experience. October is a great time for clear skies, autumn colors, and moderate temperatures.

Here’s a breakdown of the tours:

Option A: Siguniang Mountain + Moshi + Jiagenba + Moon Lake 4-Day Loop

This tour is a broader loop, covering multiple scenic spots including Siguniang Mountain, Moshi, Jiagenba, Moon Lake, and Mugecuo. It involves longer drives between destinations but offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s highlights. It is suited for travelers who want a mix of mountains, lakes, Tibetan villages, and panoramic highland landscapes.

Pros: Covers a wide variety of natural and cultural sights; good introduction to Western Sichuan.
Cons: Longer travel times; less in-depth experience at each location.

Option B: 4-Day Siguniang Mountain + Moska + Dangling Small Group Tour (2-8 people)

This small-group tour focuses on more intimate experiences, visiting Siguniang Mountain, Danba, Moska, Dangling Village, and Jiaju Tibetan Village. It emphasizes local culture and Tibetan heritage, with smaller groups allowing for more flexibility and a more personalized experience.

Pros: Small group (2–8 people) for a more relaxed pace and personalized attention; focus on Tibetan villages and cultural immersion.
Cons: Slightly less varied in natural scenery compared to Option A; may involve more walking in villages.

Option C: Siguniang Mountain + Moshi Park + Lenggatso 4-Day Small Group Tour (2-8 People)

This tour is also a small-group option but includes additional scenic highlights such as Tagong, Balangshengdu, Quanhua Beach, Moon Lake, and Lenggatso. It combines both nature and Tibetan cultural sites and offers the most variety, including lesser-visited spots like Zimei Pass.

Pros: Small group (2–8 people), more diverse itinerary, combines mountains, lakes, passes, and cultural sites; offers unique photography opportunities.
Cons: Slightly busier itinerary, potentially more travel time due to additional sites.

Summary and recommendation:

If you prefer a comprehensive introduction to the region with classic highlights and less concern about group size, Option A is suitable.
If you value cultural immersion and a relaxed small-group experience focused on Tibetan villages, Option B is ideal.
If you want a mix of natural beauty, cultural experience, and off-the-beaten-path locations with a small group, Option C is likely the “nicest” for variety and photography opportunities.

Overall, for a first-time visit in October, Option C offers the best combination of scenic diversity, cultural experience, and manageable small-group travel. It maximizes the experience of Western Sichuan in a limited timeframe.