Where every turn reveals a new world—from snow peaks to fiery canyons.
The Road Less Ridden (Only 5 Months a Year!)
The Duku Highway (G217) stretches 561km across the Tianshan Mountains, linking northern and southern Xinjiang. Built over 10 years by thousands of soldiers—with 168 lives lost—it’s more than a road; it’s a monument.
Why ride it?
Extreme diversity: Glaciers, grasslands, deserts, and red-rock canyons—all in one ride.
Four 3,000m+ passes, thrilling descents, and tunnels like the legendary Hashilegen.
Open only May–September due to snow. Yes, you might ride through four seasons in a day!
The Ride: 6 Days of Pure Magic
Here’s the classic itinerary most cyclists follow:
Day 1: Dushanzi → Wulansadake (≈80km)
Straight into climbing! No warm-up—just you, the mountains, and endless switchbacks.
Pass the infamous “Tiger’s Mouth” section (watch for falling rocks!).
Tip: Pack plenty of water/snacks—no shops once you enter the mountains.
Day 2: Wulansadake →Qiao’er Ma (≈47km)
Conquer your first high pass: Hashilegen Daban (3,390m).
Ride through the snow-protection gallery—a life-saving tunnel-like structure unique to this road.
Descend into green valleys dotted with wild camels and grazing horses.
Day 3: Qiao’er Ma → Nalatí (≈88km)
Pay respects at the Martyrs’ Cemetery—a moving tribute to the road builders.
Clash with Yuximolegai Daban (3,300m), then cruise down into Ili’s lush “Switzerland-like” landscapes.
Stay in a Kazakh village—yurts, hearty food, and starry skies.
Day 4: Nalatí → Bayinbuluke (≈60km)
Roll through dreamy grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and forests.
Welcome to Bayinbuluke—China’s second-largest grassland. Flat, vast, and soul-stirring.
Day 5: Bayinbuluke → Tielimai Daban → Mysterious Canyon (≈191km)
Tackle Tielimai Daban (3,370m)—yes, you can have a snowball fight in August here!
Coast past stunning Big & Small Dragon Lakes.
Enter the fiery red canyons—feels like riding into Mars.
Day 6: Canyon → Kuche (The End!)
Finish strong amid otherworldly rock formations and warm desert air.
Celebrate with lamb skewers and a well-earned rest!
Local Flavors 🍢
Big Plate Chicken, grilled lamb skewers, beef dumplings
Pro tip: Drink herbal tea to counter rich meats and dry climate!
Ride Smart
Weather: Mountain conditions change fast—layer up.
Safety: Avoid headphones, yield to trucks, rush through rock-fall zones like Tiger’s Mouth.
Book ahead: May–Oct is peak season—secure住宿 (accommodation) 3–5 days early.
Why This Ride?
The Duku Highway isn’t just a cycling route—it’s an emotional journey through history, nature, and culture. You’ll suffer on the climbs, gasp at the views, and finish with stories for a lifetime.
Ready to cross the spine of Tianshan?
Some roads change you. This is one of them. 🌄
PS: Bring a small speaker for motivation—those climbs are no joke
