10-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary on China’s Scenic Route G318, G214 and Daocheng Yading (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, G214 and Daocheng Yading

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

• Pass through Erlang Mountain (altitude 3,437 m)
• Luding Bridge
• explore the vibrant town of Kangding
• Begin learning about Tibetan culture at the Tibetan-Han cultural crossroads

Day 2 Kangding – Yajiang – Litang (270 km)  

• Cross Zheduo Mountain (altitude 4,298 m)
• navigate the 18 Bends of Tianlu
• visit Kamba Man Village, Sky City
• Letong Ancient Town
• Changqingchunke’er Monastery

Day 3 Litang – Shangri-La Town (230 km)  

• Pass through Rabbit Mountain (altitude 4,696 m)
• the Chitu River Valley
• visit Gongga Langjiling Monastery

Day 4 Day Tour of Daocheng Yading (30 km)  

• Explore the Three Holy Mountains (Xiannairi 5,998.5 m，Yangmaiyong 6,033 m, and Xianuoduoji 5,951.3 m)
• Milk Lake
• Pearl Lake
• Luorong Pasture

Day 5 Shangri-La Town – Feilai Temple (327 km)

• Travel through the Maowu Grand Canyon
• cross the Benzilan Suspension Bridge
• visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River
• enjoy views of Meili Snow Mountain (altitude 6,740 m)

Day 6 Feilai Temple – Yanjing – Zuogong (30 km)  

• Visit the Thirteen Peaks of the Prince
• the Ancient Salt Fields
• cross the Dongda Mountain Pass (altitude 5,130 m)

Day 7 Zuogong – Bangda – Ranwu (295 km)

• Navigate the 72 hairpin bends of the Nujiang River
• explore the Nujiang Gorge
• visit the Anjula Glacier

Day 8 Ranwu – Renlongba Glacier – Guxiang in Bomi (228 km)

• Visit Ranwu Lake
• Renlongba Glacier
•  Guxiang Lake

Day 9 Guxiang in Bomi – Nyingchi (200 km)

• pass through the Tongmai Danger Zone
• visit Lunang Town
• cross Sejila Mountain
• enjoy views of Mount Namjagbarwa

Day 10 Nyingchi – Lhasa (419 km)  

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

Main Attractions During the Cycling Journey

Litang

Known as the “Sky City,” Litang is a crucial stop on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Letong Ancient Town, the only cultural town in China inspired by the poet Tsangyang Gyatso, offers a deep dive into Tibetan culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of Tibetan people, experiencing their warmth and simplicity.

Daocheng Yading

Referred to as “The Last Shangri-La,” “Shangri-La Paradise,” and “The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet,” Daocheng Yading captivates visitors with its stunning alpine valleys and rich Tibetan culture. Here, you can explore Tibetan villages, experience local customs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Tibetan culture.

Feilai Temple

Facing the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, Kawagebo, Feilai Temple is the perfect spot to capture the breathtaking “Sunlight on the Golden Mountain.” As the morning sun illuminates the peak, the mountain appears to glow with a golden light.

Renlongba Glacier

Renlongba Glacier is one of the rare mid-low latitude maritime glaciers in the world. Although its scale and grandeur rival more famous glaciers like Laigu and Midui, it remains undeveloped and retains its pristine state, hidden deep within the mountains. Unlike other glaciers, it’s relatively easy to reach the glacier tongue here, allowing visitors to touch the ice and witness its majestic beauty up close.

Gang Spruce Forest

With a forest coverage rate of over 61%, Gang Spruce Forest is listed among China’s top ten virgin forests by National Geographic magazine. Visitors can immerse themselves in this mysterious and ancient forest, experiencing the beauty and wonder of nature.

Inclusions

• Accommodation Booking
• 10 nights in local high-standard hotel standard rooms (twin rooms shared by 2 people; participants can choose their roommates or be assigned by the tour leader. A single room supplement is required for solo accommodation).
• Meal Arrangements  
• A mix of standard and specialty meals along the route.
• Ticket Booking
• Entrance tickets to the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Renlongba Glacier, and Basum Lake.
• Support Services
•  For the luxury group, a support vehicle is provided along with drinks and snacks. For the premium group, no support vehicle is provided, but emergency supplies are included.

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.)