5 days 4 nights
Daily Tour
1 person
Chinese, English
Ride the Soul of the Plateau: From Shangri-La to Daocheng
Imagine winding your way through the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, a 5-day, 4-night journey that begins in fabled Shangri-La and leads to the stunning highlands of western Sichuan. This is a ride not only for the legs, but for the soul. From the ancient Tea Horse Road linking Waka and Benzilan, to conquering mountain passes that take you above the clouds, every turn of the pedal brings you closer to the sky. The final destination, Daocheng, is known as the “Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet”—a place of crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks, and a serene stillness that lingers long after you leave. You’ll cross provincial boundaries, cycle beneath sacred mountain ranges like Meili, Yading, and Genie, and feel a part of something ancient, vast, and deeply human. It’s a blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and the kind of quiet awe that only the high plateau can bring.
To make this adventure comfortable and safe, the tour includes 4 nights of hotel accommodation (twin-sharing), 4 breakfasts, nutritious snacks, airport transfers, and a dedicated support vehicle that follows the group, carrying your luggage, bike tools, and first-aid supplies. A professional lead guide will accompany you throughout, ensuring safety and a smooth experience. Note that major transport to/from the starting point, bike shipping costs, and single-room supplements are excluded. Additional expenses for trip extensions, personal activities, or circumstances beyond the organizer’s control—like weather disruptions or travel delays—are also not covered.
This journey is crafted to offer a balanced mix of epic challenge and deep reward. Highlights include riding the historic Tea Horse Road, taking on legendary mountain climbs, and reaching Daocheng’s pristine landscapes. Along the way, you’ll stay in carefully chosen local lodgings, share meals and stories with fellow riders, and enjoy a well-supported riding experience that lets you focus on the road ahead. Whether it’s assembling your bike with expert help, enjoying a hot meal after a long day, or simply knowing that a support vehicle is close at hand, every detail is designed to help you fully embrace the ride, the culture, and the unforgettable feeling of crossing a landscape that has changed little for centuries.
Today, we cycle from Shangri-La in Yunnan to Waka Town in Derong County, Sichuan. Across the river lies Benzilan Town in Deqin County, Yunnan. Mentioning these two towns instantly brings to mind the ancient Tea Horse Road—a key trade route where both served as vital stops. Though in different provinces, they share a connected landscape and a similar captivating charm. Overnight: Waka
Wake up to the sound of birds in the morning and set off for Xiangcheng County, located in the southwest of Ganzi Prefecture. Surrounded by the Meili Snow Mountain, Yading Sacred Mountains, and Genie Mountain, it feels like a treasure carved by nature. With its relatively gentle altitude, majestic snow-capped peaks, vast forests, and carpet-like meadows, it’s a perfect showcase of all the breathtaking scenery you’d expect from western Sichuan—and more. Overnight: Xiangcheng
Cycle from Xiangcheng to our final destination—Daocheng, often called “The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet.” This high-altitude paradise is a dream for many, boasting soul-stirring snow mountains and lakes, as well as lively towns with a warm, local vibe. In the evening, we’ll gather to chat, savor local specialties, and raise a toast to celebrate the successful conclusion of our “Shangri-La: Hidden Realm” journey. Overnight: Daocheng
It’s the final day of the trip. Sleep in, pack your bags, and fly back to Chengdu. If you have extra time, feel free to stay longer in this “land kissed by the gods” and continue soaking in the beauty of Daocheng!
The package includes 4 nights of hotel accommodation based on twin-sharing. A single room supplement fee applies if you require a private room.
Yes, 4 breakfasts are included, along with full-route nutrition and snack support while cycling.
Yes, airport pickup and drop-off service is provided upon arrival and departure.
A professional lead guide accompanies the group throughout the journey to ensure safety and smooth travel.
Yes, a dedicated support vehicle follows the group, carrying supplies, repair tools, first-aid kits, and luggage.
Yes, basic travel insurance is provided for the duration of the activity.
Major transportation to/from Shangri-La, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, and optional single room supplements are not included.
Participants are responsible for packing and shipping their bicycles to/from the tour start and end points.
Any costs for extending your trip, joining optional tours, or self-arranged activities are not included and will be at your own expense.
Additional expenses due to circumstances outside the organizer's control (e.g., force majeure events, flight changes) are not covered by the tour package.
Day 2 involves a 92km ride with 1,238m of elevation gain, offering a moderately challenging start through scenic areas.
Day 3 is the most demanding, covering 142km with 3,900m of elevation gain, requiring good fitness and endurance.
Day 4 is slightly less strenuous than Day 3, with 133km of riding and 3,000m of elevation gain, leading to the final destination.
Day 1 is for arrival and transfer to Shangri-La, while Day 5 is for departure from Daocheng back to Chengdu.
Due to the long distances and significant elevation gains, this tour is recommended for cyclists with prior experience and good physical fitness.
Member Since 2025
