Weather in Ngari -Cycling Tour in Ngari

Ngari prefecture, the average altitude of which is above 4300 meters, is geographically vast but thinly populated. And this is why the air is clean and clear, the natural scenery and cultural landscape are unique. Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is the main backbone road in Ngari prefecture. Imagine that you take a bicycle with you and throw yourself in Ngari, that may be cruel but surely be a wonderful experience. To make a cycling tour in Ngari, many would choose the line Xinjiang - Tibet highway, which starts at Kargilik of Xinjiang, passes Rutog Town, and Junggar of Ngari and ends at Lhaze County of Shigatse prefecture, which connects to State Road 318. Beauty and danger coexists in Xinjiang-Tibet highway thus strategy as well as courage is required. Tourists need to take the weather in Ngari into consideration.

Weather in Ngari - Best Time for Cycling Tour in Ngari

From July to September is the rainy season of Ngari. Its very hard to ride as it is easy to get stuck in the mud. From November to March of the next year is the snow season of Ngari. The temperature is low and the mountains are always covered with snow. Hardly could you see any people or vehicle on the road. Thus the best time for cycling tour in Ngari is from April to June and October to November, when the climate is pleasant with sunshine.

Weather in Ngari - Road Condition for Cycling Tour in Ngari

The roads which are relatively difficult to ride on are Karghalik - Quanshihe road and Hongliutan - Songxi road.

Karghalik to Quanshihe

This is the most difficult section for bicyclists. The altitude rises from 1000 meters to 4000 meters then drops to 3000 meters and finally rises again to about 5000 meters. With big gradients and thick sandstone on the road surface, cyclists could only wheel their bicycle instead of riding it. Heavier cars could only push ahead 1 to 2 kilometers every one hour. However, slopes here are as long as scores of kilometers.

Hongliutan to Songxi

It is rare to see any vehicle or passerby during this line. Although there is not many slopes, but the altitude of this line is above 4000 meters. With almost no supply point there, cyclists have to choose to camp in this section. Additionally, the weather there changes quickly and it often experiences four seasons in one day. It is easy to get oxygen deprivation and altitude sickness.

Weather in Ngari - Bike Type Selection for Cycling Tour in Ngari

Mountain bike is the first choice. Many cyclists would like to choose the light touring bike. Touring bike is faster than mountain bike. However, it would be more difficult cycling in Ngari prefecture where is steep and the sandstone is thick. The frame’s steel tube of mountain bike is thicker than the common ones; the tire is wider thus it is sturdy, strong and with excellent antiknock property. It is particularly suited for climbing mountains and long-distance cycling. Using the mountain bicycle, you can handle it well in complicated road conditions like steep slopes and dirt roads.