This 30-day cycling tour begins in Western Sichuan near the Tibet border in Dege, Sichuan and ends in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. This is a very challenging ride and should only be considered by those who have a strong desire to cycle to Lhasa the entire way. Due to high elevation and long gradients, the average daily cycling mileage will be about 60 km or 37 miles. Government regulations require a support vehicle to accompany the group so riders need only their day-use items in their bike handlebar bag. Riders will have to be very fit and should have some experience at cycling for an extended time at high elevation.

To keep the cost to an absolute minimum, this will be a “bare bones tour.” Only the minimum required to get the necessary permits from the government will be provided including a vehicle and driver, permits, insurance and a guide. This means that riders will have to purchase their own food, accommodations, admission fees, etc. in addition to the cost of the tour.

The tour begins in Dege, Sichuan, 918 km northwest of Chengdu. If there is interest, a group cycling tour from Chengdu to Dege will be provided (please contact us for details), otherwise riders will have to reach the start point in Dege on their own. There are local buses from Chengdu to Dege that take about three days, or riders can legally cycle there on their own (in about 12 days).

The tour is estimated to take about 30 days including three rest days and a two-day vehicle tour to Namtso Lake, the second largest salt-water lake in China. The itinerary below is meant only as a guide; the actual schedule will be flexible so that the riders can cycle all the way to Lhasa despite unforeseen delays. For example, the excursion to Namtso Lake could be canceled if delays slowed the progress of the tour.

The tour will end on October 30 and riders will have the option on how to return to Chengdu or continuing on to other destinations such as Katmandu or Golmud.

Lhasa 12 Days Cycle Tours