8 Days Sichuan Cycling Tour to Mount Gongga and Siguninag Mountain

Total Distance: 227 km (Cycling: 70 km | Driving: 157 km)

Morning: Departing from Chengdu
Your day begins with a scenic drive out of Chengdu, the "Kingdom of Heaven," heading towards Dujiangyan and Yinxiu. The earthquake relic in Yinxiu is a poignant stop, a reminder of the powerful 2008 Sichuan earthquake that shaped the region. You’ll take time to reflect and capture the historical site before continuing on your journey.

Cycling: Gengda to Balangshan Mount Pass
In Gengda Town, you’ll begin the cycling portion of the day. The route will take you through Wolong, known for its famous panda sanctuary, and then onward to Dengshenggou. From here, you will start a challenging climb towards the Balangshan Mount Pass, which sits at over 4500 m (14,764 ft). As you ascend, you will pass through lush valleys and rugged mountain terrain, passing deep canyons, crystal-clear brooks, and colorful forests. The ride will test your endurance but is incredibly rewarding as you cycle through some of the most breathtaking scenery in western Sichuan.

Spectacular Views: Balangshan Pass
As you approach the Balangshan Pass, the landscape opens up to majestic mountain views. If the weather allows, you will be able to see clouds floating above the peaks, a truly spectacular sight. The contrast between the high-altitude wilderness and the rugged, untouched terrain will leave you in awe.

Afternoon: Drive to Rilong
After the climb, you’ll drive on to Rilong, a small town nestled in the mountains, where you will rest after the intense day.

Overnight: Enjoy a restful night in Rilong, preparing for more adventures to come.

Total Distance: 290 km (Cycling: 175 km | Driving: 115 km)

Morning: Departure from Rilong to Xiaojin
Today will be a challenging yet rewarding day, as you’ll spend the majority of the time cycling through stunning landscapes. Your journey begins with an early drive from Rilong to Xiaojin County. If your trip falls in March to April, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of peach and pear blossoms blanketing the fields along the roadside, adding a touch of color to the rugged surroundings.

Cycling: Xiaojin to Danba
Your cycling adventure begins in Xiaojin, where you’ll start your climb toward the enchanting Tibetan villages that dot the landscape. These picturesque villages will line both sides of the road, offering a glimpse into traditional Tibetan life. Continuing your ascent, the road takes you toward Geda Mount Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the snow-capped mountains and the unique landscapes of western Sichuan. The higher you go, the more you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, making the ride uphill well worth the effort.

Geda Mount Pass: A Scenic Descent
From the Geda Mount Pass, the cycling gets easier as you begin the downhill portion of the ride. The descent offers an exhilarating experience, as you glide past lush forests and winding roads, with stunning mountain views on either side. Soon, you will arrive at Bamei Town, a peaceful settlement where you’ll take a break before continuing your ride.

Afternoon: Bamei to Xinduqiao
Continuing your journey, you’ll cycle towards Tagong and then on to Xinduqiao, a charming town known for its picturesque Tibetan culture and natural beauty. As the day draws to a close, the setting sun will cast a golden glow over the town, turning the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests into a living painting. This magical evening light will make for a perfect end to a demanding yet rewarding day of cycling.

Overnight: You’ll spend the night in Xinduqiao, a peaceful town where you can unwind and reflect on the stunning sights of the day.

Today takes you through the core of the Round Gongga trip. It's a challenging day, but the incredible views of the majestic Mount Gongga will keep you motivated throughout the journey.

• Morning Start at Xinduqiao:
  Start your day early in the morning from Xinduqiao, heading to Waze and Jiagenba, before arriving at Shade where you will transition from the vehicle to your bike. This section of the road offers some of the best views in the Xindu Bridge area, with sprawling Tibetan villages, lush forests, and rugged mountain ranges surrounding you.
• Cycling Highlights:
  You’ll ride through an awe-inspiring landscape, taking your time to enjoy the view. You can ride at your own pace, allowing you to absorb the beauty of the mountains and the village life around you. Once you reach the endpoint of this scenic stretch, it’s time to hop back into your vehicle for the rest of the journey.
• Zimei Pass - The Closest View of Mount Gongga:
  The final leg of today’s journey takes you to Zimei Pass, the best viewing point for Mount Gongga, the highest peak in Sichuan. Standing at this pass, you’ll have the closest and most dramatic view of "The King of Sichuan Mountains". If the weather cooperates, and you're lucky, you'll witness the stunning sight of Gongga glittering in sunlight, an unforgettable experience.

Overnight at Zimei Pass

End the day at Zimei Pass, where you can rest and enjoy the serene, high-altitude environment, all while taking in the surrounding natural beauty.

Today is the most challenging day of the entire trip, combining both the longest and roughest sections. It's a tough ride, but the rewards are worth it if you're up for it. If you feel it's too much, you can always choose to drive the full 150 km distance.

Cycling Challenges:

• Zimeiya Pass: Begin with cycling from Zimeiya Pass, surrounded by rugged mountains and stunning landscapes. The pass offers great vistas of the mountain ranges as you head toward Quanhuatan.
• Quanhuatan - Shadow of Mount Gongga: The Shadow of Gongga in Quanhuatan is an unmissable sight. Here, the towering presence of Mount Gongga casts its shadow over the valley, offering a sense of the mountain’s majesty. The entire area is surrounded by high mountains, creating a dramatic backdrop to your journey.

Scenic Highlights: As you continue, you'll pass through typical West Sichuan scenery, with wild, untouched landscapes featuring deep valleys, steep cliffs, and remote Tibetan villages. You'll get a true sense of the rugged beauty of this part of Sichuan, making the challenging ride worthwhile.

Overnight at Shangmuju

End your day in Shangmuju, a quiet, remote area where you can rest and relax in the tranquility of the Sichuan highlands.

(Total: 188km; Cycling 149km & Driving 139km)

Today's ride presents some high-altitude challenges but rewards you with breathtaking views of the West Sichuan highlands.

Cycling Challenges:

• Yaha Pass: Start the day by cycling to Yaha Pass, the first of today’s mountain passes, where you'll experience a thrilling ascent and stunning vistas.
• Jiagenba & Waze: After descending to Jiagenba, you'll continue cycling toward Waze, where the landscape offers views of the iconic Tibetan fields and traditional farmhouses.
• Mount Zheduo Pass: The second challenge of the day is the Mount Zheduo Pass, a gateway to Tibet. This high-altitude pass provides spectacular views, including the chance to witness a sea of clouds if the weather is clear.

Scenic Journey: As you cycle, you'll be immersed in the highland landscapes of West Sichuan, with Tibetan nomads, sheep, and yaks dotting the terrain, and the rugged beauty of the mountains surrounding you.

Relaxed Drive: After completing the cycling portion, you’ll drive the remainder of the route to Kangding City, allowing you to relax and take in the surroundings.

Overnight at Kangding County

End the day with a comfortable rest in Kangding, a charming town nestled in the mountains, where you can enjoy its unique Tibetan influence and local cuisine.

Today will be a relaxed journey as you drive back from Kangding to Chengdu. The drive is scenic and offers a peaceful end to your active adventure.

• Scenic Route: Along the way, you'll pass two picturesque rivers—the Qingyi River and the Dadu River—which will offer plenty of opportunities to admire the natural beauty of the region.
• Arrival in Chengdu: After a full day of driving, you’ll arrive back in Chengdu, where you can unwind after the journey.

Overnight at Chengdu

Take the evening to rest and relax in Chengdu. You may want to explore the city’s famous teahouses or enjoy a leisurely dinner of local specialties like hotpot or dumplings.

After an incredible journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Sichuan, it’s time to say goodbye to Chengdu.

In the morning, our guide and driver will assist you with your transfer to either the train station or airport, depending on your onward travel plans. Take this final opportunity to reflect on the stunning mountains, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences of the past days.

Departure

• Transfer to the station/airport: Relax as you are taken to your departure point, ensuring a smooth journey.
• End of the Tour: The adventure ends here, but the memories will stay with you as you head home or continue to your next destination.

Thank you for joining us on this amazing journey through Sichuan! Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!