10-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary on the Ultimate Cultural Landscape Route G317 (Chengdu to Lhasa)

What is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway consists of three routes. This itinerary covers the northern route, specifically the G317 from Chengdu to Nagqu. The journey takes you directly from Chengdu to Lhasa along the G317 northern route, with a total cycling distance of approximately 2,200 kilometers.

Detailed 10-Day Cycling Itinerary Along the G317

Day 1: Chengdu to Danba (311km)

• Explore Panda Peak
• Siguniang Mountain
• the watchtower culture at Jiaju Tibetan Village
• Visit the Valley of Beauties and begin learning about Tibetan culture and customs

Day 2: Danba to Daofu to Seda (360km)

• See Yala Snow Mountain
• Huiyuan Temple in Bamei
• the Panda Road

Day 3: Seda to Larung Gar (50km)

• Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture at the world’s largest Buddhist academy
• Larung Gar

Day 4: Seda to Dege (329km)

• Visit Kasa Lake
• Yulong Lhatso
• the 18th Army Monument at Chola Mountain
• Dege Parkhang Printing House

Day 5: Dege to Chamdo (324km)

• Cross the Jinsha River Bridge
• explore Jampaling Monastery

Day 6: Chamdo to Dingqing (259km)

• Discover Riwo Tse Monastery, the Danxia Red Layer formations
• the ancient Zizhu Monastery, also known as the Sky City

Day 7: Dingqing to Biru (Yangxiu) (337km)

• Travel along the northern and central Sichuan-Tibet routes.
• Day 8: Sapukangri (100km)
• Visit the sacred Sapukangri Mountain
• the Sapukangri Ice Lake

Day 9: Biru to Nagqu (315km)  

• Explore Damxung Monastery with its skull walls
• the wildlife haven of the Northern Tibetan Plateau
• the Tanggula Mountains

Day 10: Nagqu to Namtso to Lhasa (450km)

• Visit Namtso Lake, Yampachen Hot Springs
• the Potala Palace

Main Attractions During the Cycling Journey

Sertar

Named “Golden Horse” in Tibetan, Sertar is famous for its historical discovery of a gold piece shaped like a horse. It is one of the origins of the epic “King Gesar” and a significant center for the spread of Tibetan Buddhism.

As you enter the ancient Dege Parkhang Printing House, you’ll be greeted by the solemn and mysterious storerooms, paper storage, sunning terraces, and plate-washing platforms. These historical marks seem to narrate the thousand-year-old story of the printing house. Here, you can witness the centuries-old woodblock printing techniques, experiencing the ancient yet vibrant cultural heritage.

Zizhu Monastery

Zizhu Monastery, a hidden sacred Buddhist site on the Tibetan plateau, is said to have been founded over 3,000 years ago. It is one of the highest-altitude monasteries in Tibet and one of the oldest and most important Bon monasteries. Beyond its cultural significance, the natural scenery surrounding Zizhu Monastery is also breathtaking. From the monastery’s viewpoint, you can overlook the entire valley and distant snow-capped mountains, feeling the grandeur and vastness of nature.

Namtso Lake

Namtso, meaning “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, is a renowned lake in Tibet and the highest saltwater lake in the world. Every drop of water here holds millennia-old stories, and every breeze carries the poetry of the plateau.

Mount Sapukangri

Located in Puzonggou, Yangxiu Township, Biru County, Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet, Mount Sapukangri is one of the sacred mountains in Bon, the indigenous religion of Tibet. Its highest peak reaches 6,956 meters, with the mountain forming a perfect equilateral triangle, resembling a natural pyramid. At the foot of the mountain lies a blue lake and mirror-like glaciers. The sacred mountain and holy lake nestle together, creating a perfect natural painting.

Inclusions

• Accommodation
• Pre-booked accommodations in high-standard local hotels for 10 nights (standard twin rooms for 2 people per room. You can choose your roommate or follow the leader’s arrangements. If a single room is required, a supplement will apply).
• Meals
• A mix of regular and special meals arranged along the route.
• Admission Tickets
• Entry to Larung Gar (Serthar Buddhist Institute), which is free but requires a reservation two days in advance.
• Support Services
• The luxury package includes a support vehicle with drinks and food supplies; the deluxe package does not include a support vehicle but provides 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.)