Why you will love this trip:

The RIDES

The Duku Road (G217) is regarded as the most beautiful road in China. With elevation reaching up to 3390 meter, it is only open between June and September. While most (local) tourists travel this spectacular road trip by car, doing this route by bicycle is a must for the adventurous cyclist.

The road was opened in 1983 after 10 years of construction and runs between the cities of Dushanzi and Kuqa in Xinjiang province. The route stretches across high mountains and passes through deep valleys, connecting numerous ethnic communities in the Tianshan mountain range.

Traveling Duku, you will be stunned by the widest variety of landscapes, from desert to grasslands, from forests to glaciers, from canyons to lakes and from waterfalls to wind-eroded rock formations. At the same time, you are able to experience all four seasons while riding this route as you share the beautiful landscape with the largely nomadic population of this region.

Hashilagen Daban - Checkpoint 669 - 3390M

Tianshan Tour - Cycling Routes Per Day

Tianshan Tour (overall)

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Tianshan Tour (overall)

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The bike ride that cannot be missed in Western China is the Panlong Dragon road in the Pamir mountain range, close to the borders of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. With a total length of 36km and more than 600 hairpin turns, the Panlong road is like a huge dragon, hovering on the Pamir Plateau peaking at about 4300m elevation. Enhancing the pleasure of riding this road is the fact that the full length of the road (up and down) is one-way-traffic only, everyone going up the west side and down on the east side.

Pamir Extension - Cycling Routes

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Why you will love this trip:

The SIGHTS

Tianshan Tour

Aketasi Valley

With dense forest, lush green pastures and cloud-capped peaks, Aketasi Valley is full of scenic beauty. As per the official documentation from the Qing dynasty, this area was considered the most favourable location for hunting, summer vacations and leisure activities.

Nalati Grassland

Nalati translates as ‘there is the sun’ in Mongolian. Nalati Grassland is one of the most beautiful grasslands in China for its alpine and valley scenery. The bright green colours that stretch to the sky form a magical sight.

Bayanbulak and silk road scenic travel.jpg

Bayanbulak Grassland

Bayanbulak translates as ‘abundant spring’ in Mongolian. The grassland is the second largest grassland in China and one of the most productive pasturelands. The nature reserve is an important breeding and staging ground for birds and waterfowl and at 2,000—2,500m is the highest-altitude breeding ground for swans in the world.

Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon

This mysterious red mountain gorge started to form 140 million years ago. It is composed of red sandstone and glutenite. The erosion of water and wind has formed all kinds of beautiful bends and wrinkles.

Kuqa Old Town

Also known as Kuche or Kucha, this city used to be a famous kingdom along the silk road during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The old town is formed by Islamic culture and is still inhabited by Uyghur residents who have lived here for generations. The market stalls are full with local produce, such as figs, apricots, nuts and local breads.

Pamir Extension

Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake is known as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Central Asia. At an altitude of 3.600m it is the highest lake of the Pamir Plateau. You will enjoy the reflection of the snow-capped mountains in the water, while the local nomads set up their typical yurts and graze their sheep, horses and camels nearby.

Kashgar Old Town

With a history of over 2000 years, Kashgar old town is composed of crisscross streets lined with colourful houses with beautiful wood carved doors and crafted windows. You will find a bazaar (meaning ‘market’ in Uyghur) in nearly every street. While the old town is attracting tourists, it maintains its original features and is kept alive by its local population. Highlights are the Century Old Teahouse and Gao Tai Ancient Homes.

Kashgar Livestock Market

The Kashgar Grand Bazaar was the largest bazaar (market) in Asia more than two thousand years ago. The livestock market has split of from the Kashgar Grand Bazaar and nowadays takes place on the opposite end of town. Visiting the livestock market is a unique and hectic experience, as you walk between the cattle traders and their sheep, goats, horses, yaks and cattle.

Tashkurgan Stone City

With a history of over 2,000 years, the Stone City at Tashkurgan was famous for its location at the junction of the middle and southern route of the ancient Silk Roads. The old city ruins sit on a high hill and form an imposing presence. Because of its strategic importance, Tashkurgan became the capital of the Western Regions during the Tang dynasty (618 - 907).

Why you will love this trip: The RIDES

Hashilagen Daban - Checkpoint 669 - 3390M

Why you will love this trip: The SIGHTS

Why you will love this trip:

The RIDES

Why you will love this trip:

The SIGHTS