Heading west from Chengdu, the first day along the legendary Sichuan-Tibet highway ends in Kangding.  The change in scenery as the Sichuan Basin gives way to the Himalayan Plateau is hard to miss.  The drive should only whet the appetite for more towering peaks and lush grasslands which lay ahead in the western part of the province.  While centuries of trade and expansion caused the city to become largely Han Chinese in population and appearance, plenty of natural beauty and traditional Tibetan culture temples awaits in the surrounding areas.  Experienced hikers are sure to be impressed by the multi-day options around Gongga Mountain, Gongga Monastery, and the Moxi Valley, while naturalists are guaranteed to spot something special around Mugecuo Lake, sitting at an amazing 3700 meters (12,150 feet) above sea level.