You want to cycle through Tibet? No problem. Avoid the TAR and drop into the former Kham province. Here the Tibetan culture is maybe even more present and the landscape more varied than elsewhere. Meet pilgrims on their long way to Lhasa and enjoy a fantastic ride through deep gorges, over rough passes and wide high planes, where the wind is playing with millions of prayer flags and the people welcomes you with a warm "Tashi Delek".
Access and road condition
The start from this off the map is Litang. You reach this small town from east over the southern Tibet - Sichuan Highway or south over the road 217 from Zhongdian (Shangri La). For both ways you'll find excellent route descriptions here.
Asphalt on this altitude is always of poor quality. We tracked only the biggest gravel parts, so count with smaller ones not marked in the description. The road on the high plaine between Picha and Jachi is bad.
The whole route is out off the TAR. Normally you should be able to cycle it without restrictions, but try to check in advance if all roads are open.
The whole route is out off the TAR. Normally you should be able to cycle it without restrictions, but try to check in advance if all roads are open.
Accommodation and supplies
There are hotels in Litang, Bayu, Dege, Manigango and Garze. Camping is never a problem.
Don't cross the pass after Picha when there are weather warnings from local people. The pass ends in a wide marshy highplaine where snow and wind can cause you a problem. Highplain can get very muddy after rain/snow. Yaqing is a teaching and pilgrimage center. There are at least two poor-value (50Y/bed) guesthouses.
Don't cross the pass after Picha when there are weather warnings from local people. The pass ends in a wide marshy highplaine where snow and wind can cause you a problem. Highplain can get very muddy after rain/snow. Yaqing is a teaching and pilgrimage center. There are at least two poor-value (50Y/bed) guesthouses.
All shops between the major towns are small and extremely limited in supplies (instant noodles & biscuits). Stock up luxury goods (like milk powder, oats, dried fruits etc.) at the good shops in Litang, Bayu and Dege. There is no possibility to get or change money in this area til Garze (ATM). So take care and bring enough cash.
Roadbook
If you have GPS, download the digital roadbook on the left side of this page.
For a simple overview or a print check the paper version here.
For a simple overview or a print check the paper version here.
Feedback
Trails always change. Please send us your comment or update info!