Challenging uphill rides await
Step into this city filled with beautiful landscapes and a fascinating history
Gain first hand knowledge about China from the locals themselves
Burn rubber alongside people who share the same cycling passion
Enjoy China's natural side

Yunnan Discovery

Duration
12 days
Site savings
$78
From
$2,522 USD

There is seldom a dull moment on this trip as it goes through a good diversity of scenic environments from snow capped mountains to green forests and a variety of ethnic villages. The riding is a real mixture as some days are short but have hill climbs, and others are longer, flat and fast, but they are all filled with jaw-dropping scenery. Add in a great deal of ethnic diversity and you have the recipe for a wonderful tour for enthusiastic cyclists.

  • Category
    Adventurous
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    12 days
  • Culture Level
    Adventurous
  • Skill Level
    3 - Intermediate
  • Activity Level
    4 - Challenging
  • Elevation
    4 - Challenging
  • Terrain
    Mountainous
  • Distance
    321.2 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    40.4 miles
operated by
SpiceRoads Cycling
Best Price Guarantee
No booking or payment fees
Save $75 on your next booking
Loading tour details...
  • How long is the tour? How many days of riding?

    This tour is 12 days long, with 7 riding days.

  • How many riders will be in the group?

    Groups can be from 2 to 16. For groups of 9 or more, a second guide joins the tour.

  • Is there a minimum age for this tour?

    Yes, riders must be 18 years old by the time the tour starts.

  • Can I rent a bike for the tour?

    Yes, well-known mountain bike brands are available for hire at an additional cost.

  • What's the tour like?

    The total distance is 477 km (296 mi) over 7 days of riding. The first few days of the tour are spent acclimating to the altitude and environment. The riding is a real mixture as some days are short but with hill climbs, and others are longer, flat and fast, but they are all filled with jaw-dropping scenery. Keep in mind that this trip begins in Shangri-La, over 3,300 meters (10,826 ft) above sea level, and spends over a week above 2,500 meters (8,202 ft).

    There's never a dull-moment on this high-altitude journey through a surprising diversity of landscapes and cultures. Most of the days are packed with cultural experiences and scenic delights. Make sure that you bring your camera, as you are sure to want to record your experiences. The friendly locals, lack of tourists, stunning geography, and mouth-watering food will make it hard to say goodbye!


    Suitability: Yunnan is a high-altitude mountainous region, so you can expect a physically challenging experience on this cycling tour. There are many climbs, but they are all on paved roads so a smooth steady climb is possible. Being physically fit will, of course, be a huge asset, but as the tour is fully supported, a van can provide transfers if a cyclist desires it.

    Biking Conditions: This bike tour is mainly on smooth, paved roads, but there are also some small off-road sections, but nothing technical. There are some tough climbs in high altitudes with fast descents. It gets fairly cold up among the clouds, so make sure you bring some warm cycling clothes. Riders should have a moderate level of cycling experience and be in good physical condition because of the altitudes involved during the tour.

  • Am I safe?

    The tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue. But to a large degree, riders must be responsible for their own safety during the tour. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a cycling tour.

  • Where does the tour start and finish?

    The tour starts with an airport pick up at Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG). It finishes in the city of Kunming where the closest airport is Kunming Changshu International Airport (KMG).

  • Do I have to pay if travelling alone?

    You are not required to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. The tour operator will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, they will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.

  • Please see a message from the tour operator about policies relating to COVID-19

    The Tour Operator is committed to ensuring all trips are safe and that they travel responsibly with the safety of riders, staff and local communities paramount, always.

    Their health and safety policies follow recommendations from the World Health Organisation and the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols for tour operators and they have worked with all their suppliers to undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and safety audit for every trip. As every country is different with varying and fast-changing requirements for entry, they require for every trip tocommit to the following basic requirements:
    - All participants must be double vaccinated by a recognised vaccine and will need to show evidence upon booking and on arrival.
    - All Tour Operator tour leaders and support staff will have completed a COVID-19 health and safety training course and will all have been double vaccinated prior to a tour starting. For 2021 departures onwards, they are planning to have our leaders tested within 72 hours of meeting the group.
    - The Tour Operator follows the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels protocol and has received the stamp of approval, which provides travellers with an assurance that they have adopted the health and hygiene global standardised protocols.

  • Are helmets included when hiring a bike?

    Yes, if you're hiring a bike from the operator, a complimentary helmet is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.

Overall Rating:
5.0/5
A well-balanced tour
Lawrence Fumo — October 2015
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

THE SWEET-SPOT between 5-star "upscale" and "budget" tour-company. Always felt a fine balance between the biking, accommodation, and meals/snacks.

Overall - an excellent trip
James Peck — April 2014
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Understood the challenge of the ride (4 chilis) and the elevation but well beyond my capability. Not an issue with the tour operator's description but rather my unrealistic optimism. Enjoyed nonetheless.

Food, real highpoint of the trip.

Trip was overall excellent. The companionship was excellent, rest days well spaced out and in interesting spots.