Yunnan Discovery

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

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.