The Sichuan-Tibet Road, construction of which started from April in 1950 and completed on December 25th,1954, which is so called National Rd 317 and National Rd 318, is known as "the sightseeing road of China". It's the first motor vehicle route connecting Sichuan with Lhasa, and famous for its dangerous road conditions and wonderful scenery. Riders should cross high mountains and rapid rivers on the way while enjoying the snow-capped mountains, original forests, grasslands, glacier and clear rivers such as Jinsha River and Lancang River at the same time.
Hundreds of Thousands of years ago, before the route opens, the economic and cultural center of the southwestern people gathered on the Tea-horse Ancient Road, which is the highest and most dangerous traffic road in the world. The total 1958km road starting from Ya'an, passing through Sichuan to Lhasa will cost at least more than half an year even by riding horses. If they transport by yak, they can only finish one round trip with one year time.
It starts from Chengdu and stretches to north. Riders stop the way on the National Rd 213 in Wenchuan and transfer to the path from Shuajing Temple to Barkam, Changdu, Leiwuqi, Baqing, Sog County and Nagqu, and arrive in Lhasa at last through Tang-Tibet Ancient Road. According to official statistics, the total miles is about 2,412km. And the scenery on the way is beautiful because of its high elevation and sparse population.
It starts from Chengdu and stretches to north, turning west in Yingxiu town, passing through the Wolong nature reserve, crossing Balang Mountain (4523km) and arriving in Danba. After entering Garze, passing through Daofu, Luhuo, Garze and Jingsha River Bridge, then riders reach Bangda which is the intersection point of two routes starting from Jiangda and Qamdo, finally see Lhasa after passing by Bome County and Bayi. Official statistics show that the length is about 2,293km. By the way, riders can choose the route from Leiwuqi to Tang-Tibet Ancient Road to arrive in Lhasa when they reach Qamdo.
The starting station is Chengdu. The riders parts ways with National Rd 108 in Ya'an, then go to west and cross the Erlang mountain, crossing the Dadu River, Yalong River, Jinsha River, Lancang River and NuRiver, passing through Markam, Zogang, Bangda, Baxoi, Ranwu, Bome, Nyingchi, Maizhokunggar and Dagze, finally arrive in Lhasa. Compared with Sichuan-Tibet northern line, this route is in the areas of concentrated population. The road on the way is full of scenery of high mountains and canyons, therefore riders prefer this route to Lhasa in most cases. The kilometer reading on their riding timers is 2,149KM.
Chengdu to Ya'an
All are expressways.
Ya'an to Kangding
The road follows the path of crossing the mountains along the riverside all the way. Riders will pass through the Erlang Mountain whose height is 3500m, which is the first danger of Sichuan-Tibet line. After passing through the Erlang Mountain, riders shall keep an eye on the road conditions because of the landslip and debris flow in rainy season.
Kangding to Zheduo Mountain
It's a geographical boundary, which is next to plateau near the Yalong River in the west. The mountain is also the boundary of traditional Han people and Tibetans.
Zheduo to Batang
The valley of Jinsha southern bank is to the west of Batang, an excellent farming distraction for traditional Tibetans. But it is also the place where earthquake happens frequently.
Batang to Nyingchi
When the riders pass through Zhubalong Jinsha River bridge which is 800 km long, they will enter the famous Three Mountains and Three Rivers area which is dangerous for its groove type geological fracture section. This area nearly includes all the incredible things of Sichuan-Tibet line.
Nyingchi to Lhasa
The road is well constructed with advanced highway.
1. Bicycle
2. Necessary Medicine
As for the overall budget, you’d better spare 2500CNY for food and accommodation. For the exact expenses on other things like rent of bicycle and tourist guide, etc. please no hesitation to contact our travel consultants for free consultancy.
The best time to start are May and the middle of August because riders can join in Shoton Festival and Horse Racing Festival in July and August of Tibetan calendar. And the weather after August 20 is breezy and sunny.
Day 1: Chengdu - Chengdu Qingyang palace - Qingyang street - Qinghua Road - Guanghua Road Pass - Guanghua Road - Wenjiang area-Chongzhou-Dayi Town - Qionglai - Ya'an (154KM)
This way is the easiest road to ride. Qionglai, the hometown of Zhuo Wenjun, 74km far away from Ya’an, is a convenient place to eat and sleep.
Food - Fish in Ya’an is very famous and it is fed on the magmatic water so that it tastes very fresh and tender. People usually cook it in the casserole produced locally.
Accommodation - If you come here in summer, it’s better to choose the hotel equipped with air conditioner.
Day 2: Ya'an-Tianquan Town-Lianglu Village (90KM)
The riders will continue to ride following the Qingyi River. The Theme Park of Tea Horse Ancient Road is nearby and several towns which provide enough materials are on the way. Unluckily the road becomes steep from here.
Food - Riders can have lunch in Tianquan County.
Accommodation - Kede hotel in Lianglu County provides service including meals and rooms. Guests said that the bacon in that hotel tastes good because the pigs here are all naturally fed.
Day 3: Lianglu County-Erlang mountain-Luding County (52KM)
Today the riders will see the high mountains- Erlang Mountain. In May it looks colorful, full of blooming flowers. But the riders should be attentive that this section is so called the first dangerous passage for the Sichuan-Tibet line which is covered with ice and snow all the year round, sometimes with Torrential rain, fog, mud flood and landslide. Riders must be careful when they are riding.The Erlang passage is about 4.176km long which is the longest road tunnel in China. Riders should show their ID card when they pass through the passage. After passing through the Erlang tunnel, riders will face a 28km long downhill path. From now on riders should take a coat. Go downhill for 30km, riders will arrive in Luding where they will have dinner and stay night. Attention: Please remember to ride in line rather than side by side.
Day 4: Luding County-Xiawasi County-Kangding (57KM)
It is 23km away from Luding to Xiawasi.Though the road is not bad here, riders go up the mountains along the Dadu River. So riders shall encourage themselves when hearing the sound of water.
Food - Riders can have lunch and take some water in Xiawasi.
Accommodation - Hotels in Kangding are more Tibetan-style than that of Ya'an. Reservations are only required during the horse racing festival, because rooms at other time are available. If your condition permits, you can go to Zheduotang County which is 16.5km away from Kangding and stay in Tibetan families.
Day 5: A rest day in Kangding
Kangding, the main center of the Tea Horse Ancient Road, looks very prosperous with Zheduo River around it.
Food - Local food here is very delicious and varied. Sichuan-style and Tibetan-style food such as Tsanba, yak buttered tea and red meat account for most of them.
Day 6 : Kangding-Zheduo mountain pass-Xinduqiao Town (78KM)
Riders will cross mountains at an elevation of 4000 meters. They need get up early and ride about 16.5km to reach Zheduotang village where they can get food and water supply. And the spring is very clean and drinkable. After passing through the Zheduo Mountain Pass, riders will see two roads, the right one leading to Kangding airport and the left one leading to State Road 318. Scenery on both sides of road seems wonderful though the road is not very smooth. It's called the photographic paradise for travelers.
Food - Riders can have meals after arriving in Xinduqiao. They shall prepare enough food for the journey from Kangding to Zheduo.
Accommodation - Hotels in Xinduqiao are very cheap and clean with good environment.
Day 7: Xinduqiao Town-Gao'er Temple mountain pass-Yajiang town (76KM)
Riders will ride on asphalt road and gravel road all day.
Food - Riders shall take food by themselves.
Accommodation - Yajiang Tibetan hotel with charging rate of 10RMB/per person
Day 8: Yajiang town-Jianziwan Mountain pass-the 119 team (51KM)
Today riders will try crossing the Jianziwan Mountain. It will be easier for the riders to arrive in Lhasa if riders can smoothly pass this section, which is about 21km away from Jianziwan mountain pass to the 119 Team. And this section is the first area without internet configuration.
Food - Riders shall have lunch and take enough water by themselves. Dinner in the 119 Team is available.
Accommodation - Live in the 119 Team where the fresh vegetable is rare and riders can only have potatoes and onions as their meals.
Day 9: 119 team-Kazila mountain pass-Litang County (87KM)
Riding on the plateau at elevation of 4000 meters all day. Riders will pass through five to six mountain passes and the fourth pass is steep with broken stones, so please remember to brake in advance and control the speed when there is a turning. The endless grass land and all kinds of blossoming flowers present a very beautiful scenery for riders.
Food - Riders will have lunch in Taziba and dinner in Litang County. The local food is in unique style.
Accommodation - Hotel in Litang is very good and riders can surf the Internet here.
Attention - Today riders shall keep warm.
Day 10 : Litang-Haizishan pass-Cuola County-Lala Mountain-Batang Village (177KM)
Riders will ride all day today. Today’s riding way is the longest during Sichuan-Tibetan Riding. The 90km road from Haizishan pass to Batangis is fine except the 10km on Litang grassland. The caw and sheep scattering on the grassland, like stars adorning the dark sky, together with the white clouds and blue sky constitute the fairy land. Batang is the last cycling station in Sichuan.
Food - Riders shall take lunch by themselves and have dinner in Batang.
Accommodation - Hotel in Batang
Day 11 : Batang-Jingsha River Bridge-Rirong Hot Spring Villa (47KM)
After passing through the Jinsha River Bridge, the riders will enter Tibet. The road is full of broken stones and the plants on the mountains are very rare.
Food - Lunch and dinner are all provided by Rirong Hot Spring Villa
Accommodation - Rirong Hot Spring Villa
Day 12 : Rirong Hot Spring Villa-Haitong Army Service Station-Zhongbala Mountain Pass-Markam County (62KM)
Detritus is everywhere. Markam is the first town after entering Tibet, which is also the intersection of Yunnan-Tibetan highway and Sichuan-Tibetan highway. There is only one way from here to Tibet, so it's lively all the way and all kinds of self-travelers will meet here.
Food - Riders can have lunch in the Haitong Army Service Station and have diner in Markam.
Accommodation - Guesthouses in Markam are vacant. The prices are almost the same and most guesthouses smell bad. After a half-day rest, riders have good physical condition to ride from Rirong to Rumei.
Day 13 : Markam-Lawu Mountain Pass-Rumei Town (the Lancang River Bridge) (50KM)
It is said that scenery of the blooming Lilac and highland barley field here looks like the scenery on the Alps. But road of this section is steep and with lots of turnings.
Food - Lunch and dinner are all provided in Rumei
Accommodation - Hotels and guesthouses are both fine in Rumei. The Snowy Hot Spring Villa is available to provide accommodation.
Attention - Riders should be careful on this road with slowly speed.
Day 14 : Rumei town-Juba Mountain Pass-Dengba Village-Rongxu Army Service Station (48KM)
Most sections along the road are narrow and steep. Although riders only need ride 48 km today, it's really a tough experience. Some sections are covered with sands falling down the cliff, therefore riders have to pass through it with strenuous efforts. The section from Rumei to Jueba Mountain Pass will cost more than half a day. Lawa Temple which is 6 km away from Jueba Mountain Pass can provide food and accommodation. But there is only one place for battery recharging in Dengba.
Food - Riders can have lunch in Dengba Village while having diner in Rongxu Army Service Station
Accommodation - Rongxu Army Service Station
Day 15: Rongxu Army Service Station-Dongda Mountain Pass-Zuogong County (62KM)
Since it is the first day that riders will ride above an elevation of 5000m, riders must check the bicycle before departure and take enough food and water. And it snows all the year on Dongda Mountain except January, therefore riders shall prepare enough warm cloth and rain coat. Continue to ride about 33 km after passing through the Dongda Mountain Pass, the road turns to cement one till arrive in Zuogong.
Food - Riders shall carry lunch with them and eat diner in Zuogong.
Accommodation - Guesthouse of Zuogong Army Service Station
Day 16: Zuogong County-Tiantuo County-Bangda County (113KM)
Riders will ride on a good condition road today and can see groundhog. Bangda County is the intersection of Sichuan-Tibet North line and South line. In 1995, the newly built Bangda Airport, which is also the unique airport in east Tibet, is the highest airport in the world and has the longest runway.
Food - Riders can have lunch in Tiantuo while having diner in Bangda.
Accommodation - Both Bangda Youth Hotel and Chuan-Yu Hotel are good choices.
Day 17 : Bangda-Yela Mountain Pass-Nujiang River Bridge-Baxoi (97KM)
In Yela Mountain Pass riders will experience the famous "the 72 turnings on Nujiang Mountain", so they must control speed and have a rest once feel tired. When reaching the foot of mountain, riders arrive at the bank of Nujiang River. Continue to ride 20km, riders can see message room where riders can leave message and they usually look for charcoal ash and write down their names in the blank.
Food - Riders should take lunch with them and have diner in Baxoi
Accommodation - Military office guesthouse
Day 18: Baxoi-Jida County-Anjiula Mountain Pass-Ranwu (93KM)
There is the asphalt road all day. After 37km’s riding, riders will arrive in the beautiful Jida County. Food - Jida County is a beautiful place where riders can have lunch.
Accommodation - Ranwu
ay 19: Have a rest in Ranwu
Ranwu is a wonderful place with lots of lakes around by snowy mountains. When the weather is sunny, the sun shines on the dark blue lake which mirrors the snowy mountains, white clouds and forests. People who get here will be lost in the wonderful scenery. Ranwu is called "Switzerland in Tibet" and "Buddhist paradise" for the most beautiful scenery is in Wacun Village next to the Ranwu Lake. Remember to take cameras, which would be helpful to keep the beautiful scenery.
Day 20: Ranwu Town-Songzong Town-Bomi County (136KM)
Riders will pass by the origin of Yarlung Zangbu River today. Then riders will enter the plateau forest. The bicycle bumps down the gravel road where riders can see Midui Glacier entrance on the way.
Food - Riders can have lunch in Songzong and diner in Bomi. The noodles in Songzong taste good.
Accommodation - Bomai Hotel where you can take a bath before you go to bed.
Day 21 : Bomi-Guxiang Town-102 Landslide Area-Tongmai Town (95KM)
Before leaving Medog County, riders can see the Medog Road starting-point monument. Medog is the last town to be constructed with road in China. The G 318 road going through the forest seems smooth. In low altitude, air is moisturizing and fresh, giving riders a sense of fairy land. When riders pass through the 102 Landslide Areas, please take care the road filled with puddles from the rain.
Food - Lunch in Guxiang and dinner in Maitong. Riders can enjoy the fried rice with eggs and the boiled corn.
Accommodation - Stay in Tongmai Hotel.
Day 22: Tongmai Town-Pailong Village-Lulang Town (78KM)
The way from Tongmai to Lulang is very hard because this is the most dangerous road section for riders to pass through, Pailong Road. This section is not only narrow but also full of turnings. What’s more, it rains a lot so that landslide and rocks will roll down from mountains. Therefore riders must wear helmets and adjust the condition of bicycle. After riding for 18 km, riders will arrive in the Pailong Village. The 60 km road from Pailong to Lulangway is ascending. Of the 4112 km indicated in guide board of G318, the 24 km long earth road has been replaced by asphalt road. This was ever the last part of earth road before arriving in Lhasa.
Food - Riders shall prepare lunch by themselves and have diner in Lulang Town where the stone pot chicken tastes nice.
Accommodation - Riders can live in the Lulang Army Service Station or the canteen.
Day 23: Lulang Town-Segyi La mountain Pass-Nyingchi-Bayi Town (75KM)
Because it is near Lhasa here, riders will meet many other riders. The mountains are covered with fir. Mount Namcha Barwa is less than 100 km away from the Segyi La mountain Pass. The location of Nyingchi in Tibet is equivalent to the location of southeast bank of Yangtze River in China. Scenery here is wonderful and people living here are happy.
Food - Riders need carry lunch with them and eat diner in Bayi Town where there are plenty of food.
Accommodation - Bayi Education Hotel is a good choice with quiet environment and complete household appliances.
Day 24 : Bayi Town- Bahe Town-Gongbu Jiangda (127KM)
Scenery here seems a little boring. After 79 km’s riding, riders will reach Bahe Town which is 1 km away from G318. Then riding 49 km, riders can arrive in Gongbu Jiangda.
Food - Riders can have lunch in Bahe Town which is famous for its fish and diner in Gongbu Jiangda.
Accommodation - Food Bureau guests house
Day 25: Gongbu Jiangda-Jinda Town-Jiaxing County-Songduo Village (96KM)
Riding along the Niyang River, riders will see the famous scenic spot, firm rock in midstream, which is called mainstay.
Food - Lunch in Jinda Town
Accommodation - Songduo Highway Maintenance Squad provides free rooms under the condition that the one who lives here shall clean and tidy the room before leaving next day. Songduo Army Service Station is also a place available to provide accommodation.
Day 26: Songduo Village - Mila Mountain Pass - Riduo County – Mozhugongka (82KM)
Riders today will cross the mountain passing at an elevation of 5000m which is the last mountain pass they need cross before arriving in Lhasa. After the 60 km downhill path, riders can have a rest. The Ongkor Festival held every year in Mozugongka is very lively.
Food - Riders shall prepare lunch by themselves and have diner in Mozugongka
Accommodation - Hotels in Mozugongka are plentiful. Yet time is enough for riders to go straightly to Lhasa if they can get here before 16:00 pm.
Day 27: Mozugongka-Lhasa (74KM)
Riders will arrive in Lhasa today. Riders shall reach the bicycle relay station and arrange the accommodation before they walk to the square in front of the Potala Palace to celebrate the end of riding.
1.How to overcome altitude stress?
When riders enter the area at elevation of more than 3000 km, some of them may have altitude sickness because of the hypoxia. What the most terrible is that the hypoxia may cause encephaledema and pneumonedema which is the direct reason leading to death.
Sometimes it is imperceptible at the start with hard headache which lasts for a long time. For the one who has caught a cold, the situation will be worse. So when there is a light headache please have A.P.C, and go to hospital as soon as possible once it turns worse.
Here are some early precautions for the altitude stress. It is necessary to have a good physical reserve before departure. Do not compete on the speed and stamina during riding process. And it is also important to have a short stop in case of bad weather. Riders can choose the Qinghai-Tibet route if it's their first time riding to Tibet, so that they can adjust to the plateau environment in a longer time.
Once the rider suffers from hard headache for a long time, he/she should take a car to the lower elevation places to hospital to see a doctor at once.
2. What should riders pay attention to?
(1) Choose the right riding partners - Riding partners shall have independence, the same-like speed, the same moral ideals and consumption concept.
(2) People below should not join in the riding
3. How to transport your bicycles?
(1) Airport Check - Riders can unpack bicycles in the shop where they bought it. Because the package bag is too big to put into the taxi trunk, riders can ride to the airport and then pack it.
(2) Train Consignment - You can use the huge box to check in your bicycle in train station. When you arrive in Chengdu, you can go to the luggage car and get your bicycle after paying the luggage consignment fee. You can also choose to bring bicycle with you, putting it under your sleeper berth.
(3) Truck or car consignment - Remember to pack the bicycle well especially for the key parts. If riders want to hitch a ride on the riding way for some reasons, Fuel tank car is a good choice because of its flat top.
4. How to dispose of bicycles after ending riding?
Well, the first option is that riders can take the bicycle back with consignment. The second option is selling it in Lhasa. It's not very hard to sell bicycle there. But one thing that riders should pay attention to is that when riders need consignment they shall pack the bicycle and send it to the train station by themselves instead of entrusting your bicycle to the bicycle sellers.
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