This journey leads you through the eastern part of Tibet. We take you along the wild Yangtze River to important Buddhist monasteries, high altitude grassland, nomads with their herds of yaks and into one of the most fantastic landscapes of the region. But be aware: this bike trip demands a good physical constitution since we ride above 4000m, the highest pass is 5100 meter high.

Google maps only offers a basic overview on the route.
Many smaller roads are not documented.

Daily itinerary for Tibet in Sichuan: On the Way to Monasteries, Grassland and Nomads

Day	Route: Description
1	Arrival in Shangri-la: shuttle service from the airport or bus station. Transfer into the old town where we stay at Kersang´s Relay Station, top choice of the Lonely Planet travel guide. Depending on the time of arrival the Buddhist monastery of Tsumtseling can be visited. Here, surrounded by a small Tibetan village and a lake, pray and meditate every day around 500 monks. The evening can be spend in a natural swimming pool and sauna at the nearby hot springs.
2	Shangri-la – Derong – Tibetan Village: On the first riding day we take the road in a north eastern direction following the Yangtze River through a narrow gorge. 30 kilometers further after passing Derong on tarmac road the grassland of Sichuan offers great views into wide valleys with herding yaks and nomads. Here the night will be spend in a basic guesthouse in a nearby village In the month from May to September nomads are living on this altitude together with their cattle.
3	Tibetan Village – Batang: The road to Batang is and follows the main road between Chengdu and Lhasa on the last 30 kilometers. In Batang the Chöde Gaden Pendeling Kloster can be visited.
4	Batang – Monastery: From Batang we follow further the G318 until a small intersection. The 25 kilometer tarmac road leads along mountain rivers and though thick pine forest to a small lake surrounded by mountains. On the way to there we encounter hot springs. Local villagers build bath tubs for taking a natural bath there. We will stay overnight at a small monastery nearby. The distance from Batang to Litang can be undertaken in one single day, therefore the trip can be made one day shorter.
5	Monastery- Litang: Today we hit the road to one of the highest-located cities in the world: Litang. After driving along vast grassland on a permanent altitude of around 4000 meter we cross a pass which is almost 5000 meter high. The way to Litang is a true highlight, and Litang itself is surrounded by snow-capped mountains almost all year long. Litang is a small Tibetan town on an altitude of 4.014 meters and has quite a few sights to offer. Not only the regions largest monastery, but as well the sky burial ground and the birth house of the 7th D.L.. Additionally here can be experienced traditional Tibetan food such as Momo (Tibetan dumplings), the streets are lines with small shops selling Tibetan jewellery and clothes.
6	Litang – Xiangcheng :  The road to Xiangcheng leads over the so called Haizi plateau. Haizi descibes a geological area which is filled with boulders and small lakes, leaving only little space for grassland. Here, we are very close to the blue sky and the white cumulus clouds. Once more  sleep in a small guesthouse nearby.
7	Xiangcheng  – Shangri-la: From Xiangcheng we take a curvy mountain road back to Shangri-la. If you choose the way to Daocheng you can take a different, more challenging route crossing a 5.100 m high tarmac road pass. This challenge is only for riders who have experience on tough roads! As a reward, the landscape an views are truly amazing.
8	Shangri-la: After another night at Kersang´s Relay Station this journey ends in Shangri-la. Trasfer to the airport.

This trip can be combined with some of our other tours, like the North Yunnan Loop or the
Off-The-Beaten-Track ride to Lugu Lake.

Included services:

Shineray 400 / Yamaha YBR 250 or  BMW G650 GS
Overnights stays in  hotels and guest houses
English speaking tour guide
Accompanying vehicle for pillion riders, equipment and luggage
Meals (Frühstück, Mittagessen), mineral water
Gas, engine oil, spare parts
Help with applying a Chinese visa