RIDE TO SHANGRI - LA
EXPLORE CHINA BEYOND THE ORDINARY
12 Days / 11 Nights · Max 8 Riders · Pillion Welcome · Private Dates Available
Since 2009
Motorcycle rider
100,000+ km
Motorcycle & overland travel
ADV Coach
Mountain & mixed-surface riding
Personally Scouted
Routes checked before launch
THE RIDE
A 12-day, founder-led motorcycle journey through Yunnan — one of China’s most breathtaking regions, where snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and ancient towns unfold around every bend.
This journey traces the forgotten arteries of Southwest China—a raw, majestic realm where ancient trade routes, Tibetan mysticism, glaciated peaks, and hidden valleys weave into one unforgettable ride. It is a route of shifting light and dissolving frontiers: transitioning from the cobblestone romance of Yunnan’s ancient towns to the mythic gates of Shangri-La; from the wild, wind-scoured beauty of high-altitude passes to the serenity of dawn-lit temples. Designed for depth rather than speed, this expedition ventures far beyond the tourist gaze. It unlocks a more intimate China—untamed, cinematic, and profoundly alive—offering a seat at a table that few international riders will ever find.
THE ROUTE
This route builds gradually — from old trading towns and lake roads to deep river valleys, Tibetan highlands and the sacred Meili Snow Mountain region. It is designed as a journey into Northwest Yunnan, not a rushed checklist of famous places.
DAY 1 Kunming: Arriving Day
DAY 2 License & Test Driving Day
DAY 3 Chuxiong
DAY 4 Dali
DAY 5 Liuku
DAY 6 Zhiziluo
DAY 7 Bingzhongluo
DAY 8 Feilai Temple
DAY 9 Shangri-La: Hot Spring
DAY 10 Shangri-La: Old Town
DAY 11 Lijiang
DAY 12 Free day & Farewell
TOUR DURATION:
12 Days journey
1 rest & preparation day
9 riding days
1 sightseeing day
High-altitude motorcycle journey through remote mountain areas, altitude mostly between 2,000 and 4,000 meters. Expect 3 to 6 hours of riding per day, with daily distances of 150–300 km (95-190 miles) and a total route distance of approximately 2,100 km (1,310 miles).
HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE WAY
Journey from old Yunnan into the wild Himalayas.
Riding through the UNESCO-listed Three Parallel Rivers region.
Lijiang
An UNESCO World Heritage old town shaped by Naxi culture and the Tea Horse Road
Nujiang Grand Canyon
Remote canyon roads, river views, and dramatic mountain terrain.
Dongzhulin Monastery
Explore hidden Buddhist art in a quiet monastery. Ancient thangka paintings and mandala adorned with gems.
Tibetan Border Venture
High-altitude roads with snow-capped mountains. See Kawagarbo, the sacred 6,740m peak of Meili Snow Mountain — still unclimbed.
Highland Lakes
Open skies, quiet lakeside roads, and wide mountain views.
Meili Sunrise
Golden morning light over one of Yunnan’s most iconic snow mountains.
After-Ride Culture
Markets, local dances, and relaxed evenings beyond the road.
Hot Spring Stop
A quiet hot spring break to relax after long riding days.
RIDING LEVEL & DAILY RHYTHM
A mountain-road expedition built for experienced riders — fully paved, deeply scenic, and supported from start to finish.
Riding Level
This journey is best suited to riders who already feel comfortable on mountain roads. While it is not an off-road tour, Yunnan’s terrain demands confidence with corners, changing elevation, and full riding days. It is ideal for capable road riders, but not for complete beginners.
Road Conditions
The entire route is planned on paved roads. Most days involve twisting mountain sections, occasional narrow stretches, and changing highland weather. In uncommon situations, a very short unpaved stretch may appear because of landslides, repairs, or temporary road conditions, but the ride is designed as a paved-road expedition.
Daily Rhythm
The pace is steady and manageable, with regular stops for scenery, coffee, photos, and rest. With briefings, luggage support, and a support vehicle included, the experience is designed to feel adventurous without feeling rushed.
WE KNOW THE ROADS
EVERY CURVE ALONG THE WAY
This route was personally scouted before opening to guests — from riding roads
and viewpoints to overnight stops and backup options.
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICE
LESS TO WORRY ABOUT
China can be complicated for international riders. This ride is built to remove the difficult parts — licensing, language, luggage, route planning, meals, hotels and local coordination — so you can focus on the ride.
2026 Departure Dates
September 15–26, 2026
October 13–24, 2026
November 2–13, 2026
12 Days / 11 Nights
Max 8 Riders /group
(Minimum 6 Riders)
INCLUSIONS
- Motorcycle （Tail box and pannier boxes) rental with unlimited mileage
- Fuel for motorcycles
- Third party liability insurance for motorcycles
- Good Accommodation: All overnights in hand-picked hotels, twin-sharing
- All Meals On Tour
- Water - Coffee during the day
- Experienced tour leader on a motorcycle
- English speaking tour guide/ local fixer, 24/7 operation online support
- Support van for luggage transportation incl. driver
- Airport Pickup and Drop off
- All sightseeing tickets/travel permit/temporary license/hot springs
- Tour information package in English including Riding Tips, Safety tips, China Travel Surviving Tips, details about the route, the sights and the hotels.
- ProjectSupertramp Welcome Package incl. Tour Book & Tour T-Shirt and Tour Cap.
- Welcome & Farewell Dinner
EXCLUSIONS
- Air Tickets
- Motorbike Damage
- Riding gear （helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and pants can be rented). We do recommend to bring your own. All motorcyclists and passengers shall wear safety helmets in accordance with regulations in China.
- Soft Drinks, Alcoholic drinks
- Personal travel insurance （mandatory for our tours)
- Gratuities or Tipping to the guide
- Excursions other than those specified
- All services not mentioned as included and all items of a personal nature
OPTIONAL SERVICE
- Additional bike rental options prior or post tour on request and availability- The prices shown are for groups of 6 riders. For smaller groups, we'll work out a custom price for you — and you're free to pick your preferred departure dates all year round.- Sports cameras/ DJI drones/instant camera and other equipments rental- Guided tour with English speaking guide prior or post tour- Professional photographer/ videographer/ drone flyer
Rider Welcome Kit
A small set of Project Supertramp
essentials prepared for each rider.
Yunnan SOE Coffee
Fuel your ride with Yunnan’s finest specialty coffee —
crafted for the road, perfected for the moment.
THE MOTORCYCLES
Adventure-ready motorcycles selected for Yunnan’s mountain roads,
highland weather and long riding days.
Kove 625X
Rider-friendly seat height.
Suitable for many riders around 170 cm.
Confident handling on Yunnan mountain roads.
CFMOTO 800MT
Larger adventure-touring platform.
Comfortable and stable for long riding days.
Confident on mountain roads and in highland conditions.
All motorcycles are selected for Yunnan’s mountain roads and checked before departure.
Luggage is carried by the support vehicle, so riders do not need to carry heavy bags on the bike.
Pre-Ride Checks
Brakes, tires and key components checked before departure.
Tour Fleet Ready
Motorcycles prepared and organised before each ride.
Workshop Inspected
Each bike is serviced and inspected before guests arrive.
HOSTED BY HAO & ANNY
We don’t do China. We do Yunnan — and we do nothing else. Our expeditions are personally crafted by rider-owners, every detail built for the international rider who craves the real deal.
HAO
Hao is the founder and lead rider of Project Supertramp.Before starting this project, he spent 13 years as a primary school physical education teacher — an experience that shaped his patient, practical, and safety-minded way of working with people.He began riding motorcycles in 2009 and later moved deeply into off-road and adventure riding, with experience across mountains, forests, gravel roads, and remote regions of China. He has also worked as an ADV riding coach.In 2025, Hao completed a 193-day, 48,000+ km solo overland journey from Suzhou to Egypt and back. Across all his motorcycle and self-driving journeys, he has travelled more than 100,000 km.During his travels, Hao came to believe that language and local connection are what turn a beautiful route into a meaningful journey. Project Supertramp was created from his love of motorcycle travel, his desire to show the real geography and culture of China, and his commitment to building a high-quality experience where every detail is handled with care.Project Supertramp is Hao’s next chapter — a way to share the China he knows from the road, with the seriousness of a teacher, the experience of a rider, and the care of someone who believes every journey should be done properly.
Anny
Hi, I’m Anny, co-founder of Project Supertramp. For me, travel has always been about connection — through language, stories, the outdoors, and the quiet, unexpected moments that reveal the true character of a place. With a background in cross-cultural communication and translation, I love helping travelers connect with China not only through words, but through context, care, and genuine human exchange.In 2023, I took a leap of faith and joined Hao as a pillion on my very first motorcycle trip: the iconic route from Xinjiang to Tibet. That raw, unforgettable journey redefined travel for me. It opened my eyes to the magic of riding culture — the freedom of the open road, the quiet trust within a small group, and the direct way a motorcycle brings you closer to the land, the weather, and the people along the way.Before starting this project, I had already explored 40 countries as a backpacker, overlander, and water-sports lover. Having seen the world through so many lenses, I’ve learned what can transform a trip into something seamless, deeply meaningful, and truly memorable — and that’s the kind of experience I’m here to help create for you.As your daily guide, translator, and coordinator on the road, I’ll be there to make the journey smooth, personal, and enriching. My hope is that you return home not only with beautiful memories of China’s landscapes, but also with a deeper connection to the faces, stories, and everyday moments that bring those landscapes to life.
Why Project Supertramp Exists
The road has always been where we feel most alive.The name Project Supertramp was inspired by the spirit of wandering, freedom, and the desire to see the world with open eyes. For us, it is not about escaping life, but about going deeper into it — through roads less traveled, real human connection, and journeys that bring us closer to the landscapes, cultures, and stories around us.Before starting Project Supertramp, we spent years living close to the road — through long-distance motorcycle rides, overland journeys, backpacking, RV travel, and countless days spent moving through unfamiliar landscapes. These experiences taught us that the best journeys are never just about famous sights. They are about quiet roads, small towns, local meals, unexpected conversations, and the hidden beauty of places often overlooked.We created Project Supertramp to share this love of travel with more people. Through carefully designed motorcycle journeys in China, we hope to connect riders with everyday people, local stories, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the landscapes that have shaped them. For us, this is not just about riding through beautiful places — it is about creating meaningful journeys, genuine cultural connection, and memories that stay with you long after the road ends.
FAQ
Common questions before applying for the ride.
Do I need a Chinese motorcycle license?
You do not need to arrange it alone. We provide guidance and support for the temporary motorcycle license process in China before the ride.
Can I bring a passenger?
Yes. Pillion riders are welcome. Bike allocation will consider rider experience, height, comfort needs, and availability.
Is this suitable for my first time riding in China?
Yes, if you are already a confident road rider. The route is designed specifically for international riders, with license support, language help, luggage service, daily coordination and local backup.
Is this an off-road tour?
No. This is mainly a paved mountain-road journey. There may be rough patches, road works or occasional broken surfaces, but it is not designed as an extreme off-road expedition.
What riding experience do I need?
This ride is designed for riders with road riding experience and confidence on mountain roads. Please tell us about your experience when applying, so we can understand if the ride is a good fit.
Do I need to pay when I apply?
No. The application is only the first step. We review your riding experience, preferred date, and travel needs before confirming availability and next steps.
What happens if weather or road conditions change?
We monitor local conditions and adjust the plan when needed. The route has been personally scouted, with backup options considered where possible.
Can I book a private version?
Yes. Private dates, custom routes, adjusted riding days and small private groups are available on request.
APPLY FOR THIS RIDE
This is a small-group motorcycle expedition with limited places.
Submit your riding experience and preferred date — no payment is required to apply.
APPLICATION FORM
No payment is required at this stage. The application helps us make sure the ride, bike and group are a good fit before confirming the next steps.
Prefer to talk first?
Contact us by WhatsApp, email, Instagram or WeChat.
