20 Days Laos-China-Mongolia Motorbike Tour from Mohan to Erenhot

The 20-day motorbike tour from Mohan, Laos, through China, and into Mongolia offers an adventurous and diverse journey across Southeast Asia and Central Asia. This tour combines the lush landscapes of Laos, the cultural and geographic richness of China, and the vast, rugged terrains of Mongolia. It is a thrilling ride through varied climates and terrains, from tropical forests and high mountain passes to expansive steppes and desert landscapes.

Trip Highlights

  1. Mohan Border: Begin your journey at the Mohan Border, the entry point between Laos and China, transitioning from the lush tropical environment of Laos into the diverse landscapes of China.
  2. Yunnan Province, China:
    • Xishuangbanna: Explore the tropical beauty of Xishuangbanna, known for its rainforests, diverse ethnic cultures, and vibrant local markets.
    • Dali: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Dali, with its ancient town, Erhai Lake, and surrounding mountains.
    • Lijiang: Experience the charm of Lijiang’s ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage.
    • Shangri-La: Discover the Tibetan-influenced town of Shangri-La, with its stunning landscapes, monasteries, and Tibetan culture.
  3. Tibetan Plateau:
    • Traverse the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, known for its stark and dramatic landscapes, and the spiritual and cultural essence of Tibet.
  4. Xinjiang Province, China:
    • Urumqi: Visit Urumqi, the regional capital with its diverse cultural influences and bustling markets.
    • Kashgar: Explore Kashgar, a historical Silk Road city known for its lively bazaars and ancient architecture.
  5. Gobi Desert, Mongolia:
    • Cross into Mongolia and ride through the vast and remote Gobi Desert, experiencing its unique landscapes and challenging riding conditions.
  6. Ulaanbaatar:
    • Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, where you can explore its vibrant city life, historical landmarks, and cultural sites such as the Gandan Monastery and Sukhbaatar Square.
  7. Mongolian Steppes:
    • Experience the expansive steppes of Mongolia, known for their wide-open spaces, traditional nomadic culture, and stunning natural beauty.
  8. Erenhot:
    • Conclude your journey in Erenhot, the border town in Inner Mongolia, China, known for its role as a significant crossing point between Mongolia and China.

General Information

  • Culture and Scenery: This tour offers a diverse cultural experience and stunning scenery, ranging from the tropical forests of Laos and the high-altitude landscapes of Tibet to the arid expanses of the Gobi Desert and the vast Mongolian steppes.
  • Riding Conditions: Prepare for varied riding conditions, including tropical rainforests, high-altitude mountain passes, desert landscapes, and open steppes.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful of local cultures and traditions throughout your journey, particularly in remote and culturally distinct regions.

Tour Destinations:
(Laos) – Mohan – Mengla – Jiangcheng – Yuanyang – Kunming – Zhaotong – Leshan – Chengdu – Sanxingdui – Zitong – Jianmenguan Pass – Guangyuan – Hanzhong – Foping – Xi’an – Linfen – Pingyao – Taiyuan – Datong – Hohhot – Erlianhaote – (Mongolia)

  • Entrance Customs into China: Mohan
  • Exit Customs from China: Erlianhaote
  • Enter China from (Land Name): Laos
  • Leave China to (Land Name): Mongolia

Highlights

  • Riding on your own motorbike from South to North through China
  • Meet the minorities in Yunnan and Sichuan
  • Cultural highlights in the “Middle Kingdom”
  • Pandas in Chengdu

Itinerary

Day 1: Mohan – Mengla

  • Distance: Approx. 45km
  • Duration: Approx. 1 hour
  • Description:
    • Enter China at Mohan border.
    • Complete custom formalities, ride to Mengla.
    • Vehicle check, obtain your temporary driver’s license and vehicle tag.
    • Accommodation: Jinglan Hotel

Day 2: Mengla – Jiangcheng

  • Distance: Approx. 243km
  • Description:
    • Ride on provincial road, 58km + 185km.
    • Accommodation: Mancheng Hotel

Day 3: Jiangcheng – Yuanyang

  • Distance: Approx. 305km
  • Description:
    • Ride on provincial road to Yuanyang.
    • Visit the village of the Hani Minority in Qingkou.
    • Accommodation: 3* Yunti Hotel

Day 4: Yuanyang – Jianshui

  • Distance: Approx. 85km
  • Description:
    • Visit Laohuzui Terrace in Yuanyang.
    • Ride to Jianshui, visit Residence of Family Zhang in Tuanshan, Twin-Dragon-Bridge, Chaoyang Tower, old city, and Confucius Temple.
    • Accommodation: 3* Huaqing Hotel

Day 5: Jianshui – Shilin (Stone Forest) – Kunming

  • Distance: Approx. 290km
  • Duration: Approx. 6 hours
  • Description:
    • Ride on highway and second-class road to Kunming.
    • Accommodation: 4* Jinjiang Hotel

Day 6: Kunming – Zhaotong

  • Distance: Approx. 399km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Zhaotong.
    • Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 7: Zhaotong – Leshan

  • Distance: Approx. 403km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Leshan.
    • Accommodation: 3* Jiazhou Hotel

Day 8: Leshan – Chengdu

  • Distance: Approx. 177km
  • Description:
    • Visit Giant Buddha in Lingyun Temple.
    • Ride to Chengdu.
    • Accommodation: 4* Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Wuhou (2 nights)

Day 9: Chengdu

  • Description:
    • Visit Qingyang Temple, Broad Lane, and Narrow Lane (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi).
    • Drink tea in Renmin Park.

Day 10: Chengdu – Panda Breeding Base – Sanxingdui Museum – Zitong

  • Distance: Approx. 188km
  • Description:
    • Visit Panda Breeding Base and Sanxingdui Museum.
    • Ride to Zitong.
    • Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 11: Zitong – Jianmenguan Pass – Guangyuan (Thousand Buddha Cliff)

  • Distance: Approx. 162km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Guangyuan, visit Jianmenguan Pass and Thousand Buddha Cliff.
    • Accommodation: 4* Guangyuan International Hotel

Day 12: Guangyuan – Hanzhong – Foping

  • Distance: Approx. 337km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Foping via Hanzhong.
    • Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 13: Foping – Xi’an

  • Distance: Approx. 196km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Xi’an.
    • Accommodation: 4* Tianyu Gloria Hotel (2 nights)

Day 14: Xi’an

  • Description:
    • Visit Terra-Cotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Ancient City Wall.

Day 15: Xi’an – Linfen

  • Distance: Approx. 380km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Linfen.
    • Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 16: Linfen – Hukou Waterfall – Pingyao Ancient Town

  • Distance: Approx. 177km
  • Description:
    • Visit Hukou Waterfall, ride to Pingyao.
    • Accommodation: 2* Dejuyuan Hotel

Day 17: Pingyao – Taiyuan – Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si) in Hunyuan – Datong

  • Distance: Approx. 395km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Datong via Taiyuan and Hanging Temple.
    • Accommodation: 4* Datong Hotel

Day 18: Datong (Yungang Grottoes) – Hohhot

  • Distance: Approx. 245km
  • Description:
    • Visit Yungang Grottoes, ride to Hohhot.
    • Accommodation: 4* Hotel

Day 19: Hohhot – Erlianhaote

  • Distance: Approx. 473km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Erlianhaote.
    • Accommodation: Haifeng Hotel

Day 20: Erlianhaote – Mongolia

  • Description:
    • Exit into Mongolia.
    • Note: Service ends in China.