China & Tibet
Xizang Zhi Lu
A 15 day cultural and scenic journey by bike in South West China and the Tibetan Plateau.
Chengdu to Chengdu • 15 days • 700km • intermediate grade cycling holiday
Xizang Zhi Lu is an exciting 15 day loop starting and finishing in Chengdu City, the capital of the Sichuan Province. We cover roughly 700km through stunning Chinese and Tibetan scenery, culture and fantastic biking. Starting in the hustle of Chengdu City, we make our way north west into the agricultural and rice growing regions and then climb slowly through river valleys lined with snow covered peaks to the wide open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau. There are a couple of known touristy towns (known at least to Chinese people) early on in the trip, but from then on the towns are local, rural and in some places very remote.
We visit a panda breeding sanctuary and Buddhist monasteries, meet with Tibetan nomadic yak herders, and take the challenge of crossing three high mountain passes. Stunning scenery, colourful culture, intriguing history and delicious food combine to create one of the most diverse, interesting and memorable biking destinations on the planet.
What is the biking like?
We ride between 20-120km per day; a total distance of 700km spread over 12 days of biking. We bike on mostly paved roads where at times bikes and small tractors out-number cars. The terrain varies from gentle meandering river valleys to long sustained climbs and lovely long descents. We climb over four high mountain passes, three of which are over 4000m however in all cases the gradient is fairly gentle. Suitable for bikers with a good level of fitness and perfect for a hybrid or touring style bike.
The basic low-down:
We start and finish in Chengdu City and loop through Sichuan Province and the Tibetan Plateau. Your group will be made up of 6-12 bikers from around the world, plus Escape leaders, local guide/interpreter and local crew. Our trusty support vehicle carries all your luggage, can help you up the hills (if you like) and always has lunch, snacks and water at hand. Accommodation is twin-share in local hotels and guesthouses most of which have en-suites however it is occasionally necessary to share bathroom facilities. Meals and snacks are all provided mostly taking advantage of the delicious fare in local restaurants. This excludes two lunches and two evening meals which are at your own expense to give you more opportunity to explore and experience local cuisine.
Upcoming Trips
China & Tibet
Chengdu to Chengdu loop - 25 August 2012 to 08 September 2012 - SPACE AVAILABLE
Chengdu to Chengdu loop - 10 September 2012 to 24 September 2012 - SPACE AVAILABLE
Chengdu to Chengdu loop - 15 August 2013 to 29 August 2013 - SPACE AVAILABLE
Chengdu to Chengdu loop - 01 September 2013 to 15 September 2013 - SPACE AVAILABLE
Trip Price
New Zealand dollars $4490 + local Payment US$100
Bike hire if required NZ$300
Single supplement if required NZ$650
Convert NZ$ to your currency: www.xe.com.
Prices include: transport, meals, accommodation and activities for the duration of the trip as per detailed itinerary. Escape Leader plus bilingual local guide. All group entrance fees.
Prices do NOT include: airfares, visas, airport taxes, optional meals, optional activities and excursions, vaccinations and personal equipment.
