The Road to Shangri-La

14 Days

Duration

April 2021

Month/Year

Journey through Laos and China towards the
snow-capped peaks of this mythical region.

Head across Laos before journeying northwards through the Peoples Republic of China on this ride across breathtaking mountain passes, through rural Chinese villages and towards the ancient monasteries of Shangri La.

It’s an adventure with its fair share of dirt tracks, hair-pin bends and heart-in-mouth drops, but that only adds to the thrill of the ride. We’ll be getting acquainted with the food, culture and history of Yunnan province along the way.

shangri-la BMW motorcycle adventure tour

Details

Start Point:

Chiang Rai, Thailand

End Point:

Shangri La, China

Dates

April 03 – April 16, 2021

Duration

14 Days – 2,275 kms

Roads:

Tarmac/construction/damaged/dirt local roads

Region:

Thailand/Laos/China

Motorcycle:

Honda CBX500, F700GS, F800GS or F1200GS

PRASIT SAYS:

“This journey of discovery is an adventure like no other. The roads are remote and exciting, the scenery’s dramatic, and you’re really immersed in Yunnan’s culture and history.”

Itinerary:

DAY

3 April - Bangkok - Chiang Kong:

Day 1: Clients will make their connecting flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, for the van transfer to our hotel. After check-in, enjoy a welcome dinner.

4 April - Chiang Khong to Luang Namtha - 189 kms.

Day 2: Border crossing day.We’ll head into Laos today, taking the picturesquemountain road to Luang Namtha, a town surrounded by lush forest where you’ll spend the night. (Google Map)

5 April - Luang Namtha - Mengla - 48 kms.

Day 3: It’s an early start today, as we cross our second border into China. After navigating the border crossing, we’ll continue onwards to Mengla, where we’ll stop at the Department of Health and Department of Motor Vehicles for our inspection and temporary licenses, before checking into our hotel. (Google Map)

6 April. Mengla - Jiangcheng - 227 kms.

Day 4: Another early start on our route north through China, as we take Chinese National Highway 213 past countless tiny villages towards the little town of Jiangcheng. (Google Map)

7 April. Jiangcheng - Yuan Yang - 253 kms.

Day 5: After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Lincang before transferring onto the G214, a brilliant road that cuts across dramatic mountain scenery in a series of unforgettable twists and turns. (Google Map)

8 April. Yuan Yang - 73 kms.

Day 6: Today we’ll stay in Yuan Yang, riding around the undulating landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Honghe Hani Rice Terraces for fantastic views. (Google Map)

9 April. Yuan Yang - Yuxi - 240 kms.

Day 7: We’ll leave the rice terraces and journey along National Highway S214 towards Yuxi, a town on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. (Google Map)

10 April. Yuxi - Chuxiong - 256 kms.

Day 8: It’s an excellent riding day today as we take county roads through some of Yunnan’smost captivating scenery towards Chuxiong. Tonight, we’ll stay in Yiren Ancient Town, built in a traditional style to celebrate the customs and culture of the Yi people. (Google Map)

11 April. Chuxiong - Panzhihua - 245 kms.

Day 9: Today we’ll cross into Sichuan Province and the city of Panxhihua, as we continue northwards on National Highway G108. Popular with local tourists, this city lies in the Yangtze River basin, holding more than 95 waterways. (Google Map)

12 April. Panzhihua - Lugu Lake - 270 kms.

Day 10: We’ll make an early start today, so that we can reach Lugu Lake via a remote stretch of the S216. This idyllic natural lake, lost in the forests of the Hengduan Mountains, is 2,690m above sea level and the ideal place to take in the view. (Google Map)

13 April. Lugu Lake - Lijiang - 202 kms.

Day 11: Today, we’ll make the journey south along winding roads towards the Old Town of Lijiang, a perfectly-preserved UNESCO Heritage Site that dates back more than 1,000 years and comes bisected with waterways and lined with shophouses. (Google Map)

14 April. Lijiang - 0 kms.

Day 12: Relax and enjoy Lijiang at your own pace or join us on a tour exploring the sights. We’ll be visiting the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, the Lijiang Impressions Show which tells the story of the city, and the calm waters of
Black Dragon Pool.

15 April. Lijiang - Shangri La 0 kms.

Day 13: We’ll continue north on local road S308 today, before crossing onto the G214 to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Along the way, we’ll watch the scenery get more barren and dramatic as we head into the mountains. The gorge itself is famously breathtaking, and we’ll soak up its atmosphere on a visit and a stop for lunch. The incredible scenery continues as we continue towards Shangri-La, stopping briefly at the tumbling pools of the White Water Terraces. (Google Map)

16 April. Shangri La - 0 kms.

Day 14: Departure day, clients are free until their flight times. A shuttle bus will take you to the airport.

Departure / Return location:	Bangkok International Airport
Departure time:	Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight.

The Road To Shangri-La

This tour has several variables that affect its cost, including;

Choice of motorcycles: in ascending order of cost – Honda CBX500, R1100R, F700GS, F800GS or F1200GS..
Bringing your own motorcycle? If you have a bike in Asia, or want to ship yours in, we can make that work for you.
Pillion Passenger: riding with a companion is no problem.
Accommodation: our rates are based on two people sharing a room. Single occupancy is available, with a supplement of €1,160pp.

The base rate for one person, riding one of our Honda CB500Xs and sharing a twin room, with no pillion rider is: €4,700.

Chiang Rai to Shangri La -14 Days

Base Price:	3,700€	4,100€	4,100€	4,100€	4,100€
	Passenger	CB500X/R1100R	F700GS	F800GS	F1200GS
Bike Price	-	600€	1320€	1,440€	1,800€
Total	3,700€	4,700€	5,420€	5,540€	5,900€