Cyclist Shares 6-Day Duku Highway Riding Guide

The author, who typically cycles at an average speed below 20 km/h, started in early July from Dushanzi, the northern gateway of the highway, and rode south to Kuqa. The plan was to finish in eight days, but the rider ended up doing it in six. This was only the author's second long-distance ride, after a 318 Sichuan-Tibet route the previous year.

According to the published account, temperature swings on the road are extreme: daytime highs can reach 40°C, while night temperatures at mountain passes drop to single digits. To cope, the author recommends carrying at least two sets of long-sleeve cycling jerseys, a soft-shell jacket, and, ideally, a thin down jacket. "Don't underestimate the sun," the author warns, saying that on the first day they wore short sleeves and lacked sun protection, resulting in sunburn on their arms, forehead, and nose. Full-finger or half-finger gloves, a cycling cap, a thin mask, and full-length clothing are listed as essential.

For bicycles, the author suggests renting from the 517 Cycling Station at the Dushanzi start, which also has a branch at the Kuqa end, avoiding the hassle of transporting one's own bike. Rentals come equipped with panniers, helmet, and handlebar bag, but riders should bring their own raincoat. Since several tunnels along the route have no lighting, a front headlight and rear tail light are mandatory. In addition, the author says to carry medicines such as Zhibao Shui (a traditional Chinese remedy for heatstroke) and cold medicine, noting that they needed the former after suffering heatstroke and were helped by a fellow rider. A large power bank is also recommended, as some legs are long and phone battery can run out.

The detailed route section provides an eight-day reference itinerary from Dushanzi to Kuqa, with daily distances ranging from 35 to 108 kilometers, passing through places like Ulan Saxter, Qiaoerma, Nalati, Bayanbulak, and Dalongchi. The author’s actual six-day schedule compressed some days, staying overnight in those same townships. Accommodation options along the way include guesthouses, hostels, and yurts, with prices varying; the author cites a 36-yuan bed in Dushanzi, a 200-yuan shared yurt in Qiaoerma, and a 180-yuan twin room in Bayanbulak, which was described as the best lodging of the trip. A practical tip: earplugs and an eye mask are advisable because walls in most local inns are thin.

The narrative also highlights the scenic payoff: the day after crossing the Hashilgen Pass reveals vast green meadows; the Bayanbulak Grassland, the second-largest high-cold grassland in China, appears wide and free to view. The author warns, however, that many downhill sections feature sharp curves; riders must brake early and watch for trucks and check stations.

The article concludes with a note that the journey, while full of arduous climbs, was made rewarding by the landscapes and people met along the way. For those planning to ride the same route, the author recommends prior practice on uphill stretches.