Lakes and mountains are fascinating, especially when you go to the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai. That is a place beyond words, and you have to experience it yourself. Cycling around the largest salt-water lake in China, is challenging not just because of the high altitude. (3200m above sea-level), but also because of the ever-changing weather conditions.
In May the Tibetan Plateau comes back to life again after the harsh, cold and extreme windy winter days are finally over, and the short summer months finally arrive. This is a great spectacle that could be better appreciated by bike. The entire ride around the lake is 360 km. Some sections of this trip will take us right next to the lake, in the rest we will just see the lake in the distance.
The beauty and biodiversity of this plateau is astonishing! The peaceful lake, flocks of herds, prairies, farmlands, bright yellow rapeseed flowers and many other wildflowers will captivate your senses. We will be able to take in the striking views of the blue sky, high snow mountains, floating clouds reflecting their shadows in the “mirror” of the lakes. In addition to the natural diversity, we will be able to explore the cultural blend which fuses elements of Tibetan, Muslim, Mongolian and Han-Chinese traditions in Xining City. All in all, the 5 days 4 nights trip to this high plateau area will give you an unforgettable experience with physical, cultural and emotional pleasure.
Explore the Awe-inspiring Biome of the Plateau
- Cycle along rapeseed fields
- Witness a unique migration. The naked carp is a species of fish only found in Qinghai Lake. As the mating season approaches, adult carps embark on a challenging voyage upstream to spawn in fresh water. (May-August)
- Cycle through the Jinshawan Desert.
- Visit the stunning Chaka Salt Lake （Chaka means Salt Lake in Tibetan）. This is an optional activity that can be arranged.
Experience the Multi-Cultural Setting
- Explore the blending culture which combines Tibetan culture, Muslim culture, Han-Chinese culture in Xining city.
Enjoy the Local Flavor
- Taste and appreciate the local foods and drinks.
- Try the local staple food called Tsampa （energy booster made from barley and melted yak butter） and enjoy a cup of ghee tea.
- If you get a chance, try the savory ice-cream at the iconic Chaka Lake.
Logistic support services:
- Our local service provider team has 16 years of experience in organizing cycling tours in Hainan,7 years in Qinghai Lake and 5 years in Xinjiang.
- Our professional cycling group leaders are trained and provide a safe cycling experience
- Our media team will capture those moments you want to remember, the smiles and the effort we put into cycling.
- A support van will accompany our tour carrying your luggage, so you can cycle light. There will be a First Aid kit and a tool box for any emergencies on the road. All in all, to ensure the best experience for you cycling around the lake.
- Rest and restore energy supply with the provisions we prepare for you: fruit, snacks, and drinks that will provide you with the nutrition, electrolytes and hydration that your body needs during the rides. Discover what our team members affectionately call the“mobile mini-mart”
- End this highland cycling journey with an Award Ceremony and a dinner to celebrate your achievements, joyful memories and new friendships!
Early arrival
Explore Xining on your own. If you arrive early in Xining there are several trips you can take to nearby historical sites. You can take the bus to the Ta’er Temple, a Tibetan culture scenic spot; go on a Tibetan Plateau Safari, visit the Tibetan Medicine Museum to learn the history and culture of Tibetan medicine. It is recommended to stay near Xining bus station, where transportation, food and accommodation are convenient. Xining has parks to visit and mountain peaks to climb. Take it slow though, to better adapt higher altitude, you may get tired easier. We recommend a 2-3 day stay in Xining before the cycling tour.
DAY 1
Meeting Day + Cycle around the Atomic City
Destination: Xining-Xihai Town
Cycling distance: 15KM
Lunch: At your own expense
Dinner: At your own expense
Accommodation: Jinhao Holiday Hotel in Xihai Town or hotels of the same level.
On the gathering day, you will arrive at Xihai Town on your own. After arranging the accommodation, you will gather at the base camp of the lake at 4:00 p.m., and then you will choose the bike in the camp of Xihai Town and go on the adaptive cycling for 15km. You will feel the historical mark of the town of Xihai, which is also the location of the first nuclear weapon development base of 221 factory in China. Nowadays the traces of history are hidden here.
The tour leader will organize for all participants to collect the bikes and equipment in an orderly manner. If there is enough time, you can cycle to visit the Atomic City of Xihai Town and check out the “Atomic City Star Station” as a prelude to the cycling tour.
For international participants we arrange a different gathering point, due to local regulations which do not allow visiting and staying in Xihai Town. We will gather in Xining and go by car/bus to Qinghai Lake where we will get the bikes on Day 2.
DAY 2
Desert Crossing Ride + Rapeseed Flower Sea Ride by the Lake
Destination: Xihai Town – Jiangxi Gorge
Cycling distance: 98KM
Breakfast: hotel offers buffet
Lunch: at your own expense （recommended local hot pot）
Dinner: at your own expense
Accommodation: Sofia Hotel in Jiangxi Gorge/Hotel of same level
The beautiful cycling tour around Qinghai Lake begins. This first day we will ride through the desert and get a glimpse of the sand dunes of Jinshawan where there might be a chance to try sandboarding. This will get your heart pumping.
Lunch recommendation: local hot pot, enjoy local cuisine
In the afternoon, we will pass “The Sea of Rapeseed Flowers”, which is one of the most beautiful sights along the 109 National Highway, which has a Bicycle Greenway. There are opportunities to stop and enjoy the rapeseed flowers and take iconic pictures you otherwise only see online.
DAY 3
Bicycle Expressway 50KM + Chaka Salt Lake （voluntary）
Destination: Jiangxi Gorge-Heima River
Cycling distance: 50KM
Breakfast: hotel provides local breakfast
Lunch: at your own expense
Dinner: at your own expense
Accommodation: Heimahe Wanghu Hotel
Today we cycle about 50km to Heimahe town, the roads are relatively flat and cycling through the high plateau is enjoyable, the sky can change fast, from blue, cloudless skies to heavy rain clouds in a short time. Qinghai Lake is on one side while the mountains are on the other, the cycling route brings us through grassy landscapes where you see yaks and sheep feeding. These natural surroundings are seldom disturbed by human habitation. Lunch we will have at Heimahe Town.
After lunch there is an option to visit Chaka Salt Lake, the highest Salt Lake in China. This trip is optional, but highly recommended. The road leading there is not suitable for cycling, since it is the highway going west has no cycling lane and is a narrow road, going over passes at 3,800m above sea level. Carpooling is the way to go, and the stunning views will not disappoint. Only a small part of the lake is open to public and transformed into a park, attracting many visitors every year.
DAY 4
Cycle towards the Tibetan city of Gangcha
Destination: Heimahe-Gangcha
Cycling distance 118KM
Breakfast: hotel provides local breakfast
Lunch: at your own expense
Dinner: at your own expense
Accommodation：Gangcha Coastal Holiday Hotel/hotel of the Same Level
[Sunrise over the Heima River]
Get up early to watch the sun rise on Qinghai Lake. Watching how the dark fades and slowly becomes bright day.
Today we cycle over 100km, the road will lead up and down on the west side of Qinghai Lake, and it the journey will be more challenging, bringing the road close to the lake, where we can witness the famous ‘Naked Carp’ and see the carp migration. When thousands of fish swim against the stream jumping to reach their spawning grounds. Locals held festivals every year, when they feed the carps. Due to overfishing in the past decades, which led to the almost distinction, the naked carp is protected, and fishing not allowed.
Today’s cycling route, we will catch a glimpse of the naked carp migration!
DAY 5
Final Challenge
Destination: Gangcha County – Xihai Town
Cycling distance:102km
Breakfast: hotel buffet
Lunch: at your own expense
Today is the last day of cycling and again we ride more than 100 km. We cycle Qinghai-Tibet highway, passing by the Cangyangjiacuo Square, where there are many poems engraved. This area is famous for horses, and again rapeseed fields. The sound of wind will accompany us on this peaceful part. Passing the Gangcha pass is the final test and even though it is difficult, the views are worth each meter you ride on your bike and the “Cycling Qinghai Lake Certificate” is given to you as a reminder of your achievement.
After the tour is over you will go on your own back to Xining in the early evening.
Come with us to the Northwest of China. Come with us to Qinghai Lake!
Dates & Prices
Individual：2399RMB/p.p
Group of 5*：11495RMB
The price applies for the following dates：
- June 7-June 11
- June 8-June 12
- June 14-June 18
- June 21-June 25
- June 23-June 27
- June 28-July 2
- August 30-September 3
- September 6-September 10
- September 14-September 18
Individual：2988RMB/p.p
Group of 5*：11495RMB
The price applies for the following dates：
- July 1-July 5
- July 06-July 10
- July 11-July 15
- July 16-July 20
- July 21-July 25
- July 26-July 30
- July 31-August 4
- August 5-August 9
- August 10-August 14
- August 15-August 19
- August 20-August 24
- August 25-August 29
*Additional discounts are available for groups of 6 or more participants. Please, contact us for more information.
Price Includes:
- 【Personal equipment】: high-quality mountain / flat handlebar road bike, helmet, riding vest, bandana, raincoat, cushion, pannier bag, front bag （can be claimed after application）.
- 【Excellent cycling team leader】: arrange food and lodging, lead the team to lead the ride, bike maintenance
- 【Logistic Support Vehicle】: logistic support vehicle: Rescue, load luggage, reduce weight.
- 【4 nights’ accommodation】: local high standard comfortable double room.
- 【Exclusive gift】: certificate, insurance, medals.
- 【Public equipment】: oxygen tank *1; walkie-talkie, tire repair tools, first aid kit (external medicine, high altitude sickness drugs; if you need other drugs, please bring your own).
- 【Meals】:4breakfasts,1 welcome dinner, open BBQ on grassland
- 【Supplies】: water, snacks, fruit.
- 【Photography】: photography and short video after the tour.
Price does not include:
- Transportation: before or after the trip itinerary to or from Xining
- Scenic area tickets: does not include unmentioned scenic area tickets (if you want to visit the scenic areas that require separate tickets, please book in advance at your own expense, or make separate arrangements for the purchase of tickets).
- Private consumption: such as beverages and alcohol, laundry, private transportation costs, etc.
- Single room charge: accommodation arrangements are double standard room, if there is a single person will be arranged suite / triple room, if you request a single room, you need to supplement the difference: single room 800 yuan / person.
Refund Policy, Gear Advice & Reminder
Refund Policy:
- One date change or full refund can be made 10 days prior to the start of the event.
- 5-9 days prior to the event start date, cancellation or change will deduct 20% of the event fee.
- 1-4 days prior to the event, 40% of the event fee will be deducted for cancellations or changes.
- If you withdraw before the start of the activity, you can find someone to take your place without any deduction, but if you withdraw after the start of the activity due to your own reasons or do not participate in the activity, the fee will not be refunded.
Essential and Suggested Gear to Prepare：
Essential:
warm clothes and pants, small backpack, sunscreen, personal medicine. (Please bring long underwear after September).
Suggested:
dry food, snacks, quick-drying clothes and pants, jacket, cycling pants, cycling goggles, lip balm, camera, portable water bottle, umbrella, smart phone (with cycling positioning software installed), 2 pairs of sneakers (in case it rains, have a few pairs of socks).
Reminder
- We recommend spending two to three days in Xining to get used to the higher altitude and avoid high-altitude-sickness. Xining is a quiet city with several parks, museums and nearby monasteries to spend some quality time with family and friends.
- This is not an average tour. It is far from modern civilization and rustic. Be open minded and do not expect five-star hotels, roads or service. North West China is mostly rural; therefore, we will encounter simple shepherds, farmers, drivers and hotel staff. Locals are friendly and helpful, treat them with respect and healthy curiosity. Ask before you take pictures of or with them.
- Tourism is not as developed, you may want to bring your own sleeping bag, or bedsheets, towels and toiletries.
- This is an extreme outdoor experience, remember you are 3,200 m above sea-level), surrounded by mountains 4 to 5,000 meters high. You may have spring, summer, winter and autumn in one day and back. Be ready for physically and mentally challenging times while we ride.
- Follow the instructions of the team leader. Leave only footprints behind, and take only pictures as memories.
- Many places are holy to the Tibetans and their religion, please ask before entering any sights. The lake is sacred for the Tibetans; therefore, swimming and fishing is not allowed.
- Participants over 60 need a health certificate and sign a disclaimer. If you suffer from High Blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, or cardiorespiratory illnesses, please ask your doctor if you are fit to participate.
- In the event of sudden illness or accidental injury, the team leader has the right to decide whether to terminate these activities according to the situation at that time.
- Qinghai Plateau cool in summer, with strong ultraviolet rays, usually the climate is dry in summer, and temperatures are about: 6-28 degrees, mornings and evenings are cold/cool
- Pay attention to timely adjust your clothing. We advise to be an ‘onion’ have multiple layers.
- Daily schedule is subject to change and the team leader may adjust the schedule according to needs and conditions.
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