10-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary on China’s Scenic Route G318 (Chengdu to Lhasa)

What is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway is one of China’s longest and most treacherous roads. There are three routes, with the most famous being the southern route, which is the G318 section from Chengdu to Lhasa, spanning 2,142 kilometers.

The red line indicates the southern Sichuan-Tibet route (G318 Chengdu-Lhasa section).

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway was constructed in 1954 after 110,000 soldiers and civilians from the 18th Army fought valiantly in its construction.

During the building process, over 3,000 officials, soldiers, and workers heroically sacrificed their lives. Their legacy endures in history.

Today, the once formidable Sichuan-Tibet Highway has been transformed into a navigable road, with bridges spanning rivers and tunnels carved through mountains.

Detailed 10-Day Cycling Itinerary Along the G318

Day 1 Chengdu – Ya’an – Kangding (310 km)

• Erlang Mountain (altitude 3,437 m), Luding Bridge, and the vibrant town of Kangding.
• At the Tibetan-Han cultural crossroads, begin learning about Tibetan culture and customs.

Day 2 Kangding – Tagong – Yajiang (184 km)

• Zheduo Mountain (altitude 4,298 m)
• Tagong Grassland
• Xinduqiao
• Gao’ersi Mountain

Day 3 Yajiang – Litang – Cuopu Valley (262 km)

• Eighteen Bends of Tianlu, Kamba Man Village
• Sky City
• Maoya Grassland
• Sister Lakes on Haizi Mountain.

Day 4 Cuopu Valley Tour (30 km)

• Explore Yasuosi Monastery
• hot springs
• Cuopu Lake
• local wildlife

Day 5 Cuopu Valley – Batang – Zuogong (295 km)

• Cross Jinsha River Bridge
• Haitong Valley
• Dongda Mountain Pass

Day 6 Zuogong – Bangda – Ranwu (289 km)

• Navigate the 72 hairpin bends of the Nujiang River
• Nujiang Grand Canyon
• Nujiang Bridge
• Anjula Mountain Glacier

Day 7 Ranwu – Renlongba Glacier – Guxiang in Bomi (228 km)

• Ranwu Lake
• Renlongba Glacier
• Guxiang Lake

Day 8 Guxiang – Gongyu Spruce Forest – Guxiang (80 km)

• Cycle and hike through primeval forests
• enjoy the scenic beauty of the Grass Sea

Day 9 Guxiang in Bomi – Nyingchi (200 km)

• Traverse the Tongmai Danger Zone,
• pass through Lunang Town
• cross Sejila Mountain
• view Mount Namjagbarwa.

Day 10 Nyingchi – Lhasa (419 km)

• Visit Basum Lake (altitude 3,480 m)
• enjoy the Lhasa River scenery
• cross Mila Mountain Pass (altitude 5,013 m)
• arrive at the Potala Palace

Main Attractions During the Cycling Journey

Cuopu Valley

Cuopu Valley is a stunning area that combines snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, lakes, and temples, offering both natural and cultural attractions. The jewel of the valley is Cuopu Lake, known as the “First Holy Lake of Kham,” with jade-like waters surrounded by pristine forests and lush green meadows, creating a picturesque and enchanting landscape. The valley is also home to diverse plant and animal species, as well as the Dikeng Hot Springs, one of Sichuan Province’s top ten geological parks. The most spectacular feature is the geyser, which erupts only once a day, with water temperatures exceeding 100°C, making it the hottest spring on the entire Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.  

Renlongba Glacier

Renlongba Glacier is one of the rare mid-low latitude maritime mountain glaciers on Earth. Though its scale and grandeur rival other famous glaciers like Laigu Glacier and Midui Glacier, it remains undeveloped and untouched, hidden deep within the mountains and largely unknown to outsiders. Unlike other glaciers, Renlongba allows easy access to its ice tongue, offering a unique opportunity to touch the glacier and experience its majestic beauty up close.

Gongyu Spruce Forest

With a forest coverage rate exceeding 61%, Gongyu Spruce Forest is ranked among China’s top ten primeval forests by Chinese National Geography. Immersing yourself in this ancient and mysterious land, you can truly feel the allure and wonder of nature.  

Inclusions

• Accommodation Booking
• High-standard local hotels for 10 nights in standard twin rooms (2 people per room, with the option to choose your roommate or be assigned by the trip leader; a single room requires an additional fee).
• Meal Arrangements  
• Alternating between regular meals and specialty local cuisine along the route.
• Ticket Booking
• Entrance fees to Cuopu Valley, Renlongba Glacier, Gongyu Spruce Forest, and Basum Lake.
• Support Services
• Deluxe group: Accompanied by a support vehicle with food and beverage supplies.
• Luxury group: No support vehicle, but equipped with emergency supplies.

Exclusions

• Personal Expenses
• All drinks, entertainment, and other personal expenses during the trip.
• Vehicle Expenses
• Fuel, tolls, and other expenses for personal or rented vehicles.
• Additional Costs
• Extra entrance fees and other services not included in the main itinerary.
• Vehicle Transport Fees
• Shipping and packing fees for picking up or returning vehicles in different locations.
• Optional Services
• Any additional optional services during the trip.
• (Note: All costs are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract.)