
Tibet frontier cycling adventure shangrila - nyingchi
Trip Introduction
This is not just a bike tour; it's a pilgrimage along China's legendary G318 highway. From the sacred lands of Shangri-La to the lush valleys of Nyingchi, experience the most dramatic shifts in landscape and culture on the roof of the world, all with the full support of our logistics vehicle.
Trip code: CBT260828
Itinerary
🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
To ensure the best possible experience, all itinerary details will be finalized and communicated closer to the departure date.
Day 1: Fri, 28 Aug – Arrival in Shangri-La (3,160m) (D)
Airport transfer to hotel in Dukezong Ancient Town.No activities scheduled; free time to acclimatize.Accommodation: Shangri-La Qincang Hotel (4-star), Tibetan-style comfort room.
Day 2: Sat, 29 Aug – Sightseeing & Bike Preparation (B,D)
Bike assembly and test ride.Explore Shangri-La with a local guide: visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and join the prayer wheel ritual at the Giant Golden Prayer Wheel.Accommodation: Shangri-La Qincang Hotel (4-star), Tibetan-style comfort room.
Day 3: Sun, 30 Aug – Shangri-La to Shusong Village (80km | 3,000m) (B,D)
Begin cycling with a gentle climb along the ancient Tea Horse Road.Highlights: Pass through Benzilan, a historic trade route town, and ride beside the Jinsha River (Yangtze headwater).Accommodation: Deqin Tibetan Inn (Hostel/Home Inn), standard comfort room.
Day 4: Mon, 31 Aug – Shusong Village to Naxi Township (165km | 2,735m) (B,D)
Cycle through dramatic mountain scenery with a mix of steep climbs and gentle descents.Highlights: Distant views of the Meili Snow Mountain range and Baima Snow Mountain; visit the Thirteen White Stupas Viewpoint; ride along the Nujiang River.Accommodation: Lacang Kangyanjing Hotel or similar (2-star).
Day 5: Tue, 1 Sep – Naxi Township to Markam (114km | 3,850m) (B,D)
Challenging climb: 48km long ascent to Hongla Pass (4,448m) with 1,600m elevation gain.Easier section: 44km descent to Markam.Highlights: Follow the Nujiang River; conquer high-altitude Hongla Pass.Accommodation: Jinshi Markam Impression Hotel (3-star) or similar.
Day 6: Wed, 2 Sep – Markam to Zogang County (160km | 3,700m) (B,D)
Join the legendary G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway.Conquer three major passes: Lawa Shan (4,380m), Jueba Shan (3,930m), and Dongda Shan (5,130m) – the highest point of the trip.Accommodation: Yuexi Hotel (3-star) or similar.
Day 7: Thu, 3 Sep – Zogang County to Ranwu Lake (310km | 3,900m) (B,D)
Combination of cycling and driving.Cycling (109km): From Zogang to Bangda, rolling terrain along the turquoise Yuqu River and high-altitude grasslands.Driving (190km): Traverse Yela Shan Pass (4,640m), descend the legendary 72 Bends, cross the Nujiang Bridge, and climb Anjiula Shan (4,475m) to Ranwu Lake.Highlights: High-altitude passes, dramatic bends, river valleys, and Ranwu Lake.Accommodation: Ranwu International Auto-Camping Camp (4-Star Stargazing Room).
Day 8: Fri, 4 Sep – Ranwu Lake to Lulang Town (265km | 3,385m) (B,D)
Mixed cycling and driving through forest and valley landscapes.Cycling (120km): From Ranwu to Bomi, well-paved rolling roads with views of snow mountains and pristine forest.Driving (145km): Pass through tunnels and uphill sections from Bomi to Lulang.Highlights: Snow peaks, primeval forest, and Ranwu Lake.Accommodation: Lulang Pearl River International Hotel (5-star).
Day 9: Sat, 5 Sep – Lulang Town to Nyingchi (70km | 3,100m) (B,D)
Full cycling day on mountainous roads in good condition.Climb Sējìlā Shan Pass (4,720m) through national forest area.On clear days, distant views of Namjagbarwa Peak (7,782m).Farewell dinner in the evening.Accommodation: Jove Mountain UrCove Nyingchi Hotel (5-star).
Day 10: Sun, 6 Sep – Nyingchi Departure or Extended Tour Options (B)
Transfer to Nyingchi train station or airport for departing guests.For those wishing to extend their Tibetan adventure, optional tours to Lhasa or Everest Base Camp can be privately arranged. Please contact us for details.Official end of the guided cycling journey.
Tour details
tour duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
size of group
Min. 8, Max 16 people
accommodation
- 9 nights with breakfast
- All lodgings are selected for their safety, comfort, and proximity to our route to ensure optimal recovery.
Meals
- 9 breakfasts, 9 dinners, and daily cycling snacks/hydration.
- Lunches are not included to allow for flexibility; your guides will recommend local options en route.
Support & Safety
- Expertly designed cycling route with gradual acclimatization
- Full private transportation & dedicated luggage/support vehicle
- Experienced ride leader (mechanical skills)
- Local Tibetan guide
- Tibet Travel Permit application and fees included
- Travel insurance (personal accident & medical; does not cover personal bikes
- All entrance fees for sights and national parks
Professional Guide & Flexible Itinerary
This high-altitude route (3,000–4,000 meters) requires 2–3 days for acclimatization. We recommend arriving in Shangri-La 1–2 days early if needed.
Your safety is our priority. Our professional ride leader monitors all conditions and adjusts pacing, distance, or route based on weather, terrain, and group energy. The support vehicle is always available for assistance or evacuation.
While Highway G318 is generally well-maintained, high-altitude cycling remains unpredictable. Itinerary distances are flexible; the leader may modify plans for safety and comfort, with full support throughout.
Your safety is our priority. Our professional ride leader monitors all conditions and adjusts pacing, distance, or route based on weather, terrain, and group energy. The support vehicle is always available for assistance or evacuation.
While Highway G318 is generally well-maintained, high-altitude cycling remains unpredictable. Itinerary distances are flexible; the leader may modify plans for safety and comfort, with full support throughout.
Travel moments
ready to explore asia your way?
Tell us a bit about yourself — and we’ll help you craft the perfect journey.
By submitting your information, you are granting us permission to email you.
You may unsubscribe at any time.