31 Days Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang-Tibet-Yunnan) -Laos Motorbike Riding Tour from Irkeshtam to Mohan

Road Condition:

Urban Roads: Well-paved city streets throughout Kashgar, making for easy exploration.

Roads for Custom Formalities: If traveling to government offices, roads may be slightly busier, but still well-maintained.

Description:

Complete Custom Formalities: Spend this day completing any remaining formalities required for your trip, such as obtaining your temporary driving license and vehicle tags.

Exploration: Spend the rest of the day exploring Kashgar and its rich history.

Attractions/Activities:

Kashgar Bazaar (喀什集市): The bustling bazaar is the heart of the city, where you can experience local life, shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

Id Kah Mosque (艾德汗清真寺): The largest mosque in Kashgar, with beautiful Islamic architecture.

Tomb of Abakh Hoja (阿巴克霍贾墓): A peaceful site with stunning tile work and gardens.

Old Town of Kashgar (喀什古城): Wander the winding streets and alleyways that have preserved traditional Uyghur architecture.

Road Condition:

Urban Exploration: Easy ride around Kashgar’s historic center with smooth city roads.

Sightseeing: Most of today’s activities are within walking distance, but if riding is needed for exploration, the roads are in good condition.

Description:

Cultural Exploration: Take time today to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kashgar. Enjoy a more relaxed day visiting historical and cultural landmarks in the city.

Attractions/Activities:

Kashgar Old Town (喀什古城): A UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll find centuries-old Uyghur homes and ancient architecture.

Kashgar Bazaar (喀什集市): Explore the bustling market, a mixture of colors, spices, and local goods.

Tomb of Abakh Hoja (阿巴克霍贾墓): Visit this peaceful and historically significant site.

Distance: 272 km + 261 km

Duration: Approx. 7-8 hours

Road Condition:

Asphalt Roads: Paved roads for the majority of the ride, though some sections between towns may be bumpy or unsealed.

Mountain Roads: The last leg before Mazar is more challenging, with unsealed and rough terrain as you approach the mountains.

Description:

Ride Through Xinjiang: Today, you’ll travel through expansive desert landscapes with small desert towns. You’ll pass Yecheng (叶城) before heading to Mazar (麻扎), a remote and scenic area at the edge of the desert.

Attractions/Activities:

Yecheng (叶城): A small desert town offering views of mountains and desert expanses.

Mazar (麻扎): A quiet area ideal for a restful night, surrounded by vast open spaces and mountains.

Distance: 247 km

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours

Road Condition:

Asphalt and Gravel Roads: Paved roads for much of the journey, though you will encounter gravel or dirt roads as you approach Hongliutan (红柳滩). Expect uneven surfaces on the final approach.

Description:

Travel Through Xinjiang: Continue through the expansive desert to Hongliutan, a small village with a serene desert environment.

Attractions/Activities:

Mazar to Hongliutan: This stretch offers an adventure through the vast desert landscapes with scattered oasis towns.

Distance: 351 km

Duration: Approx. 7-8 hours

Road Condition:

Mixed Road Conditions: A combination of paved roads, dirt tracks, and gravel roads. The first portion is relatively smooth but expect bumpy sections as you get closer to Domar.

Remote Terrain: As you approach Domar, the roads become less maintained, especially in remote areas.

Description:

Desert to Mountain Journey: Ride from the desert towards the mountainous regions near Domar.

Scenic Viewpoints: The route offers stunning mountain vistas, and you’ll pass through remote desert landscapes with very little infrastructure.

Attractions/Activities:

Hongliutan to Domar: Enjoy the wide, open spaces of the desert, with views of mountains in the distance.

Distance: 231 km

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Paved roads for the majority of the route, but expect a few rough patches as you approach Bangong Tso Lake (班公湖), particularly on the final stretch to Shiquanhe (狮泉河). Some gravel and unsealed roads may be encountered.

Description:

Ride Towards Bangong Tso Lake: The journey today will take you through scenic desert landscapes and mountain passes as you approach the stunning Bangong Tso Lake.

Arrive in Shiquanhe: This is a quiet town on the Tibetan Plateau, serving as a resting point before you move into more remote areas.

Attractions/Activities:

Bangong Tso Lake (班公湖): A large, serene lake surrounded by mountains, with beautiful views of the Tibetan Plateau.

Distance: 255 km

Duration: Approx. 6-7 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved roads with some gravel sections as you approach Tsada (措那). Expect rougher road conditions in certain areas, especially closer to Tsada.

Description:

Continue Across the Tibetan Plateau: The ride is long but rewarding with vast mountainous landscapes and Tibetan nomadic settlements.

Visit Ancient Ruins: You will visit the Ruins of the Guge Kingdom (古格王国遗址) and Tholing Monastery (托林寺).

Attractions/Activities:

Ruins of the Guge Kingdom (古格王国遗址): An ancient Tibetan kingdom that flourished between the 10th and 17th centuries, with breathtaking cliffside views and historical ruins.

Tholing Monastery (托林寺): One of the oldest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region.

Distance: 225 km

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mixed paved and dirt roads with some gravel sections.

Rough Terrain: Expect some bumpy roads especially as you approach Tirthapuri and Manasarovar Lake.

Description:

Ride to Sacred Lake: Journey towards the sacred Manasarovar Lake, one of the most revered sites in Tibetan Buddhism.

Stop at Tirthapuri: Visit the Tirthapuri Monastery, a significant site for pilgrims.

Attractions/Activities:

Earth Forest (地质公园): Visit this unique geological site known for its bizarre and stunning rock formations.

Tirthapuri Monastery (天塘寺): A sacred Tibetan Buddhist site located near the lake, known for its spiritual significance.

Manasarovar Lake (玛旁雍措): Take a short walk around the lake, experiencing the tranquility and beauty of the Himalayas in the distance.

Distance: 503 km

Duration: Approx. 10 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Predominantly paved roads, but expect a combination of rough gravel and unsealed paths as you approach Paryang and Saga. Some long stretches of straight road through the Tibetan Plateau.

Description:

A Long Ride Through Tibet: This is a long and challenging day, crossing remote Tibetan terrain. The roads are often long, straight, and sparsely populated.

Arrive in Saga: A small town serving as a rest stop for travelers, Saga is your stopping point for the night.

Attractions/Activities:

Paryang (帕让): A small town on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, providing a chance to see rural Tibetan life.

Distance: 448 km

Duration: Approx. 8-9 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved, but expect some rough roads and gravel sections near Lhatse and Shigatse. The road to Shigatse can be long and winding with occasional bumpy stretches.

Description:

Tibet’s Historic Sites: Continue your ride from Saga to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city.

Visit Historical Monasteries: Stop in Lhatse to visit the Tibetan monasteries and continue through Tibetan villages towards Shigatse.

Attractions/Activities:

Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺): Visit this historic monastery in Shigatse, founded in 1447. It is home to the Panchen Lama.

Distance: 90 km

Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Well-paved roads throughout the journey. Expect smooth, straight roads as you approach Gyantse.

Description:

Short Ride to Gyantse: A relatively easy ride from Shigatse to Gyantse, offering a peaceful drive through Tibetan rural landscapes.

Visit Pelkhor Monastery: Gyantse is home to the Pelkhor Monastery and the famous Kumbum Stupa.

Attractions/Activities:

Pelkhor Monastery (扎什伦布寺): Visit this monastery in Gyantse with its unique Kumbum Stupa.

Distance: 270 km

Duration: Approx. 6-7 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved roads with occasional rougher sections as you approach Lhasa. Expect smooth roads and mountain passes as you head towards Yamdrok Lake.

Description:

Tibetan Highlands: Ride through scenic mountain passes with stunning views of Yamdrok Lake and the Himalayas.

Arrive in Lhasa: Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is a significant cultural and spiritual center.

Attractions/Activities:

Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍湖): One of Tibet’s sacred lakes, offering incredible views of the Himalayas.

Lhasa (拉萨): Arrive in Lhasa and prepare for several days of exploring the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet.

Road Condition:

Urban Roads: Smooth and well-maintained city roads for today’s sightseeing, with easy access to the major attractions in Lhasa.

Description:

Explore Lhasa: Spend the day exploring the spiritual and cultural treasures of Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. The city is a center of Buddhist culture, and you’ll be visiting some of its most iconic landmarks.

Attractions/Activities:

Potala Palace (布达拉宫): A majestic palace-monastery that was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. It is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Jokhang Monastery (大昭寺): One of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery houses the Jokhang Buddha.

Barkhor Street (八廓街): A bustling pilgrim street around the Jokhang Monastery, where you can see Tibetan worshippers circumambulating and shop for local handicrafts.

Road Condition:

Urban Roads: Smooth and well-maintained roads, ideal for city exploration.

Description:

Visit More Monasteries: Spend the day visiting Lhasa’s important monasteries, which offer insights into Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual life of the Tibetan people.

Attractions/Activities:

Drepung Monastery (大昭寺): A major Tibetan Buddhist monastery and once the largest in Tibet, housing several important religious treasures.

Norbulingka (诺布林卡): The summer palace of the Dalai Lama, set in beautiful gardens.

Sera Monastery (色拉寺): A Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its debating monks and ancient teachings.

Distance: 455 km

Duration: Approx. 9-10 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved, but expect some rough and bumpy sections as you approach Basum Tso Lake and Linzhi.

Mountain Roads: The road takes you through mountain passes with occasional dirt tracks and unsealed roads.

Description:

Journey to Linzhi: Ride from Lhasa to Linzhi, located in the Tibetan foothills. On the way, you will pass through dramatic mountain passes and arrive at the stunning Basum Tso Lake, known for its turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Attractions/Activities:

Basum Tso Lake (巴松措): A serene and scenic lake surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. It is a sacred Tibetan site and an excellent place for a short walk by the water.

Distance: Approx. 230 km

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Well-maintained paved roads with some gravel sections closer to Lulang. The road is bumpy at some points, especially in higher altitudes.

Description:

Explore Scenic Areas: Today’s ride offers beautiful mountain views, with a stop at Lulang Forest and a view of Mt. Gyala Pelri and Mt. Namchak Barwa. The area is lush and rich in biodiversity.

Arrive in Bomi: A small town known for its beautiful surroundings.

Attractions/Activities:

Lulang Forest (鲁朗森林): A picturesque forest area with lush greenery and majestic mountain backdrops.

Mt. Gyala Pelri (吉拉帕里山) & Mt. Namchak Barwa (南查巴瓦山): Magnificent mountain peaks, with stunning views from the Serkhyem La Pass (色格布拉山口).

Distance: Approx. 216 km

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved roads with some gravel or rougher sections as you approach Ranwu Lake and Baxoi. Expect bumpy roads through the mountainous areas.

Description:

Explore Ranwu Lake: On your way to Baxoi, you’ll pass through the lush Ranwu Lake area, offering incredible scenic views of the Himalayas and glacial lakes.

Arrive in Baxoi: A small Tibetan town that offers peaceful surroundings.

Attractions/Activities:

Ranwu Lake (然乌湖): A beautiful glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering a serene and picturesque environment.

Distance: 400 km

Duration: Approx. 8-9 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mix of paved roads with some bumpy and gravel sections, especially when approaching Zuogong and Markam.

Mountain Roads: Expect winding mountain roads, with occasional unpaved sections in the more remote areas.

Description:

Visit Zuogong Monastery: Continue through the scenic Tibetan Plateau, passing through remote areas and stopping at Zuogong Monastery.

Arrive in Markam: A small town located near the Nujiang River, where you will spend the night.

Attractions/Activities:

Zuogong Monastery (左贡寺): A Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Nujiang Valley, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountainous terrain.

Distance: Approx. 222 km

Duration: Approx. 6-7 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved roads with some gravel or unpaved sections as you approach Yanjing and Dechen. Expect occasional rough stretches on mountain passes.

Description:

Ride Through Yanjing: On the way to Dechen, you will pass through Yanjing, a small town famous for its bay salt production.

Arrive in Dechen: Reach Dechen, a town near Meili Snow Mountain, where the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.

Attractions/Activities:

Yanjing (盐井): A town known for its ancient bay salt production. You can see traditional methods used to extract salt from the local salt wells.

Distance: 220 km

Duration: Approx. 6 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved roads with some bumpy sections as you approach Shangri-La. The roads are well-maintained for the most part.

Mountain Passes: Expect some winding roads through mountain passes and high-altitude terrain.

Description:

Views of Meili Snow Mountain: Ride through Tibetan villages and enjoy spectacular views of Meili Snow Mountain.

Arrive in Shangri-La: Reach the mystical town of Shangri-La, known for its Tibetan culture and beautiful landscapes.

Attractions/Activities:

Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山): One of the most sacred peaks in Tibet, offering stunning views from various points along the ride.

Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺): Visit Tibet’s largest Buddhist monastery in Shangri-La, with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

First Bend of Jinshajiang River (金沙江第一弯): Visit this scenic spot where the Jinshajiang River (Yangtze) takes a dramatic bend through the mountains.

Distance: 180 km

Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Paved roads, but expect some twisty mountain paths as you approach Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang.

Mountain Roads: Winding mountain roads near the gorge, with occasional rougher sections before reaching Lijiang.

Description:

Tiger Leaping Gorge: Stop at the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, offering dramatic landscapes and great hiking opportunities.

Arrive in Lijiang: A UNESCO World Heritage town known for its ancient culture and traditional architecture.

Attractions/Activities:

Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡): A spectacular gorge with cliffs on either side of the Jinshajiang River. You can explore the gorge, enjoy a short hike, and witness the power of the river.

Lijiang (丽江): Explore the ancient town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its narrow streets, wooden bridges, and traditional Naxi culture.

Road Condition:

Urban Roads: Well-maintained city roads, ideal for exploring Lijiang’s ancient town.

Description:

Explore Lijiang: Spend the day exploring the old town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Naxi culture, traditional architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Attractions/Activities:

Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城): A maze of narrow streets, waterways, and traditional Naxi architecture, with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭): A beautiful lake with a view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and traditional pavilions.

Distance: 160 km

Duration: Approx. 3-4 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved, smooth highways with occasional gravel sections as you approach Dali.

Flat Roads: Relatively flat roads, with some winding roads as you get closer to Dali.

Description:

Journey to Dali: Ride to Dali, a famous town located by Erhai Lake.

Visit Dali’s Attractions: Once in Dali, visit the iconic Three Pagodas and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Erhai Lake.

Attractions/Activities:

Three Pagodas (三塔): Visit the Three Pagodas, an iconic landmark in Dali with stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Erhai Lake (洱海): A scenic lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for a relaxing boat ride or a leisurely walk along the shore.

Dali Ancient Town (大理古城): Explore the charming ancient town with its traditional Bai architecture.

Distance: 400 km

Duration: Approx. 6-7 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved highways with some curvy mountain sections as you approach Chuxiong and Kunming. The roads are generally well-maintained but may have some uneven surfaces in more rural areas.

Description:

Depart from Dali: Start your journey from Dali, heading through Chuxiong, a town known for its Yi minority culture.

Arrive in Kunming: Reach Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," it enjoys a pleasant climate year-round.

Attractions/Activities:

Chuxiong (楚雄): A city at the crossroads of ancient Yunnan culture, famous for Yi ethnic culture and scenic views.

Kunming (昆明): Known for its mild climate and beautiful parks, Kunming is a city worth exploring for both relaxation and sightseeing.

Road Condition:

Urban Roads: Well-maintained, smooth roads for city exploration, offering easy access to the attractions.

Description:

Relax in Kunming: Take the day to enjoy Kunming's laid-back atmosphere. Visit some of the city’s best spots and enjoy the vibrant local culture.

Attractions/Activities:

Jinmabiji Fang (金马碧鸡坊): This is a historic landmark featuring ancient archways and a bustling market area.

Kunming Flower Market (昆明花市): Explore the famous flower market, which sells a variety of flowers, including tropical plants and exotic orchids.

Distance: 290 km

Duration: Approx. 6 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Mostly paved, but expect some bumpy or uneven sections near Jianshui. The road through Shilin is generally smooth, but there may be some curvy mountain roads as you approach Jianshui.

Description:

Stone Forest: Ride from Kunming to Shilin to visit the Stone Forest, one of China’s most famous karst landscapes.

Jianshui: Continue to Jianshui, a historic town known for its Confucian heritage.

Attractions/Activities:

Stone Forest (Shilin) (石林): A natural wonder featuring dramatic limestone formations that resemble a forest of stone columns.

Jianshui (建水): This ancient town offers a glimpse into Confucian culture, with historical architecture and ancient streets.

Distance: 85 km

Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Smooth paved roads, but expect some hilly sections as you approach Yuanyang.

Description:

Yuanyang: Continue to Yuanyang, known for its Hani rice terraces, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich areas in Yunnan.

Attractions/Activities:

Garden of Family Zhang (张家花园): Visit this historic garden in Jianshui, showcasing traditional architecture and landscaping techniques.

Confucius Temple (孔庙): Explore this ancient temple dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius, located in Jianshui.

Laohuzui Terrace (老虎嘴梯田): A viewpoint offering the best views of the iconic Yuanyang rice terraces, especially stunning at sunrise.

Distance: 305 km

Duration: Approx. 6-7 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Paved roads with some uneven or gravel sections as you approach Jiangcheng.

Description:

Jingkou Village: Ride to Jiangcheng and visit Jingkou Village, known for its Hani people and their traditional farming practices.

Attractions/Activities:

Jingkou Village (井口村) of the Hani People (哈尼族): Explore this traditional village, where the Hani people maintain their ancient customs, especially related to terraced farming.

Distance: 185 km + 58 km

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Paved roads leading to Mohan, but expect mountainous terrain in the last stretch.

Description:

Mohan Border Crossing: Continue the ride to Mohan, a border town between China and Laos, where the tour will conclude.

Attractions/Activities:

Mengla: A small town known for its local markets and cultural diversity.

Distance: Approx. 58 km

Duration: Approx. 1-2 hours

Road Condition:

Road Type: Smooth paved roads leading to the border.

Description:

Exit China: Ride from Mohan to the border crossing and exit China, entering Laos.

Service Ends: Your 31-day China Motorbike Tour concludes as you enter Laos.