You've already done the Tro La off the map and are not tired to cycle through eastern Tibet? This description is the continuation of your way nordwards. Start your ride in the deep valleys of Kham and cycle up to the endless high pastures of former Amdo province. An impressive change of landscape and culture where finally you will say good bye to Tibet by walking the Kora around the holy Amnye Machen...
Off the map start is in Garze. Coming from the south the nicest acces is over the Tro La pass (check off the map TBT1). When coming from Chengdu you will find a helpful description
here.The asphalt road 101 from Banma to the Qinghai - Tibet highway (214) is mostly in excellent condition. All other roads are hard mountain pistes with worst parts around the Sichuan - Qinghai provincial border.
Accommodation is available in Garze, Sertar, Banma, Darlag and on the Qinghai Tibet highway junction. All hotels outside of Garze are simple and sometimes without running water.
At the locations mentioned above you have also better shops. All other shops are small and extremely limited in supplies. Sertar is a modern chinese town. Here and in Garze you'll find the only possibilities to get money (ATM).
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.From the last point in the roadbook it's about 400km to Xining or 35 km on piste to Xiadavu. From Xiadavu you can start a seven to ten day trek around the Amnye Machen mountain. The main season is from June to October. In mid May the weather was to instable to make it (snow every second day) so we can't give exact information but it should be possible to rent a yack in Xiadavu to carry your lugagge. You'll find a good trekking map
hereTrails always change. Please send us your comment or update info!
