Yunnan Trek 2016

Yunnan trek 2016 - river trek

ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
12 days of rugged mountains, mist-covered rice terraces, exotic peoples and amazing food.

An amazing The team for this trip was made up of six riders - five in handcycles and Joshua's father on a bicycle - and completed the journey ahead of schedule. Along the way we experienced some of the best Yunnan has to offer. We also met up with people with disabilities, inspiring them to challenge themselves and realize their full potential.

Scroll down for photos and stories from the trip.

About the Trip
Accommodation:
camping/rugged
Duration:
12 days riding, 2 days activities
Start/End:
Dali to Jinghong, Yunnan, China
Dates:
2016 Mar 31-Apr 14

Day 3 (April 2) – Miaojiezhen > Nanjian (50km)

Depart from Miaojiezhen 8am
Lunch in Weishan
Camping near Nanjian

Another easy day of riding, only 50km and generally downhill. This ride will be through a gorge along West River and ending in a village of the Yi ethnic group.

Day 4 (April 3) – Nanjian > Wuliangshan (44km)

Depart Nanjian 8am
20km climb from 1370m to 2109m
Lunch at top of climb
Hotel in Wuliangshan

Today starts out with a 20+km climb of nearly 600m in elevation, but later in the day becomes steadily downhill with some great views. This will also be our first hotel night for a well-deserved rest.

Route 3,365,953 - powered by www.bikemap.net

Day 5 (April 4) – Wuliangshan > Jingdong (63km)

Depart Wuliangshan 8am
Generally downhill with some climbs
Lunch along road, swimming in the Chuan River
Camping near Jingdong

Mostly downhill, we’ll be seeing a lot of ups and downs along the Chuan River (literally meaning ‘river river’), ending the day in another Yi village.

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Day 6 (April 5) – Jingdong > Zhenyuan (73km)

Depart Jingdong 8am
Generally flat with some small hills
Lunch along road, swimming in the Chuan River
Camping near Zhenyuan

Continuing along the Chuan River, this will be one of our long days, but we’ll be passing through a broad valley with lots of nice views. The weather will also start to get a bit warmer from now on.

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Day 7 (April 6) – Zhenyuan > Anban (61km)

Depart Zhenyuan 8am
36km climb from 1080m to 1940m
Lunch at rice terraces of Menglai
Hotel in Anban

Probably the most challenging day, this route involves a lot of switchbacks and a good climb right off in the morning. We will be rewarded, however, with views of some impressive terracing in the mountains.

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Day 8 (April 7) – Anban > Weiyuan (62km)

Depart Anban 8am
Generally downhill with some climbs
Lunch along road, swimming in Weiyuan River
Camping near Weiyuan

While generally downhill, today will see a lot of ups and downs, but we’ll have another chance to take a cooling dip in the Weiyuan River along the way.

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Day 9 (April 8) – Weiyuan > Campsite 1 (63km)

Depart Weiyuan 8am
20km climb from 927m to 1521m
Lunch along road
Camping at Campsite 1

Today we’ll have another challenging climb followed by an equally fun downhill into some of the more remote stretches of the trek.

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Day 10 (April 9) – Campsite 1 > Pu’er (63km)

Depart Campsite 1 8am
10km climb from 1046m to 1442m
17km climb from 1187m to 1715m
Lunch along road
Hotel in Pu’er

Today will see two moderately challenging climbs and a descent into Pu’er, the source of one of China’s most famous teas. We’ll pass by beautiful tea terraces and more ethnic villages. We’ll also have another nice rest in a hotel.

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Day 11 (April 10) – Pu’er > Puwenzhen (45km)

Depart Pu’er 8am
Generally downhill and flat
Lunch along road
Camping near Puwenzhen

This short, downhill day will be a good time to rest and enjoy the ride as well as the beautiful beautiful scenery.

Route 3,365,967 - powered by www.bikemap.net

Day 12 (April 11) – Puwenzhen > Mengyangzhen (80km)

Depart Puwenzhen 8am
33km climb from 870m to 1331m
Lunch after climb along road
Downhill rest of day
Hotel/Camping in Mengyangzhen

The longest day of the trip and a decent climb of 33km, today will be a true test of endurance and strength. Be sure to rest up the night before!

Route 3,365,977 - powered by www.bikemap.net

Day 13 (April 12) – Mengyangzhen > Jinghong/Xishuangbanna (26km)

Depart Mengyangzhen 8am
Lunch in Jinghong @ Mekong Cafe
Celebratory dinner with participants joining us in Jinghong
Hotel in Jinghong

Our last day full day of riding will be a simple morning ride with arrival planned for around noon in Jinghong. In the evening we will have a celebratory meal and meet up with participants for interactive events the following day.

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Day 14 (April 13) – Jinghong

Gather 9am near Binjiang Park for interactive 20km handcycle/wheelchair relay ride to Menghai and back
Lunch in Menghai
Return to Jinghong and ring in the Thai New Year with the locals!!
Official end of this year’s event. Thank you!!