Cycling in Northwest of Yunnan
Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la,Tiger-Leaping Gorge

Tour Code: BK-S-004 Duration: 15days Biking Distance: 80km/day Biking Time: 4-5h/day Good time to visit: Jan, from Mar to Apr, from Oct to Nov Departure date: Jan 07, Mar 08, Apr 14, Oct 07, Nov 13, 2010

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This programme promises an entirely different way to experience the great variety of cultures and landscape of Yunnan -Biking. 
 Start our riding from Lijiang, go straight into the Tibetan tablelands and the fascinating Naxi people who live in the shadow of Jade Dragon mountain. We then ride through the Tiger Leaping Gorge north to Zhongdian, Shangri-la. Shangri-la was once a fictional place, now it is also the official name of Gyalthang in northern Yunnan. It is a place containing the essential beauties of Kham Tibet; snow capped mountains, alpine lakes and unique Tibetan culture.
Then, we travel down to Dali where the ancestors of the Bai people made their home over three thousand years ago. There is enough time to see something of the peaceful lakeside villages before heading north to Lijiang , then go straight into the Tibetan tablelands and the fascinating Naxi people who live in the shadow of Jade Dragon mountain.
We do provide professional coach and supported vehicles during whole trip for biking group as well as medical care. Just trust yourself to be the strongest and luckiest guy to conquer the physical challenge and appreciate the amazing scenery and diverse culture of Yunnan.

DAY-BY-DAY DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day1, Kunming (by air)
Get together in Kunming , Overnight in Camellia hotel or similar (D)

Day2, Kunming/Lijiang,(by coach or air)
Take Tour coach or Flight to Lijiang, then claim your bike, start explore the ancient city of Lijiang, Overnight in Lijiang old town Sanhe hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Day3, Lijiang/Baisha/Lijiang (40KM)
This morning, we cycle to Xuesong village at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where Joseph Rock lived during the early 1900's, cycle to BaiSha village visit the fresco and DR. Ho. Then getting back to the old town of Lijiang, Overnight in Lijiang old town Sanhe hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Day4, Lijiang(50 km)
Lijiang -- La Shihai lake-Lijiang (100 km)
Leave in the morning, ride to La Shihai lake. Arrive at noon, boating on the La shihai lake and horse riding on the lakeshore, (cross-country cycling on the mountain). highland barley wine tasting, eating lamb and watching the stars. After that, riding at night to return to Lijiang. Overnight in Lijiang old town Sanhe hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Day5, Lijiang / Qiaotou (90 km)
Drive to Longpan Town Ship, ride to Qiaotou town, Overnight in Yishiang hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Day6, Qiaotou/Baishatai(65 km)
the ride to Baishutai via Middle Tiger Leaping and Haba village. Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and White Water terraces. Overnight in Baishuitai villa or similar (B/L/D)

Day7, Baishatai/ Shangri-la (60 km)
Drive a little part of climb，the ride to Shangri-la， Overnight in Xinhua Hotel or similar,(B/L/D)

Day8, Shangri-la (12KM)
After breakfast, ride to Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, nicknamed the "Lesser Potala". The old town of Gyalthang is another fascinating place to visit. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Xinhua Hotel or similar, (B/L/D)

Day9, Shangri-la/Qizong(120KM)
Ride to Qizong village, Overnight in Local Guest house or similar (B/L/D)

Day10, Qizong /ShiGu (90 km)
Ride to ShiGu village, Overnight in Local Guest house or similar (B/L/D)

Day11, ShiGu / Jianchuan(90 km)
Ride to Jianchuan County, Overnight in Jianlin Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Day12, Jianchuan / Xiashankou(90 km)
Ride to Xiashankou village, Overnight in Xiashankou hot spring Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Day13, Xiashankou/ Dali (90 km)
Ride to Dali village, Overnight in Landscape Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Day14, Dali
Dali day trip nearby, Overnight in Landscape Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Day15, Dali / Kunming(by air)
Depart from Dali, end of the trip (B)

Tour Cost:               Currency Converter

	4-5 person	6-9 person	Over 10 person	Single Supplement
Tour Cost	On request	On request	On request	On request
($1=6.7CNY) (The cost for the child of 2-12 year old is based on 15% discount of the adult's tour cost.Any baby less than 2 year old is free of any charges. If it turns out there is cost involved, we reserved to collect the cost.)

Quick inquiry

Tailor-made

Book the tour

Photos

• The participants we are looking for: HEALTHY!!! Riding around 6 hours plus a day; crossing high altitude passes over difficult terrain in remote areas; experienced in mountainous area riding(with many bents and turning), excellent physical condition required with a positive attitude and a strong determination; previous hiking experience preferred. Please keep in mind that this is a general guide only. A variety of factors, including weather, may add to the challenge.
• This is a tentative itinerary, the really itinerary and hotel/hostel maybe different from the itinerary. For the enjoyment of your trip a "go with the flow" attitude is necessary. Many factors will influence your trip, such as weather conditions, health, route conditions, etc. Please prepare two days more as "cushion" day in case of delays in travel due to unforeseen events.
   
• Regardless of your previous HA experience, it is crucial that you be self-confident, superbly fit, committed, and determined at the outset of the expedition and possess the necessary stamina and experience to be a contributing player in the ascent. 
   
•  While you enjoy the fantastic views with the exciting of this biking adventure, there are lots of cars trucks,   buses, on the way, when you ride into many big turnings, there are big trucks forthcoming to you too, you should ride very carefully in these places.

The tour cost includes: 

• Meals daily as listed in the itinerary, picnic lunches in remote area if required(B-breakfast， L-lunch, D-dinner);
• Service of English-speaking guide
•  Scenic spots admission fee; Nature Reserve Protection fee and/ or camping permit fee (inside nature reserve) if required
• Accommodation: double-occupancy in 4 star hotel in big city, and the best hotel in small cities or counties, clean guest house/hostel/or home-stay in villages as clarified in the itinerary; camping in non-residential area as mentioned in the itinerary(tent and mattress),
• One bike for each and supportive vehicles as required(For tours in the mountainous area like Yunnan, Qinghai, Tibet, etc. we strongly suggest the participant bring your own mountainous bike with you.)
•  All domestic flights/trains/local airport taxes if there is in the itinerary; 

 The tour cost does not include:

• Personal travel accident insurance. 
•  The fee of rescuing for any accident, including but not limited:
   a. Asking the help from the international SOS;
   b. Transfer service and amending fee, if the bike is seriously damaged.
   c. While repairing the bike, the rental fee must be paid.
   d. Any others.
• The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way.
•  Transfer, guide, entrance tickets, and meals in your free time,
• Sleeping bag if camping.
• photography charges at monasteries/palaces/sites.
• Chinese visa fees; Excess baggage charged by Airlines; Single room supplement; Tips to guides and drivers;
•  Domestic or/and international flights and related airport taxes not listed,
• The extra cost due to the unforeseen events or weather; supplementary trips and services not mentioned, and personal expenses and the items don’t listed in the “The tour cost includes” column.

Remarks:

• Once you confirm the trip, the quotation in RMB is fixed (subject to the items above). However, as exchange rates may continue to fluctuate, we reserve the right to modify the price quoted in USD to match the original RMB quotation, when you pay.
• Reservation should be made at least ONE MONTH before departure time.
• The train and flight schedules are presented according to time-tables available at time of publication; they are subject to change according to any new schedule, and we reserve the right to choose alternate flights. 
• Prices may be somewhat higher if tour dates fall on public holidays (including, but not limited to,  Chinese National Day Sep. 30th -Oct.8th , Or other Special Festival time).
• The quotation is based on the present domestic air fare and discounts available; we reserve the right to modify the price according to the airline’s policy. 
•  If you prefer to have a single room, you are expected to pay the single supplement.
• This is a tentative itinerary, the really itinerary and hotel/hostel maybe different from the itinerary. For the enjoyment of your trip a "go with the flow" attitude is necessary. Many factors will influence your trip, such as weather conditions, health, route conditions, etc. Please prepare two days more as "cushion" day in case of delays in travel due to unforeseen events.
• The part of the area we will visit has not been well developed like Beijing and Shanghai. While it is good to enjoy the well protected nature view and experience unique primitive folk customs, we should prepare for that even the star hotel is not so good and though we will try our best, the food may not be so delicate and various.
• Very important: When you are planning to do mountain biking, you acknowledge that there are risks involved in this sport and confirm that you are fully aware of and accept these risks. You may or may not be required to sign a separate acknowledgement and acceptance of personal liability by the local supplier before being allowed to do cycling. And if you are not allowed to participate because you refuse to sign, you will have no claim against CSH or the supplier and will not be entitled to any refund or compensation.

Travel Tips:

• The participants we are looking for: HEALTHY!!! able to cycle for over 6 hours a day; prepared to cross high altitude passes and over difficult terrain in remote areas; experienced in mountainous area riding (with many bends, turns, and possibly switchbacks); excellent physical condition required with a positive attitude and a strong determination; previous hiking experience preferred. Please keep in mind that this is a general guide only. A variety of factors, including weather, may add to the challenge.
• This is a tentative itinerary, the final itinerary and hotel/hostel may vary considerably from the itinerary. For the enjoyment of your trip, a "go with the flow" attitude is necessary. Many factors will influence the trip, such as weather conditions, health, route conditions, etc. Please allow one extra days as "cushion" days in case of delays in travel due to unforeseen events.
• Regardless of your previous high-altitude experience, it is crucial that you be self-confident, superbly fit, committed, and determined at the outset of the expedition and possess the necessary stamina and experience to be a contributing player in the excursion.
• Biking Gear suggested: Wind/waterproof coat, Hip pad, kneepad, gorro, helmet, Headlight, towel, sun block, glove, shoes for cycling etc
• While you will most-certainly enjoy the fantastic views offered with this exciting biking adventure, there will also be unexpected encounters with other vehicular traffic, especially big trucks making wide turns, so you should ride very carefully in these places.
• Many tourists have an uncomfortable feeling in the high-plateau areas, generally headaches and being out-of-breath; don’t be worried about it and you will adapt to the altitude in 2-3 days.
•  To counter altitude-sickness in the high plateaus, be sure to take extra rest and try to avoid arriving with a cold. Although extra oxygen will be available for those who need to stop and take an extra breath or so, any quantity brought along will be limited, and cyclists cannot be dependent on its availability
• Please be respectful of local customs and religion while you are in any area of a minority people; pay attention to any instructions given by the local guide and cooperate with him/her.
•  Please be aware not to expect/order the meat of  dog, horse, mule, pig, or donkey, all of which are forbidden in Tibetan areas; eating the meat of any animal slaughtered without proper religious supervision is also forbidden
• It’s not allowed to watch the Tibetan sky burial without their permission
• To be polite, it is expected that you finish any beverage served to you in a cup, upon being greeted by a Tibetan; if you cannot finish the drink, please politely beg their pardon.
• When greeted by a Tibetan who puts a silk scarf around your neck as a present, leave it on – do not immediately take it off.
• There are some special taboos in Muslim area, such as exposed skin, head coverings, and proper conduct in mosques – listen to the guide
• It’s prohibited to drink or to smoke in any Tibetan Monastery
• Check with the guide regarding taking photographs; it’s forbidden to take any photos in a monastery without permission, although you may be allowed to “buy” permission. Always ask permission before taking a photo of monks or women, regardless of where they are.