Tibet Mountain Bike Tour

Cycling Lhasa to Kathmandu Detailed Itinerary

Day-1: Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Day-2: Kathmandu
Explore the Kathmandu Valley and visit some of the world heritage sites.

Day-3. Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)
Transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight across the main Himalayan range. Afternoon at rest to acclimatise to Lhasa's high altitude.

Day-4: Lhasa
We will visit Lhasa's many monasteries and sites, such as the Sera Monastery, and the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

Day-5: Lhasa
We visit the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery founded in the 14th century, and once the largest in the world, with a population of around 10,000 monks. The afternoon, is a time to relax or further explore the area.

Day-6: Start the Bike Tour!
Finally, your trans-Himalayan biking adventure begins. Our journey towards Everest starts with the Friendship Highway as it heads out across the plateau. We leave Lhasa and cycle along the Tsangpo River to foot of the Kamba Pass (3700 m). (Total cycle: 85 km).

Day-7: Kamba Pass
Our first mountain pass. A strong uphill climb along a tar road of several switchbacks, reaches a summit lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m). After descending we continue alongside Lake Yamdruk, at the far side of which we set camp (4490m). Overnight accommodation in tents. (Total cycle: 55 km)

Day-8: Karo Pass base
Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we cycle along the Friendship highway which soon becomes a gravel roadway, through a ravine and up to the foot of the Karo Pass (4750m, where our tented village will be prepared for the night. Overnight in tents. (Total cycle: 54 km)

Day-9: Karo Pass to Gyantse
A significant day on the tour, as we have to get up early to climb the high Karo Pass (5010m). Around us we can see glaciers stretching down to 6000m and beautiful lakes. You are rewarded for your effort with a night in a top hotel in the city of Gyantse (3980m). Overnight at Gyantse Hotel.

Day-10: Shigatse
First we will visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century and the Kumbum, a large gold-domed stupa with several small chapels, containing an impressive collection of Tibetan Buddhist murals. We then head out on the highway towards Shigatse. Although today involves a longer distance, the highway is tarred and flat. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tibet's second largest city, Shigatse (3860m). Accommodation at Shigatse Hotel. (Total cycle: 94 km)

Day-11: Gyachung Monastery
We leave Shigatse and ride over two small passes and through several small Tibetan villages. We will cycle past the isolated Gyachung Monastery and camp. Tents at around 4100m. (Total cycle: 75 km)

Day-12 : Lhatse
The route lead us through picturesque valleys before the long route begins which leads over the Tso-La (4520m). After lunch we head towards Lhatse past the hot springs and camp about 10km outside of town. Accommodation in tents. (Total cycle: 95 km)

Day-13 : Shegar
Today we view the stunning canyon of the 5220m Gyatso-La. On a clear day you will be rewarded for your effort with your first view of Mount Everest.After a 40 km ride through flat prairie towns, you will arrive in the town of Pelbar, often referred to as Shegar. Shegar, is a popular stopover for anyone heading to the Everest region. Today will be a long and grueling ride through the canyon. Overnight accommodation in Hotel Quomolongma. (Total cycle: 75 km)

Day-14 : Pang Pass
Just outside of Shegar, we will divert off the main Lhasa-Kathmandu highway and head towards the world's highest peak, Everest. After passing through the border control point, you will be faced with 20km'sof uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang Pass (5150m). Your reward will be some of the most magnificent views of Everest and her surrounding peaks. Enjoy lunch as you gaze over Makalu (8463m), Shishapangma (8012m), Cho Oyu (8210m), Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8850m) and several other breathtaking peaks. Then a 20-kilometer downhill follows to the Rongbuk Valley (4200m), where we camp. Overnight accommodation in tents. (Total cycle: 67 km)

Day-15 -16 :Rongbuk Monastery
A bumpy road winds up through the Rongbuk valley a slow gradient until the majestic Mount Everest appears before you. We will camp beside the monastery with the unforgettable sight of the 8848m peak in front of your eyes. We will stay here for two days. One your second day, you can either read a book or get even closer to Everest by taking a walk, cycling or hopping on a donkey and cart ride to Everest base camp, which is 8km from the campsite. Overnight accommodation in tents (5150m). (Total cycle: 35 km)

Day-17: Tingri
Leaving Rongbuk, we head back down the bumpy road and then take a "short-cut" into the mountains. Another bumpy trail takes us over a canyon and down into Tingri (4340m). Overnight accommodation in tents. (Total cycle: 86 km)

Day-18 : Lalung Pass
This day begins with a 40 to 50km flat ride before lunch. Then we tackle the gradual incline of the Lalung Pass (4990m). From here you will feel like you are as high as the peaks around you, including Shishapangma (8012m). Overnight accommodation in tents in the valley between two passes. (Total cycle: 77 km)

Day-19: Cross Thang Pass the ultimate downhill
Today, we tackle our last up hill, as we cycle up the incredible Thang Pass to 5050m. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan chain as you freewheel the most incredible non stop downhill, all the way to the Nepalese border. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan chain as you freewheel down.

From the town of Nyalam you will notice that the scenery starts to turn green again. You will cycle down past countless waterfalls and pine tree lines roads, with waterfalls practically crashing over you, to the border town of Zhangmu (2300m). This will be our last day in Tibet. Overnight accommodation in Zhangmu hotel. (Total cycle: 117 km)

Day-20: Back to Nepal
From Zhangmu we have to pass through customs and into Nepal.

Once you are in the Nepali town of Kodari the downhill continues for the next 50 km along some very bumpy and rocky roads. Suddenly it is tropical and humid and green again as you cycle alongside rice paddies. After you reach the town of Dolalghat you must climb up to Dhulikhel (1600m). Accommodation in Dhulikhel Lodge Resort. (Total cycle: 97km)

Day-21: Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. Free day for shopping, etc
Today you will freewheel down through Bhaktapur where you can stop and see some of the town's famous temples if you wish, before we ride into busy Kathmandu. In the afternoon you can relax, shop or go sightseeing. We will all get together in the evening for a last dinner to celebrate the successful completion of this amazing adventure. (Total cycle: 35 km).

Day-22: Final Departure from Nepal.

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