Day 1 Around the World → Dushanzi
All day
Tourists from all over the world gathered in Dushanzi District and checked into the hotel.
Tourists arriving early in Dushanzi can visit the popular Douyin-themed Dushanzi Grand Canyon or Kuitun Grand Canyon. These scenic spots offer stunning canyon landscapes and a wealth of exciting attractions, perfect for relaxing. Alternatively, you can find a group to enjoy a meal or two. Xinjiang specialties are also a great option, and Xinjiang's large naan bread is a must-try; it's a must-have for quenching hunger and replenishing energy during a bike ride.
The camp opening ceremony will be held at 5:30 pm, with cycling equipment distribution, cycling techniques explained, and warm-up rides. In the evening, there will be a meaningful welcome dinner.
Day 2 Dushanzi Town → Ulan Sadek (Silk Road Station 639)
All day
We began our first cycling experience. The route passed through the Gobi Desert to feel the desolation of the northwest, and entered the canyon to appreciate the changes in the landscape.
Today's journey is uphill, which is quite a test. The team leader will also teach you some long-distance climbing techniques to help you face today's challenges.
We arrived at Ulan Sadek in the evening, where we had a good rest and relaxed to store up energy for tomorrow's huge cycling challenge.
Day 3 Ulan Sadek → Hashilegendapan → Baili Art Gallery → Qiaoerma
All day
We set off early today and will face a challenging ride along the way, not only passing the treacherous Tiger Pass and Mengket Ancient Road, but also the famous "World Snow Corridor".
Even in summer, you can still experience heavy snow.
The "Life Corridor" of the Duku Highway allows the snow on the cliff to fall into the deep ditch next to it, which is a rare spectacle. The surrounding cliffs are steep, the passes are crisscrossed, and the winding mountain road is tortuous.
We went through the psychological journey from spring, summer, autumn and winter, from fire to the deep sea, and all the way down, accompanied by the 100-mile gallery of scenery like an oil painting, we arrived at Qorma.
Day 4: Qiaoerma → Baili Art Gallery → Nalati
All day
After two days of devilish climbing challenges and moderately relaxing "leisure" riding, you are now physically and mentally ready to begin to better experience this heroic journey.
Passing by the Qorma Martyrs Cemetery, the 168 heroic soldiers who are buried here due to the construction of the Duku Highway seem to be telling you that the road ahead is still long and countless ice gullies and passes are still waiting for you to challenge.
Of course, the scenery of Ili, located in the Jiangnan area outside the Great Wall, will definitely surprise you. Due to the special traffic control of the Duku Highway, there are no large trucks coming and going to disturb you, so you can ride it to your heart's content.
After a 103-kilometer journey, we arrived at Nalati Grassland.
In the evening, I will drive you to the Kazakh Village to experience the authentic Kazakh grassland style.
Day 5: Nalati → Laldun Pass → Bayinbuluke
All day
Heading towards Bayinbuluke.
We rode between two beautiful grasslands in Xinjiang. The road was much easier to ride than the day before, and the mileage was also much shorter. Along the way, there were lush grass and water, numerous flowers and birds, canyons crisscrossing, and large tracts of primeval forests composed of spruce. It was like entering a brand new paradise.
Cycling on the road, the occasional Kazakh children passing by will greet you warmly. After entering the Bayinbuluke Basin, the road is finally flat, and the grasslands are covered with lush wild flowers.
Under the afterglow of the sun, the winding road becomes even more charming, sweeping away the hardships of the journey. Let's have some fun!
Day 6 Bayinbuluke → Big and Small Dragon Pond → Kuruli
All day
Today is a very challenging day in our trip, as thrilling as a roller coaster.
Starting from Bayinbuluke, we continued to cross mountains and hills. After we conquered the Tianshan Highway that went straight into the sky, we found the blue and green Dragon Ponds of Big and Small inlaid deep in the valley.
After resting, we will sprint towards the Tianshan Grand Canyon. We will stay in Kuruli tonight.
Day 7 Kuruli → Duku Highway End → Kuqa (disband)
All day
Starting from Kuruli, you will soon arrive at the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, which is the origin of the internet celebrity blockbuster.
Today's road section is relatively flat, with moderate mileage, giving the body an excellent buffering and adaptation time. Riding all the way, you feel as if you are in a unique geological wonderland, with the undulating Yardang landforms, the endless U-shaped sky road, the red stone forest beside the road, and the canyon stretching into the distance, which is a feast for the eyes.
We arrived at our destination, Kuqa, around 4:30 pm.
After a week of exploring the Duku region, we prepared a celebratory dinner in Kuqa to pay tribute to the scenery and companions who accompanied us along the way.
Kuche is the capital of the Kucha Kingdom on the ancient Silk Road and an important transportation hub between southern and northern Xinjiang. It has a strong Western flavor and you can visit the Kuche Palace to experience the history of the Silk Road.
