Kham Cycling Adventure – Sichuan

Cycling Sensory Overload.

A 625km Cycling Adventure through the Kham region of Sichuan China
Explore one of the three historical regions of Tibet
4000+m climbs, grasslands, flowing rivers, pristine scenery
Great hotels & amazing Sichuan food !

Level of difficulty : 4/5

Rider Level : Elite and Intermediate level riders. Beginner level rides can also join but expect to spend some time in the support bus

The Kham region spans the Tibetan Autonomous Region and Sichuan Province and is one of China’s less explored gems. The roads are flowing, the variety of scenery from start to finish is diverse and views and vistas are draw dropping. Add in experiencing local Tibetan Culture and hospitality and you have 8 days of cycling heaven.

The route is designed as a point to point route so you’ll ride Hotel to Hotel. Its a challenging 600km + route with 7,500m of climbing all at altitude so be ready for a challenging adventure !

Book early as places are limited ! Contact us on Wechat (serkcycling) to register your interest.

Check out our video below on Youku or viewers outside China check out the vimeo version here.

Dates

2017 April 30 – May 7th
Reserve your spot now. Each year the trip sells out very quickly.

Itinerary

Day 1. Beijing – Chengdu

Late flight from Beijing to Chengdu. You’ll stay close to the airport in a 5 star Hotel as its an early start tomorrow for the flight to Kanding.

Day 2. Kanding – Tagong 45km / 542m climbing

Up early for a short flight from Chengdu to Kanding. The airport is at 4280m and is the third highest airport in the World. We will unpack bikes and start riding downhill directly from the terminal. We will be at a very high altitude so we suggesting taking Diamox for 3 days prior to your trip to lessen the negative effects of high altitude.
It’s a short ride through some rolling grasslands to Tagong. Expect deep blue skies, fluffy white clouds and lush green grass in every direction. Tonight we stay at the well known Khampa Cafe Guest House – a traditional Tibetan homestay style house.

Day 3. Tagong – Danba 109 km / climbing 712 m

A longer day today of 109km. We guarantee this will be on the best days you will ever have on a bike. We start nice and early in the crisp morning leaving the picturesque town of Tagong and the grasslands behind. A few warm up climbs to get the blood flowing before we hit Bamei for a stop over at a lively Buddhist temple. The first real climb of the trip begins after lunch – 8km average 5% and topping out at 3900m. From here you have a 67km descent all the way to Danba. Amazing switchbacks, rapid water flow, lush landscapes, rock formations and snow capped mountains in the background. This is cycling heaven.

Our destination is Danba – known as ‘the land of a thousand watchtowers’ as villages around the area are dotted with unique 500 year old watch towers up to 60m in height. Thanks to the good looks of the local women the area also has the reputation as “valley of beauties”. For the girls you’ll have a chance to meet the Khampa men – supposedly the strongest and best looking Tibetans !

Day 4. Danba – Jinchuan 106 km / 1300m climbing

After all that downhill its inevitable that you’ll need to go back up. Today is the day and its up all day. If you’d like an extra challenge you can start off with a big climb out of Danba and visit a traditional village – voted one of the most picturesque folk villages in China. We will follow along the river the rest of the day with special views to the steep mountains on either side of the valley. If its warm enough you can stop along the way and dip your feet into the cooling waters.

Day 5. Jinchuan – Majiagou 110km / 2200m climbing

We leave the hustle and bustle of Jinchuan behind for a long ride on some back roads towards Majiaogou. A tough day of climbing but thankfully some descending for the second half of the route which will undoubtedly put a smile on your face. Tonight we stay in a small town on the edge of a nature reserve.

Day 6. Majiagou – Ma’erkang 71.5 km / 1200m climbing

A long challenging climb up to 4000+m followed by an exhilarating descent into the picturesque Ma’erkang area. Our hotel is a 4 star hotel in the centre of town and is only a hop skip and jump away from some great eateries. Look forward to some delicious local Sichuan cuisine tonight.

Day 7. Ma’erkang – Hongyuan 184 km / 1500m climbing

Our last day of riding and one of the toughest. From Ma’erkang we follow the river back towards the grasslands. One last climb to sap the legs then its all flat and fast to Hongyuan. Expect a nice tailwind and with the low air resistance at high altitude the kilometres fly past quickly. We finish up at a new hotel with a massage centre in the basement. Time for a well earned Chinese massage !

Day 8. Huanglong

The last day – sightseeing. We visit the famous Huanglong National Park for some hiking and high fivving. Its been a tough week and we celebrate in style with the best tasting steamed buns in Sichuan. So far the record for a Serk trip is 100 buns. Can your group fit in 101 ?
We head to the airport for an evening flight back to Beijing.

Cost

Cost will vary based on number of riders.

Cost includes :

7 nights accommodation in the best hotels available in the areas we visit – these range from 3 star to 5 star. Twin Share (single supplement available on request).
1 celebration dinner at the end of the trip (alcohol not included)
Logistics-support vehicle with a seat incase you don’t want to ride
Services of trip leader, guide and driver
Travel insurance
Medical Supplies: oxygen bags/bottles; basic 1st-aid kit
Supplies of bottled drinking water / fruit snacks during ride
Segafredo Expresso Coffee
Cycling jersey per participant
Coordination meetings & Pre-departure briefings via wechat group
GPS files for each day’s riding – available for both Garmin devices and Smartphones

Not included :

Airfare – budget 4500 from Beijing if you book early
Sightseeing tickets (Danba Jiajuzangzhai and Huanglong National Park)
Meals not listed above
Tips for driver / guide (approx 50-100rmb per person)
Medical insurance – each rider must have their own comprehensive medical and emergency insurance

What is expected of the rider :

Intermediate to advanced cycling skill – experience in climbing / descending and long distance riding (i.e. have ridden over 100km in a day)
Ability to undertake basic bike maintenance (change your own tubes, pack and unpack your own bike)
Follow all road rules
Follow instructions from ride leader at all times
Ride safely
To understand that there is a daily time schedule which riders must stick to. If you are too fast you may have to wait or if too slow/ mechanical or other issue you may need to get into our vehicles to catch up with rest of group
To have undertaken adequate training before the ride so as to not excessively slow down the whole group (if this is the case you may be asked to get into the van/bus at various times to stay on schedule

Questions :

Send us an email or contact us via weixin (ID – serkcycling)

Express your interest here. Once we’ve received the form we will send you prices and further information.