Code: BC-XN02
Tang-Bo Old Cycling Path
Itinerary: 13 Days of Xining - Daotang River - Gonghe - Daheba - Wenquan - Huashixia - Maduo - Yeniugou - Qingshuihe - Yushu - Nangqian - 1048 Road Maintenance Squad - Duopuma - Leiwuqi - Changdu - Lhasa
Tang-Bo old path starts from the capital of Tang Dynasty Chang'an (Xi'an in nowadays) and ends in the Luoxie city of Tubo Dynasty (Lhasa of Tibet in nowadays) which is the first realm established on Qing-Tibet Plateau in ancient time and was reigned by the Central Government of China since Yuan Dynasty. The Path spans Shanxi, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet with a total distance of about 3000km. Over half of the path is within Qinghai. The below cycling itinerary is the Qinghai part of the Tang-Bo old path for your reference.
Tang-Bo old path starts from the capital of Tang Dynasty Chang'an (Xi'an in nowadays) and ends in the Luoxie city of Tubo Dynasty (Lhasa of Tibet in nowadays) which is the first realm established on Qing-Tibet Plateau in ancient time and was reigned by the Central Government of China since Yuan Dynasty. The Path spans Shanxi, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet with a total distance of about 3000km. Over half of the path is within Qinghai. The below cycling itinerary is the Qinghai part of the Tang-Bo old path for your reference.
On the first day, start from Xining, the first stop is Huangyuan County. Then cycle uphill to Riyuanshan Mountain Pass along a steep road which is a hard journey. You may feel exhausted but triumphant once you reach the top of the mountain where the eyeful picturesque scenery will be taken in a glance. The downhill cycling is easy and speedy along the straightforward highway. Continue cycling to Daotang River along a wandering mountain road. The whole course is approximate 133 km for about 8 hours. Stay overnight in a local guest house.
On the second day, cycle along a steep up slope for about 6km to Liushaogou mountain pass with an altitude of 3900 km. Then by an about 8km downhill road and boundless rough road, you will reach Gonghe County, headquarter of Hainan Canton government. Forthcoming the 50 to 60km gobi desert, the Jianglu hill and Cuona Lake, where it is desolated and very dangerous to camp due to occasional appearance of the wolves. Upon arrival at Heka Town (altitude: 3200), cycle about 17km over Heka Mountain pass (altitude: 3900). Then cycle downhill 6km to the south of Heka Mountain. Move forward about 20km to Daheba to accommodate yourself for the night.
On the third day, cycle about 22km to Qinggenhe bridge and move on along winding mountain road over Elashan Pass. Cycle downhill another 17km and then continue your ride to Wenquan town where there is an open-air hot spring and you can enjoy it in a relaxed way.
The fourth and fifth day's journey are from Wenquan to Huashixia (86 km) then continue to Maduo (73 km). Cycle 17km along an upper road over Jiangluling mountain pass. Then cycle 69km to Huashixia. The road from Huashixia to Maduo is rough with sand and stone and you need take care about that. Both sides of the road are vast grassland. You can find some wild donkeys are eating the grass leisurely there. Cycle over a mountain pass and cycle downhill. Turn right at a crossing and then cycle another 2km to Maduo.
The fourth and fifth day's journey are from Wenquan to Huashixia (86 km) then continue to Maduo (73 km). Cycle 17km along an upper road over Jiangluling mountain pass. Then cycle 69km to Huashixia. The road from Huashixia to Maduo is rough with sand and stone and you need take care about that. Both sides of the road are vast grassland. You can find some wild donkeys are eating the grass leisurely there. Cycle over a mountain pass and cycle downhill. Turn right at a crossing and then cycle another 2km to Maduo.
On the sixth day, take full day to adapt to the high altitude and experience Tibetan culture.
On the seventh day, cycle over "the First Bridge on the Yellow River "and move forward on grassland to Yeniugou. This is a short journey with only 42 km for you need to rest yourself and make preparation for the next day's cycling over the Bayankala Mountain.
On the eighth day, cycle 38 km slow uphill over Bayankala Mountain pass which is the highest spot with an altitude of 5000 meters for the day's cycling. Then continue along a downgrade with few turns for another 45km to Qingshuihe. The latter part of the journey is rather laborious and is easy to have altitude sickness. For those who feels weak, it is better to catch a car.
On the ninth day you will reach Yushu by about 58 km's ride. This is an important part of the whole journey. You can feel the atmosphere of Ba-tibetan people's life and their bold and valiant character, can pay a visit to Princess Wencheng Temple and Jieshi Temple. You are also advised to stay there for more days to explore the city.
On the tenth day, cycle 19 km to the crossing to Princess Wencheng Temple, turn left to Shanglaxiu. Over a long valley, cycle 30 km to Xialaxiu (altitude: 3900) during which sect is featured with the green mountain, deep valley and steep crag, very imposing picture en route. Then cycle l 13km to Jiaheiyahe Mountain pass (altitude: 4123 meters) and Garila Mountain pass(altitude: 4332 meters). The scenery is more beautiful after you goover the mountain pass. Between the two mountains flows the Zhaqu river. Cross over the Zhaqu River Bridge for another 21 km you will reach Nangqian town.
The eleventh day's journey is about 114 km. At first, cycle over hill and dale to 1048 Road Maintenance Squad via Baizha Forest Farm. Then continue moving forward over Xiagala mountain pass to Quzega Groge. Continue your cycling to Duopuma - the demarcation point of Qinghai and Tibet highway.
The twelfth day will be the most difficult day. The 106 km road from Duopuma to Leiwuqi is in poor condition with deep track of cars and detritus increased. What's worse, some parts of the road is flooded or damaged. You need to be careful in riding through the way. Upon arrival at Leiwuqi Town, there is still 30 km's ride to Leiwuqi downtown. However rough of the journey, the scenery is well-worthy and recompense for all your hardship. You can visit the Dewubozhang divinity Mountain, Kamaduota Forest, Changmaoling Deer Breeding Center and Yiri Hot Spring.
On the last day, upon entering Tibet area, you can choose to go to Lhasa in the following ways: first, continue cycling from Leiwuqi to Changdu(110km) then enter Lhasa by Sichun-Tibetan highway(976km). Second, you can go from Leiwuqi to Naqu(654km), then enter Lhasa from Qinghai-Tibet highway(315km).
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