Day 1
| Arrival in Chengdu
We’ll pick you up at the airport and check you into the hotel.
Day 2
| Chengdu
Chengdu is a city with a rich history and a charm all of its own. One of the most important cities in western China, it’s famous for its pleasant climate, its wealth of history and culture, and its superb food. There are plenty of sights to see, such as Kuanzhai Alley, the Wuhou Temple and the old streets of Jinli, which showcase the city’s long history and traditional culture. Chengdu is also the home of the giant panda, with the world’s largest panda breeding and conservation centre. And then there’s the food – above all hot pot and Sichuan dishes, an unforgettable experience of fiery, distinctive flavours.
We won’t see it all – the city has 20 million people, and we still have to get our Chinese driving licences.
Day 3
| Chengdu – Danba, 360 km
On the way we’ll see Mount Balang and Siguniang – one of the most beautiful mountains in China. In the afternoon we reach the Danba valley. Its old Tibetan village was named the most atmospheric village in China by National Geographic. We’ll check if that’s true.
Day 4
| Danba – Garze, 330 km
Today we ride through the Yak Valley, and in the morning the snowy peak of Yala should show itself. On the way we’ll visit the monastery in Tagong. Around Longdeng we’ll admire flower-filled meadows at the foot of the 5,820-metre snow-capped Yala massif.
Day 5
| Garze – Derge, 320 km
That wasn’t an easy night. Tibet shows no mercy and the mountains rise fast. Still, at 3,200 metres acclimatisation should be fairly gentle. After the morning headache we’ll ride to the little town of Manigange, at almost 4,000 metres. We’ll also see the Chola glacier and the beautiful lake below it. If the weather is good, we’ll ride over a 4,920-metre pass. If not, we’ll take one of the highest tunnels in the world.
Day 6
| Derge – Chamdo, 325 km
Today we officially enter Tibet. In reality we’ve been on Tibetan land for a few days already, but China’s administrative reforms have trimmed the official territory of Tibet. We start the day with a visit to the Derge Sutra Printing House, a national cultural heritage monument founded in 1729 by Tenpa Tsering, the 42nd King of Derge. Then we ride along the Jinsha River and cross into Tibet.
Day 7
| Chamdo – Dengqen, 265 km
Higher and higher. Today’s finish line is at 3,900 metres. But on the way we’ll visit Zizhu Monastery – one of the highest in all of Tibet, sitting at 4,807 metres, the same height as Mont Blanc. The monastery is a pre-Buddhist site and one of the most important places of the Bön religion.
Day 8
| Dengqen – Sog, 245 km
Only 245 km, but still uphill. Today’s highlight is the glaciers flowing down from Mount Bujia, the highest mountain in eastern Tibet and a sacred peak for Buddhists. The meltwater creates wetlands that birds absolutely love. Bujia is also home to snow leopards and bears.
Day 9
| Sog – Damxung, 400 km
Today we say goodbye to Road 317. At Nagqu we turn south onto the G6 and ride down to Damxung. We sleep at 4,350 metres, but with oxygen piped into the rooms we’ll be fine.
Day 10
| Damxung – Shenzha, 410 km
Lake Namtso is a true Tibetan wonder of the world. It’s still sacred to Buddhists, but it has also become a tourist attraction. At 4,700 metres it’s one of the highest lakes on the planet. Today we cross the Tibetan Plateau on the famous northern road, through beautiful but completely uninhabited country. On the way we’ll also see Siling Tso, Tibet’s largest lake, surrounded by meadows where yaks graze. We sleep at 4,700 metres, and along the way we cross a 5,276-metre pass – the highest point of our route.
Day 11
| Shenzha – Shigatse, 410 km
Finally we head lower – to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Civilisation, and a bed at 3,900 metres. A good place to buy souvenirs.
Day 12
| Shigatse – Tashizom, 340 km
Today’s goal: watching the sunset on the highest mountain in the world. This should be the day with the best views of the whole trip. Keep your fingers crossed for the weather.
After visiting Everest Base Camp we’ll head down for the night, at 4,300 metres.
Day 13
| Tashizom – Shigatse, 340 km
Today we return to Shigatse, but on the way we’ll take in one of the finest views in the entire Himalayas: from Gawu La pass you can see the eight-thousanders Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. It’s a view that stays with you forever.
Day 14
| Shigatse – Lhasa, 340 km
Today’s big attractions are the Karola Glacier, which comes right down to the road, and the last of the Buddhists’ sacred lakes – Yamdrok.
Day 15
| Lhasa
A day to visit the Potala Palace and the Jokhang, Tibet’s most important temple – and a great chance to buy gifts and souvenirs.
Day 16
| Lhasa – flight home
Today we fly out of Tibet. If it’s your first time in China, consider stopping in Beijing for at least a day to see the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square. It’s outside the trip itinerary, but we’re happy to advise and help you arrange it.
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