Midstream Pillar · Songduo
Keep climbing the Niyang headwaters past the "Midstream Pillar" rock to Songduo, the small staging town at the foot of the final pass.
Plan the day
Gongbo’gyamda to Songduo — the road, food, lodging and gear for this stage.
Road & riding
A steady climb up-valley to the small high town of Songduo (~4,200 m), positioning you for the final great pass tomorrow. The thin air returns.
Food & resupply
Songduo is tiny — basic Sichuan-Tibetan restaurants and shops; carry snacks for the Mila climb.
Sleeping
Simple guesthouses in Songduo; cold and high — rest up for the last climb into Lhasa.
Gear & body
Back to high-altitude cold: warm layers and windproofs; an early night before the big finish.
Landmarks
Gongbo'gyamda
County seat near 3,440 m, an old Tang-Tibet road relay where today's climb begins.
Niyang River
The clear blue river the road follows upstream all day toward Mila Pass.
Midstream Pillar
A lone boulder splitting the Niyang River, a classic roadside stop.
Taizhao Ancient City
A Tang-Tibet and Tea-Horse Road garrison town, a right turn across the river about 20 km out.
Jinda
A small valley town near 3,680 m with eateries, a handy halfway rest on the climb.
Jiaxing Grassland
Open alpine meadows around Jiaxing township near 3,893 m, grazed by yaks by the river.
Bangjietang Grassland
A green meadow basin on the east approach to Mila Pass.
Songduo
A small town near 4,050 m at the foot of Mila Pass.
Questions about this day
What is the Midstream Pillar?
A lone boulder splitting the Niyang River, a classic roadside stop. Day 19 keeps climbing the Niyang headwaters past it to Songduo, a small staging town near 4,050 m at the foot of the final pass.
Why is day 19 a quiet day?
It’s the calm before the last climb — a steady ascent to Songduo, gathering yourself at the foot of Mila Pass. A good day to rest your stamina before the final 5,013 m effort tomorrow.
How high is Songduo?
About 4,050 m. It’s a small town at the base of Mila Pass, the last staging point before the final great climb into Lhasa.
Ride your own 318
Cycling 318 turns the road to Lhasa into a daily, cozy ride. Check in at the landmarks, collect a postcard from each, and fill your 318 passport.
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