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The 2012 Route

Sections

The Corridor

Xi'an to Dunhuang

The Corridor
Start: June 3, Xi'an, China
Finish: June 19, Dunhuang, China
Price: €2,000
Distance: 1,835km
Riding Days: 15 days
Resting Days: 2 days
The tour will now face the trials and tribulations of the Hexi corridor, a narrow passage stretching for about 1000km. Sandwiched in between the snow-covered Qilian Mountains to the south and the Beishan mountainous area and Alashan Plateau semi desert to the north are a series of fertile oases, sparkling jewels surrounded by the vast, bleak expanse of Gobi desert. This area is known for its winds, gusts that will test the mettle of every rider.

From Xian, we spin alongside green terraced hills towards the city of Lanzhou. These days are challenging, with steep climbs and descents set in the beautiful central Chinese provinces of Gangsu and Shaanxi.

Among the highlights are the 34.5 meter long reclining Buddha at Zhangye, and the Jia Yu pass and fort, known as “The Greatest Pass under Heaven,” which formed the western end of the Great Wall during the Ming dynasty.

Dunhuang, located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor, was considered one of the brightest pearls of the ancient Silk Road, is now famous for the stunning Mogao caves and the picturesque dunes which encircle the city and pull us into the western desert.

Countries: China