Serk Cycling Beijing
Xinjiang is China’s largest province and host to some of the most delightful landscapes anywhere on the planet. Snow capped mountains, lush valleys with wild horses, moonscapes, blue lakes and grasslands - this region of Xinjiang has it all. Add to that the distinct culture of the Muslim Uyghur people and you have the ingredients for a truely unique China cycling experience. Xinjiang has been on our radar for years, but its rugged beauty was simply inaccessible to road bikes — until now. Fresh bitumen is unleashing Xinjiang's wealth of cycling potential, and Serk will be one of the first to enjoy it.
Day 1.
Yining
Arrive Yining in the afternoon.
Airport pick and transfer to Hotel.
After you've settled into your room and unpacked your bike join us for a stroll down Hanren Jie for a visit to the local Uygur shops and a taste of your first roast lamb skewer!
It gets dark very late in this part of the world so we'll go for a post dinner ride on the bikes to make sure everything is in order.
Day 2.
Yining – Zhaosu
Our first proper day of climbing up Baishifeng Mountain. The mountain is named after the white rocks which reveal themselves at the peak of the pass.
The mountain is covered in lush grass and you'll witness local farmers from the Kazakh ethnic group herding cattle, horses and sheep around the grasslands.
After arriving in Zhaosu and checking into a nice hotel in a new part of town, we'll head into the old district for a delicious local meal of hand made noodles.
Baishifeng Mountain presents the first of many climbing challenges of the trip.
Day 3.
Zhaosu – Tekesi
Today's route to Tekesi follows a slightly downhill road for 63km, winding through open farmland and grasslands. Green is definitely the theme today! Tekesi is designed around the shape of the traditional Bagua symbol.
Day 4.
Tekesi- Kongliu
Today is adventure day — we hit the back roads so expect some rough surfaces, dust and gravel roads. The reward — a trip around a gorgeous lake and a final 25km of brand new tarmac. This type of adventure riding is not for everyone, so if you prefer to take a rest the support vehicle will be on hand.
Day 5.
Xinyuan - Nalati (start riding ) – Qiaoerma
We return to the high country, tackling some long climbs through luscious grasslands. Today's ride is another stunner with vibrant greens, Kazakh herders waving hello and fast descents bound to have you beaming from ear to ear the whole day.
Day 6.
Qiaoerma – Dushanzi- Urumuqi
The Queen stage of the ride. Four Seasons in one day. Starting from a sun drenched valley, the landscape changes as you climb slowly towards the highest pass on the trip. As you travel higher the grasslands give way to true alpine territory. The summit is covered with snow all year round and the road is only open for a few months each summer when a path is carved out of the snow. Expect high walls of snow reminiscent of Giro d'Italia moment's like this.
Day 7.
Urumuqi – Beijing
Time to pack up the bikes and wave goodbye to this fabulous land. One last trip to the Bazaar for souvenirs and a lamb skewer for a final meal with new friends. Tears at the airport guaranteed.
