The most ideal weather for cycling might be compatible with those for all outdoor activities, which can be a great combination of clear day with no rainfall, no snowfall, suitable humidity and being windless. Well, even in the most ideal weather condition, there exists some changeable weather patterns in a day or in the duration of your multi-day biking trip. For the unexpected or sudden change of weather, the professional biking gear and clothing can help you tackle the problem.
Tibet features a unique climate though it has similarity with the continent climate, and the southeastern part of Tibet get influenced by monsoon climate. Tibet has atypical four seasons, with longer winter, shorter spring and autumn; and cool summer.
Cycle from Lhasa to Shigatse
Rainfall: If you want to avoid showers on your cycling trip, you should exclude July and August. These are the two rainiest months of Tibet. About 80% of the annual precipitation is from July and August. The rainy season starts from late May and ends in September. So, May, June and September can also expect some rainfalls.
Snowfall: Heavy snowfalls happen in the period from October to April and normally in the high elevation areas. It does not snow as much as you may imagine in the city areas such as Lhasa, Shigatse or Nyingchi. Therefore, if your planned cycling routes are located at these regions, you can bike without being worried about snow even in these winter months.
Wind: From November to May is the long wind season of Tibet, during which February and March see the strongest and high frequent winds. Wind chill can be a hazard causing hypothermia and can also make you exert more energy when you have to ride in it.
In conclusion: Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to expect relatively stable weather of Tibet for cycling. The temperatures in the daytime of spring and autumn are mild. Wind is less harsh. Rainfall is rare. All indicates higher chance of clear days with great invisibility. Summer is also great except that you need to do more preparations for the wet weather. Winter can be challenging to ride but with good gears and proper research and preparation, you can hit the road and expect some best views of mountains.
Cycle along the Yamdrok Lake
Tibet countryside view
There is an array of route choices for cyclists who want to explore Tibet on the two-wheel. Whether you are at entry level who normally pedal in the city or a hard-core one with long-distance cycling experiences, you can find routes and destinations that suit. Here below we list some basic info of the most popular cycling routes involved Tibet. If you're interested in a particular destination or route excluded in the following, contact us and we'll get back with the useful information you may need.
View on the way from Chengdu to Lhasa
Distance: 2,166km;
Normal Duration: 29 days;
Main Stops: Chengdu-Ya'an-Kangding-Litang-Mangkang-Zuogong-Ranwu-Bomi-Nyingchi-Lhasa
Description: This route parallels with the beautiful G318 National Road, which has a reputation for its stunning and variable natural beauty. From the flat Chengdu Plains in the Sichuan Basin area, riding westwards into West Sichuan Plateau, you'll encounter the varying landscapes with different terrains and vegetation views. The verdant Litang Grassland, the mighty Hengduan Mountains, and the Nyingchi Alpine forest region, glaciers dotted in Nyingchi and Lhasa regions all add their unique loveliness to this exiting and challenging cycling route. It is also a colorful mix of different cultures. Han Chinese and the Kham people, a branch of Tibetan residing in the western part of Sichuan, are the two main groups of residents residing in the region. And other minority groups include the Qiang people, the Yi people, and more.
Top Attractions Along the Route: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Xinduqiao Photography Corridor, Ranwu Lake, Midui Glaciers, Mount Namcha Barwa, Yarlung Tsangpo Great Canyon, the Holy City Lhasa.
Dividing Point of Altitudes: Xinduqiao(3,300 meters). From Xinduqiao, the altitudes keep ascending, and the temperature drops distinctively. The climate shows the feature of alpine climate now. Be sure to add layers from Xinduqiao and be cautious about altitude sickness and take it slow until you get used to the elevation after one or two days.
Best Seasons for This Route: Autumn is the best time to cycle this route. The brightly colored autumn foliage is just amazingly beautiful. With the departure of rain season, autumn is blessed with clear days and less natural hazards.
Scenery on the way from Xining to Lhasa
Distance: 1,937 km
Normal Duration: 22 days
Main Stops: Xining-Golmud-Hoh Xil No Man's Land-Tanggula-Lhasa
Description: This cycling route is very challenging because of the high altitudes. But the stunning natural scenery and gorgeous wildlife are your rewards. There are towering mountains at the far backdrop covered by snows all year round. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are endowed with numerous shimmering lakes. The vast steppe grassland links the lakes and the mountains. You'll never get bored by the everchanging landscapes.
Top Attractions Along the Route: Qinghai Lake, Hoh Xil No Man's Land, Changtang Plains, Lhasa.
Dividing Point of Altitudes: The section from Xining to Golmud, is 785 kilometers long and has an average altitude of 3,030 meters. After Golmud, the remaining routes are 1,152 kilometers long and have an average altitude of 4,600 meters.
Best Season for This Route：Summer (July and August) are the best times to cycle along this route. The temperatures are pleasantly warm. The immense land turn into lively green and occasionally surprise you with warm passionate yellow patches of rape flowers. The largest lake of China, the Qinghai Lake is a peaceful and broad blue miracle. The second period we'd recommend is before and after summer (June, September and October). In Hol Xil region, June expects high chance of snowfalls. If you love the picture of land blanketed by snow, this might be your time. September and October also see autumn snows. Winter (including March and April) is not advisable to cycle this route, for the extreme cold and risky snowstorm.
View of Himalayas
Distance: 1,248 km
Normal Duration: 22 days
Main Stops: Lhasa-Chulshul-Nagarzê to Gyantse – Shigatse-Lhatse to Baiba/Shelkar-E.B.C-Tingri-Gyirong-Kathmandu
Description: Cycling from Tibet to Nepal or the other way around are both very popular among cyclers. We normally suggest our guests to start from Lhasa (3,675 meters), and ride southwards with the descending altitudes to make the riding easier.
Top Attractions Along the Route: Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse Kumbum, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Mount Everest, Gyirong Valley
Dividing Point of Altitudes: Gyirong Town (2,600 meters); before Gyirong town, the cycling routes are located on the Tibetan Plateau, averaging above 4,000 meters. Once arriving at Gyirong Town, the altitudes descend to around 2,000 meters, marking the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. And the landscape features tropical or subtropical evergreen forests and deep valleys with running waters.
Best Season for This Route: Spring and Autumn are the two ideal seasons for cycling along this route. As the weather is relatively stable with most days clear and rain-free. Getting closer to border area, the temperatures also increase. Summer comes after because of the higher rate of rain. But the temperature is very friendly in summer and most rains happen in the nighttime or mountain area. Winter is not recommended for the frigidity, but still doable if you are assisted by a professional travel team.
Camp setup during the cycling tour in Tibet
Tibet Cycling Tours you may be interested in:
5 Days Lhasa-Drak Yerpa-Lhasa Cycling Tour
6 Days Lhasa-Ganden-Lhasa Cycling Tour
16 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Cycling Tour
