China & Tibet — Xizang Zhi Lu

An enriching journey of culture, history, mind blowing scenery, delicious food and fantastic biking.  

• Chengdu to Chengdu loop through South West China and the Tibetan Plateau.
• 800km / 16 days
• Moderate-challenging / some long climbs.
• 80% smooth paved surfaces and some un-paved roads.

A 16 day cultural and scenic journey by bike in South West China and the Tibetan Plateau.

Our 16 day bike trip is a loop, starting and finishing in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of the major cultural centres of China. At 500m elevation Chengdu is located in the Sichuan basin, sometimes referred to as the "Heavenly Kingdom", surrounded by soaring mountains to the northwest and the Sichuan Basin to the east.

We begin our biking in the lowland rice fields and farmlands of Sichuan Basin and gently climb toward Tibetan Plateau.  The mountainous area is lined with snow covered peaks, stunning river valleys and later widens out into the open Tibetan grasslands.

We visit a panda breeding sanctuary and Buddhist monasteries, meet with Tibetan nomadic yak herders, explore small Tibetan towns and ancient Chinese villages, dine in local restaurants and take the challenge of biking in an area seldom visited by western travelers.  We bike on mostly paved roads where at times bikes and small tractors out-number cars and climb over four high mountain passes with the highest being 4298m.

Stunning scenery, colourful culture, world re-known cuisine and history all combine to create one of the most diverse, interesting and memorable biking destinations on the planet.

WHAT IS THE BIKING LIKE?

• 13 days biking - 80% is on paved roads and 20% on unpaved and dirt roads. While all of the riding on this trip is non-technical some off road biking experience will help.
• This trip is suited to bikers with a good level of fitness.
• From 10km to 120km per day. Total distance up to 800km. 
• Maximum altitude 4298m above sea-level.

THE BASIC LO-DOWN

• We travel in a loop through Sichuan Province and Tibetan Plateau - Chengdu to Chengdu.
• 100% vehicle supported. Our trusty support vehicle carries all your luggage, helps you up those hills (if you like) and always has lunch, snacks and water at hand.
• Group size minimum 6, maximum 12 plus Escape leaders and local crew.
• Accommodation is twin share in local hotels and guesthouses. (Single supplement is also available).
• Food includes 3 meals per day from dinner on Day-1 to breakfast Day-16. This excludes 2 lunches and 2 evening meals which are at your own expense to give you more opportunity to explore and experience local cuisine.
• Escape Adventures trip leader and a local bilingual guide/interpreter.

CONTACT US - for a detailed trip itinerary

DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2010

• Wed 25th August - Thurs 9th September
• Sat 11th - Sun 26th September
• Fri 17th September - Sat 2nd October

DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2011

• Sat 27th August - Sun 11th September
• Tues 13th - Thurs 29th September

PRICE FOR 2010 & 2011

• New Zealand dollars $4190 (Plus Bike hire if required NZ$400)
• Single Supplement NZ$650

Covert 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.

PHOTOS FROM THIS TRIP / FEEDBACK ABOUT THIS TRIP

PLEASE CONTACT US - for more detailed information