China
Descending the last dirt track pass in Sichuan. Road X457 heading to Derong and Shangri-La.
China
Someone told us these are graves.
China
Our last tibet encounter. We stopped by to rest and they offered us drinks and food!
China
Another valley. Along the Dingqu River, in Sichuan.
China
Dingqu river and stupa.
China
China Mobile is the best mobile network, it has coverage even in the most remote areas.
China
Sometimes when you spot a nice camping spot, it is better to stop and enjoy it even if you have to stop earlier then planned!
China
Camp spot along the Dingqu River, Sichuan.
China
Tyres have suffered the long ascent and descent on dirt tracks
China
Corn and tibetan house
China
Waiting for a lift
China
Every tiny shop here has a pool!
China
The winner
China
"Music learning power protection of wildfish"
Soon or later chinese government has to employ a translator!
China
Fishing along the Dingqu River, Sichuan
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Keeping the road clean
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Dingqu River, Sichuan
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Winding road along the Dingqu River, Sichuan
China
Back on the Jinsha River, the road X041 is under construction
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Men and women at work!
China
Rocks, sand, dust, cars, trucks, the worst road ever!
China
25 hard kilometers
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Road X041 along the Jinsha River, Sichuan
China
Goggles saved our eyes from dust.
China
Goggles saved our eyes from dust.
China
Progress
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Pedestrian bridge. It saved us from other 10 km of dirt track!
Benzilan, Sichuan
China
Benzilan and the Jinsha River, Sichuan
China
While government builds new shiny modern roads, people here still live in the past.
Benzilan, Sichuan.
China
Benzilan, Sichuan.
China
While government builds new shiny modern roads, people here still live in the past.
Benzilan, Sichuan.
China
Trying to have a good rest. Road 214 to Shangri-La.
Benzilan, Sichuan
China
Chinese cowboy.
China
Road 214 along the Jinsha River, Sichuan. One day to Shangri-La.
China
Progress or nature? What would you chose if you were living here? A road to break your isolation or nature?
Road 214 along the Jinsha River, Sichuan.
China
Green snake stuck in a water tank
China
The best camping spot we could find. The road is brand new and there were no cars or truck at all! Such a quite night.
Road 214 along the Jinsha River. 67 km to Shangri-La.
China
18 days with no rest, big ascent (4900 meters of Tro La pass) on dirt tracks, long ups and downs in valleys. We have to reach Shangri-La today to extend the visa before the start of the Golden Week (a week holiday, everything will be closed even Police Security Bureau to extend the visa).
Road 214 along the Jinsha River, Sichuan. Less then 70 km to Shangri-La.
China
Rice paddies along the Jinsha River, Sichuan
China
A long ascent is ahead, it is the last effort to reach Shangri-La after 18 days without a rest. Legs sore and head is tired.
Road 214 to Shangri-La, out of the tunnel we will be in Yunnan!
China
A magnificent ascent, brand new road that gently climbs up the mountains.
Road 214 to Shangri-La, Yunnan
China
We were so tired that almost we gave up, we were planning to set up a camp and reach Shangri-La the day after. But we met these chinese cyclists and their enthusiasm gave us the strength to keep going.
China
We were struggling even on this gentle slope. 18 days no rest on tough roads proved our legs and minds.
Road 214 to Shangri-La, Yunnan.
China
These guys took care of our "mind", encouraging us, stopping now and then to be sure we were drinking and eating and resting enough.
Road 214 to Shangri-La, Yunnan.
China
We made it! Still 20 km to Shangri-La but the tough part is over!
China
It's time for a relaxing down hill!
Road 214 to Shangri-La, Yunnan.
China
Traffic jam!
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Finally in Shangri-La! A shower, a good sleep and the visa extended. It has been the toughest cycle of the trip, 18 days no rest and thens of passes over 3000-4000 meters. Now we can relax and enjoy the sun in the famous Shangri-La.
China
Sun dried mushrooms
China
Mushrooms. Chinese people love mushrooms!
China
Nice people at a restaurant enjoying the Hot-Pot. A super hot chicken broth at the center of the table, just deep whatever you like, wait few second and eat!
Shangri-La, Yunnan
China
Chinese Hot Pot
China
In 2014 a massive fire destroyed the center of Shangri-La. The old city is now under construction again. No machinery, everything here is handmade.
Men and women work together to build one of the main square.
Shangri-La, Yunnan
China
In 2014 a massive fire destroyed the center of Shangri-La. The old city is now under construction again. No machinery, everything here is handmade.
Men and women work together to build one of the main square.
Shangri-La, Yunnan
China
Re-building Shangri-La
China
Detail of a shop wood wall
China
The city center smells strongly of wood.
Re-building Shangri-La.
China
Re-building Shangri-La.
China
Re-building Shangri-La.
China
The largest spinning prayer wheel at Dukezong Temple in Shangri-La.
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Shangri-La old gate
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Time for a delicious meal
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Post cards shop in Shangri-La
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Post cards shop in Shangri-La
China
Post cards shop in Shangri-La
China
The giant prayer wheel at Dukezong Temple, it's the main attraction of the city.
China
Chinese people love chilly!
China
After days of noodles and rice, we deserve a bit of pasta!
China
Too expensive to buy
China
Time to change brakes?
China
Cooking past for our guests. Pennette with truffles and bacon!
Shangri-La, Yunnan
China
We were supposed to stay in Shangri-La just a couple of days, but we needed to gain new energy and above all we found an amazing place to stay. Lou, Tank and all the guys living in this house welcomed us as we were family members. We will never forget the time spent in this magic place!
China
Lou preparing the bbq.
Shangri-La, Yunnan
China
Lou preparing the bbq.
Shangri-La, Yunnan
China
Italy meets China
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Italy meets China
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Italy meets China
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Time to say good bye. With the belly full and legs back to normal is time to hit the road again.
Shangri-La, Yunnan
China
Good bye Shangri-La
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Lou decided that we had to carry a couple of truffles
China
Napa Lake, Shangri-La County, Yunnan
China
Napa Lake, Shangri-La County, Yunnan
