【Cycling the Sichuan-Tibet G318】Chengdu-Ya'an-Xinduqiao-Litang-Mangkang-Bangda-Nyingchi-Lhasa Sichuan-Tibet South Route 23-Day Bicycle Riding Journey

Welcome to Chengdu. Our guide will greet you at the airport/train station exit and escort you to the hotel for check-in and rest. If you arrive in Chengdu in the morning, you can explore Chengdu's fashion hub [Chunxi Road] and the thousand-year-old [Daci Temple], and check in at the Chinese-Western fusion [Taikoo Li] and the [IFS climbing panda]. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can visit [Jinli] and [Kuanzhai Alley] to experience the most leisurely and cozy slow life of Chengdu, or check in at the [Little Bar] from Zhao Lei's song "Chengdu." In the evening, our tour leader will hold a brief pre-departure briefing at the hotel.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: asphalt roads throughout, mainly flat roads, with a small amount of rolling roads and short gentle climbs Scenery: mostly town scenery; the view of Tianquan County town at the foot of Erlang Mountain is very beautiful After breakfast, start today's cycling journey. Today's road conditions are generally very good, mainly riding along provincial roads and national highways, and mostly on flat roads, so it is relatively easy. The only difficult point is that the cycling route is rather long, which tests your stamina. However, you can choose to follow the vehicle on some sections and ride on others, but you need to decide before setting off.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Mostly uphill roads, with many trucks along the way, so pay attention to safety Scenery: The scenery is nice, and the plateau views after passing through the Erlang Mountain Tunnel are even better Today you will conquer the first challenge of cycling the Sichuan-Tibet Highway — Erlang Mountain (3,437 meters). Erlang Mountain is majestic, and the winding mountain road is steep. The uphill cycling is quite difficult, so you may choose to ride a vehicle up and continue cycling on the downhill section after passing through the 【Erlang Mountain Tunnel】, traveling through the beautiful plateau scenery in a more relaxed way for a better experience. After passing through the Erlang Mountain Tunnel, there is a viewing platform where you can gaze at the Dadu River in the distance. Then you will cycle through Luding. If time permits, you can visit Luding Bridge. Finally, you will arrive at Wasi Gully for overnight accommodation.

Difficulty: ★★★★ Road conditions: Many long uphill sections Scenery: Very good scenery In the morning you will continue from Wasigou. Along the way you can gaze into the distance at Yala Snow Mountain. After riding a certain distance of uphill road, you will arrive at Kangding (2,395m), the seat of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and the Kangding of "Kangding Love Song." Then you will head from Kangding to Zheduo Mountain (4,298m). This stretch is also mostly uphill, and as the altitude rises, the difficulty of cycling will increase. You can first try riding a section as a challenge, and if you run out of energy you can continue by vehicle. PS: Because Zheduo Mountain is at a relatively high altitude and cycling involves a large amount of exertion, altitude sickness may occur. If you feel unwell, you need to communicate with the team leader promptly. After crossing [Zheduo Mountain Pass], there is another downhill section, and the scenery is very beautiful, with charming plateau pastoral views on both sides, very suitable for cycling.

Today you will rest for a day in [Xinduqiao], known as a photographer's paradise. Xinduqiao sits at about 3,300 meters, where obvious altitude sickness generally does not occur, and the scenery is beautiful—like a poetic, picturesque Shangri-La. You can explore here or simply rest well, acclimating to the plateau climate and easing any discomfort from the previous day's high altitude. You may also visit Tagong Grassland north of Xinduqiao. [Tagong Grassland] is the most famous grassland in Garze Prefecture. The pure white Yala Snow Mountain looks even more pristine against Tagong Grassland, and the Muya Golden Stupa and Yala Snow Mountain appear even more resplendent in the sunset glow. Along the way, you'll see Tibetan-style houses, yak herds, meadows, and small bridges over flowing water—scenes that will keep your shutter busy.

Difficulty: ★★★★ Road conditions: mainly long uphill roads and long downhill roads Scenery: along the way you can enjoy magnificent plateau scenery, towering snow mountains, quaint villages, and more After resting well, continue onward today. After riding along a stretch of occasionally rolling flat road, you reach the foot of Gaoersi Mountain, then cross the 4412-meter Gaoersi Mountain. This stretch requires overcoming the physical challenges brought by high altitude, but the scenery along the way is beautiful, and beautiful scenery can cure all fatigue. Afterward, pass through Yajiang County town and head to today's accommodation point - Xiangkezong Village (3500m).

Difficulty: ★★★★★ Road conditions: Mainly long undulating uphill and downhill roads, roaming all day at an altitude of 4,000 meters among the clouds Scenery: The scenery is very beautiful. On clear days, the high mountain and canyon views along the way are even better Today's cycling is quite challenging. You will need to cross two high mountains over 4,000 meters — Jianziwan Mountain (4,659 meters) and Kazila Mountain (4,718 meters). Due to the high altitude, the weather is also unpredictable. If you encounter rain or snow, the cycling difficulty will increase greatly. However, our support vehicle will serve you throughout the journey to ensure your cycling safety. In case of extreme weather, it is recommended to ride forward by vehicle to an area with better weather before continuing to cycle and enjoy the journey.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Mainly rolling roads Scenery: Excellent plateau scenery, and Litang's Tibetan-area views are also good After the previous high-altitude riding, we have already entered a higher-altitude region. Today we will continue riding amid the ultimate plateau scenery, but as time passes you may become aesthetically tired of the plateau views, and as your physical strength is consumed your body will feel more exhausted. While riding, pay attention to concentrating and to traffic safety. If you are tired, take a short rest or switch to traveling by vehicle. Finally you will arrive in Litang (4,015m), known as the City in the Sky. If you still have energy or time, you can stroll around Litang county town and experience a different Tibetan cultural atmosphere.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Rolling roads + long climbs + extra-long descents Scenery: Passes through stunning sights such as Maoya Grassland and the Sister Lakes of Haizi Mountain This morning, set off from Litang and ride along smooth asphalt roads, cutting across Maoya Grassland. The grassland scenery is gorgeous, so pick a good spot to take some photos. Then continue riding along rolling roads and climbs to Haizi Mountain Pass (4,685m). After the pass comes an extra-long 84km descent—check your brakes again before riding and stay safe. About 3 kilometers down from the pass is the Sister Lakes viewing platform, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Haizi Mountain Sister Lakes. Then continue descending to Batang. Batang has a thriving commercial scene, so you can enjoy some local food and get a good rest.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: rolling roads + a small amount of downhill Scenery: mostly magnificent and sweeping views Today's itinerary is relatively relaxed, basically riding along the Jinsha River below 3000 meters in altitude, with the surging Jinsha River on one side and steep cliffs on the other, making for very magnificent scenery. Departing from Batang, after riding about 34 kilometers you reach the Jinsha River Bridge, where you need to pass through a checkpoint. After registering, once you cross the bridge you officially enter Tibet. You can stop here for a photo, then continue onward to today's endpoint - Rirong County. The most famous thing in Rirong County is Rirong Hot Springs. Tonight you can soak in the hot springs to relieve fatigue.

Difficulty: ★★★★ Road conditions: Mainly uphill roads, with some sections in poor condition Scenery: Mostly vast mountain and plateau landscapes Today's itinerary is more difficult than the previous day, with mostly uphill and winding mountain roads, requiring high physical stamina. First, you will cycle along the uphill section to Haitong Military Station, where you can buy some food and water supplies. Then continue cycling about 7 kilometers of flat road and 10 kilometers of uphill to reach Zongla Mountain Pass (4,170 meters). After crossing the pass, you will arrive at Mangkang County at an altitude of 3,800 meters for overnight rest.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Long uphill + uphill and downhill Scenery: Beautiful scenery, with many Tibetan-style dwellings and farming landscapes In the morning you will set off from Mangkang. After riding a stretch of flat road, you will begin climbing over the Lawu Mountain Pass at an altitude of 4,338 meters. After a brief stop at the Lawu Mountain Pass for photos, you will begin descending to Rumei Town at an altitude of 2,640 meters, where you can rest and adjust for a while. After that you will continue cycling/driving uphill over the Jueba Mountain Pass at an altitude of 3,911 meters. After taking photos as a souvenir, follow the 10-kilometer downhill section and 2-kilometer rolling section to Dengba to rest.

Difficulty: ★★★★ Road conditions: Long climbs + long descents Scenery: Vast plateau landscapes Today you will take on the challenge of riding over Dongda Mountain, the second-highest mountain on the South Sichuan-Tibet Route. It is quite difficult, so you can first challenge yourself by riding, or simply choose to take a vehicle uphill and ride downhill, which is easier. In the morning, set off from Dengba and ride about 40 kilometers of long climbs to Dongda Mountain Pass at 5,130 meters, where you can take commemorative photos. Then ride about 30 kilometers of long descent and 5 kilometers of rolling roads to Zuogong County town (3,700m). On the descent, ride a bit slower and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: mostly rolling roads, but the gradients are not steep Scenery: high mountains and gorges, villages and towns, pastoral scenery Today's cycling difficulty is not great and the scenery along the way is beautiful, so you can fully enjoy the fun of cycling. In the morning, set off from Zuogong. After riding about 41 kilometers, you can pass through Tiantuo Town. The town is not very large, but it has a strong Tibetan flavor. After passing Tiantuo Town, the view suddenly opens up. Continue traveling through high mountains and gorges, riding alongside the winding Yuqu River. Along the way you will pass Tiantuo Village, where you can enjoy the beautiful pastoral scenery. Finally, arrive at Bangda (4120m) for the overnight stay. In the center of Bangda Town there is Bangda Square and sculptures for photo stops.

Difficulty: ★★★★ Road conditions: Asphalt roads throughout, long uphill + long downhill Scenery: Even more majestic and magnificent, especially the breathtaking Nujiang 72 Turns In the morning, set off from Bangda and begin cycling uphill to reach the Yela Mountain Pass at an altitude of 4,666 meters. The majestic and precipitous devil's highway — the Nujiang 72 Turns — is on the other side of the pass. You can pause at the pass for a while and quietly admire this magical and magnificent heavenly road. Then begin challenging this winding heavenly road. The multiple switchback long downhills and the beautiful high mountain and canyon scenery along the way will bring you an unparalleled cycling experience. However, before setting off, check again that your brakes are working properly. After starting the descent, it is recommended to go slowly throughout and pay attention to safety. Afterwards, you will pass the Nujiang Bridge and continue along the cliffside mountain road of Baima Gully. After passing Wailai Village and Lagen Village, you will arrive at Baxoi County (3,280 meters).

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Rolling roads with more uphill sections Scenery: The scenery along the way is relatively ordinary, but Ranwu Lake is especially beautiful After breakfast, as soon as you leave Baxoi county town you will begin a long climb, passing Wangpai Bridge and Jida Township to reach the Anjiula Mountain Pass (4,475m), the watershed between the Nu River and the Yarlung Tsangpo River. After crossing the pass, follow the Parlung Tsangpo, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, riding along the river, and finally arrive in Ranwu Town. Go to visit the beautiful Ranwu Lake. [Ranwu Lake]'s azure water and snow-white peaks form a picturesque and poetic beautiful scene. Depending on the season, the water of Ranwu Lake also presents several colors such as azure or blue-green. Many rocks and small islands dot the lake channel. On the lake surface, tree shadows dance in spring, while thin mist spreads in autumn and winter. The beauty of all four seasons makes people feel as if they have entered a dreamland. PS: Today's ride is relatively plain, and if you were too tired the previous day, it is recommended to choose to travel by vehicle on the uphill section before crossing the pass to save energy, and then choose to ride on the downhill section.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Mostly gentle descents, good road conditions Scenery: Beautiful landscapes with many streams and mountain forests Today's ride is relatively easy. You will set off from Rawu and ride about a dozen kilometers along rolling roads that trend downhill into the Nyingchi region, famous for its beautiful scenery. You'll pass through highland Jiangnan scenery composed of winding streams and dense mountain forests. Along the way, you'll also pass the Midui Glacier scenic area. [Midui Glacier] is the lowest-altitude glacier in the world. The entire glacier is as pure as jade, with beautiful scenery, diverse forms, and enchanting postures—you can admire the glacier up close.

Difficulty: ★★ Road conditions: mostly long downhill, a small amount of flat road Scenery: good mountains, good water, and good scenery along the way After breakfast, set off from Bomi (2700m), riding all the way along a long downhill and slowly alongside the Parlung Tsangpo River, passing Guxiang and the 102 Tunnel to arrive at Tongmai (2000m). The whole journey is relaxed with beautiful scenery, and riding the entire way is recommended.

Difficulty: ★★ Road conditions: Mostly flat asphalt roads, in good condition Scenery: Dense vegetation, pleasant scenery Today's itinerary is similar to the previous day, both relatively easy, riding the entire way through low-altitude areas, with dense vegetation along the route, abundant negative oxygen ions, a very comfortable climate, and beautiful scenery, making for an excellent cycling experience. You can ride all the way through picturesque scenery, finally arriving at Lulang, known as the "Little Switzerland of Tibet." If time permits, you can visit Lulang International Town and enjoy the paradise-like scenery beneath the snow mountains.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Many long uphill and long downhill sections Scenery: Magnificent snow mountains and beautiful forest scenery After breakfast, set off from Lulang Town and cross the Sejila Pass at an altitude of 4,720 meters. [Sejila Pass] is a famous landmark on the Sichuan-Tibet route. Stop here for a while and gaze into the distance at the lush Lulang Forest Sea and Namcha Barwa, one of China's most beautiful snow mountains. After that, ride along a long downhill section to reach Bayi Town, Tibet's second-largest town, where you can take a good rest and taste local specialty foods.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Mainly flat and rolling roads, all asphalt, good road conditions Scenery: The beautiful Nyang River, lovely mountains, rivers, and streams Today you will mainly ride along the beautiful Nyang River, with enchanting scenery all the way. The first 63 kilometers or so are flat and fairly easy. After Baiba Town, the route is mostly rolling roads, but the scenery is equally captivating. Finally, arrive at Gongbo'gyamda County.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: mainly rolling roads and gentle uphill roads, asphalt pavement throughout, good road conditions Scenery: beautiful Niyang River scenery, magnificent views of mountains and rivers After breakfast, set off from Gongbo'gyamda and continue riding about 19 kilometers along the charming Niyang River, passing the Middle Stream Pillar, a huge rock standing in the middle reaches of the Niyang River. Everyone who sees this sight cannot help but marvel at nature's uncanny workmanship. Afterward, continue riding about 79 kilometers along rolling roads with many uphill sections to reach today's destination - Songduo Town. Today's elevation gain is about 900 meters.

Difficulty: ★★★ Road conditions: Long uphill + ups and downs Scenery: Magnificent and vast Mira Mountain Pass, lively Tibetan town scenery Today is the last day of cycling and also a relatively long day. In the morning you will set off from Songduo, ride to the foot of Mira Mountain, then cross the 5,013-meter Mira Mountain Pass. The scenery at the pass is beautiful, and you can stop to admire it for a while, but due to the high altitude, it is not recommended to stay too long. After enjoying the scenery, continue onward, riding along about 25 kilometers of long downhill road to the Riduo checkpoint. After passing the checkpoint, head to Riduo for lunch and supplies, then continue onward. After riding 57 kilometers of downhill plus 72 kilometers of flat road, you will arrive at the final stop of this cycling journey—the holy city of Lhasa. With this, this wonderful 318 cycling challenge journey comes to an end. After arriving in Lhasa, you can rest and adjust for 1–2 days to relieve the fatigue of the journey. If you need Tibet travel services, you can also contact our website's customer service. Whether it is an economical Tibet group tour or a privately customized Tibet cycling tour, we can arrange it properly for you.