China26 days
Yunnan to Lhasa by Bicycle — 26 Days, Kunming to Namtso
A mountain bike route spanning daily stages from Lijiang through the Tibetan plateau to Lhasa and Namtso Lake, with altitudes ranging from 2,412 to 4,700 meters.
This 26-day bicycle journey traverses the southwestern edge of China's high plateaus, beginning in the Naxi minority region around Lijiang and terminating at Namtso Lake north of Lhasa. The route covers daily stages between 50 and 180 kilometers over 22 riding days, with elevations ranging from 2,412 meters in Lijiang to 4,700 meters at Namtso. Riders pass through Shangrila, Deqin, and the eastern Tibetan towns of Mangkang, Bangda, and Bayi before reaching Lhasa. Support vehicles carry luggage and offer assistance to riders managing altitude and fatigue. The itinerary includes three rest or sightseeing days—one in Deqin for acclimatization, one in Bayi for recovery, and two days exploring Lhasa before the final excursion to Namtso.
Highlights
- Cycling through Naxi minority settlements and architecture in Lijiang's old town (2,412 meters)
- 144-kilometer opening ride from Lijiang to Shangrila on high-altitude terrain
- 180-kilometer mountain stage from Shangrila to Deqin with views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and grassland pasturelands
- Multi-day riding through eastern Tibetan towns including Mangkang (4,317 meters), Bangda (4,300 meters), and Bomi
- Descent from the high plateau to Bomi and the forested regions around Bayi
- Rest day in Bayi with access to Sun Lake and Lama Lin Monastery
- Final 70-kilometer ride into Lhasa (3,658 meters) after three weeks on high-altitude terrain
- Guided sightseeing in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region
- Day excursion to Namtso Lake (4,700 meters), one of the world's highest saltwater lakes
Day by day
1Arrival in Kunmingyour hotel · Kunming airport
Arrive in Kunming at any time. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for rest following your international flight.
2Flight to Lijiang and Old Town OrientationLijiang · old town
Morning flight to Lijiang (2,412 meters). In the afternoon, you will walk through the old town at leisure, fit your bicycle, and attend a group meeting before dinner.
3Cycling Lijiang to Shangrila — 144 KilometersLijiang to Shangrila · Lijiang basin
Your first cycling day covers 144 kilometers to Shangrila (3,280 meters). The route climbs steadily as you leave the Lijiang basin.
4Shangrila to Deqin — 180 Kilometers at High AltitudeShangrila to Deqin · Jade Dragon Snow Mountain · grasslands and herding areas
This is the tour's longest and most strenuous cycling day at 180 kilometers to Deqin (3,400 meters). The route passes beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, skirting grasslands and herding areas where yaks move across open terrain. Altitude and distance combine to make this a demanding stage; a support vehicle follows to offer assistance, water, and rest stops as needed.
5Deqin Rest and AcclimatizationDeqin
Rest day in Deqin at 2400m elevation. Riders who didn't complete yesterday's distance can cycle the remaining 110km today.
6Deqin to Yanjing — 110 KilometersDeqin to Yanjing
Cycling 110 kilometers eastward to Yanjing (2,400 meters).
7Yanjing to Mangkang — 110 KilometersYanjing to Mangkang
Continuing eastward across 110 kilometers to Mangkang (4,317 meters), one of the highest towns on the route.
8Mangkang to Zhuka — 50 KilometersMangkang to Zhuka
A shorter 50-kilometer ride to Zhuka (3,206 meters), allowing recovery from the previous day's high altitude.
9Zhuka to Rongxi — 55 Kilometers
Fifty-five kilometers to Rongxi (4,100 meters), remaining on high terrain across the eastern plateau.
10Rongxi to Zuogong — 70 KilometersRongxi to Zuogong
Seventy kilometers to Zuogong (3,750 meters) across rolling terrain.
11Zuogong to Bangda — 105 KilometersZuogong to Bangda
One hundred five kilometers to Bangda (4,300 meters), returning to the highest elevations on the route.
12Bangda to Basu — 140 Kilometers
One hundred forty kilometers to Basu (3,280 meters), beginning a gradual descent from the plateau.
13Basu to Ranwu — 90 KilometersBasu to Ranwu
Ninety kilometers to Ranwu (3,960 meters), continuing on the descent into Tibetan regions with increasing forest cover.
14Ranwu to Bomi — 130 KilometersRanwu to Bomi
One hundred thirty kilometers to Bomi (2,750 meters), dropping significantly in elevation as valleys deepen.
15Bomi to Tongmai — 90 Kilometers
Ninety kilometers to Tongmai (1,800 meters), marking the lowest point on the eastern descent.
16Tongmai to Lulang — 61 KilometersTongmai to Lulang · Lulang
Sixty-one kilometers to Lulang (3,700 meters), climbing steeply back into high-altitude forest regions.
17Lulang to Bayi — 80 KilometersLulang to Bayi
Eighty kilometers to Bayi (2,900 meters), descending again through forested terrain toward Lhasa.
18Rest Day in BayiBayi · Sun Lake · Lama Lin Monastery
A full rest day in Bayi. You have the option to relax in town, visit Sun Lake, or visit Lama Lin Monastery nearby.
19Bayi to Gongbujiangda — 135 Kilometers
One hundred thirty-five kilometers to Gongbujiangda (3,400 meters), moving through river valleys on the final approach to Lhasa.
20Gongbujiangda to Songduo — 96 KilometersGongbujiangda to Songduo
Ninety-six kilometers to Songduo (2,840 meters), reducing elevation as you near the capital.
21Songduo to Mozhugongka — 110 KilometersSongduo to Mozhugongka
One hundred ten kilometers to Mozhugongka (3,825 meters), on the highland plain before Lhasa.
22Mozhugongka to Lhasa — Final 70-Kilometer CycleMozhugongka to Lhasa
Cycle the final 70 kilometers into Lhasa at 3,658 meters elevation.
23Lhasa SightseeingLhasa
Guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa, exploring the city's religious and cultural landmarks.
24Lhasa SightseeingLhasa City · local hotel
Guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa City at 3658 meters elevation. Overnight in local hotel.
25Namtso LakeNamtso Lake
Tour northward to Namtso Lake, one of the world's highest saltwater lakes at 4,700 meters.
26Departure from Lhasa
You are free to depart at any time during the day.
Where you go
- 1Lijiang
- 2Lhasa
Included
- Accommodation: Hotels（15 nights）Guest house (10 nights)
- Transport: flight and private vehicle
- Meals: 24 Breakfasts, 24 Lunches, 25 Dinners
- Guide: Tour leader throughout
- Included gear:
- 27 speed mountain bike and bike helmet.
- E-bike is available for an extra charge of @US$200.00
- Support vehicle for passengers and luggage
- Drinking water in 19 liter jar is provided daily
Not included
- Excluded:
- International flight
- Expenses of personal nature
- Gratuity
- Things not expressly mentioned inclusive above.